CULTURAL EDUCATION ENTERTAINMENT ENRICHMENT

Oconomowoc Area School District FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Michael Duncan Title: Arts Center Director Address: 641 East Forest Street Oconomowoc, WI 53066 Phone: 262.560.213 [email protected] Website: www.theoac.net

February 9, 2015

Silver Lake Intermediate School presents Disney’s Jr. at the OAC

Oconomowoc, Wisconsin – Silver Lake Intermediate School students present Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” at 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, March 5, 6 and 7 and at 1 p.m. Sunday, March 8, at the Oconomowoc Arts Center. The production is directed by Silver Lake Intermediate Vocal Music Director, Lynne Carlstein. “Mulan Jr.” is the compelling story of a young girl who takes her injured father’s place when he is drafted into the Chinese Army. Although the penalty for being discovered as a girl in the Army is death, Mulan hides her identity and bravely fights for the Emperor. “Mulan Jr.” is a stage musical version of the 1998 Disney animated film “Mulan.” The show has a 52 member cast playing soldiers, family members and brides-to-be. The score includes favorites "Reflection," "" and "I'll Make a Man Out of You," as well as new music composed for the production by Stephen Schwartz. Set in ancient China, “Mulan Jr.” is a celebration of cultural traditions, adventure, courage and honor. The song “Written In Stone” describes the village in which Mulan lives, and “Don’t Get In Our Way” allows the “bad guy” Huns to shine in this stage production. Galloping dance moves also honor the culture of the Mongolian horsemen. It’s no mistake the performance of “Mulan, Jr.” comes right on the heels of the Oconomowoc Area School District’s nomination as Asia Society Confucius Classroom for 2014. Director Lynne Carlstein was seeking ways to connect the arts with the outstanding Oconomowoc Mandarin program. “This was the perfect opportunity to celebrate the honor that has been given to our district!” said Carlstein. Students in the musical have prepared with experiences in Tai Chi, martial arts and presentations on Chinese culture given by OASD Mandarin teacher Xiaopeng Pang and guidance counselor Peihua Reinke. “These experiences give students a chance to see how America and China are related. We have a marvelous opportunity for exploring Chinese history and modern Chinese culture through the story of Mulan.” Carlstein explained. When the production opens March 5 there will be a Mulan Marketplace offering Chinese items at child-friendly prices. There will also be a beautiful, hand-made “Mulan” doll auctioned in a silent auction at each performance of the show. The money from the Market and the Mulan dolls will go toward funding drama scholarships for summer theater experiences for Silver Lake Intermediate School students. “We’ve been able to give 10 full-tuition scholarships in the past and I’m aiming for 12 this year,” commented Carlstein.

Tickets

All reserved seating tickets are $10. Tickets will be available through the OAC Box Office. The Oconomowoc Arts Center is located at 641 E. Forest St. in Oconomowoc and is part of the Oconomowoc Area School District. Box office hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m. and Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. In addition, the box office will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 7 and 90 minutes prior to show times. To purchase tickets, call the OAC Box Office at (262) 560-3172 or visit www.theoac.net. Find the arts center on Facebook, Twitter and Trip Advisor.

Event Information/Ticketing “At A Glance”

Silver Lake Intermediate School presents Disney’s Mulan Jr.

When: March 5, 6 and 7 at 7 p.m. and March 8 at 1 p.m.

Where: The Oconomowoc Arts Center, 641 E. Forest Street, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin 53066

Box Office: 262-560-3172 or online at www.theoac.net , 24/7

Ticket Prices: Reserved seating tickets are $10

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