The Scoop by Betty casey playing with your imagination

This month, the scoop is about children’s theatre. Some of you readers still aren’t aware that the Tulsa PAC Trust devotes an entire theatrical season to shows for young children (and their parents). OK, the Imagination Series season doesn’t start until fall, but season tickets go on sale this month. And the price is a rock bottom bargain at $21 for three shows (Seussical, Pinocchio and Rainbow Fish) or a mere $35 for five performances (bonus shows Mufaro and Rosa). Where else can you get live, high-quality theatre for that price? The PAC Trust Imagination Series is the perfect way to introduce your children to live theatre. The subject matter is engaging for kids, and the shows are short enough (around 60 to 90 minutes) to keep even the wiggliest 4-year-old entertained. If you haven’t experienced one of these productions, you don’t know what you’re missing. There’s nothing like seeing your child entranced by a real stage performance. Oh, and you’ll enjoy them, too. Here’s the line-up. Cut it out, put it on your refrigerator, and buy those season tickets (on sale now). Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters September 26, 2008 at 7pm Enjoy the Caldecott Award-winning Cinderella tale, set in Africa! When a great African king desires a wife, only the most worthy and beautiful maidens in the land are invited to meet him. With traditional chanting and African song, come celebrate goodness, generosity and love. Seussical October 3, 2008 at 7 pm & October 4 at 11 am Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! This production was adapted from the Broadway hit especially for young audiences. Walk On: The Rosa Parks Story February 13, 2009 at 7pm This outstanding production weaves music and drama to tell the story of Rosa Parks from her childhood in rural Alabama to her famous decision to “sit down and be counted.” Pinocchio February 20, 2009 at 7pm & February 21 at 11 am Outrageous escapades and life lessons are in store for Pinocchio as he travels from a carnival to Candyland to the belly of a whale. Join in the merriment as this classic story comes to life with exuberance and song The Rainbow Fish March 6, 2009 at 7pm & March 7 at 11 am The Rainbow Fish is the most beautiful creature in the ocean. When the other fish ask her for some silver scales, she refuses. How can she sacrifice the one thing that makes her so unique? Enjoy this touching musical about the value of sharing true friendship with others. All shows are at the Tulsa PAC downtown. While all performances are appropriate for children in preschool (age 4) and up, “Walk On: The Rosa Parks Story” is recommended for 3rd grade and up. Call 596-7109 for season order or download  a season form at TulsaPacTrust.org.  Individual ticket sales begin Aug. 1, 2008 and are $8 per show.