By Mike Eaton / Staff Writer

Storytellers have historically been an excellent draw for children and adults alike, and the Greensburg American Opera is trying to translate traditional stories into new entertainment for children. Theater professor Stephen Schrum is working on bringing the students of Pitt-Greensburg to share in the magic of Susan Hulsman Bingham’s “Fable Operas.”

“Fable Operas” is being produced by the Greensburg American Opera at the Ferguson Theatre, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 2. Friday it is playing in the evening, at 7:30 p.m., with afternoon shows Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Before the Friday show and after the shows on Saturday and Sunday, there will be interactive activities for children. According to Elaine Galinskie of Delta Psi Omega, the theater honors society, the details of these activities are still being worked out, but Schrum says they will be conducted by various organizations, including Delta Psi Omega.

The Fable Operas are ten “tiny, family-friendly operas” based on stories written by Aesop and Jean de la Fontaine.

Performers featured during the show include tenor Jeffrey Gross, soprano Christina Farrell and mezzo soprano Melissa Collom. Also along for the fun are the GAO Youth Chorus and the giant puppets of Studio Capezzuti.

In addition to the show, programs that revolve around puppet-making and storytelling will be available in the lobby.

Tickets cost $12 for adults, while children ages 3 to 18 cost $8. Discount tickets are also available for groups of ten or more. Tickets are available from the GAOC through a call to 724-972-1031. The GAOC’s Web site is http://www.greensburgopera.org.

Schrum said that he is working on getting discounted tickets for Pitt-Greensburg faculty, staff and students. Interested parties at Pitt-Greensburg will want to hold off on their tickets until this is resolved.

Schrum said that bringing this event to the Ferguson Theatre is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Pitt-Greensburg Theatre Company and the Greensburg American Opera Company.

The Pitt-Greensburg Theatre Company also will present “House of Blue Leaves,” by John Guare, starting Nov. 15 at 7:30 p.m., and closing Nov. 17.