November 2, 2009

'Strega Nona' brings magic to Purdue stage

The event, which is recommended for children ages 4-9, is hosted by Purdue Convocations, and includes a hands-on activity before the show. Starting at 2 p.m., ticket-holders are invited to make pasta necklaces and bracelets in the Stewart Center West Lobby.

Based on a series of children's books by author/illustrator Tomie dePaola -- including "Strega Nona," "Strega Nona Her Story," and "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring," "Strega Nona The Musical" is the tale of a friendly magical witch who strives to cure the ills of her tiny Italian town of Calabria. But the town faces real problems when a local bully named Big Anthony sneaks a peek at Strega Nona's magic book and uses her magical ways for selfish means. When Anthony fools with the magic pasta pot, pasta threatens to engulf the whole town-- unless Strega Nona can save the day. The production, which was adapted for the Stage by Thomas W. Olson, features an energetic score by composer Aron Accurso.

Tomie dePaola has been published for 40 years and has written and/or illustrated more than 200 books, including "26 Fairmount Avenue," "Strega Nona," and "Meet the Barkers." Best known for his books for children, his work has been recognized with the Caldecott Honor Award, the Newbery Honor Award and the New Hampshire Governor's Arts Award of Living Treasure.

Tickets are $14 for adults and $10 for children 18 years and younger, Purdue students and Ivy Tech Lafayette students. Tickets are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at 765-494-3933 or 800-914-SHOW. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster outlets.  Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more can be ordered at 765-496-1977.

Initiated in 1902, Purdue Convocations is among the oldest collegiate professional performing arts presenters in the United States. Each year, Convocations offers the region 30 to 40 performances of widely varying genres: Broadway-style shows, theater, dance, children's theater, world music, jazz, and chamber music, along with rock, pop, country and comedy attractions. With a vision for connecting artists and audiences in artistic dialogue and for drawing in academic discourse, Purdue Convocations aims to promote frequent exposure to and familiarity with human cultural expression in a multitude of forms and media.

Contact: Abby Eddy, Director of Marketing, Convocations and Lectures, 765-494-5045, aeeddy@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Publication-quality photos are available at: https://www.purdue.edu/convocations/showPhotos.asp?ID=14

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