REACH! to Kick Off Spring 2013 Fam Fun Fest Series at Ware & Winter Centers, 2/9

MU Arts, which is the new umbrella name for events at the Ware and Winter Centers of Millersville University, will kick off its spring, 2013 Fam Fun Fest series with "Reach!" by Jason Reed on Saturday, February 9 at 11. The Fam Fun Fest series is created by the award-winning Barry Kornhauser for children and their parents and grandparents and always includes a stunning, nationally-recognized professional performance; hands-on, interactive fun activities; take-home hand-outs and treats for the kids.

"Reach!" - which is a touring program developed by Juilliard-trained dancer Jason Reed -- demonstrates the importance of discipline through dancing, singing, and rapping. It features wholesome, family-friendly performances by professionals and how-to instructional workshops after the show on hip-hop dancing, singing, and even rapping for the kids! "REACH!" encourages children to think outside of the box and apply their artistic endeavors to their academics, healthy lifestyle, and respect for themselves, parents, teachers, and peers. Tickets are $4. for kids ten and under; $8 for all others. It is being held at the Ware Center.

On Saturday, February 23, at 11 AM, "Comedy in Motion" -- stars Dan Kamin, a nationally acclaimed comedian. Kamin taught Robert Downey Jr. his Oscar-nominated slapstick moves in "Chaplin" and coached Johnny Depp as a mime in "Benny & Joon." Kamin, who is the go-to-guy for physical comedy, brings his tour-de-force performance providing loads of laughter and an innovative look into creative comedy. He is an expert at bringing the magic of theatre and comedy to the most unique and unlikely settings. Tickets are $4. for kids ten and under; $8 for all others. It is being held at the Ware Center.

"Cuentos del Arbol (Tree Tales)" A Pushcart Players Production, a bilingual (Spanish & English) musical for kids, is scheduled for Saturday, March 9, at 11 AM. This brightly colorful musical is drawn from Spanish and Latin American folklore. The "un arbol," a tree, nurtures and shelters numerous characters that have passed by the tree throughout the years. These tales are told with an animated Latino beat - in English and Spanish. The play is designed to bring Spanish to life and enhance Spanish literacy. It is appropriate for kids of all ages and is understandable to every one, regardless of language skills. Thanks to a special grant from Hagelgans & Veronis, sponsors of the production, tickets are FREE for kids ten and under. $8 for all others. It is being held at the Ware Center.

On Saturday, March 23 at 11 AM, join us for a lively "Global Kids Animated Short Film Festival". This festival boasts a collection of award-winning animated films from around the world. All the films - regardless of where they were made -- are easily understandable for children of all ages. Leslie Sullivan, the hostess and an animation film specialist, has chosen 50 minutes of film - but here's the fun twist: the children in the audience act as judges and select their favorite film as the winner at the end of the program! Tickets are $4. for kids ten and under and $8 for all others. It is being held at the Ware Center.

The Cashore Marionettes perform "Simple Gifts" on Saturday, April 6 at 11 AM, at the Winter Center on the Millersville campus. Through a series of moving stories set to classical music, the Cashore Marionettes use remarkable puppetry to explore emotion and celebrate life with realistic, amazingly alive puppets. This internationally famous puppet company will thrill adults, as well as children. There will be a special introduction given by Rob Brock, from Lancaster's "Hole in the Wall Puppet Theatre." All tickets for this performance are $8.

"Villepalooza" Celebration, is a half day series of professional presentations and hands-on workshops for the whole community of parents, grandparents and their kids, Saturday, April 20. "Villepalooza" starts at 9 AM with a series of workshops focused on: art-making, storytelling/theatre, dance, poetry, music and more. Attendees get to choose the "art form" of their choice. Following a short refreshment break, the day continues with a special performance by "Dancing Wheels," a dance company out of Ohio which features able-bodied and handicapped dancers. It celebrates the universal spirit of the arts and honors the notion that "all things are possible".

"Villepalooza" concludes with an outdoor picnic lunch INDOORS in the spectacular Atrium on the Third Floor of the Ware Center. All tickets are $8, which includes: workshop of your choice, the "Dancing Wheels" performance in Steinman Hall, refreshments at the break and the picnic lunch.

About Fam Fun Fest: This series encourages family time! All performances begin at 11 a.m., with the exception of "Villepalooza," which starts at 9 AM. One hour prior to the 11 AM performances, kids and their guests are invited to join us for snacks, hands-on activities, and special giveaways! Each visit is an enriching and unique experience for children and adults. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

General Ticket Information: All events are open to the public. Tickets may be purchased by calling the Ticket Office at 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308. Online at millersville.edu/muarts. In person at The Ware Center Box Office (42 N. Prince St., Lancaster) or SMC Building on the Millersville University campus. Ticket Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tickets are also on sale - if still available - one hour prior to the performance. Seats are limited. Advance ticket reservations are strongly encouraged.

Location and Parking: The Ware Center is located at 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA. Discounted parking vouchers are available for the Prince Street Garage (at the corner of West Orange & North Prince Street) or the Hager Parking Lot (across the street). The Winter Center is located at 60 Cottage Avenue, Millersville, PA. Parking is FREE.