The exhibit tells the story of country music icon Marty
Stuart’s personal journey from Philadelphia, Mississippi, to country music stardom. Illustrating the impact American roots music has had on fashion and popular culture over the past four decades, the exhibit also highlights the role Mississippi played in the development of American music and how the musical genres of country, blues, gospel and rock are intertwined. Performance costumes, musical instruments, unpublished photographs, handwritten lyrics and personal letters of such legends as Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Porter Wagoner, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan are found throughout. Documentary videos featuring Marty Stuart provide a framework for the exhibit. A viewing of a 20-minute documentary video may be scheduled in the center’s Studio Theater, adjacent to the exhibit, for school groups.

Curriculum Connections:
Folk Tales, Language Arts, Reading, Science, Music, Peer Pressure, Self-Esteem, Character Development

Telling Ford Flannagan’s version of the children’s story, Theatre IV presents the adventure of a red hen as she begins the bread-making process with no help from the other farm animals. The tricks of the conniving fox combine with the hen’s common sense to add adventure and a sound moral lesson to this classic, feelgood, foot-stompin’ country musical.

Curriculum Connections:
Fine Arts, Language Arts, Conflict Resolution, Working Together, Friendship

In a production based on the popular book by Doreen Cronin, Farmer Brown has left his city-slicker brother in charge of his farm with detailed instructions so nothing will go wrong … until Duck starts rewriting! A hilarious sequel to Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type.

DCDC, for short, was founded in 1968 and has claimed national and international praise. The group presents works by world-class choreographers in a highly inventive way. The troupe will present a lecture/demonstration ... a specifically choreographed performance designed for school venues. The presentation includes an educational component, a performance and a question/answer session.

In addition to presenting the school show and an evening performance open to the public, DCDC will be in town for several days leading up to the show to provide master classes in dance. These technique classes are taught on various levels from beginning to advanced in ballet, modern and jazz. The classes range from 60 to 90 minutes in length. Contact Charlotte Tabereaux at 601-696-2204 or ctabereaux@riley.msstate.edu for more details.

This performance and master classes are funded in
part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the
National Endowment for the Arts.

Curriculum Connections:
History, English, Courage, Resilience

For more than 60 years, her words have kept her spirit alive in the minds and hearts of readers all over the world. Relive the incredible life of Anne Frank as she shares with you her hopes, aspirations and observations on family, love and life. Caught in a world of hate she couldn’t comprehend, this young Jewish girl has become an icon of light for all who dare to dream.

Curriculum Connections:
Literature, Language Arts and Communication, Relationships & Family

Based on E.B. White’s Newbery Honor-winning children’s novel, Charlotte’s Web tells the story of a blossoming friendship between Wilbur the pig and a poetic, web-spinning spider named Charlotte.

Curriculum Connections:
Friendship,Courage, Community Values, Teamwork, Language Arts, Reading, Imagination

Tall Stories presents a musical adaptation of the picture book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The witch and her cat are flying happily on their broomstick—until a storm brings some new friends looking for a ride. Is there enough room on the broom for so many new friends? And when disaster strikes, will they be able to save the witch from the clutches of a hungry dragon? Songs, laughs and scary fun!

Curriculum Connections:
Literature Based, Communication and Language Arts, Music, Relationships and Family

An all-new musical revue based on contemporary and best-selling kids’ books, including Duck for President, Fancy Nancy, Pirates Don’t Change Diapers, Babymouse: The Musical, I Have to Go, Leonardo: The Terrible Monster and more!

Curriculum Connections:
Literature, Interpersonal Relationships,
Problem Solving, Nonverbal Communication

A new musical based on Mo Willems’ Caldecott Honor-winning book; it sounds so simple, just a quick trip to the Laundromat with Daddy, Trixie and her beloved Knuffle Bunny. But before you know it, things go horribly, hilariously wrong.

Curriculum Connections:
Storytelling, Reading, Theater, Music, Dance, Language Arts, Communication, Negotiating, Problem Solving, Risk Assessment

Based on the books written and illustrated by Mercer Mayer, the Omaha Theater Company’s original musical production is designed with vivid and imaginative costumes and scenery, showing how the Alligator under your bed, the Nightmare in your closet, and the Thing in your attic become your best friends.