WHEELING, WV, Sept. 30, 2009 — Two lively shows for young audiences open the season at Wheeling Jesuit University as the performing arts department presents a Children’s Theater Double Feature at Troy Theater, Oct. 8 – 11.

Part of the Season’s On Us! promotion, the double feature is presented as a complimentary gift to the community and the public is welcome to enjoy free admission.

Furry Tails with a Twist by Jennifer Hickok DeFratis, follows the adventures of Sam and Alex, two bumbling actors trying desperately to present a few of the world's most beloved fairy tales. This play is perfect for the youngest audiences and is produced by special arrangement with Anchorage Press Plays Louisville, Ky. Actors for this performance are Tim Yelenic of Wheeling and Lacie Cole of Eighty-Four, Pa. (at right).

Three Bully Goats Griff by Patrick Rainville Dorn offers a new look at an old classic. It took only a tweak and a twist and the children's tale of the Billy Goats Gruff became the perfect tool to teach young audiences about bullying. Children delight in this light-hearted show presented with special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. Englewood, Colo.

The cast for this play (shown at right) include, back row: Hunter Stein (Wheeling), Levi Morris (Stafford, Ohio), Christopher James Bohinski (Wilkes-Barre Township, Pa.), Natalie Bays (Alum Creek, W.Va.), Michelle Wright (Parkersburg, W.Va.), Sarah Creamer (St. Albans, W.Va.), Annie DeFruscio (Carmel, Ind.), Ashley Onufrak (Bridgeport, W.Va.), Emily Cuichta (Shadyside, Ohio) and Jamie Wheeler (Belmont, Ohio).

Each play runs 25-30 minutes with a brief intermission between productions. The cast leads the children in imaginative games at intermission and offers backstage tours after the show to make for a complete theatrical experience.

Curtain is at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8, 9 and 10 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11. The box office opens 30 minutes before curtain and tickets are distributed on a first come, first serve basis. No reservations will be taken. Parking is free in campus lots.

Please contact Dave Henderson, Performing Arts coordinator, for more information, special accommodations, or questions regarding special performances for groups or organizations, at daveh@wju.edu, or call 304-243-2095.