Purdue News

October 8, 1999 Nation's finest children's theater comes to Purdue WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Vaudeville comedy and American folk tales combine in The Children's Theatre Company's 1999 touring production, "Tremendously Tall Tales by Capt. Eddie B. Brown's Traveling All-Star Yokels," coming to Purdue University on Wednesday, Oct. 27, for two sold-out matinee performances packed with elementary school children from all over Greater Lafayette. The theater company, based in Minneapolis, is recognized as North America's foremost professional theater for young audiences and families, playing to more than 300,000 people annually. The company has earned a national and international reputation for consistently high artistic and technical standards. Presented by Purdue Convocations as part of its arts education programming, the 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances will be in Loeb Playhouse at Stewart Center. "Tremendously Tall Tales," by Minnesota native Patty Lynch, not only will introduce the young audiences to American legendary heroes but also will acquaint them with an endearing company of vaudeville actors traveling early 20th century America. The show presents the tales of Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, Mike Fink the River Roarer, John Henry, and Johnny Appleseed through music, dancing and slapstick comedy. The 14th touring production of The Children's Theatre Company, "Tremendously Tall Tales" will have more than 100 performances in eight states during its 18-week tour. The production receives major underwriting from its lead sponsor, Cargill Inc., and from 3M and the Blandin Foundation. Additional funding for the production and its national tour comes from the Minnesota State Arts Board, South Dakota Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. Purdue Convocations' presentation of The Children's Theatre Company is made possible by the support of the Friends of Convocations, an organization of individuals and corporations who underwrite various Convocations programs. CONTACT: Sue Stevens, Convocations publicist, (765) 494-5045, snsteven@purdue.edu   To the Purdue News and Photos Page