Pushcart Players Cuentos del Arbol February 27, 2009

Cuentos del Arbol is a bilingual musical drawn from Spanish and Latin American folklore. The play is designed to bring Spanish to life and make theatre accessible to students, parents and grandparents for whom English is a second language.

The centerpiece of all the "tales" is a tree (Un Arbol) that has sheltered, shielded and nurtured countless characters who have passed her way over the years. The tree's caretaker, Arbolita, shares four of these stories with Tomas, a storyteller, who is looking for tales for his collection.

The tales include "The Garden of the Golden Oranges," "Brothers Who Were Both Wise and Foolish," "Juan Bobo" or "Silly John" and "Caperucita Roja" or "Red Riding Hood", a perennial favorite in both Spanish and English households. A spirited finale is designed to send audiences home with "dancing feet, clapping hands and happy hearts".

Pushcart Players is an award-winning professional theatre and arts-in-education company for young audiences, which is currently celebrating its 35th season performing worldwide. The troupe has made two guest appearances at the White House and on two prime-time specials on WCBS-TV. Pushcart Players has received an Emmy nomination and numerous awards for excellence and innovation in the development of theatre for young audiences.

$8.00; Purchase online at www.atthegrand.org, by phone at (209) 831-6858 or in person at the box office. Box office hours are Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and one hour prior to each performance.

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