The Missouri Arts Council recently allocated funds to UMR in support of the 2002-2003 UMR Family Series. The series includes four productions this season: "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor" (Oct. 6), "Snowflake" (Nov.16), "The Snow Queen" (Jan. 25, 2003) and "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" (April 6, 2003). All performances will be at 3 p.m. in Leach Theatre of Castleman Hall on the UMR campus. The Family Series is presented by the UMR Division of Student and International Affairs.

Season tickets to all four shows in the UMR Family Series are on sale through Tuesday, Oct. 1, at the UMR Ticket Window in the University Center-West on campus. Season tickets are $28 for adults and $20 for youths age 18 and under. Tickets for individual are available for $8 for adults and $6 for youths. For more ticket information, call (573) 341-4219.

The 2002-2003 Family Series performances are:

• "The Seven Voyages of Sinbad the Sailor." Adapted from "One Thousand and One Arabian Nights", by Ric Averill, "Sinbad" will transfix children of all ages with the exotic music, authentic costumes, middle-eastern sets, magic and puppetry that this professional production presents.
• "Snowflake", the story of a character who makes his home in an alley, transforming an old car into a comfy bed; who uses a rusted saw as a musical instrument and choreographs his own ballet wearing skis instead of toe shoes. Seen through Snowflake’s eyes, an alley full of old trash becomes a world of new treasures.
• "The Snow Queen", Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of devotion, bravery and transformation. The story follows the courageous Gerda on the search for her beloved friend, Kai. Imaginative storytelling and evocative theatrical effects enhance this innovative production.
• "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", which tells the story of Charlie, one of five lucky children with a golden ticket to tour Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory, the chance of a lifetime. Join Charlie on his wild adventure and meet the cast of zany characters in this adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book.

In conjunction with the UMR Family Series, special educational weekday matinee performances are also planned for area elementary school children, says Barbara Griffin, Leach Theatre house manager. Griffin can be contacted at (573) 341-6985.