The Avalon Foundation and Chesapeake College are delighted to announce a new partnership, “The Storybook Series,” that offers fun, creative, and high-quality shows for young children and their parents on the Mid Shore.
“The Avalon and Chesapeake College have hosted two successful concerts that have been primarily for adults ages 25 and up,” said Suzy Moore, the talent buyer and Artistic Director at The Avalon. “This new program initiative is an expansion of our partnership together and focuses on entertainment for young children.”
Beginning in 2019, children and their parents will have several opportunities to enter the enchanting world of children’s theater, through National Touring companies coming to Chesapeake College’s Todd Performing Arts Center in Wye Mills.
From a classic story by Norton Juster and illustrator Jules Feiffer brought to life on the stage, to a hilarious afternoon with a ventriloquist/puppeteer, along with two delightful musicals, these shows enhance the experience and expand the variety of entertainment for Mid-Shore children.
“These are national tours with professional set designers and actors. The quality of the performances is of a high caliber. We are announcing these shows around the holidays because we want to offer the option of experiences for children as gift ideas this holiday season,” said Jessica Bellis, Chief Financial Officer at The Avalon. “Through our outreach program to local schools at The Avalon, we have seen the value in promoting a first-time theatre experience for your children. No matter where you are from, introducing your children to the arts at an early age makes a world of difference in their lives as they grow up.”
Linda Zaragoza, Children’s Theatre Program Director at Chesapeake College, adds, “We look forward to this great opportunity to work in partnership with the Avalon Foundation to continue to bring our Theatre for Young People Family Series to new patrons on the Eastern Shore and beyond.”
With the facilities as Chesapeake College, both entities feel as if there is a world of growth opportunities available for the program. “We want to create a successful program where parents don’t have to drive several hours round trip to bring children’s theatre opportunities to their own family,” said Jessica. “With the size of the stage at Chesapeake and its capacity, we will be able to bring in some serious talent, and if we can get the word out there to as many parents as possible to sustain it, we will be able to build something for families on the shore that will last into the future.”
These shows will make great gifts for the little ones in your life this holiday season. And don’t miss the chance to make a puppet when Sylvia Fletcher brings her Comedic Ventriloquism to town in March.
The Storybook Series includes “The Phantom Tollbooth,” a show for ages five and up on January 30, 2019 at 7 p.m. Using puppets, masks, magic, inventive scenic effects and original music, the wonder and adventure of the Phantom comes alive. Join the journey along with Milo to the Lands Beyond.
“A masterful fusion of engaging storytelling with the performing and visual arts, which appeals to all of the senses, stimulates intuitive thinking and captivates adults and children alike.” ~ DC Metro Theater Arts
“Madeline and the Bad Hat, A Musical,” for ages four and up, comes to town on April 12, 2019 at 7 p.m. ArtsPower’s colorful musical captures touching spirit of Ludwig Bemelmans’ much loved Madeline series. Told with gentle humor, and featuring a beautiful musical score, this amusing tale of enemies-become-friends will charm and entertain both children and adults.
“Your Alien Musical,” for ages three and up, will be held on May 10 at 7 p.m. Move over ET, here comes another alien. ArtsPower’s newest musical touches down with a stranded alien who strikes up a fabulous friendship with a boy who finds him.
All shows will have a “Meet and Greet” the actors after the show in the Todd Performing Arts Center Lobby. This is the perfect opportunity to get a photo with your favorite character. Buy tickets for all three shows in the Storybook Series and get one free. Or, tickets for each show costs $20 per adult and $10 per child. For tickets, gift cards and more information, call The Avalon Box Office at 410-822-7299 or visit avalonfoundation.org.