Information About this Event
Pushcart Players: Cuentos
A Bi-Lingual Musical Play (Esta es una Obra Musical Bilingùˆe)
“Cuentos Del Arbol” or “Tree Tales” is a delightful bi-lingual musical drawn from Spanish and Latin American folklore. The play is designed to bring Spanish to “life” for students studying the language; and to make theatre accessible for students, parents and grandparents for whom English is a second language. Because the play is presented in a bi-lingual format, it provides literacy enhancement in both language and the arts. The stories within the piece offer pride in the cultural heritage of Spain and Latin America while also providing access to the arts and arts education without a language barrier.
The centerpiece of all the stories is a tree (Un Arbol) that has sheltered, shielded and nurtured countless characters that 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 stories included are “The Garden of the Golden Oranges,” adapted from a Spanish legend, told in the oral tradition; “Brothers Who Were Both Wise and Foolish,” a grand adventure, also set in Spain; “Juan Bobo” or “Silly John” originating in both Mexico and Puerto Rico about a boy who makes silly mistakes that serve him well; and “Caperucita Roja” or “Red Riding Hood” a perennial favorite in Spanish and English households, told with a Latino beat and rhythm. A spirited finale sends audiences home with dancing feet, clapping hands and a happy heart.
“Cuentos. . .” is indeed filled with a fiesta of Latino and Hispanic themes, indigenous to locale, but universal to the human experience. The range of ideas for discussion includes many value clarification and strength of character issues. Young audiences will be enchanted by the colorful lore and spirited beat that enable Arbol to lift her branches and find new ways to grow each day.
About
Twice nominated for an Emmy©, Pushcart is the recipient of numerous state and private awards for excellence and innovation. A not-for-profit organization founded in 1974, Pushcart brings substantive musical theater, workshops, and residencies to young people and their families in schools and theaters nationwide. The company has traveled more than 2 million miles nationally and abroad, from the White House to the little red schoolhouse.
Pushcart Players addresses social studies, literature, history, the Autism spectrum, special educational needs, and values clarification for young people, their families and their educators. All performances by professional artists (Actors’ Equity Association) are supported by study guides, post-performance assessments and other supplemental materials, and adapt to any location with innovative scenery, lighting and sound systems. Pushcart has a substantive theater education program, providing in-school workshops, direction of student productions and curriculum development for elementary and middle schools. Pushcart cast members are experienced teaching artists, and provide workshops, acting classes and residency programs to schools, community centers and summer session programs.
Tickets available for Friends on 7/16 at noon. General available on 7/23 at noon.
