KIDS + FAMILIES

The peace and quiet of the barnyard is shattered by a horrible noise. Clasping their ears shut, Pig, Cat, Hen and Goose discover Hilda Mae Heifer crying the "boo-hoo moo blues". This hilarious story leaps from the page to the stage as the wailing bovine's friends rally to her rescue by organizing "Barnyard Idol" auditions in KVPAC (The Katy Visual and Performing Arts Center) 2010 Books Alive! production of Boo-Hoo Moo.

Based on the book by Margie Palatini, the professional musical theatre production is one of an annual program series produced by KVPAC designed to instill a love of books, reading and encourage a desire for lifelong learning in young children.

Books Alive! brings the magic of theatre and the gift of literacy to schools, hospitals and other organizations in the Greater Houston area and San Antonio. Books Alive! entertains and teaches thousands of children in Katy ISD, Houston ISD, Head Start Centers, Title I schools, the Fifth Ward, children’s hospitals, PTA’s, and many private schools. “It is due to generous funding from Texas Commission on the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance and Target that KVPAC can provide free or subsidized tuition for organizations in the Houston area,” said Fleurette Fernando, KVPAC Executive Director.

For many children, it is their first time to experience the magic of live professional theatre and they respond enthusiastically. The play is followed by hands-on creative theatre, music and art workshops which meet several TEKS academic objectives. “The lights, costumes and performers dazzled their eyes and brought out expressions on their faces that I will never forget,” glowed Elizabeth Mace, music specialist at Morton Ranch Elementary.

KVPAC also recognizes the healing aspects of the arts. Hospitals such as Texas Children’s Hospital and Shriners Hospital for Children are always included on the touring roster free-of-charge. KVPAC believes participation in arts programs and events are a powerful tool to uplift and edify people in varied circumstances. Carol Herron, Arts In Medicine Coordinator at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, says, “Our cancer patients were delighted when KVPAC visited earlier this year as part of our Arts In Medicine program. We look forward to return visits, and the opportunity to have KVPAC work with patients both in our out-patient clinic and in-patient units.”

On May 29th KVPAC is opening the barnyard doors for the annual Book Bash! Join the outrageous animal gang for the live musical performance of Boo-Hoo Moo followed by lunch, an art workshop, book bag with book and a door prize for every child! Seatings are available at 10:00am and 12:30pm, visit www.kvpac.org  for more information.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, KVPAC annually serves more than 25,000 children, youth and adults through its outreach programs, ARTS for ALL! events, tuition-based classes, and adult community theatre.