The Kennesaw State University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies has teamed up with Smith-Gilbert Gardens to offer a unique theatrical experience for families with young children. The production, "Opossum and the Season Stone," is set to hold its final performances in the verdant setting of the Children’s Forest at Swift-Cantrell Park on November 15, 16, 22, and 23. This engagement is noted for being free of charge, though attendees are required to pre-register to secure their spots.
This event promises to entertain and also to introduce the young ones to the evocative power of theater and the natural world. According to a statement obtained by the City of Kennesaw's official website, "Opossum and the Season Stone" interweaves a story of an opossum that is anxious about the impending changes that winter will bring. The interactive performance invites the audience to directly engage with the narrative, as garden creatures work together to help the protagonist face her fears.
Distinguished by live cello melodies under the direction of Andrea Washington and created by Nicole Atkins along with the university’s students, this family-friendly production offers a gentle yet captivating exploration of the themes of change and adaptation. Performances will be accessible to children from infancy up to 8 years old, along with their caregivers. Before the curtain rises on each show, interactive activities will offer a tactile and creative prelude, engaging with objects from the performance, further embedding the audience in the story's dynamic.
Hosting a variety of showtimes, the production makes certain to accommodate different schedules. Performance hours start at 10:30 a.m. on November 15 and 22, with two shows on November 16 at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.—the latter of which includes additional food and activities for families. The final showing will take place on November 23, at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Attendance is actively encouraged, and for those keen to seize this opportunity before the show concludes, free ticket registration and additional details are available through Smith-Gilbert Gardens at their website or by calling them directly at 770-919-0248.
In collaboration with Smith-Gilbert Gardens, Kennesaw Parks and Recreation, and North Cobb Library, the event seeks to naturally blend storytelling and the great outdoors, providing an enriching experience for all. Swift-Cantrell Park, the location for this immersive endeavor, can be found at 3140 Old 41 Highway in Kennesaw, providing ample parking within and at Kennesaw Elementary School.
