Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - A spider named Charlotte, Ebeneezer Scrooge, Junie B. Jones, a dog named Harry and a magical lizard will bring classic children's literature to life during the five productions included on the 2006-2007 Stephen F. Austin State University Children's Performing Arts Series.

Each year, more than 9,000 area school children attend the daytime shows presented in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus,

"We take pride in bringing to East Texas the finest in children's educational theater," said Diane Flynn, series director. "We offer two performances of each show, one at 9:30 a.m. and one at 12:30 p.m."

The season will open Tuesday, Oct. 24, with Theatreworks USA's musical adaptation of E.B. White's "Charlotte's Web."

"Those who already know the story of Charlotte and Wilbur, and even those who don't, will be moved by the treasured tale that explores bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship," said Flynn.

The show is recommended for children in kindergarten through fifth grade.

On Wednesday, Dec. 13, American Family Theater will present a musical version of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol, " recommended for kindergarteners through sixth graders.

"This production provides a wonderful opportunity to expose students to classic literature, a holiday tradition and lessons of goodwill, kindness and charity," Flynn said.

"For our third show, on Wednesday, Jan. 31, we're bringing back Theatrework USA's 'Junie B. Jones,' a fast paced musical starring the outspoken, precocious first grader from Barbara Park's series, of books," said Flynn. "It was such a hit two years ago that we wanted to offer it again."

The show is recommended for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

"Harry the Dirty Dog," ArtsPower's new musical based on Gene Zion's book of the same title, will be presented on Thursday, March 1.

"Kindergarteners through second graders will love this show about a white dog with black spots who gets so dirty he turns into a little black dog with white spots," Flynn said. "It captures the whimsical humor and touching dedication to family found in Zion's original story."

The season will close on Wednesday, May 2, with "El Secreto de la Lagartija/ The Lizard's Secret," a fully bilingual blend of Mexican folktales presented by Fort Worth's only Hispanic theater company, Teatro de la Rosa.

"The production, which features professional actors, gorgeous hand and body puppets and original music, tells the story of a prince and a magical lizard who helps him find courage," explained Flynn. "It will be a great way to start celebrating Cinco de Mayo a bit early!"

The show is recommended for students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

Tickets to any performance on the series are $6 for individuals and $5 each for groups of 20 or more. Season tickets are $24 each.

"We'll begin processing orders on Tuesday, Aug. 15, and assigning seats as soon as we receive payment or a purchase order," said Flynn. "Based on the number of inquiries we've already received about the shows, I anticipate quite a few sell-outs. The sooner patrons can order, the better seats they'll get."

The Children's Performing Arts Series is offered through the SFA College of Fine Arts and is sponsored in part by Framesaver.

More information about the series is available at www.cpaskids.com. For tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.