October 2002
SBC Grant To Help Support High-Tech Training Program
The School of Business High-Tech Worker Boot Camp has a new partner. The SBC Foundation has awarded the program a grant of $25,000 through its SBC Excelerator competitive grants program.
The money will fund a "High-Tech Interactive Computer Classroom" in the new building that will house the Boot Camp. The classroom will include seating for up to 25 students, multimedia presentation technology, an audio/video and satellite system, and individual computers at each workstation.
"This will be a high-tech classroom, with the most up-to-date equipment to support our highly successful and innovative training program," said Mary Sumner, director of the program.
The High-Tech Worker Boot Camp takes students from all backgrounds and prepares them for information technology careers, Sumner added. "The current IT worker shortage has created a demand for more than one million new systems analysts, computer programmers and computer scientists in the U.S. Our traditional four-year programs are full and cannot keep up with the demand."
The "smart" classroom will also be used to provide technology training to employees and students from local school districts, state government employees, the general public and area businesses.
Last year, the State of Illinois awarded SIUE a $1.1 million grant from the state's VentureTech program to build a technology training center in University Park. The training center will house the new smart classroom and other classroom and office space.
Walter Hickey, director of external affairs for SBC Ameritech Illinois, made the check presentation to SIUE Chancellor David Werner on Sept. 16. "The new building and the innovative approach to worker training are a response to a need in the region and the state," Werner said.
"The training program fits with SIUE's mission to provide a well-trained workforce. We are grateful to have the state and SBC- public and private partners-join us in this important effort to respond to the high-tech worker shortage."
As a high-tech company, SBC takes a vital interest in programs designed to fill a very high demand for IT employees. Hickey said. "We are particularly pleased to be part of such an innovative program as SIUE's."
Congressman John Shimkus, who has taken a special interest in information technology issues, joined Werner and Hickey at the check presentation. "SIUE has been true to its mission to meet the education and training needs of Southwestern Illinois," Shimkus, an SIUE graduate, said.
"This is an excellent example of a public-private partnership, and an innovative training program."
Preview SIUE Set For Oct. 14
Students and their families looking to make a decision about college education can "Preview SIUE" on Columbus Day, Monday, Oct. 14.
More than 1,000 high school and community college students and their parents are expected to attend Preview SIUE, the university's annual campus-wide open house.
Chancellor David Werner will present opening remarks at 9 a.m. Students will then have the opportunity to tour the central campus- including the state's newest residence halls-learn about campus life and student services, and visit academic departments.
Informational sessions are scheduled throughout the day. Session topics include SIUE-The Place to Be; Financing Your Education at SIUE; Countdown to SIUE; and Emerging Careers, as well as academic sessions presented by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing.
Students can speak one-on-one to department representatives at the information fair in the Vadalabene Center from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
"Preview SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get answers to all their questions in one visit to campus," said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of Admissions and Marketing. "Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
Registration begins at 8 a.m. in the Vadalabene Center, but students may pre-register online at www.admis.siue.edu/PREVIEW, or by calling 1-800-447-SIUE. Campus tours will be offered until 1:30 p.m. and campus offices will be open until 4:30 p.m. Preview parking will be available in Lots 10, 11 and B. There is no charge for the event.
SIUE's enrollment has risen for eight consecutive years and now stands at 12,708, the largest enrollment since 1975.
Ain't Misbehavin' Opens Oct. 15 In Dunham Hall
It is with bittersweet feelings that the Department of Theater and Dance is looking forward to the opening of Ain't Misbehavin'.
Assistant Professor Lisa Colbert was the driving force behind the production she planned to direct before her tragic death at the age of 33 in June. One of her colleagues, Professor William Grivna, who has agreed to oversee the production, said her absence leaves a void among the many students she left behind and on the St. Louis theater scene.
The show runs at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, Oct. 15-20, in Katherine Dunham Hall theater. Reggie Thomas, an associate professor of music at SIUE, and Theo Jamison, assistant to the coordinator at SIUE's East St. Louis Center, will take over the lion's share of bringing the production to the stage.
Grivna said Colbert not only taught at SIUE, but also was conducting classes and workshops for COCA and for The Black Repertory Theatre Company. Joining SIUE in 1998 as an artist-in-residence, Colbert was named an assistant professor Jan. 1 of this year.
The musical review itself is a delightful collection of songs by the inimitable Thomas "Fats" Waller, who dazzled audiences at the Cotton Club in 1930s Harlem with his clever lyrics, musical stylings, and quick witted humor. Ain't Misbehavin' opened on Broadway in 1978 and captured the Tony Award for Best Musical.
"The music of Fats Waller has taken its place in the pantheon of American popular music," Reggie Thomas said. "This music is close to 70 years old and it still holds up, just like the music of the Gershwins or Rodgers and Hart. Waller created an art form that is still a standard today.
"Audiences will be able to hear the depth of the music and the writing from this composer. He was a complex man and his music shows those layers of complexity."
Six singers-two of whom are SIUE students and one a graduate of the university's music program-will be presenting the Waller repertoire from solo ballads to full-cast renditions.
"As for the choreography, we'll be creating a whole new concept from the original," choreographer Theo Jamison said. "We have eight talented dancers, several of whom are part of our After School Theater Arts Program at the East St. Louis Center," he said. "For many years we have taught creative movement and dance at the East St. Louis Center using the techniques of Katherine Dunham. I'll be borrowing from that technique very much in this production.
"We'll be making use of the entire stage."
Tickets for Ain't Misbehavin' are $7; students, $5, and may be obtained through the SIUE Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or, from St. Louis toll-free (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.
Annual Security Available
The fall 2002 issue of the annual SIUE Security Report is available on-line, with campus safety and security information and crime statistics for calendar years 1999, 2000, 2001.
The report is published in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act. You may also access this report through the SIUE Home Page, under Ready References, Quicklinks or Publications/Reports.
The report is also available for review at the Lovejoy Library Circulation Desk. For those without computer access, a paper copy of the report may be obtained upon request to: SIUE Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration, Rendleman Hall, Room 2228, Campus Box 1158. 618-650-2536.
Dress For Success Quite The Success For Women
The East St. Louis Center, SIUE, and Dress for Success of Southern Illinois is conducting a fall/winter "suit drive" from Oct. 14 through through Oct. 31. Donations of new or "gently worn" (dry cleaned) women's suits, dresses, and pant suits, as well as accessories, bags, shoes, and new and packaged hosiery are being sought.
Individuals who wish to make a cash donation may make checks payable to: Dress for Success Southern Illinois and mail the donation to P.O. Box 157, East St. Louis, IL 62201.
In partnership, the ESLC and Dress for Success have suited about 800 women. The program helps women who are living in poverty but who have a job interview. They can receive a complete business outfit-suits, shoes, handbag, accessories, and hosiery-for an interview. In addition clients are coached for an interview, given hair and make-up assistance, and provided a mentor. If the interview is a success, a woman may return for another complete outfit. One measure of the program's effectiveness is that 70 percent of clients come back for that second suit.
Drop offs for the fall/winter campaign may be made at these locations between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday:
• East St. Louis Center, Room 2071, 411 East Broadway, East St. Louis, (618) 482-6948;
• St. Joseph's Head Start, 1501 Martin Luther King Drive, East St. Louis, (618) 875-9801;
• Bluffview Head Start, 8100 Bunkum Road, Caseyville, (618) 394-0718;
• Belleville Head Start, 1404 E. Main St., Belleville, IL 62220, (618) 277-4681
• Rendleman Hall, Room 0103, SIUE, (618) 650-2770;
• Founders Hall, Room 1317, SIUE, (618) 650-3428;
• SIU School of Dental Medicine, Administration Building No. 273, Room 1103, Alton. (618) 474-7128; and
Dress for Success, 7705 W. Main St., Ste. 15B, Belleville, IL 62223 (618) 398-3305; FAX (618) 398-3325.
Those who would like to become involved with the Dress for Success program also may help organize a clothing drive in their offices, volunteer a few hours each month to help clients make their wardrobe selection, mentor one of the Dress for Success clients, design fund-raising campaigns and special events, help at special events, serve on a committee, help receive, sort and organize donated clothing, provide free or low-cost dry cleaning service, or help with alterations and minor repairs to clothing.
Book In Every Home Scores Another Goal With The Blues
The St. Louis Blues made the big score recently when the hockey organization joined the partnership of supporters for SIUE's Book In Every Home Campaign.
The Blues will conduct a "Score a Book for Kids" effort during the March 22 game slated with the Detroit Red Wings at the Savvis Center in St. Louis. Books and cash donations collected at the game that day will be donated to the Book In Every Home Campaign.
Campaign Chair Kay Werner said the cash donations will be used to purchase books. "We'll have 75 campaign volunteers plus others helping that day to collect books at the Savvis Center." She said the Blues will be promoting the collection day at earlier games and through other advertising.
The Blues announcement came on the heels of an earlier announcement that the St. Louis Rams had donated $2,500 to the university's literacy campaign. Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee is honorary chair of the campaign.
Moving into its seventh year, the BIEH campaign collects books to distribute to children in SIUE's Head Start program, the SIUE East St. Louis Child Development Center, and the SIUE Early Childhood Center, as well as children in the Riverbend Head Start.
The campaign is gaining momentum for a Jan. 15 kick-off and says the excitement is mounting. "We are thankful that the Blues are in our corner," Werner said, "and that the March 22 game will not only be a winner on the ice but for the campaign as well."
Melinda McAliney, director of Community Relations for The St. Louis Blues Hockey Club, said in terms of community outreach the organization focuses on efforts involving cancer awareness, prevention, and intervention; positive youth development through sports; education; and promoting diversity.
"The Blues support a variety of charitable fundraising events throughout the year," McAliney said, "including the March of Dimes Celebrity Golf Classic, the St. Louis Blues Holiday Party to support Paraquad Inc., and Dream Night with the Blues to benefit Dream Factory.
"We're pleased to add the Book In Every Home program to our list of charitable projects this season," McAliney said, "and we're also pleased that J. Buck's Restaurant in St. Louis is a sponsor of the March 22 collection drive."
Werner said last year's effort was the largest in the history of the Book In Every Home campaign. "We gave away nearly 5,000 books last year and collected more than $4,000 in donations," she said. "We're determined to top that this year."
Alumni Game Pits SIUE Against Quincy
Even years before SIUE and Quincy were members of the Great Lakes Valley Conference, the two schools were bitter rivals in soccer.
As part of Homecoming Festivities, both schools' alumni are set to play in an 11 a.m. game Sunday (10/20). SIUE Coach Ed Huneke said the game should bring back some great memories for Cougar and Hawk fans. "This long-lasting rivalry should bring back a number of quality players," Huneke said.
Both schools have a strong alumni base in Southwestern Illinois and Eastern Missouri. After the alumni game, the Cougars' men's and women's team face Quincy in a regular-season GLVC matchup at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., respectively.
Men's Soccer Begins Four-Game Homestand
SIUE men's soccer begins a four-game home stretch to close out the regular season. Missouri-St. Louis (5-4-1, 4-1-1) will visit Korte Stadium on Friday (10/18) for a 5:30 p.m. matchup. Quincy (9-2-1, 5-1-1) then comes to town Sunday (10/20) for a 1 p.m. match.
"These are two very important games, both being rival in nature," said SIUE Coach Ed Huneke. "We have to perform well to finish high in the conference and region. We also want to show our fans here that we are a top team."
Despite outshooting Southern Indiana 15-6, the Cougars fell 1-0 to the Screaming Eagles on Sunday (10/13). The loss sends the Cougars to 8-3-1 overall and 6-1 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Cougars still hold a half-game advantage over Lewis for first place in the conference standings.
"We had good opportunities (against Southern Indiana), but there were just a couple of bad breaks," said Huneke. "Soccer can be that way and it's frustrating, but you have to accept the fact that those things happen."
The defeat ended SIUE's seven-game winning streak. "The personality of this team is that they hate losing," said Huneke. "I think that personality will spur us on to greater intensity and better games in the future."
Volleyball Faces Important GLVC Stretch
Sitting at an overall record of 13-7 and a Great Lakes Valley conference mark of 3-2, the SIUE volleyball team is poised to make a run during the homestretch of the schedule.
After a non-conference matchup Wednesday (10/16) against Washington (Mo.) University (25-0), the No. 1-ranked Division III team in the nation, the Cougars play nine straight conference matches to close the season.
The Cougars begin this conference stretch at Saint Joseph's (8-8, 4-3) on Friday (10/18). They travel to Indianapolis (19-7, 4-3) for a match on Saturday (10/19). "These are going to be two big away conference matches for us," said Coach Todd Gober. "These are two tough teams. Saint Joseph's beat Southern Indiana, and Indianapolis has beaten Northern Kentucky.
"It's time for our players to decide where they want our season to go. Right now, our season I believe is completely in our hands."
Offensively, the Cougars are being led by Jennifer Trame (Highland), who has 269 kills and has registered a .250 hitting percentage. Andrea Voss (St. Rose) is not far behind with 225 kills and a .305 percentage.
"Andrea Voss and Jennifer Trame are both having big seasons so far," Gober said.
Defensively, Trame leads the way with 194 digs. Allison Buss (Towanda) and Amanda Wulfe (Vacaville, Calif.) follow with 184 and 177, respectively. Erica Schuette (St. Charles, Mo.), who has recently split time with Krystal Majernik (Normal) at setter, has registered 631 assists this season. "Erica has emerged as our starting setter and is going to be our setter the rest of the way," Gober said.
With the tough schedule his team has played thus far, which includes matches against nine schools with 15 or more victories, Gober feels his team is more than ready for the stretch of conference games they face.
"Overall, I'm optimistic about this weekend," said Gober. "I expect good things. I'm anxious to see how this team pushes through to the end. We're not even halfway through conference yet, so there is still a lot of volleyball to be played. It's just all on us right now."
Olszowka Leads Cougars To Second-Place Finish
Jason Olszowka (Lockport) led the SIUE men's cross country team to a second-place overall finish at Saturday's (10/12) Border State Championships, which was hosted by SIUE.
Olszowka finished sixth overall with an 8,000-meter time of 26 minutes, 23 seconds. "Coming into the latter part of the season, Jason tends to be a little more focused and use his ability for all it's worth, and that put him out front," said Coach Darryl Frerker. "He set himself in a good position to get ready for conference."
Once again, Brian Taghon (East Moline) and Ryan Boyll (Normal) finished side-by-side in 16th and 17th, respectively, with a time of 26:49. Nick Campbell (Charleston) ran to a 30th-place finish with a time of 27:17. Jon Sadowski (Springfield) finished 36th with a time of 37:31.
As a team, the Cougars finished tied with Truman State for second overall with 90 points but won the tiebreaker based on total time for its top five runners. Emporia State took home the team championship with 57 points. "The guys have been running very strong together as a pack all year long in practice and in meets. It's starting to come together for us," Frerker said.
The Cougars will now prepare for the GLVC Championships to be held Oct. 26 in Kenosha, Wis.
Cougars Place Third At Border State Championships
Amanda Bozue (Joliet) led the SIUE women's cross country team to a third-place overall finish at Saturday's Border State Championships, which was hosted by SIUE.
Bozue placed 10th overall and first among her Cougar counterparts with a 5,000-meter time of 19 minutes, 3 seconds. Following Bozue was Carrie Carducci (Powell, Ohio) who finished 21st in a time of 19:27. Maria Ewersmann (St. Paul, Mo.) finished 29th in a time of 19:40 and Breanne Steffens (Moline) finished 32nd in a time of 19:44. Mary Witte (Normal) rounded out the scoring with a 36th place time of 19:53.
"Bozue led the pack, but any of the next four finishers can be right up there with her," said Coach Darryl Frerker.
As a team, the Cougars finished third with 112 points. Great Lakes Valley Conference opponent Wisconsin-Parkside took home the team title with 61 points.
The Cougars will now prepare for the GLVC Championships to be held October 26 in Kenosha, Wis. "I think SIUE and Wisconsin-Parkside will be the teams battling for a conference championship this year," said Frerker.
Cougars Continue To Roll
With four straight Great Lakes Valley Conference victories and eight consecutive games without a loss, the SIUE women's soccer team appears to be on a roll.
SIUE's next matchup is Friday (10/18) against GLVC opponent Missouri-St. Louis (8-6, 4-2) at Korte Stadium at 7:30 p.m. Quincy (8-4, 5-2) then comes to town for a 3 p.m. match on Sunday (10/20).
The Cougars' Colleen Creamer (St. Louis) scored twice and Sara Decker (St. Louis) had two assists as the Cougars defeated Southern Indiana 3-1 Sunday (10/13) in Evansville, Ind. Creamer got SIUE on the board in the 37th minute off an assist from Melissa Montgomery (Granite City). Creamer then gave the Cougars a 2-0 advantage just five minutes later off a pass from Decker.
"Colleen is arguably the best player off the bench," said Coach Brian Korbesmeyer. "She's been a real catalyst for us off the bench. I'll continue to use her there because it seems to be working."
Southern Indiana (6-7, 1-5) made it interesting with an early second-half goal, but Angela Light (St. Louis) added an insurance goal late in the game of a Decker assist to lift the Cougars to a 3-1 victory. Deckers' two assists give her a team-high seven on the season. "Sara Decker has been playing real well," said Korbesmeyer.
Kristen Covalt (Palmer, Alaska) and Jessica Brown (St. Louis) once again split time in net for the Cougars. "Jessica and Kristen are involved in some good, healthy competition in goal and that has helped our team," Korbesmeyer said.
Women's Tennis Places Fourth At GLVC Tourney
The SIUE women's tennis team took home a fourth-place finish at the GLVC Championship, which was held Friday (10/12) and Saturday (10/13) at the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in St. Louis.
SIUE opened play as the fourth seed and knocked off fifth seed Northern Kentucky 5-3. Gina Wohltman (Effingham), Katy McKay (Caseyville) and Allison Coats (Belleville) all were victorious in their singles matches. All-GLVC selection Keli Keener (Bethalto) and Wohltman won a doubles match, as well as the duo of McKay and Coats. The Cougars then drew top-seeded Indianapolis and fell 5-1. Wohltman and Keener picked up the only Cougar victory in doubles action.
In the third-place match, Southern Indiana defeated SIUE 5-1. The Cougars close the fall season at a 7-5 overall record and a 6-3 mark in conference play.
Oktober Career Fair Attracts More Than 1,000 Students
Oktober Career Fair 2002 attracted more than 1,000 students who were interested in information about possible career paths. They had plenty of opportunity at the fair in the Vadalabene Center because representatives from more than 120 businesses and organizations came to the fair to visit with students. Below, Trish Fleshner (left), of Edward Jones spoke with Emily Ellerbusch, a senior studying Human Resource Management. (SIUE Photo)
Displaced Students Helped By Office Of Housing, Student Organizations
Displaced students from 428 Cougar Village have been moved to other buildings in the apartment complex, several student organizations on campus have begun raising food and money for the 30 students, and the university has hired its own investigative team to try to find the cause of the fire that destroyed their building in the early morning of Oct. 12.
In addition, new "arc fault" circuit breaker devices are being installed in every building on the 400 side of Cougar Village as an added safety measure. The updated device, newly added to the fire codes this year and only lately available on the market, is designed to shut down a circuit if the system senses an electrical arc forming between wires.
In September, the university began installation of a new fire alarm system throughout Cougar Village. The 500 side is finished, while work has been ongoing on the 400 side, with an expected completion date of Nov. 15.
Under the old system, each apartment has a smoke detector in each bedroom and in the dining area that alerts SIUE Police, per current fire codes. Under the new alarm system, which will exceed code, heat sensors will be located in the attic of each building and alarm horns will be located throughout the building. They are designed to alert all occupants of a building no matter what apartment generates the initial alarm.
The "arc fault" installation was ordered soon after the Oct. 12 fire, which still is being investigated by the state fire marshall and SIUE Police.
The fire also sent one student to the hospital with severe smoke inhalation. That student, Michael McGehee, 19, a freshman from Red Bud, was expected to return to classes Monday, Oct. 21.
As part of the investigation, SIUE Police said four students in 428-1B, where the fire originated, were charged by the Madison County State's Attorney with violating the state's smoke detector statute.
The charge contends that the four students-Marcell Doyle, Rontrell Robinson, Branden Peterson, and Carlton Johnson- draped articles of clothing over three of the four smoke detectors in their apartment. Each of the students was charged with the misdemeanor count.
SIUE Police said that in spite of the students' hindering of the smoke detectors, the building's fire system did function properly when an adjoining apartment's devices detected the smoke from Apartment 1B, sounded, and then sent an alert to the SIUE Police dispatcher. An officer was on the scene in three minutes and alerted the fire department which arrived within nine minutes of the alert.
Elijah Lovejoy Bicentennial Symposium Set For Nov. 8 At Lovejoy Library
ne of Illinois' greatest anti-slavery leaders and defenders of freedom of the press-Elijah Parish Lovejoy-will be honored the day before the 200th anniversary of his birth at a symposium on the SIUE campus.The symposium will be conducted Friday, Nov. 8, in the John C. Abbott Auditorium of the abolitionist's namesake building- Lovejoy Library. The event is presented with support from the SIUE Alumni Association.
With its theme "The Legacy of Elijah Lovejoy: Freedom of Speech /Freedom of Inquiry," presentations will be made at the all-day symposium by faculty from universities around the state and from SIUE, who will speak about Lovejoy's legacy. In addition, historians also will talk about Lovejoy's impact today on a free press in America and on other aspects of society.
Lovejoy was killed in 1837 when his Alton newspaper office was attacked by rioters angered by his anti-slavery stance. Those guarding the press fought back, killing one of the attackers. However, the rioters successfully set fire to the building, and killed Lovejoy, now called America's first martyr for freedom of the press.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and retirees are invited to the symposium, as well as the general public. Admission is free. For additional information, contact David E. Cassens, (618) 650-2730, or by e-mail.
ATTACKED: Elijah P. Lovejoy, editor of The Observer with its anti-slavery stance, was killed by a pro-slavery mob at his newspaper office in Alton in 1837. This is an early illustration depicting the mob action. (SIUE Photo)
PREVIEW SIUE 2002 Best Ever With Some 1,300 Guests
PREVIEW SIUE 2002 was the best ever, based on attendance and compliments received by parents and students, said Karen Bollinger, assistant director of Admissions and coordinator of the event.
"This is our day for high school students and their families, as well as community college students, to see what we're about," Bollinger said. "They are in the midst of deciding an important step in the educational process and we do everything possible at PREVIEW SIUE to put our best foot forward."
Bollinger said university departments and units, including faculty and staff, were on hand to answer questions about academic programs and services available to students.
"We welcomed 1,295 total guests, including 618 prospective high school and transfer students," Bollinger said. "Compared with last year, these numbers are up 345 and 163, respectively. In terms of student attendance, this was our best-attended open house since Preview began in 1985.
"On behalf of the PREVIEW SIUE Committee, I thank the faculty, staff, and students who contributed their time and energy to this important event. Their contributions helped us roll out the red carpet to the next generation of SIUE students," she said.
Chancellor David Werner made opening remarks, before students and families toured the central campus, including the residence halls and Cougar Village.
Informational sessions were scheduled throughout the day, with topics including SIUE-The Place to Be; Financing Your Education at SIUE; Countdown to SIUE; and Emerging Careers, as well as academic sessions presented by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Schools of Business, Education, Engineering and Nursing.
"PREVIEW SIUE is an opportunity for prospective students and their families to get answers to all their questions in one visit to campus," Bollinger said. "Our program is one of the few campus-visit programs that includes participation from virtually all academic and student services units in one setting."
A Season for the Child Begins With Retelling Of Popular Grimm Fairytale
Season for the Child kicks off Oct. 26 with Piwacket Theater Co.'s lively presentation of Little Red Riding Hood. Yes, the wolf will to try and entice Red for (or to be) lunch.
However, our heroine has a few tricks up her sleeve (or hood), too, as she outwits the wiley wolf.
In this classic tale, the Piwacket cast uses catchy songs and humor to emphasize safety. Curtain is 7 p.m. at SIUE's Katherine Dunham Hall theater.
A Season for the Child continues with the annual holiday show this year featuring the children's classic, The Velveteen Rabbit, at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, also at Dunham Hall theater. The production will be staged by the Imaginary Theater Co., the traveling troupe from the St. Louis Repertory Theatre.
Margery Williams' classic story has been adapted for the stage by Kim Wylie with music and lyrics by Joe Dreyer. We have all had a stuffed animal or special toy that meant the most to us. Children of all ages can enjoy this heart-warming story about a boy and his favorite toy, the Velveteen Rabbit who asks, "What does it mean to be real?"
It's a heartwarming story for the holiday season, with two chances to see a truly magical tale that explores the mystery of love and devotion.
The season continues at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8, when Imaginary Theatre returns to present its production of Puss 'n' Boots adapted by Brian Hohlfeld.
The crazy cat in the high boots comes to life in this amazing adventure. Puss is cleverer than his master and sets out to make their lives cushy and free from want. Along the way, Puss overcomes an ogre, pleases a king and wins the heart of the princess.
The 2002-03 season ends with the return of the St. Louis Black Repertory Theatre Company and its presentation of The Honest-To-Goodness Truth about a little girl who cannot tell a lie. Curtain is at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 3, also at Dunham Hall.
Audience members may recall the Black Rep's production of Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters from two seasons ago with all of the audience interaction that the children and parents loved so well.
Individual tickets for each performance are $5-children and adults. For more information, call the Fine Arts box office, (618) 650-2774, or from St. Louis toll-free, (888) 328-5168, Ext. 2774.