Children’s Theater Performances

March 24, 2015

UT Tyler Office of Marketing and Communications

UT Tyler to Present Children’s Theater Productions March 30-31

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March 24, 2015

Media Contact:  Hannah Buchanan
Editor/Writer–Strategic Communications & Media Relations
Marketing and Communications
The University of Texas at Tyler
903.539.7196 (cell)

March 23, 2015

The University of Texas at Tyler School of Performing Arts music department will present successive performances of “A Muskrat Lullaby” and “Mystery on the Docks” in the UT Tyler Braithwaite Recital Hall, Dr. Sooah Park, director of opera and musical theater, announced.

Shows begin at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Monday, March 30 as well as 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31. General admission tickets are $1 each. There is no admission charge for UT Tyler students, faculty and staff with valid identification.

“We have combined two 20-minute productions of the musical ‘A Muskrat Lullaby’ and ‘Mystery on the Docks,’ which is an opera. Both productions by Edward Barnes are geared towards children with imaginative sets and costumes, but it will also be fun for adults to just a have a delightful evening in the world full of animal characters,” said Maria Ogburn, UT Tyler professor and opera assistant.

It is best to reserve tickets ahead of time as seating is limited, she added. For tickets, email Ogburn, mogburn@uttyler.edu.

UT Tyler student performers are Lauren Cook of San Antonio, Jessie English of Riesel, Alexis Leyva of Galveston, Janis Newman of Athens and Justin Forward, Kelsey Pate, Eric Ware and Jay Williams, all of Tyler.

The production ‘A Muskrat Lullaby’ is based on Thacher Hurd’s book, ‘Mama Don’t Allow.’

Miles’ parents – and the whole neighborhood – have had enough of his singing. ‘Why don’t you practice outside, dear?’ his mother finally says. But when Miles teams up with three other singers to form the Swamp Band, suddenly their music is in demand. ‘We love that Swamp Band music!’ yell the sharp-toothed alligators, and they invite the band to play at the Alligator Ball. Miles and his friends are delighted...until they discover what’s in store for them at the all-night celebration.

The production ‘Mystery on the Docks’ is based on the book by the same name also by Hurd and is told in the style of an old-time radio show.

Three mean looking rats slink into Ralph’s diner – and they’re pretty tough customers. Before the night is over, the villainous rats have kidnapped Ralph and the world-famous opera star, Edwina Bombastina. The rats will stop at nothing. But Ralph has a few tricks of his own up his sleeve.

For more information, contact Park, 903.566.7088 or spark@uttyler.edu or call 903.566.7490.

One of the 15 campuses of the UT System, UT Tyler features excellence in teaching, research, artistic performance and community service. More than 80 undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at UT Tyler, which has an enrollment of more than 8,000 high-ability students. UT Tyler offers courses at its campuses in Tyler, Longview and Palestine as well as a location in Houston.

Children's Theater Productions: Pictured are UT Tyler student performers from 'A Muskrat Lullaby.' Behind, from left: Janis Newman (spider), Lauren Cook (yellow bird) and Jay Williams (big alligator). In front, from left: Eric Ware (toad) and seated, Justin Forward (Miles the Muskrat). The UT Tyler music department will present both 'A Muskrat Lullaby' and 'Mystery on the Docks' on March 30-31.