The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley
IntraMusic Theatricals

Monday, October 6, 2008

10:30AM – 11:30AM + Q&A

The study of geography and world cultures is introduced and reinforced in this delightful Jeff Brown story told in song and dance. As a result of a “strange” accident, an ordinary boy, Stanley Lambchop, becomes flat as a piece of paper. He decides to have an adventure, so he puts himself into an envelope and becomes a human letter—stamped and mailed around the globe, from Washington, D.C., to France, Mexico, Russia, China, South Africa, and beyond. Wherever he goes, he meets new friends, learns about different cultures, and moves toward his goal of being a three-dimensional boy again.

Grades: K – 5
Curriculum Focus: Geography, Social Studies, ELA, Visual Arts, Multi-cultural Studies, Character Education.
This program relates to Learning Standards: Social Studies 2, 3; ELA 4

Tom Chapin and Michael Mark
In My Hometown

Monday, October 27, 2008

10AM – 11AM & 12PM – 1PM + Q&A

Tom Chapin’s life-affirming music has been a children’s favorite for decades. This show explores the concept that community is the center of our lives, using wit and humor in a wide variety of songs such as In My Hometown, a rollicking Celtic romp that tells of hometown pride. My Town Is a Salad Bowl hilariously envisions a town consisting of a dizzying variety of vegetables, all of which need to get along, as in a salad bowl. A CD of all the songs will be provided along with the Teacher’s Guide.

Grades: 1 – 3
Curriculum Focus: Music, Social Studies.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4; Music 1; Social Stud-ies 3

Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters
Dallas Children’s Theater

Monday, November 3, 2008

10AM – 11AM & 12PM – 1PM + Q&A

A Caldecott Award-winning Cinderella tale! When a great African king desires a wife, only the most worthy and beautiful maidens in the land are invited to meet him. Mufaro’s pride and joy, his two daughters of very different dispositions, make a half-day journey and travel across a river to go before the king. Who will be chosen? With traditional chanting and African song, this heartwarming play, based on the book by John Steptoe, celebrates goodness, generosity, and love.

Grades: 1 – 4
Curriculum Focus: ELA, Social Studies, Geography, Music, Dance.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4; Social Studies 3

Letters Home
Griffin Theatre Company

Friday, November 14, 2008

10AM – 11:30AM + Q&A

War letters are, by their nature, intensely emotional and honest. Collectively, they give voice to a generation. This production reveals a poignant and powerful history of the American soldier currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan as ten actors bring to life the stories of men and women who served their country. Letters Home is based on Frank Schaeffer’s four books, including Voices From the Front and Faith of Our Sons, and inspired by The New York Times article, The Things They Wrote, and the subsequent HBO documentary, Last Letters Home.

Grades: 8 – 12
Curriculum Focus: Social Studies, Language Arts, Current Events.
This program relates to Learning Standards: Social Studies 2, 3, 5; Language Arts 1, 2, 3

The Phantom Tollbooth
Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour

Monday, November 17, 2008

10AM – 11AM & 12PM – 1PM + Q&A

Milo gets bored easily and nothing interests him. The Demons of Ignorance are certain he will be their next victim. To the rescue comes the Phantom Tollbooth! Milo learns that the world is full of exciting things and that everything we do affects others. He also learns a lot about words and numbers as he saves the princesses Rhyme and Reason and reunites the brother kings who rule the cities of Dictionopolis and Digitopolis. Based on the book by Norton Juster, this inventive musical features a score by Arnold Black and lyrics by Pulitzer Prize and three-time Tony Award winner Sheldon Harnick.

Grades: 4 – 6
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Math, Science.
This program relates to Learning Standards: ELA 4; Math, Science and Technology 6

The Iliad: A Guided Tour
Aquila Theatre Company

Friday, November 21, 2008

10:30AM – 11:15AM + Q&A

An innovative introduction to one of the greatest works in world literature, this cutting-edge production offers a 45– minute “guided tour” through Homer’s epic story of the Trojan War. This production, which sets the play during the Normandy invasion in World War II, burst upon the theatrical scene in 1999 and has been widely acclaimed as forceful and thrilling. Dealing with timeless themes of trust, justice, truth, and mercy, the performance features bravura acting, mime, ritualistic movement, and music.

Grades: 6 – 10
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Social Studies, Theater, Inter-personal Relationships.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4; Social Studies 2, 3 ,5; ELA 1, 2, 3

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, December 2, 3 & 4, 2008

10AM – 11AM & 12PM – 1PM + Q&A

That little caterpillar is returning, along with an assortment of favorite puppet characters! This triple bill includes the wonderful story of The Very Hungry Cater-pillar’s metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly, the fanciful account of Little Cloud’ s travels through the sky, and the Mixed–Up Chameleon’s discovery of his own unique nature. The whimsical tales have enchanted several generations, and Mermaid’s acclaimed stage adaptation teaches as well as entertains.

Grades: Pre-K – 2
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Literacy, Growth and Development of Animals, Art, Storytelling.
This program relates to Learning Standards: ELA 2; The Arts 3; Math, Science and Technology 4

Amahl and the Night Visitors
Purchase Opera

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, December 10, 11 & 12, 2008

10:30AM – 11:30AM + Q&A

Back by popular demand, this opera by Gian Carlo Menotti is a favorite of children and adults throughout the world. It tells the story of the crippled boy Amahl and his mother, who live in poverty in Jerusalem. One night, three strangers ap-pear at their door. They are the three kings, on their way to Bethlehem. What happens next is a miracle! The opera offers an insight into values and experiences—of love, sacrifice, and healing—that touch us all, regardless of faith.

Grades: 6 – 12
Curriculum Focus: Arts, Music, Character Education.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 4; Music 6, 7

Soweto Gospel Choir

Monday, December 15, 2008

10:30AM – 11:30AM + Q&A

This two-time Grammy Award-winning choir was formed to celebrate the inspirational power of African gospel music. The choir has appeared throughout the world, winning praise for its joyful sound, athletic dance numbers, and colorful garb. The 26-member group performs in six languages, combining traditional South African spiritual music, American gospel and folk music, and popular inspirational songs from around the world. The songs deal with many aspects of the human spirit—love for one another, faith, and living in harmony together.

Grades: 5 – 12
Curriculum Focus: Music, Social Studies, Theater, Dance.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 4; Social Studies 2, 3; Mu-sic 7, 9

Michael Cooper

Monday, January 26, 2009

10AM – 11AM & 12PM – 1PM + Q&A

Michael Cooper is a poet of the stage – an eye-popping visual artist and a virtuoso mime whose exquisite performances of humor and poignancy, nimble speech and eloquent gesture, dazzle audiences of every age. His one-man show extravaganza features his breathtaking handcrafted masks, original stories of courage and wonder, outlandish stilt dancing, and a physical repertoire that ranges from the madcap to the sublime.

Grades: 3 – 6
Curriculum Focus: Art, Storytelling, Physical Education, Dance.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4

Workshops At Your School

Michael Cooper will be available to teach mask-making workshops at two schools on Friday, January 23, 2009. Please call (914) 251-6232 for details on this unique opportunity

Cultural Influences of Latin Jazz
Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra

Thursday, March 26, 2009

10AM – 11:30AM + Q&A

Jazz has mirrored the social history of the United States. Today the music of the Latin countries and the work of Latino musicians in America continue to influence and redefine the structure of jazz. The Purchase Latin Jazz Orchestra will take the audience through a musical introduction to the culture, history, and sound of this vibrant jazz style. Presenting classic compositions and new music, the program will combine fiery Latin rhythms with the intensity of true jazz improvisation.

Grades: 5 – 12
Curriculum Focus: Music, The Americas.
This program relates to Learning Standards: The Arts 3, 4; Social Studies 3

Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny
Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia

Wednesday &Thursday, May 20 Q&21, 2009

10AM – 11AM & 12PM – 1PM + Q&A

Another outstanding production from the Mermaid Theatre, this adaptation of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s classics, Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, charms audiences with whimsical puppetry and evocative original music. Goodnight Moon is a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals, while The Runaway Bunny’s pretend tale of leaving home evokes reassuring responses from his loving mom. Both tales feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream like imagery encourage in young viewers a sense of security and peace.

Grades: Pre-K– 2
Curriculum Focus: Language Arts, Literacy, Art, Storytelling.
This program relates to Learning Standards: ELA 2; The Arts 3

PAWS: Performing Arts Workshops for Secondary Students

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

8:45AM – 2PM + Q&A

Your students will immerse themselves in the performing arts, participating in three workshops they choose from numerous offerings. Students sample skills and techniques not normally taught in their own schools, such as Stage Fighting, Latin Dance, Gospel Singing, and Advanced Improvisation. This is an exhilarating and energizing day for all.

$10 per student

Grades: 9 – 12
Curriculum Focus: Theatre, Dance, Music.
This program relates to Learning Standard: The Arts 1