Fables opens November 30

"What would the world be like if we all just danced and danced?"
- Adapted from material by David Feldshuh, Paul Sills, Shel Silverstein, Scott M. Rubsam and the cast.

The theater program at Metropolitan State University’s Minneapolis Campus is offering-up what they describe to be a theater treat, especially for our students with young children.

Fables, which is a series of tales old and new, is pulled from many sources, including the Brothers Grimm and Aesop. Using mime and improvisation, a seven-member cast transforms into a myriad of characters, including talking animals, magic fish, a golden goose and an Indigenous mystic.

Some of the fables are told traditionally in this look at the folly of the human animal, while others have been updated for today’s audience, touching upon themes of aging, celebrity, consumerism, war and politics and the power of transformation.

The theater programs said parents and their elementary-aged children will find this 75 minute romp innovative, refreshing, powerful, magical and humorous, and encourage students to begin their holiday season by treating family members to this "tasty morsel."

Fables is produced by Theater Underground and the Metropolitan State University theater program; theater program director, Gail Smogard. The production is directed by Scott M. Rubsam, with choreographic assistance provided by Douglas Dally. Scenery is by Kirby Moore with costumes by Elin Anderson and lighting by Michael Wangen.

Metropolitan State University offers a bachelor’s degree in Theater Performance Studies.

Fables will run for two weekends at the Whitney Stagedoor Theater, with nine performances only: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, 2, 8–9 at 7:30 p.m.; matinees on Dec. 2 and 9 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Metropolitan State University and Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) students are admitted free of charge. Children under 18 will also be admitted free of charge when accompanied by a Metropolitan State University student.

General admission is $5. Reservations are encouraged, as space is limited.

The Whitney Stagedoor Theater is located in the Whitney Fine Arts Center on the Metropolitan State University and MCTC Minneapolis Campus, off of Loring Park. Minneapolis Campus ramp parking is available at 15th Street and Hennepin Avenue.

Call (651) 793-1550 for further details.