Lillian Hellman’s electrifying drama, The Children’s Hour, opens at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

Inspired by a Scottish court case in the year 1810, The Children's Hour is the story of a troubled girl, two best friends, and the power of a vicious and damaging lie. Though it was written three-quarters of a century ago, The Children's Hour is as relevant today as it was in 1934. Filmed in the mid-1930s as These Three and again in the early 1960s as The Children’s Hour, this inaugural work by Ms. Hellman established her immediately as one of America’s finest playwrights.

The Children’s Hour tells the story of Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, struggling to operate a boarding school in a well-to-do small town. When one of their charges, Mary, spreads the rumor that Martha and Karen are lovers – a rumor spread to cover Mary’s delinquent and disruptive behavior – the school collapses and Martha’s and Karen’s lives are changed forever.

The Children’s Hour is a reminder that all too often rumors and accusations are accepted as proof when there is no proof and that innocent lives can be damaged beyond repair. Written 20 years before Lillian Hellman’s appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee, The Children’s Hour eerily foreshadowed the era of McCarthyism and political witch-hunting in this country.

Puppet Potpourri XP by The Puppet People

A festival of frolics with fresh, new skits! An excellent introduction to the art of puppetry and terrific music, including The Entertainer, The Sorcerer's Apprentice and The Charleston!

Reserved tickets are $7 for children, $9 for adults, plus a $0.75 processing fee per ticket, by calling the box office at 845-876-3080. Tickets are sold at the door one hour prior to the performance for $6 for children, $8 for adults.

CENTERstage Productions presents Lillian Hellman's drama, The Children's Hour.

What has more power, the truth or a lie? A young girl tells a lie with devastating consequences, and all who are involved are changed forever.

CENTERstage Productions presents Lillian Hellman's drama, The Children's Hour.

What has more power, the truth or a lie? A young girl tells a lie with devastating consequences, and all who are involved are changed forever.

AUDITIONS for Follies

7 p.m., October 5 & 6, 2008

at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck

CENTERstage Productions has announced auditions for Follies, Stephen Sondheim's and James Goldman's musical play about a reunion of aged entertainers that meets to "glamorize the old days, stumble through a song or two, and lie about ourselves."

The show will be performed in January 2009 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Laurie Sepe Marder will direct and choreograph. Paul and JoAnne Schubert are musical directors. Krista Thomson is the costumer and Andy Weintraub will design sets and lights.

Callbacks will be Oct. 7. Prepare a song from the show. Readings will be cold.

For more information, call Andy Weintraub at (845) 758-9287 or e-mail andyweintraub@frontiernet.net

AUDITIONS for Follies

7 p.m., October 5 & 6, 2008

at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck

CENTERstage Productions has announced auditions for Follies, Stephen Sondheim's and James Goldman's musical play about a reunion of aged entertainers that meets to "glamorize the old days, stumble through a song or two, and lie about ourselves."

The show will be performed in January 2009 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck. Laurie Sepe Marder will direct and choreograph. Paul and JoAnne Schubert are musical directors. Krista Thomson is the costumer and Andy Weintraub will design sets and lights.

Callbacks will be Oct. 7. Prepare a song from the show. Readings will be cold.

For more information, call Andy Weintraub at (845) 758-9287 or e-mail andyweintraub@frontiernet.net

CENTERstage Productions presents Lillian Hellman's The Children's Hour.

What has more power, the truth or a lie? A young girl tells a lie with devastating consequences, and all who are involved are changed forever. Hellman's riveting drama is as pertinent today as it was yesterday. For high school students.

Tickets: $8. Reservations required.

Lillian Hellman’s electrifying drama, The Children’s Hour, opens at 8 p.m., Friday, Oct. 3, at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck.

Inspired by a Scottish court case in the year 1810, The Children's Hour is the story of a troubled girl, two best friends, and the power of a vicious and damaging lie. Though it was written three-quarters of a century ago, The Children's Hour is as relevant today as it was in 1934. Filmed in the mid-1930s as These Three and again in the early 1960s as The Children’s Hour, this inaugural work by Ms. Hellman established her immediately as one of America’s finest playwrights.

The Children’s Hour tells the story of Karen Wright and Martha Dobie, struggling to operate a boarding school in a well-to-do small town. When one of their charges, Mary, spreads the rumor that Martha and Karen are lovers – a rumor spread to cover Mary’s delinquent and disruptive behavior – the school collapses and Martha’s and Karen’s lives are changed forever.

The Children’s Hour is a reminder that all too often rumors and accusations are accepted as proof when there is no proof and that innocent lives can be damaged beyond repair. Written 20 years before Lillian Hellman’s appearance before the House Un-American Activities Committee, The Children’s Hour eerily foreshadowed the era of McCarthyism and political witch-hunting in this country.

Wildlife World with Bill and Brian Robinson

Experience wildlife up close and personal! Naturalists Bill and Brian Robinson use live birds and reptiles to teach how animals adapt for survival and the importance of all wildlife in the balance of nature.

Reserved tickets are $7 for children, $9 for adults, plus a $0.75 processing fee per ticket, by calling the box office at 845-876-3080. Tickets are sold at the door one hour prior to the performance for $6 for children, $8 for adults.

CENTERstage Productions presents Lillian Hellman's drama, The Children's Hour.

What has more power, the truth or a lie? A young girl tells a lie with devastating consequences, and all who are involved are changed forever.

CENTERstage Productions presents Lillian Hellman's drama, The Children's Hour.

What has more power, the truth or a lie? A young girl tells a lie with devastating consequences, and all who are involved are changed forever.

Hiawatha by Catskill Puppet Theater

10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

An enchanting play based on the life of the Iroquois hero as he discovers a magical world full of friends who help him find the path to becoming a great man. Exquisite puppets, sets and Native American instruments.

Tickets: $6. Reservations required.

The Best of Broadway 2008

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck.

Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.

Hiawatha by Catskill Puppet Theater

An enchanting play based on the life of the Iroquois hero as he discovers a magical world full of friends who help him find the path to becoming a great man.

Reserved tickets are $7 for children, $9 for adults, plus a $0.75 processing fee per ticket, by calling the box office at 845-876-3080. Tickets are sold at the door one hour prior to the performance for $6 for children, $8 for adults.

Audition Notice

CENTERstage Productions will conduct auditions for A Christmas Carol from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 18 and 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck.

Children of all ages are needed. Young adults are needed to play the Cratchits, Lady Bountiful, Boy Scrooge, Young Scrooge and various other roles. Those auditioning should bring a Christmas carol to sing.

Performance dates will be Dec. 5-21, with several matinee performances. For more information, call Lou Trapani at 845-876-3088 ext. 14.

The Best of Broadway -- A Grand Night for Singing

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.

The Best of Broadway -- A Grand Night for Singing

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.

Audition Notice

CENTERstage Productions will conduct auditions for A Christmas Carol from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 18 and 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck.

Children of all ages are needed. Young adults are needed to play the Cratchits, Lady Bountiful, Boy Scrooge, Young Scrooge and various other roles. Those auditioning should bring a Christmas carol to sing.

Performance dates will be Dec. 5-21, with several matinee performances. For more information, call Lou Trapani at 845-876-3088 ext. 14.

Audition Notice

CENTERstage Productions will conduct auditions for A Christmas Carol from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 18 and 7 p.m.-11 p.m. Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck.

Children of all ages are needed. Young adults are needed to play the Cratchits, Lady Bountiful, Boy Scrooge, Young Scrooge and various other roles. Those auditioning should bring a Christmas carol to sing.

Performance dates will be Dec. 5-21, with several matinee performances. For more information, call Lou Trapani at 845-876-3088 ext. 14.

Fun with Energy with Jeff Boyer

10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Boyer takes kids on an exciting, energy-filled ride as kids learn about various forms of energy with materials ranging from everyday objects like baseballs and breakfast cereal to radiometers and a Van de Graaff generator! Ideal for kindergarten through eighth grade. Study guide available.

Tickets: $6. Reservations required.

Hansel and Gretel by the Tanglewood Marionettes

10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Based on the Brothers Grimm classic, with music from the Humperdinck opera, this production is sure to delight. Best for kindergarten through sixth grade. Study guide available.

Tickets: $6. Reservations required.

The Best of Broadway 2008

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck.

Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.

Predator vs. Prey with Wildman Jack

Join us for an exciting adventure with Wildman Jack's all-new show with wild animals! Learn how they use their teeth, claws and more to survive in nature.

Reserved tickets are $7 for children, $9 for adults, plus a $0.75 processing fee per ticket, by calling the box office at 845-876-3080. Tickets are sold at the door one hour prior to the performance for $6 for children, $8 for adults.

The Best of Broadway -- A Grand Night for Singing

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.

The Best of Broadway -- A Grand Night for Singing

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck. Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.

The Lewis & Clark Expedition by Patrick Garner

10 a.m.

Acclaimed actor Patrick Garner casts the audience as Lewis & Clark's "Corps of Discovery," exploring the Louisiana Purchase. Learn of history's unsung hero, Clark's slave, York, and discover how Sacagawea became a role model for every generation. Best for kindergarten through sixth grade.

Tickets: $6. Reservations required.

Skyhunters in Flight by Brian Bradley

10 a.m.

A fascinating look at the world of raptors! Learn how birds of prey live and survive, with an indoor falconry presentation and an exciting outdoor flight demonstration (weather permitting). Ideal for all grades.

Tickets: $6. Reservations required.

The Best of Broadway 2008

A Grand Night for Singing took Broadway by storm when it opened in 1993, garnering two Tony Award nominations, including one for Best Musical. This Rodger and Hammerstein musical revue puts a fresh and vibrant face on some of the most popular and beloved songs in Broadway history. Conceived by Tony Award winning Walter Bobbie, with innovative arrangements by Fred Wells, A Grand Night for Singing is a first rate revue that blends comedy, romance, song and dance so perfectly, it has become a perennial favorite of musical theater lovers around the world.

Up In One Productions offers Hudson valley audiences the opportunity to experience the enchantment that is Rodgers and Hammerstein with its presentation of The Best of Broadway: A Grand Night for Singing, October 17 through November 2 at The Center for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck.

Directed and Choreographed by Laurie Sepe Marder, (West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, Chicago), with music direction by Elaine Miller, the production features the talents of seasoned musical theater actors, Bill Ross (Camelot, Company, A Night at the Tonys) Andrea Buergers, Karen Gale (La Boheme, Yeoman of the Guard), Andy Crispell (Cabaret, Man of La Mancha), Jessalyn Kilgour (West Side Story), Terry Weaver (Sweeney Todd, Forum), Indigo O’Connor (West Side Story), and Tom Bunker (The Who’s Tommy, A Chorus Line). The entire family will take delight in musical numbers from such Broadway hits as Oklahoma!, The Sound of Music, Carousel, The King and I, State Fair, Cinderella, South Pacific, and more.

Tickets: $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and children.