NORWICH – The Chenango County Council of the Arts is offering a “Theatre For Young Audiences” series in March and April at the Martin W. Kappel Theater, 27 West Main Street, Norwich.  Performances include:
 
THE FANTASTIC MR. FOX
presented by Cleveland Signstage Theatre
Tuesday, March 20  (Elementary level)
Based on the story by Roald Dahl, “The Fantastic Mr. Fox” is in the same tradition as “The Adventures of Peter Rabbit”, as both tell a garden tale of farmer versus vermin, or vise versa. Due to the tyrannical nature of three local farmers, Boggis, Bunce and Bean, Mr. Fox finds himself unable to feed his wife and their three young fox cubs.  Other animals in the area are similarly affected.  Just as they are all sure to die of starvation, the ingenious Mr. Fox hatches a remarkable plan that will not only get them food, but take care of those horrible farmers for good!  Presented in both American Sign Language and spoken word, a question and answer session follows each production.  Study guides available.
 
ETHEL   
Friday, March 23 (High School level)
“Ethel” has quickly emerged as a powerful musical voice in New York City’s ever-evolving concert scene.  This Juilliard trained, all-star foursome of string players has stretched itself far past the limits of convention, genre and style to embrace a music that arises from the context of our time. According to the LA Times, “They’re breaking down the traditional lines between composer and performer and between performer and technology.  Their use of amplification takes them outside the polite, carefully balanced sound world of traditional chamber music.  They own their music, and when they want it to roar, they roar,” and the New York Times hails Ethel as “extraordinarily skilled, passionate musicians.”  “Ethel” has performed and collaborated with some of today’s most prominent and exciting artists.  The group has recorded with pop musicians Joe Jackson, Todd Rundgren and Rickie Lee Jones, experimental artists Dick Connettee and Blue Gene Tyranny, and on film scores by Don Byron and Benny Wallace.  The group’s 2004-05 season culminated in a 45-city U.S. and European tour.  “Ethel” will talk to students about their unique style of composition.
 
FREEDOM TRAIN
presented by Theatreworks/USA
Tuesday, April 3  (Grades 4-12.)
In a fascinating series of highly theatrical scenes that use dance, dialogue and traditional period music, “Freedom Train” tells the thrilling story of Harriet Tubman, the intrepid conductor of the Underground Railroad, as she comes to life in this extraordinary production. A story of dedication, self-sacrifice and survival, “Freedom Train” is also laced with warmth and a sense of humor that celebrates the human spirit.   Study guides explore issues of slavery, traditional music, human rights, American history and women’s issues.  Theatreworks presents “Freedom Train” with creative imagination, combining education with through-provoking scenes.  A question and answer session follows each show.
 
All performances are chosen to support New York State Learning Standards. Tickets are $7 each and may be reimbursable through the BOCES AIE Ticket Reimbursement Program. Schools may call the Council at 336-2787 for more information or to register.  Seats are sold on a first come, first served basis, and will be presented at both 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each day. 
These programs are made possible by the generosity of:  Professional Teleconcepts, Inc., the Mead Westvaco Corporation and the Raymond Foundation. “Ethel” has been supported by The New York State Music Fund, established by the New York State Attorney General at Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.