Theatre at the Center's Theatre for Young Audiences Announces 2012-2013 Season: CINDERELLA, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and More

Theatre at the Center's Theatre for Young Audiences, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana, has announced its 2012-2013 season. Relive a musical adaptation of the enchanting fairytale Cinderella, running October 11 through October 13; 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, the magical timeless musical classic runs November 30 through December 15; the thrilling story of bravery, Freedom Train takes the stage January 14 through January 18; and the cherished, love story Beauty and the Beast comes to the stage April 10 through April 14.

The season will kick off with the musical adaptation of Cinderella based on the classic fairytale by The Brothers Grimm. Endlessly mistreated by her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, poor Cinderella is denied a chance to go to the Royal Ball. With a little help from her mice friends, and the magical touch of her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, meets her Prince, and lives happily ever after. Cinderella is a timeless story of love and magic that is sure to delight children of all ages. Groups in attendance will have the chance to join the fun by entering the Cinderella coloring contest. The winner will receive a "Crystal Carriage" and tickets to 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season with the timeless musical classic, 'Twas The Night Before Christmas, opening November 30 and running through December 15. The whole family can enjoy the holiday cheer with this great production. Audience members will get their chance to shine in a sing-along to popular holiday melodies. Join in the fun as Santa and his friends make a surprise visit. Groups in attendance will have the chance to display their festive spirit by entering the 'Twas The Night Before Christmas "Create Your Own Christmas Card Contest". Prizes include a chance to win up to 50 Personal Pan Pizza coupons at Pizza Hut, 815 Ridge Road, Munster, IN or up to 100 coupons for a free ice cream cone and 25% off a purchase of $25.00 or more at The Sweet Tooth, 942 Ridge Road, Munster, IN.

Freedom Train, running January 14 through January 18, follows the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman, a slave off of a Maryland plantation whose bravery took her across the lands to freedom. Her route later became known as the famous Underground Railroad, which is now familiar to all as the passage used by hundreds of people to escape slavery. Freedom Train takes the audience through creek beds and over hills in the dark of night as Harriet tells her story about how she, and subsequently other slaves, escaped in a fascinating series of highly theatrical scenes that use dance, dialogue, and music of the period. Additionally, groups are invited to enter the Freedom Train essay contest for a chance to win a $100, $50 or $25 Youth Savings Account sponsored by People's Bank, Munster, IN.

Step into the enchanted world of Beauty and the Beast as this beloved tale runs April 10 through April 14. The story follows the brainy and beautiful Bella who learns of a cursed Prince who is transformed into a Beast by an evil Enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. Can the Beast change his ways and let the Beauty show him the good that's hidden deep inside him in time to save him from the curse? Audiences of all ages will love this classic tale of two very different people learning how to love. Groups in attendance will have the chance to join the fun by entering the Beauty and the Beast coloring contest. The winner will receive a four pass to Fair Oaks Farms in Fair Oaks, Indiana. On Friday, April 12th, Theatre at the Center Theatre for Young Audiences hosts a special Prince and Princess Party. Dinner and activities begin at 5 p.m. followed by the performance at 7 p.m. Dinner includes a buffet of chicken fingers, French fries, juice box and sundae bar. This event is open to the public and costs only $10 per person.

Founded in 1991, Theatre at the Center is a year-round professional theater at its home, The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster, Indiana. Theatre at the Center is conveniently located off I-80/94, just 35 minutes from downtown Chicago.

All performances are one hour. Group performances are weekdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. There are also select Saturday afternoon public performances. Group prices are $6.50 per student, adult tickets are $8.00 and groups of 100 or more students are only $5.50 per student and $8.00 per adult. One complimentary ticket is issued for every 25 paid student reservations. One Study Guide is also issued per Group or may be down-loaded from the theatre's website. Individual prices are children, $7.50, and adults, $9.50. To purchase group tickets call 219.836.3258 and to purchase individual tickets call the Box Office at 219.836.3255 or Tickets.com at 800.511.1552. For more information on Theater at the Center, visit www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com.