Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Children’s Performing Arts Series at Stephen F. Austin State University will open its 2019-20 season on Friday, Oct. 18, with two performances of Virginia Repertory Theatre’s “The Velveteen Rabbit.”
Adapted by Thomas W. Hammond from the original book by Margery Williams Bianco with music and lyrics by Ron Barnett, “The Velveteen Rabbit” is Virginia Rep’s fanciful musical production of the classic story that centers around a boy and his love for his favorite toy, a rabbit covered with velveteen, according to Diane Peterson, SFA Fine Arts Box Office manager and director of the children’s series. The boy loves the rabbit more than anything and takes it everywhere. After the boy recovers from scarlet fever, the family must dispose of the contaminated toy.
“As the rabbit awaits his fate, a magical fairy blooms from a flower and turns the beloved plaything into a real, live rabbit, showing us the power and magic of unconditional love,” Peterson said.
“The Velveteen Rabbit” targets children in Pre-K through fifth grade. Performances are at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. in W.M. Turner Auditorium, located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building on the SFA campus. Tickets are $7.50 for individuals and $6 per person for groups of 20 or more.
Presented by the SFA College of Fine Arts, the Children’s Performing Arts Series annually features five shows designed to entertain, educate and engage young audiences of all ages, according to Peterson. Study guides provide suggestions for pre- and post-performance activities and discussions for teachers to use in the classroom. A comprehensive study guide for “The Velveteen Rabbit” may be accessed at cpas.sfasu.edu.
Other upcoming CPAS performances include “A Christmas Carol” on Thursday, Dec. 12; “We the People” on Friday, Jan. 31; Super Scientific Circus on Friday, Feb. 28; and “Cinderella” on Tuesday, April 28.
To order tickets, call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS. Visit the CPAS website at cpas.sfasu.edu for additional information.