Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Science, literature and history lessons are all included in the five productions comprising the 2007-2008 Stephen F. Austin State University Children's Performing Arts Series. "We've got an excellent mix of performances this year which appeal to a wide range of ages," said Diane Flynn, series director. "All shows will again be at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m."

The season will open Friday, Oct. 19, with Super Scientific Circus.

"We include this amazing show on our series about every two years," explained Flynn. "Kindergartners through high school seniors love watching Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime prove scientific principals through the use of amazing circus skills."

The American Family Theater, Inc. will present a musical version of Han Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid" on Wednesday, Dec. 12.

"This delightful production, targeted for children in kindergarten through sixth grade, follows the story of Mera, the Little Mermaid, who rescues Prince Edmond from the sea and then sacrifices her beautiful singing voice for the chance to win his love," Flynn said.

On Friday, Jan. 25, Theatreworks USA will present "The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere."

This new musical makes American history lessons about the Boston Tea Party, the Boston Massacre and Paul Revere's legendary ride accessible and exciting through a unique combination of music, drama and humor, Flynn explained. It is targeted for third through seventh graders.

"Theatreworks USA will present 'Winnie the Pooh' on both Wednesday, March 5, and Thursday, March 6.

"This version of A. A. Milne's classic is sure to be a popular choice for our area students in pre-kindergarten through third grade, so we are offering it at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on two consecutive days," Flynn said.

The season will close with "Cinderella" on Wednesday, April 16. American Family Theater Inc.'s original musical version retells the classic story of the mistreated serving girl who gets her prince with the help of her Fairy Godmother and a perfectly fitting glass slipper, Flynn said. The show is targeted to children in kindergarten through sixth grade.

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

"We just completed our brochure mailing to area school teachers and have already taken some large orders," said Flynn. "We seat customers according to the date we receive payment or a purchase order, so I encourage patrons to call early in the year."

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.

The Children's Performing Arts Series is sponsored in part by Citizens 1st Bank of Nacogdoches.

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