Announcing 2009-2010 Class Acts Season

In conjunction with celebrating the 500,000th attendee, Sangamon Auditorium, UIS also announced the 2009-2010 Class Acts season yesterday. This will be the 24th season of Class Acts performances; and the first show, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, is the 250th production in the Class Acts series.


Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Wednesday, October 21 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades 3-4

Nine-year-old Peter Hatcher’s life would be sweet if it weren’t for Fudge, his toddler terror of a brother. Two Beans Productions captures all the humor, sibling rivalry and elementary school angst of Judy Blume’s classic book.


The Rainbow Fish
Wednesday, November 4 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades K-2

With her lovely coloring and shimmering scales, the Rainbow Fish is used to being the most beautiful creature in the ocean. Will some good advice from the wise old Octopus persuade the Rainbow Fish to share her gifts with those around her? ArtsPower has turned Marcus Pfister’s bestselling book into a delightful and touching musical about the value of sharing true friendship with others.


The Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble
Tuesday, November 10 • 12:30 p.m.
Grades 4-12

This one-of-a-kind ensemble of American Indian champions and award winners offers a rich variety of American Indian traditions and aesthetics in dance, instrumentals, song, storytelling, sign language and audience interaction. Surrounding the dance are educational explanations woven into stories and narratives folded into a seamlessly integrated program that focuses equally on intriguing education and inspiring entertainment.


MatheMagic!
Monday, November 16
10 a.m. Grades 6-8 • 12:30 p.m. Grades 3-5

Hailed as one of the preeminent shows for young people, MatheMagic! features world-class magic, comedy, and theatre. Amidst all the oohs, aahs, and laughter, Bradley Fields challenges, provokes, and elicits critical thinking and problem-solving. Kids leave the theater brimming with confidence and a gain a new fascination for the history, the power and the beauty of the language of math.


Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad
Wednesday, February 3 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades 4-8

This stirring drama with music is a classic tribute to the great American who freed herself and hundreds of her people from the bonds of slavery. As Harriet and her friend Sarah Bradford narrate her adventurous life, we share in the joys, sorrows, and challenges faced by this brave woman who changed the world through her courage.


Junie B. Jones
Friday, February 5 • 10 a.m.
Grades K-3

Outspoken, precocious, lovable Junie B. Jones stars in a colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, sugar cookies, the annual kickball tournament, and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Follow her adventures as she writes down the story of her life in her “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal.”


The Little Engine that Could
Monday, February 22 • 10 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
Grades K-2

In this well-loved classic featuring songs, dance and dazzling costumes, the Little Engine overcomes seemingly impossible odds to carry a train full of toys over an imposing mountain. The Little Engine That Could is an entertaining and inspirational favorite that offers a valuable lesson about the power of optimism.


Romeo & Juliet
The Acting Company
Friday, March 5 • 9:45 a.m.
Grades 9-12

Shakespeare’s iconic romantic tragedy of innocent young lovers falling victim to family hatred and cruel destiny... swords clash, everlasting love is promised, and a treacherous sleeping potion is swallowed in the greatest love story of all time. Young love has never been so delightful or as dangerous as in this stirring new production.


Nobody’s Perfect
Monday, March 22 • 10 a.m.
Grades 3-7

Based on the children’s book by Academy Award® winner Marlee Matlin (Best Actress, Children of a Lesser God) and Doug Cooney, this touching new musical—simultaneously performed in spoken English and American Sign Language—is an important reminder that despite first impressions, nobody’s perfect.


More information about all of these shows is available on the Class Acts website.