The On Stage for Youth Series by SUNY Fredonia’s Rockefeller Arts Center presented four sold-out performances of “I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” by the Barter Players of Virginia in early December.
SUNY Fredonia’s Michael C. Rockefeller Arts Center continues its mission to bring the thrill of live theater to young audiences in 2025-26.
Rockefeller’s On Stage for Youth Series, which is designed to encourage thinking, creativity and fun in conjunction with school lessons, has returned with two productions this year.
“I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas” with The Barter Players of Virginia ran Dec. 2 and 3 with four sold-out performances in Marvel Theatre. The heartwarming musical adventure with book and lyrics by Catherine Bush and music by Dax Dupuy was geared for students from pre-kindergarten through grade three.
The story is set during the Christmas season at a zoo that eagerly anticipates the birth its first baby hippo. At the same time, the zookeeper’s young daughter is hoping the event will help reunite her family in time for the holidays.
On Feb. 9 and 10, On Stage for Youth continues with four performances of David Engel’s Pirate School production of “The Science of Pirates” for grades two through six.
The production introduces concepts include atmospheric pressure, wind, currents and the aerodynamics of a sailboat, simple machines, navigation and more in a comedic, interactive pirate-themed show.
Rockefeller Arts Center Director Alison Barry noted the On Stage for Youth Series continues to focus on making the performing arts available to young students and to showcase these performances in a professional theater setting.
“We are privileged to be able to share the thrill of three-dimensional entertainment with today’s students in this format,” Barry said. “These productions tie in with the classroom curriculum and give the kids an appreciation of the performing arts.”
The On Stage for Youth Series is part of the 2025-26 Lake Shore Bank Season at Rockefeller Arts Center and is supported in part the Friends of Rockefeller Arts Center Annual Fund.
