Center For Puppetry Arts Presents THE TORTOISE, THE HARE, AND OTHER AESOP'S FABLES

The Center for Puppetry Arts is pleased to present Aesop's classic stories and morals for young audiences when The Tortoise, the Hare & Other Aesop's Fables takes the stage August 14-September 23. Featuring famous fables, such as "The Lion and the Mouse;" "Country Mouse and City Mouse;" "The Fox and the Crane;" "The Ant and the Grasshopper;" and "The Tortoise and the Hare;" the family-favorite musical show is sure to engage even the youngest family members.

The Center for Puppetry Arts' production of The Tortoise, the Hare & Other Aesop's Fables is part of the Theater for the Very Young initiative, designed specifically with the developmental stages of young children in mind. The performance includes life lessons presented as short stories in order to introduce these concepts to toddlers in a fun, comfortable and positive environment. The vibrant colors of the stage and the puppets command attention, and the lively songs engage children while inviting them to sing and dance along. Featuring body, glove, rod and shadow puppets designed by the Center's resident puppet builder Jason Hines, The Tortoise, the Hare & Other Aesop's Fables introduces young audiences to a wide variety of puppetry styles.

This show is directed by the Center's head puppeteer Amy Sweeney and performed by puppeteers Matt Baum and Jimmica Collins. The fables were adapted for the puppet stage by Michael Haverty and original music for the show was composed by Dolph Amick.

Families are invited to arrive early to participate in the pre-show enrichment activities. During this time, children can listen to fables and color special City Mouse and Country Mouse puppets to use during the show.

The Tortoise, the Hare & Other Aesop's Fables will be presented in the Downstairs Theater, August 14 - September 23. Reduced-price previews take place Tuesday, August 14 and Wednesday, August 15. The regular show schedule is as follows:

Thursday - Friday: 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

All-inclusive tickets are $9.75 (Members) and $19.50 (nonmembers) and include entrance to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop, where guests can make, decorate and perform with their own Happy Hare Tabletop Puppet, as well as admission to the Worlds of Puppetry Museum, featuring the largest collection of Jim Henson puppets in the world as well as a global gallery. Tickets can be purchased online at puppet.org or by calling 404.873.3391.