Aesop’s Dinosaur Puppets – The Grasshopper and the Ant. (PHOTO SUPPLIED)
University Park, IL–(ENEWSPF)- RGiant puppet actors, joined by timeless storytelling, produce an unforgettable theatre experience for children and their parents when “Aesop’s Dinosaur Puppets – The Grasshopper and the Ant,” comes to Governors State University Center for Performing Arts on Saturday, March 23, at 11 a.m.
“Aesop’s Dinosaur Puppets,” presented by Bits ’N Pieces Puppet Theatre, is a Dinosaur Fable that is sure to please both young and old. There is always a big audience reaction when children first see the play’s rock n’ rollin’ glow-in-the-dark dinosaur. Aesop’s Dinosaur Fable is an original musical production adapted by Bits ‘N Pieces from Aesop’s well-known tale, “The Grasshopper and the Ant.”
The Dinosaur Fable features singing and dancing by six giant prehistoric puppets and the live actor leader of the tale, TryANTasaurus. The frolicking action of the dinosaur puppets with wee TryANTasaurus will excite young audiences as they learn the central lesson, "It’s better to prepare today for tomorrow."
In the Dinosaur Fable, the Farmer Ant’s Almanac predicts a coming ice storm. Heeding the warning, TryANTaSaurus prepares for the worst but the dinosaur, a lazy green giant, pays no mind to his little red friend. In this rollicking tale, the dawdling dinosaur learns it’s perilous to procrastinate.
This original musical was inspired by Bits ‘N Pieces Puppet Theatre’s cultural exchange projects in Trinidad. Aesop’s cool classic Greek fable and Trinidad’s Caribbean Island motifs are strongly evident in the musical tempo, dance styling and colorful sets of the play.
Prior to the show, at 10 a.m., free fables, fairy tales and fantasies from Aesop will be presented. Master storyteller Lynne Clayton will share classic tales in GSU’s Engbretson Hall, directly across from the Center for Performing Arts.
“Aesop’s Dinosaur Puppets” is 55 minutes long and is suitable for children under 10.
Bits ’N Pieces Puppet Theatre, founded in 1972, is dedicated to influencing the world of tomorrow by enchanting the children of today. Through the theatrical retelling of classic children’s stories, each with its own unique life lesson and moral, Bits ’N Pieces brings to life the magical wonderment of children’s fantasy and reinforces the core values long told and emphasized by great storytellers.
Tickets for “Aesop’s Dinosaur Puppets” are $12 to $17. To purchase tickets, or for further information, contact the GSU Center box office at www.centertickets.net or (708) 235-2222. The box office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and two hours prior to performances.Discounts are available for groups of ten or more. Student discounts are only available by phone or in person and require a valid school ID.
In a companion event on March 23, GSU’s Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park is presenting “Sculpture Rocks” at 2 p.m. Artists, young and old, can share their artistic abilities. Participants can make their own sculpture with wood, pegboard, Carrara marble, wire, cardboard, dowels and markers. NMSP supplies the materials, and some inspiration, and you do the rest. Sculpture Rocks is limited to 50 children. The price for materials is $5. To RSVP, call (708) 534-3084.
GSU Center is located on the campus of Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park, Illinois.
