Performance Network Announces Saturday Series for Young Audiences

On the heels of announcing its 30th Anniversary Professional Season, Performance Network rolls out the Saturday Series for Young Audiences, a once-monthly program to satisfy the littlest theatre-goers in the community. Produced by the Children's Theatre Network, the Saturday Series matinees offer a variety of musicals and plays for pre-K through sixth grade. Featured subject matters include healthy eating, Michigan history, Aesop's Fables and a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, all neatly packed into 50 minute presentations. Each show is followed by a milk and cookies reception.

The 2011-2012 season also marks the introduction of the Performance Network Family Membership. This tax-deductible membership is available for $95 and includes perks such as free family entry into any Saturday Series performance, discounts on children's acting classes and private performances as well as professional season ticket discounts.

The 2011-2012 Saturday Series for Young Audiences:

Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 1:00 PM
"The Fisherman and His Wife"
Book by Paul VanderRoost, Music and Lyrics by Kerry Graves
This musical, based on the fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm, incorporates lively songs and likable characters to teach that satisfaction with yourself is the most precious commodity of all. Arthur and Zelda have a simple, happy life. But when Mamie the Mermaid gets tangled in Arthur's fishing line, he must choose his wishes carefully!

Saturday, November 19, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Saturday, March 17, 2012 at 1:00 PM
"Fabliscious"
Book and lyrics by Kimberly Yost, music by Patrick Farrell and Gene Gaunt
Fast! Fun! Fabulous! This multicultural musical will have audiences in stitches. All of the classic fables are here, but with a modern flair! This delightfully entertaining performance humorously reminds children and adults of the lessons and morals that have been taught for thousands of years.

Saturday, December 17, 2011 at 1:00 PM
Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 1:00 PM
"Jamie and Jordan"
Book and Lyrics by Kim Carney, music by Gene Gaunt
Born in the same hospital on the same day, neighbors Jamie and Jordan are lifelong best friends until a twist of fate (and ankle!) separates them. This hilarious musical tale teaches children about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and healthy friendship-both important for long lasting happiness.

Saturday, January 21, 2012 at 1:00 PM
Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 1:00 PM
"Wolverine Will"
By Carla Milarch
From Lumber Jacks to lug nuts, Wolverine William takes you on a whirl wind history tour of the Great Lakes state. This rollicking one-man show is Pure Michigan. Featuring Phil Powers.

Single Tickets:
Single tickets for all shows in the season are now available online (www.performancenetwork.org), over the phone (734-663-0681) or in person at 120 E. Huron St., Ann Arbor.

Tickets are priced at $7 for children and $10 for adults.

Family Memberships:
Family memberships are $95 and can be purchased over the phone at 734-663-0681 or at theatre during box office hours, 11am-6pm, Monday through Saturday.

Family Memberships are tax-deductible and include the following:
Free entry into any 2011-2012 Saturday Series performance
$10 off any Children's Acting Class
$75 off any private performance for special events (choose from "The Fisherman and his Wife," "Fabliscious," "Jamie and Jordan" or "Wolverine Will")
$3 off professional season tickets
One-year listing in the professional season program as a contributor

Family memberships are non-transferable and are redeemable by the purchasers' immediate family.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and the Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.