Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - The University of Wisconsin-Platteville theater touring class, in coordination with the Great Midwestern Educational Theater Company, announces its elementary musical tour show, 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.' While the show will be touring throughout April and May to schools in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, it will also be performed at the UWP Center for the Arts on April 8 at 2 p.m.

A favorite book of young readers and teacher, this story cleverly follows Alexander through his "terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." Author Judith Viorst, with music by Shelly Markham, gives a classic interpretation of what it is like to have everything go wrong. From the moment he wakes up with gum in his hair, things just don't go Alexander's way. His terrible day continues at breakfast, school, the doctor's office, and everyplace else he goes! No wonder Alexander wants to move to Australia. In Australia, everything is upside down so maybe a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day can become a wonderful, terrific, really good day! "This is an important show to do because children sometimes feel as though no one understands what they're going through," says Amy Ressler, UWP theater faculty and director of the show. "It's important for school groups to see it because it provides teachers with the opportunity to help children learn how to deal with disappointment, rejection, and misunderstanding. It shows the importance of forgiveness, a sense of humor about your own foibles, compassion, and hope for a better day."

Students involved in the touring show not only act in the performance, but they also helped to create the study guide that is given to all teachers who bring the show to their school. 'Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day' will be touring Tuesday and Thursday mornings throughout April and May. While great for all ages, the show is especially relevant for children in K-5th grades. Ticket prices range from $3 To $5. For more information and to purchase tickets in advance, contact the CFA box office at (608) 342-1298.

Contact: Amy Ressler, director, (608) 342-6020,resslera@uwplatt.edu

Prepared by: Marsha Pauly, UWP Public Relations, (608) 342-1194, paulym@uwplatt.edu