Hylton Performing Arts Center

This unexpected duo of a 6’9” guitar player and a 5’5½” upright bass player bring a heartwarming program to inspire the children in your life.  Trout Fishing in America warm the hearts and tickle the funny bones of both children and adults alike with silly songs such as “My Hair Had a Party Last Night,” “Rock and Roll Roosters,” “Hello, My Chicken Thinks He’s a Dog,” and “When I Was a Dinosaur.” Bassist Keith Grimwood and guitarist Ezra Idlet continually win over countless fans of all ages with its infectious blend of folk/pop and family music peppered with the influences of reggae, Latin, blues, jazz and classical music. Over the years, the duo has earned Grammy nominations, Parents’ Choice and Indie Awards, and recently authored several children’s books/CDs sets including their newest, Chicken Joe Forgets Something Important. “The Trout boys work to entertain ‘kids’ of every age.” (Philadelphia Inquirer)

Adults: $15.00
Children: $5.00

performed by the Pushcart Players

The Pushcart Players makes its Hylton Center debut presenting the beloved and familiar folk tale, Peter and The Wolf. Set to music by Prokofiev, this charming Russian story follows a young boy who dares to venture into the woods, despite his grandfather’s warning about a dangerous wolf that lurks within. When Peter’s beloved duck, Clara, is swallowed whole by the wolf the brave boy is determined to capture the fierce creature and save his friend. This classic tale offers a splendid introduction for children into the world of music, with a different instrument and melody representing each character in the story. Don’t miss this Emmy-nominated ensemble hailed by The New York Times as “a polished and knowing theatre company … for children.”

Adults: $15.00
Children: $5.00

performed by Michael Cooper

This gifted performer brings a wonderful one-man extravaganza that will enchant young and old alike with its eye-popping theatrics, dazzling imagery, and stunning disguises. Michael Cooper elevates the ancient theatrical craft of mask-making to a whole new level with his imaginative handcrafted paper and cloth masks – which can take up to 300 hours to create – and combines it with original storytelling and a brilliant physical repertoire.  Ranging from madcap and hilarious to awe-inspiring and sublime, this new show spins and weaves wild and wacky tales with a colorful cast of characters, creating a world where dogs and fish wear costumes, wild stallions are tamed, and giant noses sneeze.  This magical performance is filled with exciting adventures, funny antics, and fantastical possibilities to entertain the entire family.

Adults: $15.00
Children: $5.00 

Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom host and special ambassador Peter Gros entertains with tales of his thrilling travel adventures. This legendary wildlife expert captivates kids of all ages with video clips and bloopers, discussions of conservation issues, and exciting introductions to his exotic animal friends. A pioneer in nature television programming, this American family favorite took audiences to the far corners of the globe and was one of the first to showcase animals in their natural habitats. Gros has brought the animal kingdom into millions of households as the host of the four-time Emmy Award-winning television show, Wild Kingdom, as a frequent guest on LIVE with Regis and Kelly and the CBS Early Show, and his appearance on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

A few of the hand-raised, bottle-raised animals that will be appearing with Peter Gros:

• Southeast Asian binturong (about 40 pounds)
• South American kinkajou
• An Australian kookaburra that sings with the audience
• 17' Burmese python, "Julius Squeezer", that the audience can help hold
• Albino Burmese python
• Very friendly 6' North American alligator
• 50-pound African spur thigh tortoise
• 5' monitor lizard (a cousin of the Komodo dragon)
• European legless lizard
• Spot-nose Guinean monkey or a lemur
• Giant African crested porcupine
• Adult North American beaver
• And other assorted creepy crawley’s like a large tarantula, hissing cockroaches, and scorpion

Adults: $15.00
Children: $5.00