The Secret Life of Bees September 25, 2011

Lakewood Cultural Center presents The American Place Theatre’s Literature to Life® stage presentation of
“The Secret Life of Bees”
By Sue Monk Kidd
Performed by Denise Wilbanks
Adapted and Directed by Wynn Handman

Lakewood Cultural Center presents “The Secret Life of Bees,” made by special arrangement with The American Place Theatre, at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25. Tickets are $18 for adults and are available by calling 303-987-7845, online at www.Lakewood.org/CulturalCenter or at the Cultural Center Box Office, 470 S. Allison Parkway ( Wadsworth Boulevard and West Alameda Avenue ). Senior, student and group discounts available. Ample, free on-site parking.

This Literature to Life® Award winner, adapted for the stage in 2005, features 60 minutes of verbatim performance from the contemporary novel. A New York Times bestseller, the novel is set during the Civil Rights Movement and recounts how a young girl's search for the truth about her mother leads her to three beekeeping sisters and the discovery of the real meaning of family. Denise Wilbanks, a masterful actress, creates a setting that is intimate no matter how large the house. She fully embodies the young protagonist, Lily, and brings us on her very personal journey for self. Audience members will feel as if the story is being told to them alone and yet somehow it remains a community experience. Surrounded by a pre- and post-show interactive discussion, the audience will explore themes including civil rights and perseverance.

Literature to Life®, The American Place Theatre’s performance-based literacy program, presents professionally staged verbatim adaptations of significant American literary works. This educational program gives students a new form of access to literature by bringing to life the world of books with performances that create an atmosphere of discovery and spark the imagination. Literature to Life has already provided a catalyst for learning and self-expression for more than 400,000 students nationwide. The theatre, having received more than 30 Obies and 16 Audelcos, is critically acclaimed as a birthing place for artistic endeavors at the crossroad of literature and live performance for 48 years. More information at www.literaturetolife.org

In conjunction with the Jefferson County Public Library, two free interactive teen workshops have been scheduled prior to the stage performance. Led by a master teaching artist from New York City 's American Place Theatre, teens will have a chance to explore themes from the best selling novel and embody characters using theater and dramatic techniques. A seasoned theater professional from this 50-year-old, off-Broadway company will lead the group through a series of dramatic activities that will act as a preview to the company's renowned stage presentation of the book. Registration is not required, but participants are encouraged to arrive early.
The workshop schedule:

Lakewood Library, 10200 West 20th Avenue - 4 p.m.– 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, 2011
Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Parkway - 3 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011

For more information about the Jefferson County Public Library Teen Reading Programs, visit www.jeffcolibrary.org or call 303-235-5275.

The 2011-2012 Lakewood Cultural Center Presents Season is generously supported by the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD), with appreciation to the citizens of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District , Colorado Creative Industries, Sheraton Denver West and The Denver Post Community,improving and enriching the lives of those in our community.