F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre presents 5 free shows in Young People’s Theater Series Feb. 1-May 2
From a press release:
Today, the F.M. Kirby Center in Wilkes-Barre announced the return of the Young People’s Theater Series in person in 2022. All five shows will be available free of charge to local students, teachers, and parents.
In 2021, the Kirby Center presented six “Young People’s Theater Series” performances that were entirely virtual due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are incredibly excited to invite students back into our building for our YPTS this year,” said F.M. Kirby Center Marketing Manager Lauren Menn.
The February performance of “Call of the Wild” will be the first in-person show for students at the Kirby Center (71 Public Square, Wilkes-Barre) since February of 2020.
Young People’s Theater Series schedule
“Call of the Wild”
for grades 4 and up – Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m.
This multimedia adventure mixes classic storytelling with projected illustrations to tell the story of Buck, the magnificent crossbred offspring of a St. Bernard and Scottish Collie. Kidnapped from his lavish life on a California estate and sent to work as a sled dog during the great Klondike Gold Rush, Buck fights to survive and becomes the most famous dog in the whole history of Alaska.
“Harriet Tubman & the Underground Railroad”
for grades 3-8 – Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 10 a.m.
This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and
hundreds of others from the bonds of slavery. Her courage helped to change the world. Share her adventurous life with students in this accurate and deeply moving musical history lesson.
“I Have a Dream”
for grades 3 and up – Thursday, March 17 at 10 a.m.
This compelling dramatization of the life and times of one of the most influential and
charismatic leaders of the “American Century” and the Civil Rights Movement will inspire students as they experience Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s struggle and his dream of lifting “our nation from the quicksand of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.”
“The Little Red Hen”
for grades K-5 – Monday, April 25 at 10 a.m.
This side-splittin’, foot-stompin’ musical adventure follows the Little Red Hen as her common sense meets the tricks of the conniving fox to lead the sheep, the cow, the horse, and the pig to a life lesson. The whole family will have a hootin’ ‘n hollerin’ time!
“Charlotte’s Web”
for grades K-5 – Monday, May 2 at 10 a.m.
“Charlotte’s Web” is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem – how to avoid winding up as pork chops. Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman; she will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig but also ensures his place on the farm forever.
Teachers and parents can visit kirbycenter.org for more information. Questions can be directed to marketing@kirbycenter.org, and reservations can be made at the Kirby Center box office at 570-826-1100. All reservation numbers are final.
2021-2022 marks the sixth consecutive season that the F.M. Kirby Center has presented the Young People’s Theater Series free of charge. This has been made possible thanks to loyal support from an anonymous donor, the Bergman Foundation, Highmark, Pennsylvania Skills, the Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, and participants through the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program: Fidelity Bank, Lackawanna Casualty Company, M&T Bank, and PPL Electric Utilities.
“Harriet Tubman & the Underground Railroad,” “The Little Red Hen,” and “I Have a Dream” are presented by Virginia Repertory Theatre, a professional nonprofit theatre company with four distinct venues, an educational touring arm, and an annual audience over 530,000. Virginia Rep is the largest professional theatre and one of the largest performing arts organizations in Central Virginia.
“Charlotte’s Web” is presented by TheaterWorksUSA, a company that has led the Theater for Young and Family Audiences movement in New York City and across North America for over half a century. Since 1962, the organization has captured the imaginations of 100 million new and veteran theatergoers with an award-winning repertoire of over 130 original plays and musicals.
“Call of the Wild” is presented by Holden & Arts Associates, a booking agency that connects exceptional performing artists from all over the world with North American venues. They seek to create rich partnerships and share stories that inspire, educate, entertain, and empower audiences of all ages.
