River Wild

When kids learn about our world at school, they retain that classroom-gained information so much more readily when it is reinforced by real-life experience. Just as a trip to Washington D.C. bolsters social-studies and political-science coursework, on a simpler, more attainable level, a theater experience can emphasize key points in a literary work by making them come alive onstage. With Stages St. Louis' season-opening production of Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, students and adults alike will be reminded of Jim's all-too-important pursuit of freedom, Huck's growing up despite his best efforts to avoid being civilized, and Tom Sawyer's sense of adventure through songs written by Roger "King of the Road" Miller. This musical, adapted from Mark Twain's work, may not be suitable for children younger than ten years old due to racially sensitive content. Big River, performed in the Robert G. Reim Theatre at the Kirkwood Community Center (111 South Geyer Road), runs from Friday, May 28, through Sunday, June 27, with performances scheduled every day except Monday. Tickets cost $28 to $49; call 314-821-2407 or visit www.stagesstlouis.com to make a purchase.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: May 28. Continues through June 27, 2010