Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts announces its 2005-06 programs for young audiences | Press Releases

Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts announces the 2005-06 season of fun-filled programs for young audiences, featuring storybook favorites Amelia Bedelia and Cam Jansen, the return of the enchanting "The Snow Queen," and a peek inside the world of Willy Wonka's scrumptious chocolate factory. In addition, the whole family can join the fun for "Myth and Music" with the Quick Center's own Live Music Project.

Most of the performances are part of the Quick Center's Young Audience Sunday Series. Many are repeated the following Monday through an outreach program for school groups called the ArtsBound Schoolday Series.

The Young Audience Sunday Series kicks off Sunday, Oct. 16, at 1 and 3 p.m. with Theatreworks/USA's production of "Cam Jansen," a new musical based on the popular book series by David A. Adler. Cam is a lively little girl who realizes she can use her photographic memory to solve mysteries. This delightful production is geared to children in grades 1 through 5. An ArtsBound Schoolday Series performance will take place Monday, Oct. 17, at 10 a.m.

Next up is another storybook favorite of both children and their parents: "Come Back Amelia Bedelia and Other Stories" takes the stage on Sunday, Nov. 13, at 1 and 3 p.m. In this Story Salad production, the loveable mistress of the misstep is joined by friends from other books for youngsters, including "Stacks of Trouble" by Martha F. Brenner, "Johnny Appleseed" by David l. Harrison and "Jumbo: The Most Famous Elephant in the World" by Bonnie Worth. Designed for children in grades K through 4, the show will be repeated for school groups on Monday, Nov. 14, at 10 a.m.

The series continues on Sunday, Dec. 18, with "The Snow Queen," a Hudson Vagabond Puppets production back at the Quick Center by popular demand. This classic Hans Christian Andersen tale is brought to life through music by Archangelo Corelli and a narrated ballet performed by larger-than-life puppets. Sunday shows are at 1 and 3 p.m. and there are ArtsBound Schoolday Series performances on Monday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. and noon.

The Quick Center's resident conductor-less orchestra, The Live Music Project, invites families to a special event, "Myth and Music," on Sunday, Jan. 22, at 3 p.m. This afternoon features a collection of stories and music focused on mythology, giving children a fun, relaxed introduction to orchestral music and the storytelling traditions of many cultures.

On Sunday, Feb. 5, the Quick Center stage transforms into a magical candy land for "Willy Wonka," a giggle-filled romp based on Roald Dahl's "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory." Filled with puppets, oompa loompas and the memorable songs of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, the show is part of the Washington, D.C.-based Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration on Tour series. Geared to children in grades 1 through 5, the show will take the stage at 1 and 3 p.m.

"Alexander Who's Not, Not, Not, Not, Not, Not Going to Move" is up next on Sunday, March 19, at 1 and 3 p.m. Inspired by the feisty and loveable character from Judith Viorst's popular Alexander book series, this heartwarming musical from the Kennedy Center Imagination Celebration on Tour series is perfect for children in grades 1 through 5. Two additional performances, part of the ArtsBound Schoolday Series, are scheduled for Monday, March 20, at 10 a.m. and noon.

The Quick Center broadens its ArtsBound series to include high school students with "Romeo and Juliet," an update of Shakespeare's masterpiece, on Wednesday, March 22, at 10 a.m. Set to an incidental score of rock music, this classic tale of star-crossed lovers takes place in a futuristic crumbling urban wasteland called Verona. This critically acclaimed 90-minute production comes to the Quick from Theatreworks/USA and is geared to students in grades 7 through 12.

The Young Audience season concludes on Sunday, April 9, with "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books," a collection of classics old and new brought to life by Theatreworks/USA. In addition to the title book, this lively revue takes inspiration from the popular children's works "Amazing Grace," "Owen," "Martha Speaks," "Borreguita and the Coyote," and more. Sunday shows will take place at 1 and 3 p.m. and there is an ArtsBound performance scheduled for Monday, April 10, at 10 a.m. This show should delight children in grades pre-K through 4.

Started 15 years ago, the ArtsBound program has grown from a one-week summer camp to a full season of performances. Its goal is to introduce children throughout the region to theater and to integrate arts into the classroom curricula. All told, about 14,000 youngsters attend the Young Audience and "ArtsBound" programs each year. Study guides, designed to enhance the learning experience, are available for all "ArtsBound" shows.

Those interested in sponsoring this valuable programming may call Deborah Somers, the Quick Center's director of programming, at (203) 254-4242.

Tickets to Young Audience Series programs are $12 for adults, $10 for children. Tickets for the special family event "Myth and Music" are $15 for adults, $10 for children. Subscriptions are available at $57 for adults, $48 for children, for all six Young Audience performances. Tickets for "ArtsBound" performances are $7.

Discounts to Young Audience Series shows are available as part of a birthday party package: Purchase 10 or more tickets, get $2 off each ticket and enjoy the use of the Quick Center "party" room.

For tickets, call the Quick Center box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For more information, visit the website, www.quickcenter.com.