UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Center for the Performing Arts will present “Me … Jane: The Dreams and Adventures of Young Jane Goodall” at 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10, in Eisenhower Auditorium. The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour’s new musical celebrates the life of the young, plucky animal activist and her stuffed chimpanzee Jubilee.
“Me … Jane” is based on a Caldecott Honor book by playwright and “Mutts” comic-strip artist Patrick McDonnell. This musical production — adapted by Andy Mitton, Aaron Posner and McDonnell — features anecdotes cited directly from Goodall’s autobiography. The production is co-arranged and music directed by William Yanesh, choreographed by Christopher d’Ambroise and directed by Posner.
“The idea of bringing ‘Me … Jane’ to the stage is very exciting,” Goodall said. “I love the book, and I am sure that the live action will inspire children of all ages to pursue their dreams and to realize that if Jane did it, they can do it, too.”
Read an “I Am Woman” feature about Goodall.
Watch a preview of the show.
McQuaide Blasko Endowment provides support for the presentation. The Kennedy Center Theater for Young Audiences on Tour is represented by Shaw Entertainment Group, LLC.
For more information, visit the Center for the Performing Arts online or call 814-863-0255.
Audio description, which is especially helpful to patrons with sight loss, is available for this performance at no extra charge to ticket holders. Reservations are required by Friday, Jan. 25. Phone 814-238-0132 to reserve this service.
Kids Connections, which is free for ticket holders and includes a craft-centered, child-friendly activity presented by Penn State’s Matson Museum of Anthropology, takes place one hour before the show. Due to space and time restrictions, Kids Connections participation is limited.
Free Very GOODall Storytime events in Tyrone and Lock Haven
Children and families also are invited to story-and-craft events to learn more about the famed conservationist. The free, public events will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, at Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, 1000 Pennsylvania Ave., Tyrone; and at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30, at Annie Halenbake Ross Library, 232 W. Main St., Lock Haven.
After learning about the young Goodall and how she followed her dreams, organizers will lead an animal-themed art-book craft.
The events are presented by the Center for the Performing Arts with support provided by Steven L. Herb and Sara Willoughby-Herb. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Reservations are not required.
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