MAGIC TREE HOUSE: DINOSAURS BEFORE DARK CONTINUES AT MEDIA THEATRE THRU MAY

Mary Pope Osborne's Magic Tree House book series is very popular with the young set. Now kids who are four and up can see the first book in the series, "Dinosaurs Before Dark", come to life on stage at The Media Theatre each weekend through May. With performances Saturday morning at 11am and Sunday at Noon, the musical features audience participation, plenty of fun, and some information about dinosaurs.

In "Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark" two siblings, Jack and his little sister Annie, get swept away to prehistoric times while reading a book after climbing a ladder to a mysterious house that landed on a tree in the woods near their home. They come face to face with a friendly Pternadon, humorous Triceratops, and more amazing creatures. 

The show, while focusing on facts about dinosaurs, also has lessons regarding working together and the value of friendship. Songs include "Friend or Foe", "Wonder", and "How Far Can You See?"

At The Media Theatre the production includes an opportunity for young audience members to be volunteer actors in the show as Baby Dinosaurs and a T-Rex. It's a fun way to encourage youth to realize the importance of live music theatre. 

The roles of Jack and Annie are double cast with members of The Media Theatre's New School sharing the stage time. Justin Fitzgerald and Michael Wells portray Jack, with Katheryn Cooper and Lexi Gwynn playing Annie. The show is a mix of professional adult actors with a youth cast. Adults in the show include Shiron Denise, Tim Haney, Danielle Lachall, and Roger Ricker. 

For tickets, visit mediatheatre.org or call 610-891-0100. The theatre's second floor Crystal Room is available for private birthday parties during the show's run and throughout the year. "Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark" is produced by Media Music Theatre Company, the non-profit professional music theatre organization which is housed at The Media Theatre. 

Pictured: Lexi Gwynn as Annie, Carter Weiss as Henry The Pternadon, and Michael Wells as Jack in The Media Theatre's production of "Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark", weekends through May.