Performance Riverside/Riverside Philharmonic Family Series presents HANSEL AND GRETEL at Landis Performing Arts Center

Performance Riverside/Riverside Philharmonic Family Series presents the California Theatre Center's production of Hansel and Gretel on May 3 at Landis Performing Arts Center. The performance is the final presentation of the Performance Riverside/Riverside Philharmonic 2008 Family Series of diverse programming especially chosen for young audience members to enjoy with the adults in their lives. These one-hour live presentations offer families the opportunity to share an artistic treat for the senses at family-friendly prices.

In this powerful fairy tale of courage by the Grimm Brothers, Hansel and Gretel struggle for survival in an enchanted woods. Along the way, they meet a delightful forest creature and discover a magical cottage made of cake and candy. When the children are pitted against a wicked witch who inhabits this "architectural delicacy," they must use all their cleverness and bravery to prevail. Hansel and Gretel is performed by the California Theatre Center, twice named by the American Theatre Association as the top professional theatre in the United States for young audiences. Over the past 32 years, CTC has performed great children's literature on six continents.

"It's clear the synergy between the Riverside Philharmonic and Performance Riverside, and the participation of the Riverside Public Library and our partners at the City of Riverside have created a sum much greater than its parts," says Rey O'Day. "We thank everyone who made it possible for over 2,500 people to attend the previous three Family Series performances this season!" The season has been so successful, Rey said, that a 2009 season of Family Series Events has just been announced, including performances of Riverside Philharmonic's Monster Talent on January 25, 2009 and An Afternoon of the Unexpected on April 5, 2009 at Riverside Municipal Auditorium, and performances by the California Theatre Center of Most Valuable Player: The Story of Jackie Robinson on February 28, 2009 and The Ugly Duckling on May 16, 2009 at Landis Performing Arts Center.

Hansel and Gretel performs May 3, 2008 at 2 pm. Landis Performing Arts Center is located on the Riverside City College at 4800 Magnolia Avenue. Single tickets are $18 for reserved seating and $10 for general admission. Specially priced Discovery Theatre weekday morning performances are also available on May 1 and 2 for school groups. For more information call (951) 222-8100, or visit www.performanceriverside.org.