High-energy 'Diary of a Worm' at the Perot

The Theatre for Young Audiences 2018-2019 series at the Perot Theatre kicks off Tuesday with "Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly"  (Submitted photo)
The Theatre for Young Audiences 2018-2019 series at the Perot Theatre kicks off Tuesday with "Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly" (Submitted photo)

The Theatre for Young Audiences 2018-2019 series at the Perot Theatre kicks off Tuesday with a surprising trio of pals.

"Diary of a Worm, a Spider, and a Fly" teaches youngsters about teamwork and tolerance at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. shows, which are part of the Texarkana Regional Arts and Humanities Council's TYA programming.

Both shows should have seats available for the general public, should anyone wish to attend along with local school districts. The show, presented by the Dallas Children's Theater as part of their national tour, is geared toward kindergarten through fifth-grade students.

Alisha Tarbill, Theatre for Young Audiences coordinator, describes the show as a colorful musical production with a hip-hop energy and discussion of earth sciences, eco-consciousness and tolerance. Reviews, she said, indicate that children will be entranced by the show and it will hold the attention of even the youngest audience members.

"I think the kids will be very captivated by it," Tarbill said. Each critter has specific skills but must work together in this production. Even in their individuality, they must find a way to come together as a team.

The book, music and lyrics are by Joan Cushing. The play is based on books written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss.

After this show, the TYA season continues with "Danny Carmo's Mathematical Mysteries" on Oct. 29, "Call of the Wild: Illustrated Edition" on Jan. 15, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar Featuring Brown Bear" on Jan. 23, "Magic School Bus (Lost in the Solar System)" on Feb. 20 and "Me Jane: The Dreams and Adventures of Young Jane Goodall." on Feb. 28.

Each show is geared toward a specific target age for the audience, and generally TRAHC tries to leave some seating available for the general public to see a show, which falls under TRAHC's ArtsSmart program.

About the "Mathematical Mysteries" show, Tarbill said, "They're actually from Belfast, Northern Ireland." The theater company Cahoots NI is taking this show out for a U.S. tour over the fall and winter.

The "Call of the Wild" show uses projected illustrations to relate this Jack London classic. Tarbill said this show is more of a storytelling production.

"It's going to be different. It's going to be interesting," Tarbill said.

Expect "Hungry Caterpillar" to be "very kid friendly, very colorful," she explained. It's based on Eric Carle's classic writings.

Also based on a book series is "The Magic School Bus," which is a tale about outer space adventures. Then there's the Jane Goodall show, which depicts a young Jane and her toy chimpanzee.

"It's very vibrant. Kids are going to love it," Tarbill said.

(Admission: $7 at the Perot Theatre Box Office, general admission. Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. More info: 903-792-8681 or TRAHC.org.)

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