Matchbox hosting reading event this weekend to lead into next play
Published 10:13 am Friday, April 1, 2016
The cast of the Matchbox Children’s Theatre presentation of “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” in February. After hosting a reading event Saturday at Austin Public Library, Matchbox will return to the stage next weekend with its next play, “Story Stew: A Fairy Tale Revue.” Herald file photo
Matchbox Children’s Theatre is serving up a dose of reading this weekend to lead up to its next play, “Story Stew: A Fairy Tale Revue.”
Matchbox will start with an appetizer. On Saturday, the theater company will host “Saturday Stories with Matchbox Children’s Theatre” from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Austin Public Library. This free family event includes cast members reading their stories to kids, art and craft activities plus a free book for every family.
The Library event is sponsored by the Austin Literacy Initiative. Participants will get to meet actors and find out about the play along with enjoying crafts and music.
Matchbox will dish up its main course next weekend when it performs “Story Stew: A Fairy Tale Revue” at 7 p.m. April 8 and at 2 p.m. on April 9 and 10 in the Historic Paramount Theatre, 125 Fourth Ave. NE.
“Story Stew” is a funny script about Old Mother Hubbard who had so many children she didn’t know what to do and they just happen to be: Goldilocks, Red Riding Hood, Hansel and Gretel, Jack and Jill, Miss Muffet, Mary with her Lamb, and a few more.
The “Story Stew” plot thickens when they all go into the enchanted forest to find something to eat and a new place to live. There are plenty of hilarious twists and turns as they encounter the Three Bears, Big Bad Wolf, Puss in Boots and the Gingerbread Man, plus two witches to spice things up.
Even more storybook characters appear in the woods. Check out the play to find out how the characters solve the mystery of missing food and see what a witch with a kind heart can do with the lost shoe of an angry giant.
A cast of more than 35 people ages from 6 years old to adult will participate in “Story Stew.”
The play is directed by Jenny Dreyer and Jen Weibrand.
Tickets are $5 for children ages 14 and younger and $8 for adults. Children age 2 and under are free. Advance tickets online at www.austinareaarts.org or by visiting the ArtWorks Center at 300 N. Main St. Tickets will also be available at the Paramount Theatre beginning one hour before show time Friday through Sunday. All seating is General Admission.
For more, visit Matchbox Children’s Theatre’s Facebook page or call 507-437-9078. This MCT is supported through a grant from Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council thanks to an appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.
