Family Series at UIS event - "Goodnight Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny"

I am so pleased we will be presenting Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s "Goodnight Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny" on the Family Series at UIS on Friday, January 30 at 7 p.m. Previously, we have presented the stories of Eric Carle as produced by this unique puppet company and we are delighted to have them back again!

When Mermaid Theatre creates puppet performances for very young children, the company does an outstanding job of appropriately allowing space for children’s enjoyment of the visual wonder of live performance. “Oohs” and “ahhs” are allowed, and even encouraged! This helps make their performances appropriate for even the very youngest of audience members. Only a parent or loved one can truly decide when a child is ready to be a live performance audience member, but Mermaid Theatre has been enjoyed at Sangamon Auditorium by children as young as age 2. And yet, Mermaid also appeals to anyone who is young-at-heart, whether age 2 or age 102!

This performance is only one hour in length. In order to make the experience easier for families – and because there certainly is no “dress code” at Family Series events - parents are welcome and encouraged to bring children in their pajamas. This might make car rides and transitions to bedtime much easier for families.

In addition to the main event at 7 p.m., families are encouraged to arrive in the lobby as early as 6 p.m. in order to enjoy hands-on, free pre-show activities. This is a regular feature of our Family Series events. For "Goodnight Moon" and "The Runaway Bunny", these activities are already scheduled to include the following:

Moon: UIS kid-friendly Professor John Martin will speak with kids about the moon. He will have maps and pictures to share.

Bunny: Henson-Robinson Zoo will bring bunnies…er, uh…rabbits, I guess that is…so that kids can have a look at the real thing!

Puppets: Kids will have the opportunity to make their own puppets with all kinds of fun craft materials.

I hope this gives you a little more information and I hope you can consider joining us January 30 for this Family Series event. Please contact the Ticket Office for more information and/or to purchase your tickets. Phone: 217.206.6160 or http://www.sangamonauditorium.org/.