The BAC Stage Kids production of "Just So!," based on the stories of Rudyard Kipling, will run two weekends, at 7 p.m. Jan. 22, 23, 29 and 30; and 2 p.m. Jan. 23, 24, 30 and 31 in the Performance Hall at the Brewery Arts Center.
The cast is comprised entirely of young people ages 6-16.
The musical starts at the time of the very beginnings, when the Eldest Magician has created a world and filled it with animals. Unfortunately all of the animals look the same, but rather than performing further magic and changing them, the Magician tells them to go out into the world and find their own characters. Therein lies the first theme of the show - a celebration of individuality and diversity.
Leading the cast and crew of over 40 local children are Taylor Barth, 15, as The Eldest Magician and Summer Barth, 11, and Natasha Franzen, 11, as The Elephant's Child. Just So! also features a live band and a talented cast of singers, dancers and actors enthusiastically taking us on a journey through Africa to the Limpopo River and beyond with fun music, witty dialogue and a lot of heart.
"I am incredibly proud and continually amazed by this great group of kids," said Andie Anderson, head of the BAC Stage Kids program theatre program and director of Just So!. "Not only is Just So! a heartwarming story with incredible songs and characters, but it is a story of hope and perseverance in difficult times. It encourages us to keep learning and growing, asking questions, and teaches us what it really means to grow up."
Tickets are $9 general; $6 for students, seniors and BAC members and can be purchased from the BAC Main Office or online at www.breweryarts.org. Call 883-1976 for information.