Popular children’s story ‘Corduroy’ to come to life on stage at Woodland Opera House

The Woodland Opera House will be presenting ‘Corduroy’ as a part of their Theatre for Families series.

Based on the children’s book of the same name, ‘Corduroy’ follows the lovable little teddy bear Corduroy as he wanders through a department store in search for his missing button. In the meantime, little Lisa attempts to convince her mom to allow her to purchase the bear and give him a loving home.

“This tender and enduring story is about longing, determination and true friendship,” said a press release from the Woodland Opera House. “It stirs up the stage with a rumpus of action, joy and pathos.”

The heartwarming tale is perfect for all ages, even adults who are familiar with the tale from their own childhood will find something to love about the beloved story and stage production.

“Corduroy” is set to run from March 17 to 26. Performances are set for Fridays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. at the Woodland Opera House, located at 340 Second St. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (62 years and up) and $10 for children under 17. Balcony pricing is $12 for adults and $7 for children.

Tickets can be purchased at in person at the box office, by calling (530) 666-9617 or online at https://woodlandoperahouse.org/.

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Nine women artists will explore themes such as identity, feminisim and the environment at YoloArt’s Barn Gallery in a new show titled “Flesh and Frame: Human Figurative Art.”

The exhibit will include artworks like ceramics, painting collage, installation art, sculpture, fiber art and mixed media. The artists featured in the show are: Tamera Avery, Marsha Balian, Christine Ferrouge, Betsy Kluga, TaVee McAllister Lee, Suzanne Long, Ruth Santee, Livia Stein and Lynn Beldner of Woodland.

“This exhibit, timed for Women’s History Month, showcases an exciting variety of media and themes that women, and everyone, can relate to and enjoy — from childhood memories, to the role of gender, and inspirations from the natural world,” said Janice Purnell, YoloArts creative director.

The show was curated in partnership with Transmission Gallery in Oakland by executive director Ruth Santee and manager TaVee McAllister Lee, both artists with works in the show.

“The human form has been popular subject matter in art dating back 14,000 years. The body and its proportions have inspired artists throughout human history,” Santee said.

“Such art helps us understand aspects of our identity and existence, through storytelling and observation,” she continued. “The human form can make us feel empathy, humor, and a renewed sense of self. We also learn about the artists’ religious beliefs and cultural awareness. In many ways figuration in art provides us with a road map to our futures.”

The show opens Thursday, March 9 at YoloArts’ Barn Gallery, located at 512 Gibson Rd. in Woodland. The artists will attend the opening reception, where music from Mike Bender and light refreshments will be available, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The exhibit will continue at the Barn Gallery through June 10.

The artwork can also be viewed (and purchased) online at yoloarts.org/online-galleries.

Flesh and Frame — Human Figurative Art continues at The Barn Gallery through June 10.

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The Davis Musical Theatre Company will present its Young Performers’ Theatre production of “Disney’s The Lion King Experience, Jr.” this month.

Based on the classic Disney movie of the same name, the stage musical follows Simba, the adventurous and energetic lion cub and heir to his father Mufasa. When Simba’s wicked Uncle Scar kills Mufasa in order to steal the Pride Lands, Simba is led to believe his father’s death is his fault and is manipulated into running away. With Scar as the ruler, the Pride Lands experience a darkness and desolation and its up to Simba, now a grown Lion, to return home and save the animals of his kingdom.

Featuring all the classic songs from the film such as “Circle of Life,” “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King,” “Hakuna Matata” and “Can you Feel the Love Tonight,” the play is sure to delight attendees both young and old.

“The Lion King is a story and a spectacle about identity, family and responsibility that is enjoyed worldwide,” said a press release from DMTC.

“Disney’s The Lion King Experience, Jr.” is schedule to play at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center, located at 607 Pena Dr. in Davis from March 11 through April 2. Plays on Saturday and Sunday will show at 2 p.m. and Friday at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for all ages. To purchase tickets call (530) 756-3682 or visit https://dmtc.org/.

Center Stage is a column exploring the arts in and around Yolo County.