THE VELVETEEN RABBIT, THE LITTLE PRINCE and More Set for Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2012-13 Family Season

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College (BCBC) continues its partnership with Target to bring quality, affordable, and family-friendly performing arts programming to the diverse cultural communities of Brooklyn.

The centerpiece of BCBC's 2012-2013 family programming will be the new Target Storybook Series of family programming based on classic and contemporary children's literature, with titles including The Velveteen Rabbit, How I Became a Pirate, The Little Prince, and Sleeping Beauty. The series aims to encourage the development of strong reading skills at home in children ages four to eight. Online resources such as literacy-based activity sheets and study guides will give parents the opportunity to engage their children prior to attending the performances, and then again after seeing each show.

In addition to the Target Storybook Series, BCBC will present other family-friendly shows including the holiday favorite The Colonial Nutcracker, Tales of Anansi, and a sing-along screening of the Julie Andrews classic The Sound of Music. All seats for BCBC's 2012-2013 Target Storybook Series will be $7. Tickets to other family programs range from free to $30, with a 50 percent discount available to children 12 and under for select performances.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' 2012-2013 family performances include:

The Velveteen Rabbit
Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 2pm
Tickets: $7

"When a child loves you for a long, long time... then you become Real." So says the Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit in Margery Williams' much-loved literary classic about a stuffed toy rabbit who yearns to become real. This charming tale of love and devotion features an original musical score, extraordinary puppets, masks, and magic. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages four and up.

Direct from Beijing, The People's Republic of China
The Shaolin Warriors
Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 3pm
Tickets: $30 adults, $15 for children 12 and under

With a jaw-dropping mix of martial arts, theatricality and athleticism, the Shaolin Warriors present a rare glimpse into the ancient and mystical art of Kung Fu. This astonishing spectacle features 22 monks performing feats of strength, agility, and impeccably choreographed combat that will take your breath away.

The Colonial Nutcracker
Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2pm
Tickets: $10

An annual holiday favorite, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs its family-friendly, full-length version of Tchaikovsky's ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown, complete with a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and simultaneous narration to help young audience members enjoy this timeless classic. Recommended for ages four and up.

The Snow Maiden
Presented in association with Anton Krylov
Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 6pm
Tickets: $35-$50

Enjoy this magical Christmas tale in which a worthy young girl is transformed by Grandfather Frost (the Russian Santa Claus) into the beautiful Snow Maiden. Traditional Russian songs, dances and elaborate costumes create a winter wonderland in this delightful children's extravaganza. Performed in Russian with English subtitles. Recommended for ages six and up.

How I Became a Pirate
Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2pm
Tickets: $7

In this new musical based on the best-selling children's book, Jeremy's talent for building sand castles and digging moats has earned him a place on the crew of Braid Beard's ship. It's a grand adventure, indeed, until Jeremy remembers all the things that he left behind. Surely, the pirates can be convinced to take him home! A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages six and up.

The Little Prince
Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 2pm
Tickets: $7

Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Full of whimsy and wonderment, this new stage version of the classic tale incorporates puppetry, multimedia projections, and original music as it follows one brave little boy's journey through the universe, exploring the mysteries of grownups and the stars and searching for what is most important in life. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages eight to eighty.

American Family Theater's
Sleeping Beauty
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2pm
Tickets: $7

When a beautiful princess falls under the curse of a wicked sorceress, only the sweet kiss of a handsome prince can save her from eternal slumber. From "once upon a time" to "happily ever after," this tale of fairy godmothers, magic spells, and true love will enchant the entire family. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages four and up.

In collaboration with the School of American Ballet
The Beauty of Ballet
Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2pm
Tickets: $7

Join students and faculty of the world-famous School of American Ballet (the official academy of New York City Ballet) in this program illustrating the process by which talented youngsters develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers. Your children will watch a "class" where training exercises and steps are demonstrated, and also enjoy excerpts from famous ballets. A free event recommended for ages four and up. General free admission, no tickets issued.

Tales of Anansi
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2pm
Tickets: $7

In honor of Earth Day, the environmental performance group Bash the Trash presents a storytelling concert that features Anansi the trickster, one of the most important characters in West African and Caribbean folklore. African-inspired musical instruments made from recycled and reused materials accompany the stories, creating an afternoon that is both entertaining and educational. Recommended for ages five and up.

Sixth Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 3pm

Children and adults alike will enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and street performers at this free community festival, where interactive family activities highlight the need for creating a more sustainable future and caring for the earth. Free admission, no tickets issued.

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1pm
Tickets: $15

Get your vocal chords warmed up for this screening of the Academy Award-winning Julie Andrews movie musical, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Classic tunes include "Climb Every Mountain," "My Favorite Things," and of course the soaring title song. If you've always wanted to be a part of a musical, this is your chance! Because this event runs almost four hours, it is recommended for ages six and up.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts' Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College can be accessed via the 2/5 trains to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue. To reserve tickets online, visit BrooklynCenterOnline.org or call the box office at (718) 951-4500.

Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn's diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center's presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400-seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. In recognition of its commitment to quality family programming, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts has been voted Brooklyn's Best Theater or Theater Group for Kids as part of Nickelodeon's 2009 Parents Connect Parents' Picks Awards. This award follows Brooklyn Center's selection as Brooklyn's Best Place for Family Bonding in 2008.

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