East Central University, in conjunction with Theatre Works USA, will present “Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories” on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ataloa Theatre of ECU’s Hallie Brown Ford Fine Arts Center.
“Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories” is a musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books, geared toward those in grades kindergarten through the fifth grade.
The revue will center around such books as Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri; Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein; The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds; Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Chris Van Dusen and Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa School Days by Erica Silverman and painted by Betsy Lewin.
The show makes curriculum connections with communications and language arts. Literature and music along with relationships and family. Themes include: likes and dislikes, friendship, family, getting along, perseverance and dreaming big.
Tickets are $5 for children and $10 for adults. They can be ordered online by going to ecok.edu/FineArts or by calling 580-559-5751 or emailing tickets@ecok.edu. Discounts are also available on early purchases of tickets. A matinee is available for schools by contacting the box office.
Musical scenes are being provided by Brendon Milburn and Janet Allard; Sam Salmond; Mark Sonnenblick and Ben Wexler; Marcus Stevens and Joe Kinosian; Stevens and Brian Lowdermilk. Original direction is by Stevens, choreography is by Wendy Seyb and scenic design is by Brian Dudkiewicz. The costume designer is Dustin Cross.
Sponsors for the show include: The ECU Foundation Inc., Oklahoma Arts Council, National Endowment for the Humanities, Oklahoma Arts Council, ECU Cultural Activities Committee, Masonic Centennial Endowment for Cultural Enrichment, the Vinita Oliver Centennial Fine Arts Endowment, Citizen’s Bank, Vison Bank, Communication Federal Credit Union, Score Broadcasting, The Ada News, Ada Nissan, LaQuinta Inns and Suites, Sante Fe Cattle Co. and Chicken Express.
Here is a brief look at the books represented in the show:
Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin, Illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
Dragons love all sorts of tacos – except spicy ones! When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco part, red-hot trouble ensues.
Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein
It’s bedtime for the little red chicken. Papa is going to read her a story, but the chicken can’t help the interrupting. Will the chicken ever get to sleep?
The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
This is a story about the creative spirit in all of us. Vashti can’t draw. Then the teacher says, “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti discovers she is an artist after all.
Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen
Mercy, a porcine wonder, and Mr. Watson go for a ride every Saturday in Mr. Watson’s automobile. But one Saturday, guess who winds up behind the wheel?
Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa School Days by Erica Silverman, painted by Betsy Lewin
Yee Haw! Cowgirl Kate and her loyal horse Cocoa are the perfect pair. They do everything together until school is in session – and horses are not allowed!
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