ZELIENOPLE — The Mariposa Theater for Young Audiences arrives at the Strand Theatre.

They make their debut with “Red Riding Hood”, a musical adventure for young people and families from 3 years old. Shows will be at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Saturday and 5 p.m. Sunday.

The cost is $15 for all seats. To order tickets, visit thestrandtheater.org or call 724-742-0400.

The cast of adult professional actors brings to life Mike Kenny’s story about Bridget and Stephen at a sleepover at their grandmother’s house. When they can’t sleep, they go to their grandmother’s attic and have fun playing out their favorite story with the objects they find in the attic and the clothes from the closet.

Soon what is real and what is imagined fades, and the children find themselves in the dark, deep woods with a wolf stalking them. With music and lyrics by Julian Butler, this is a perfect piece for younger audiences.

Mariposa’s creative director, Caren Hearne, describes it as “just too cute”.

During the pandemic, children have been in front of screens at school and at home, which is of concern to parents, educators and child health professionals.

“Because of these issues, I think it’s even more important for children to experience live theater, to stimulate their minds, to stimulate their creative thinking and to be part of a shared experience,” said Hearn.

Founded by Hearne in 2016, Mariposa creates professional theater for all ages to challenge, explore, educate and entertain.

Hearne, who is an actor and singer, has performed at the Strand several times, most recently on “The Christmas Show” and “The USO Show.” She is thrilled to bring the Mariposa Theater to The Strand.

“We are grateful to partner with The Strand as we lost our venue in Bellevue during the pandemic,” Hearne said.

Ron Carter, Executive Director of The Strand Initiative, said they were also delighted to welcome Mariposa to The Strand. Part of The Strand Initiative is its charitable mission to educate and encourage young people in the arts, and this includes the Youth Choir and StrandTastics for ages 7-16 which gives young people the opportunity to learn and develop. produce.

“Mariposa is different because they are adults creating theater for children. We are happy to have them here and look forward to future presentations,” Carter said.

Mariposa, the Spanish word for butterfly, is the symbol inspired by the quote “It has been said that something as small as the flapping of a butterfly’s wing can ultimately cause a typhoon halfway around the world. “

The main precepts of Mariposa are that theater is and should remain accessible to all, that it is essential at all levels of human development, and that theater develops critical and creative thinkers.

“Art is an integral part of the lives of all young people, regardless of the barriers. It is a place that inspires them to embrace the diversity of their experiences through a creative perspective. The power of theater will stimulate discussion, while nurturing, developing and promoting the artistic potential of our young people,” said Hearne.

A graduate of Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia, Hearne has always had an interest in acting, but it was her teacher Linde Hayen, actor and author, who fueled her passion for youth theater. Hayen died in 2013.

“She was my mentor and she was brilliant and amazing. She said doing good quality children’s theater is the hardest and most rewarding. It’s so true and it’s true that we may never see the impact it has on the children, but it will leave a lasting impression, we can feel it.” Hearn said.

Hearne added: “If you inspire a love of theater early on, there’s a better chance your child will develop creative gifts and maintain an appreciation for the performing arts throughout their life.

For more information about Mariposa, visit www.mariposatheatre.org. Tickets for the show can also be ordered on the website.