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The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley travels to BPAC

Regional school districts enjoyed The Bologna Performing Art Center’s first School-Time Matinee of the season on Wednesday, "The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley."

The Bologna Performing Art Center’s first School-Time Matinee of the season, “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley,” humored and entertained students from surrounding school districts Wednesday.

Schools in attendance hailed from Bolivar, Carroll, Coahoma, Humphreys, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tunica and Washington counties. Whitney Cummins, BPAC Arts Education Coordinator, explained that over 1,400 students and educators filled the Delta & Pine Land Theatre for two matinee performances.

Students watched with anticipation as the magical story unfolded on the stage. This theatrical adaptation, presented by Dallas Children’s Theater and based on the popular book series by Jeff Brown, follows the many adventures of Stanley Lambchop, a young boy who thinks that his life is dull and boring. Determined to do something amazing, something no one’s ever seen before, Stanley makes a wish on a falling star.

That night, the bulletin board above Stanley’s bed comes loose and falls down right on top of him. The following morning, Stanley wakes up and realizes that he has become Flat Stanley. After he realizes what has happened, he decides to take his father’s advice and travel the world – inside an envelope. Throughout his adventures, Stanley travels to Hollywood, France and Honolulu. After a few trips, he realizes that his adventures are not as special without his family around to share in the joy and excitement. He then wishes to become a three-dimensional boy again and learns that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

After the performance, a few enthusiastic elementary students shared their own thoughts about the show. Abbie Grace Herring, a Humphreys Academy student, stated that her favorite part of the show was when Stanley got flattened by the bulletin board. Flat Stanley 10.1.14 SMALL

“I liked the part of the show when Stanley went to France and played with the paintings of Mona Lisa and Napoleon,” said Nolton Adams, a student at Parks Elementary School.

Jakyjah Johnson from Sherard Elementary School in Clarksdale commented that her favorite part was Stanley’s adventure through the mail.

“I liked when Stanley and his brother were playing with the lightsabers,” said Quitman County Elementary student Lamar Gilliam.

Several more educational performances will be featured throughout the school year as part of the Bologna Center’s School-Time Matinee Series.

On Oct. 29, Theatreworks USA presents “We the People,” a musical revue that brings American civics lessons to life and promises to make social studies exciting and accessible. Next, students will have the opportunity to ring in the holiday season with “Mooseltoe, A New Moosical,” sponsored by Entergy on Dec. 4.

Please call the BPAC office of arts education at 662-846-4844, or visit www.bolognapac.com to reserve tickets for your family or school group.