Brooklyn Center Target Storybook Series November 11, 2012

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College
Announces 2012-2013 Family Performances
Including Must-See Target Storybook Series

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts at Brooklyn College (BCBC) is pleased to continue its partnership with Target® to bring quality, affordable, and family-friendly performing arts programming to the diverse cultural communities of Brooklyn.

The centerpiece of BCBC’s 2012-2013 family programming will be the new Target Storybook Series of family programming based on classic and contemporary children’s literature, with titles including The Velveteen Rabbit, How I Became a Pirate, The Little Prince, and Sleeping Beauty. The series aims to encourage the development of strong reading skills at home in children ages four to eight. Online resources such as literacy-based activity sheets and study guides will give parents the opportunity to engage their children prior to attending the performances, and then again after seeing each show.

“We are thrilled to partner with Target to introduce Brooklyn’s young audiences to these exciting live adaptations of children’s books,” said Rick Berubé, Interim Managing Director of BCBC. “Our aim with this new series is to not only entertain and create strong family memories, but also to assist more children in reaching a strong level of reading proficiency by the end of the third grade.”

In addition to the Target Storybook Series, BCBC will present other family-friendly shows including the holiday favorite The Colonial Nutcracker, Tales of Anansi, and a sing-along screening of the Julie Andrews classic The Sound of Music. All seats for BCBC’s 2012-2013 Target Storybook Series will be $7. Tickets to other family programs range from free to $30, with a 50% discount available to children 12 and under for select performances.

“At Target, we are committed to serving local communities where we do business,” said Laysha Ward, President, Community Relations, Target. “That’s why we are proud to partner with Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts as we work to strengthen communities and enrich the lives of our guests and team members.”

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ 2012-2013 family performances include:

• Enchantment Theatre Company’s The Velveteen Rabbit
• The Shaolin Warriors
• Dance Theatre in Westchester’s The Colonial Nutcracker
• The Snow Maiden (Матушка-Метелица)
• Omaha Theater Company’s How I Became a Pirate
• The Little Prince
• American Family Theater’s Sleeping Beauty
• The Beauty of Ballet (co-presented with the School of American Ballet)
• Bash the Trash’s Tales of Anansi
• Sixth annual National Grid Earth Day
• Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music

The Velveteen Rabbit
Sunday, November 11, 2012 at 2pm
“When a child loves you for a long, long time… then you become Real.” So says the Horse to the Velveteen Rabbit in Margery Williams’ much-loved literary classic about a stuffed toy rabbit who yearns to become real. This charming tale of love and devotion features an original musical score, extraordinary puppets, masks, and magic. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $7

Direct from Beijing, The People’s Republic of China
The Shaolin Warriors
Sunday, November 25, 2012 at 3pm
With a jaw-dropping mix of martial arts, theatricality and athleticism, the Shaolin Warriors present a rare glimpse into the ancient and mystical art of Kung Fu. This astonishing spectacle features 22 monks performing feats of strength, agility, and impeccably choreographed combat that will take your breath away.
Tickets: $30 adults, $15 for children 12 and under

The Colonial Nutcracker
Sunday, December 16, 2012 at 2pm
An annual holiday favorite, Dance Theatre in Westchester performs its family-friendly, full-length version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet set in wintry colonial Yorktown, complete with a red-coated mouse army, an enchanted nutcracker prince, and simultaneous narration to help young audience members enjoy this timeless classic. Recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $10

The Snow Maiden (Матушка-Метелица)
Presented in association with Anton Krylov
Saturday, December 22, 2012 at 6pm
Enjoy this magical Christmas tale in which a worthy young girl is transformed by Grandfather Frost (the Russian Santa Claus) into the beautiful Snow Maiden. Traditional Russian songs, dances and elaborate costumes create a winter wonderland in this delightful children’s extravaganza. Performed in Russian with English subtitles. Recommended for ages six and up.
Tickets: $35-$50

How I Became a Pirate
Sunday, January 6, 2013 at 2pm
In this new musical based on the best-selling children’s book, Jeremy’s talent for building sand castles and digging moats has earned him a place on the crew of Braid Beard’s ship. It’s a grand adventure, indeed, until Jeremy remembers all the things that he left behind. Surely, the pirates can be convinced to take him home! A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages six and up.
Tickets: $7

The Little Prince
Sunday, January 27, 2013 at 2pm
Few stories are as widely read and as universally cherished by children and adults alike as The Little Prince. Full of whimsy and wonderment, this new stage version of the classic tale incorporates puppetry, multimedia projections, and original music as it follows one brave little boy’s journey through the universe, exploring the mysteries of grownups and the stars and searching for what is most important in life. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages eight to eighty.
Tickets: $7

American Family Theater’s
Sleeping Beauty
Sunday, March 10, 2013 at 2pm
When a beautiful princess falls under the curse of a wicked sorceress, only the sweet kiss of a handsome prince can save her from eternal slumber. From “once upon a time” to “happily ever after,” this tale of fairy godmothers, magic spells, and true love will enchant the entire family. A Target Storybook Series event recommended for ages four and up.
Tickets: $7

In collaboration with the School of American Ballet
The Beauty of Ballet
Sunday, March 17, 2013 at 2pm
Join students and faculty of the world-famous School of American Ballet (the official academy of New York City Ballet) in this program illustrating the process by which talented youngsters develop into accomplished classical ballet dancers. Your children will watch a “class” where training exercises and steps are demonstrated, and also enjoy excerpts from famous ballets. A free event recommended for ages four and up. General free admission, no tickets issued.

Tales of Anansi
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2pm
In honor of Earth Day, the environmental performance group Bash the Trash presents a storytelling concert that features Anansi the trickster, one of the most important characters in West African and Caribbean folklore. African-inspired musical instruments made from recycled and reused materials accompany the stories, creating an afternoon that is both entertaining and educational. Recommended for ages five and up.
Tickets: $7

Sixth Annual National Grid Earth Day Celebration
Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 3pm
Children and adults alike will enjoy live music, arts and crafts, and street performers at this free community festival, where interactive family activities highlight the need for creating a more sustainable future and caring for the earth. Free admission, no tickets issued.

Sing-a-long-a Sound of Music
Sunday, May 19, 2013 at 1pm
Get your vocal chords warmed up for this screening of the Academy Award-winning Julie Andrews movie musical, complete with subtitles so that the whole audience can sing along. Classic tunes include “Climb Every Mountain,” “My Favorite Things,” and of course the soaring title song. If you’ve always wanted to be a part of a musical, this is your chance! Because this event runs almost four hours, it is recommended for ages six and up.
Tickets: $15

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ 2012-2013 Target Storybook Series is sponsored by Target.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Walt Whitman Theatre at Brooklyn College
2/5 trains to Brooklyn College/Flatbush Avenue

Online orders: BrooklynCenterOnline.org
Box Office: (718) 951-4500
Groups of 15 or more: (718) 951-4600, ext. 3326

About Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts
Founded in 1954, the mission of Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts is to present outstanding performing arts and arts education programs, reflective of Brooklyn’s diverse communities, at affordable prices. Brooklyn Center’s presentations explore both the classical traditions and the boldest contemporary performances, embracing the world culture that defines Brooklyn. Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts welcomes over 70,000 people to the 2,400-seat Walt Whitman Theatre each season, and boasts one of the largest arts education programs in the borough, serving 46,000 schoolchildren from over 300 schools annually with its SchoolTime series. In recognition of its commitment to quality family programming, Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts has been voted Brooklyn’s Best Theater or Theater Group for Kids as part of Nickelodeon’s 2009 Parents Connect Parents’ Picks Awards. This award follows Brooklyn Center’s selection as Brooklyn’s Best Place for Family Bonding in 2008.

About Target
Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at more than 1,763 stores across the United States and at Target.com. The company plans to open its first stores in Canada in 2013. In addition, the company operates a credit card segment that offers branded proprietary credit card products. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs; today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week. For more information about Target’s commitment to corporate responsibility, visit Target.com/hereforgood.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts’ programs are made possible in part with public funding from the City of New York Department of Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional support for the 2012-2013 season is provided by: Brooklyn College; Target; Con Edison; Macy’s Foundation; Mertz Gilmore Foundation; National Grid; TD Charitable Foundation; The Herman Goldman Foundation, Kings Plaza Shopping Center; and The Harkness Foundation for Dance. Additional support provided by CNG Publications and The Brooklyn Eagle. Backstage catering is graciously provided by Applebee’s.

Brooklyn Center for the Performing Arts gratefully acknowledges generous support from the Members of the Brooklyn Delegation to the New York City Council and Speaker Christine C. Quinn; and Commissioner of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin.

Official Website: http://www.BrooklynCenterOnline.org