Submitted by
Dee Loflin, SMT Manager/Writer
Dexter, Missouri - An iconic children’s book will come to life across Southeast Missouri with “The Velveteen Rabbit” a musical adaptation of the classic tale. The show will be performed on November 16 at 2 p.m. at the Dexter High School Auditorium, at 7 p.m. on November 16 at the Sikeston Field House, and on November 17 at 2 p.m. at the Tinnin Fine Arts Center in Poplar Bluff. Admission is $5 per person.
The show, which is part of the Patrons of the Arts 2013-2014 season, is a production of the Imaginary Theatre Company, a professional touring ensemble from St. Louis.
“This is the second season that the Patrons Society has booked the Imaginary Theater Company to come down from St. Louis and present,” said Robert Cook, Director of the Tinnin Center.
It is the first seasons that Three Rivers and the Patrons of the Arts have expanded performances beyond the Tinnin Center. The Patrons group is partnering with the Dexter Chamber of Commerce and the Sikeston Public School Foundation to bring performances to those cities. In addition to “The Velveteen Rabbit,” other Imaginary Theater Company productions performed in all three cities will be “The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe” in January and “The Tortoise and the Hare” in February.
Through the use of literature, folk tales, fairy tales, and new adaptations of classic works, the Imaginary Theatre Company provides the finest in theater for young theater-goers.
“The audience response is always wonderful. Children and their parents truly enjoy these whimsical performances,” said Cook.
Based on Margery Williams’ famed literary classic, The Velveteen Rabbit tells the story of a little boy and his stuffed bunny who wonders what it means to be “real.” After years of adventure and devotion, the bunny becomes a truly beloved friend and is magically transformed into a real woodland rabbit. Join us this holiday season and share in a heartwarming musical tale that celebrates the rewards of loyalty and the wonderful, surprising power of love. The show is appropriate for all ages and family audiences.
“The Velveteen Rabbit” is sponsored in Dexter by Bootheel Recycling, C. A. Walker Construction, Inc., Cypress Point, Edward Jones: Charlie Flannigan & Ben Worley, Faurecia Emissions Control Technologies, First Midwest Bank of Dexter, First National Bank of Dexter, Holden Law Office, Mary E. Worley, Dexter Realty & Appraisal Services, Southeast Health Center of Stoddard County, Southern Bank of Dexter, The Metro Gallery, and Tyson Foods, Inc. The performance in Sikeston is sponsored by Carrie Yanson and the Sikeston Public Schools Foundation.
Tickets can be purchased online at trcc.edu/tinnin.
Tickets are also available at the the Dexter Chamber of Commerce and the Center at Dexter; the Sikeston Public School Foundation offices and the Center at Sikeston; and the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and the Three Rivers College Business Office.
For a study guide for this production or for more information about the Imaginary Theatre Company, visit www.repstl.org. For more information on upcoming Patrons of the Arts performances, visit trcc.edu/tinnin.
Three Rivers College is committed to contributing to the quality of life in Southeast Missouri with quality, affordable higher education opportunities and community services that support and encourage the economic, civic, and cultural vitality of the region. For more information about college and workforce programs and upcoming events, visit trcc.edu.
