JMU's Family Series Throws a Party on Wilson Hall Stage

HARRISONBURG - Dallas Children's Theater actors will present "If You Give a Pig a Party," a production based on Laura Numeroff's popular children's book, at James Madison University. The musical for children and adults is brought to Harrisonburg by the JMU College of Visual and Performing Arts' Family Series. 

DATE: Friday, Feb. 15, 2008 
TIME: 7:30 p.m. 
LOCATION: Wilson Hall Auditorium, JMU 

Celebration reigns supreme in the delightful script of one of Numeroff's books from "The New York Times" best-selling "If You Give" series. Settings leap from the page to the stage and are true to Felicia Bond's wonderful illustrations. With live musical accompaniment and outrageous physical comedy, the play offers lively entertainment for families. 

Similar to the famous children's book that inspired the play, the production is recommended for children ages 3 and up. 

"If You Give a Pig a Party" is a carnival of music, festivity and friendship. When a young "Girl" decides to throw a party for the "Pig" for no special reason, it isn't long before the raucous entertainment begins. A motley group of friends are invited: Mouse, Moose, Cat, Dog and Snake. Before the party starts these curious and energetic chums soon lead the Girl on a whirlwind of events creating much more work than she originally anticipated. 

Nancy Schaeffer, an expert at presenting Numeroff's works for the stage, and B. Wolf, who has created musical adaptations of children's favorites stories for theaters across the country, are co-authors of the play. 

Award-winning set designer Randel Wright has taken his inspiration directly from the storybook and focused on the cyclical nature of the "If You Give" series themes. In addition to scenery, locations are projected 3-D animations using varying speeds to represent the rhythm of the piece, and generate a sense of anticipation that comes with turning the page. 

Tickets for "If You Give a Pig a Party" are $15 for adults, $12 for senior citizens and $10 for all children and students. To reserve tickets, call the JMU Masterpiece Season box office at 540-568-7000 or 877-201-7543 (toll free). The box office is located in the lobby of Harrison Hall and hours are noon to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Free shuttle service from ISAT Lot 10 will start at 6:30 p.m. for ticket holders.