SMU Page Series offers four shows, one pre-show dinner in four weeks

WINONA, Minn. - The Saint Mary's University Page Series invites patrons to add some pizzazz to their Monday evenings by offering four performing arts events, and one pre-show dinner, over the next four weeks.
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On Monday, Jan. 15, the Page Series welcomes the return of Sister in the one-woman show, Late Nite Catechism 2. In this much-anticipated sequel to Late Nite Catechism, Sister presents filmstrips, mimeographed handouts, historical facts and hysterical insights for her “class” - an overview of Heaven and Hell, comparing them to a Catholic version of “Chutes and Ladders.” With all the wit, wisdom and wackiness of the original, tickets to Late Nite Catechism 2 are going fast.

Only at Late Nite Catechism 2, audience members can enjoy beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, pastries and appetizers, and even take their food and drinks into the theatre. Concessions will be available before the show and during intermission in the Ben Miller Lobby and Figliulo Recital Hall.

The following week, on Monday, Jan. 22, audience members can treat themselves to a catered dinner prior to the performance of “Don Quixote” by Moscow Festival Ballet - a company of 50 dancers.

Patrons can order dinner at the same time as they order tickets from the box office, but all dinner purchases must be made by Monday, Jan. 15. Dinner costs $20 per person and includes milk, coffee and tea; vegetable; dinner rolls; raspberry swirl cheesecake; and a choice of:
o Tuscan chicken with sun-dried tomato sauce and twice-baked potato with bacon, cheese and sour cream.
o Roast sirloin with Madera sauce (a rich brown sauce made from reduced red wine) and twice-baked potato with bacon, cheese and sour cream.
o Eggplant Parmesan on a bed of pasta with garden salad and dressing.

For those who enjoy wine with dinner, patrons may order a bottle of wine for $16 and choose from chardonnay, merlot, Shiraz, pinot grigio, white zinfandel or Riesling. Seating will begin at 6 p.m. in the Toner Student Center, which is located next to the Performance Center.

Contrary to the title, the ballet does not tell the story of “Don Quixote,” rather this restaging of Petipa's choreography weaves a timeless and enchanting tale of love. Quixote is determined to help young Kitri marry her love Basilio and avoid an unhappy future with her father's choice, Camacho. He valiantly - if mistakenly - battles the forces of evil, which he uncovers in the form of marionettes and giant invisible windmills. In spite of his misguided intent, Quixote is successful; the lovers marry and live happily ever after.

Tickets to either Late Nite Catechism 2 or Moscow Festival Ballet cost $22, $16 senior citizens and $14 students. Both events begin at 7:30 p.m. in Page Theatre.

Then, it's time for the kids to get in on the fun. On Monday, Jan. 29, the Page Series presents the musical revue “Junie B. Jones,” which is based on Barbara Park's wildly popular books. Follow Junie B.'s escapades in this rollicking, one-of-a-kind musical adventure featuring stories from “Junie B. Jones First Grader (At Last!),” “Boss of Lunch,” “One Man Band” and “Top-Secret Personal Beeswax: A Journal by Junie B. (And Me!).”

Finally, Omaha Theatre Company returns to Winona with another family favorite, “Berenstain Bears on Stage!” This musical by Stan and Jan Berenstain is based on five of their most popular books: “The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room,” “Get Stage Fright,” “New Baby,” “The Truth” and “The Double Dare.” Audiences will experience the Berenstain's timeless messages as Brother and Sister Bear face the struggles of growing up and learn the values of standing up for themselves and telling the truth on Monday, Feb. 5.

Tickets to either “Junie B. Jones” or “Berenstain Bears On Stage!” cost $6 per person. Children must be at least 2 years old and be accompanied by an adult. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. and last one hour.

Tickets are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays at the Performance Center box office, (507) 457-1715, or anytime online at www.pagetheatre.org.