Watch smiles light up children's faces and parents attempt to conceal a discreet chuckle as the Mermaid Theater of Nova Scotia, Canada, parades their stars across the stage at the Smith Opera House in Geneva.
“'How do they get the pictures from the book to come to life?' one boy uttered during a recent performance,” said Kevin Schoonover, executive director at the opera house. Because there's something decidedly different about these actors.
For one, they are not paid. Two, you could say they're full of stuffing and they wouldn't get offended. These performers are hardly one of a kind, but with such detail they perfectly match the illustrated characters of popular children's books.
The production at the Smith Opera House titled, Schooltime: Leo Lionni's “Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch” is a compilation of three separate stories.
According to the Mermaid Theater Web site, Swimmy is a tiny fish who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a poetic mouse, makes everyday life an artful experience. And a lovable inchworm shares his facility for measuring absolutely everything.
“The Mermaid is among the best. We've had them here about five times before and we've never been disappointed,” Schoonover said.
After past performances, generally at 10 a.m. and noon, Schoonover discovered most schools had become reluctant to bring students during the noon performance for fear of taking away from either lunchtime or studies. Therefore, the Smith Opera House has scheduled a performance at 3:30 p.m.
“The 3:30 thing is new. If the student didn't attend the morning performance ... Bring them in the afternoon. It will sort of be an after-school activity,” Schoonover said. “The series is really designed for the classroom or schooltime audience but, all the public is welcome to come.”
The work of The Mermaid Theater focuses on the works of Eric Carle. Showcasing such books as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
“But they've branched out to other illustrations as well. They present a simple style for kids, and it's so well done,” Schoonover added.
The exuberance portrayed as Schoonover describes the performances of The Mermaid Theater was nearly contagious as he praised what he says are “the masterminds of children's entertainment.
“Theater is so important for children to be exposed to. And this gives them the opportunity to recapture (childhood books) and never forget,” he said. “So there's plenty of room, and I know it's going to be dynamite.”
Seats are selling fast and the opera house has taken nearly 1,000 reservations already.
Those interested are encourage to make reservations to be sure to get a seat or just simply show up at the door at curtain time. There will also be a question and answer session concluding the 3:30 p.m. performance, allowing audience members to talk with the artists.
Staff writer Beth Noyes can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 252 or at beth.noyes@lee.net
If you go
What: Schooltime: Leo Lionni's “Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch”
Where: Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva
When: 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Wednesday
Cost: All seats $4.50
For details: (866) 355-LIVE
For one, they are not paid. Two, you could say they're full of stuffing and they wouldn't get offended. These performers are hardly one of a kind, but with such detail they perfectly match the illustrated characters of popular children's books.
The production at the Smith Opera House titled, Schooltime: Leo Lionni's “Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch” is a compilation of three separate stories.
According to the Mermaid Theater Web site, Swimmy is a tiny fish who uses ingenuity to fend off danger. Frederick, a poetic mouse, makes everyday life an artful experience. And a lovable inchworm shares his facility for measuring absolutely everything.
“The Mermaid is among the best. We've had them here about five times before and we've never been disappointed,” Schoonover said.
After past performances, generally at 10 a.m. and noon, Schoonover discovered most schools had become reluctant to bring students during the noon performance for fear of taking away from either lunchtime or studies. Therefore, the Smith Opera House has scheduled a performance at 3:30 p.m.
“The 3:30 thing is new. If the student didn't attend the morning performance ... Bring them in the afternoon. It will sort of be an after-school activity,” Schoonover said. “The series is really designed for the classroom or schooltime audience but, all the public is welcome to come.”
The work of The Mermaid Theater focuses on the works of Eric Carle. Showcasing such books as “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
“But they've branched out to other illustrations as well. They present a simple style for kids, and it's so well done,” Schoonover added.
The exuberance portrayed as Schoonover describes the performances of The Mermaid Theater was nearly contagious as he praised what he says are “the masterminds of children's entertainment.
“Theater is so important for children to be exposed to. And this gives them the opportunity to recapture (childhood books) and never forget,” he said. “So there's plenty of room, and I know it's going to be dynamite.”
Seats are selling fast and the opera house has taken nearly 1,000 reservations already.
Those interested are encourage to make reservations to be sure to get a seat or just simply show up at the door at curtain time. There will also be a question and answer session concluding the 3:30 p.m. performance, allowing audience members to talk with the artists.
Staff writer Beth Noyes can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 252 or at beth.noyes@lee.net
If you go
What: Schooltime: Leo Lionni's “Swimmy, Frederick and Inch by Inch”
Where: Smith Opera House, 82 Seneca St., Geneva
When: 10 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Wednesday
Cost: All seats $4.50
For details: (866) 355-LIVE
The Citizens' Say
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