Welcome to the Arts In Education Series!
We are thrilled to welcome students to our historic theater for the 2024-25 Aspirus Health Arts In Education series. It is a joy to share in the excitement of students seeing some of their favorite stories brought to life on stage, and we can't wait to experience this season together.
SERIES SPONSOR:
2024-25 PERFORMANCES
Sons of Mystro
Tuesday, October 29 | 10:00 AM
Recommended for Grades 3 and up.
Have you ever experienced a musical duo, in this case brothers, who play all genres of popular music, using the violin instead of their voices to express a song’s lyrics? If not, then you must not have heard of the violin virtuosos - Sons of Mystro! They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs, and their own creations. At an age when music is coming to be more defined by genres and labels, Sons of Mystro shows that music does not exist within a box, but rather exists in another space – one as open and unrestrained as the minds that produce it.
Doktor Kaboom!
Friday, February 7 | 10:00 AM (SOLD OUT) & 1:00 PM
Recommended for Grades 3 -8
The original Doktor Kaboom! show in which the good Doktor takes his audience on an educational tour of the modern scientific method, using humor and comedy while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences.
Topics covered include: safety; pressure and force; simple machines; velocity; application of science to everyday life; the scientific method (hypothesis and experimentation); multiple experimentation; constant discovery of new information and data; definitions: chemical reactions, exothermic, external and chemical formula; mass; air pressure and demonstration vs. experimentation.
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Tuesday, February 25 | 10:00 AM & 1:00 PM
Recommended for Grades Pre K-2
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 mum. Both feature endearing rabbit characters, and the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery never fail to infuse young readers with a reassuring sense of security. Mermaid’s staged adaptation brings a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.
Yamato: The Drummers of Japan
Friday, March 7 | 10:00 AM (SOLD OUT)
Recommended for Grades 2 and up.
YAMATO is a Japanese Taiko drumming group based in Asuka-mura Nara Prefecture which is well known by Japanese people as the hometown of Japan. They call themselves “YAMATO, the Taiko drumming group that travels all over the world”. They have given more than 4,500 shows across 54 countries around the world since their formation in 1993.
YAMATO’s Taiko work cannot be fully described by the word “performance”. They have performed in theaters, schools, all types of events, and even held workshops and Taiko lessons. They are spending a half year on a Japan tour and a half year for the world tour. Their motto is “We go everywhere when somebody needs YAMATO! And bringing energy to the people living in the world!”. They bring joy to the world.
Don't Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical
Wednesday, March 19 | 10:00 AM (SOLD OUT) & 1:00 PM
Recommended for Grades Pre K-2
Whatever you do, don't let the Pigeon star in his own musical production! With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the #1 New York Times best-selling, Caldecott Honor award-winning "Pigeon" picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie's We Are in a Play!), TheaterWorksUSA‘s Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party!
It's not easy being the Pigeon-you never get to do ANYTHING! But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird CAN do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone's wings flapping.
Step Afrika!
Tuesday, April 22 | 10:00 AM (SOLD OUT)
Recommended for Grades 3 and up
Step Afrika! blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional West and Southern African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The blend of technique, agility, and pure energy makes each performance unique and leaves the audience with their hearts pounding.
Charlotte's Web
Tuesday, May 6 | 10:00 AM (SOLD OUT) & 1:00 PM
Recommended for Grades K-4
A creative spin on a classic tale! This reimagined production features bluegrass music and a clever set design, telling the treasured story of selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. Join Charlotte, Wilbur, and their farm animal friends in this terrific tale of bravery and hopefulness.
Charlotte's Web is written by Joseph Robinette (Broadway: A Christmas Story The Musical), based on the novel by E.B. White. Original direction and set design by Andrew Rasmussen (Broadway: Ruben & Clay's First Annual Christmas Carol Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show), costume design by Tristan Raines (Broadway: Bring It On The Musical), and original music composition and orchestrations by "Sheriff" Bob Saidenberg, Kat Minogue, Robert Abrahams, and Michael Donovan.
