FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 23, 2008
Contact: Anika Mitchell Perkins
(662) 329-7124
aperkins@pa.muw.edu

MUW’s `Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse’ caters to young audience


COLUMBUS, Miss. - “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse,” adapted by Kevin Kling from the book by Kevin Henkes, will be brought to life on stage by Mississippi University for Women’s Department of Theatre.

Performances are Oct. 9 and 10 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 11 at 10 a.m. Shows will be held in Rent Auditorium, Whitfield Hall. Tickets are $5 for children and students and $10 for adults.  They may be purchased at Shattuck Hall during regular business hours or at the door one hour before performance times.

She is Lilly, she is the queen, she loves everything, especially school, and especially her teacher Mr. Slinger. Join Lilly and her friends Chester and Wilson on this hilarious and charming romp through a world of sisterhood, friendship and cheese balls. Oh, yeah, and don’t forget that magical, musical purple purse.

“The Lilly series of books is very popular among school-aged children, and this production is sure to delight those students, as well as the adults who will be lucky enough to come along for the ride” said director William “Peppy” Biddy. “MUW Theatre values performances for young audiences. We include a children’s show in our season every other year or so. Our last show of this series was `A Year With Frog and Toad.’”

Henkes became an author-illustrator when he was 19 years old. His first picture book was “All Alone” in 1981. Lilly first made her appearance in Henkes’ book “Chester’s Way” and was then graced with her own book “Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse” in 1996, followed by “Lilly’s Big Day” in 2006. Henkes has written more than 25 children’s books and seven novels for young adults.

Adapter Kling is best known for his contributions to NPR’s “All Things Considered.” He is a playwright and performer based in Minneapolis, Minn. The National Endowment for the Arts, The McKnight Foundation, The Minnesota State Arts Board, The Bush Foundation, The Jerome Foundation and others have all recognized Kling’s artistry. His other children’s story adaptations include “Lyle, Lyle Crocodile’ for the Children’s Theatre in Minneapolis and “The Venetian Twins” for the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.

For additional information, please call (662) 329-7260.