Fanciful Musical Production of Classic Tale to Display Power of Friendship at Heritage Center

DUBUQUE, Iowa - A fanciful musical production adapted from the classic story centered around a boy and his love for his favorite toy will take center stage with The Velveteen Rabbit, performed by Virginia Rep, at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, December 10, 2023, in John and Alice Butler Hall, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque. The performance is part of the 11th annual Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series.

This captivating story illuminates a faithful rendering of Margery Williams' 1922 tale of The Velveteen Rabbit and displays the power of friendship and the inevitable passing of time. Through a lovely score, unique puppetry, detailed period costumes, and outstanding cast, the incredible acting and profound attention to detail will keep audiences engaged and transport them out of the theater and into a surreal and special performance.

Audience members will reminisce about their childhood and are encouraged to bring their own children along to experience the power of play and childhood fantasy in this beautiful production.

The Dubuque County Library District's "Page to Stage: Stuffed Animal Maker" will provide children in kindergarten through fifth grade an opportunity to make a free stuffed animal in conjunction with The Velveteen Rabbit performance. Each child who attends will also receive one free child's admission with the purchase of an adult admission to The Velveteen Rabbit. "Page to Stage: Stuffed Animal Maker" will be offered from 1:30 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at the library's Epworth Branch and from 4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2023, at the library's Asbury Branch. Register for the activity by Monday, November 13, 2023, at www.dubcolib.org.

Support for The Velveteen Rabbit provided by the City of Dubuque Special Projects grant program.

Tickets for The Velveteen Rabbit may be purchased by visiting the Farber Box Office, Heritage Center, University of Dubuque, 2255 Bennett Street; by calling 563.585.7469; or by visiting www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter. Patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online for reduced ticket handling fees.

The Farber Box Office is open 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 90 minutes prior to events.

In its second year, the Heritage Performing Arts Loyalty System (H-PALS) continues to allow patrons to earn rewards with most ticket purchases. For every $200 spent on eligible events, patrons will receive one free ticket (valued up to $50) to their choice of eligible event. Reward points are redeemable for Live at Heritage Center Performing Arts Series events only. Please visit www.dbq.edu/HeritageCenter and click on "PURCHASE TICKETS" for more details.