*Updated* Celebrate Black History Month with Your Kids ~ “Mirandy and Brother Wind” Show World Premiere (GIVEAWAY)

Congrats to A Shorter Mama for winning the family 4-Pack!! (Scroll to the bottom for the Random.org screenshot)

It’s no secret that I’m a fan of the performing arts – and I’m trying to expose my kids to the joys of live theatre as well.  We got the perfect opportunity this past weekend when we were offered passes to see the Press performance of Mirandy and Brother Wind at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo, MD, a partnership with the African Continuum Theatre Company.  My kids have been going to Adventure Theatre since they were infants (Go, Dog. Go! is still one of our favorite performances ever), and so we were excited for this show.

The story, based on the book by Patricia McKissack, takes place on Mirandy’s family farm in 1906.  It’s Springtime and everyone on the farm is busy handling chores; but where’s Mirandy? She’s off enjoying the weather and practicing for the upcoming Cake Walk dance contest.  She is determined to win this year and (literally) take the cake from Orlinda who always wins the contest.  Her mother and grandmother tell her the tale of Brother Wind who can dance like no one else.  From that moment on, Mirandy sets her sights on capturing Brother Wind and making him her dance partner in the Cake Walk.  The story that ensues is fun and teaches everyone a lesson about freedom.

I have to admit that when the show first started I was a little annoyed by the uneducated Negro dialect and the cotton picking references.  But I had to acknowledge that this was a period piece set to shed light on that time in history.  I was quickly swept away by the actors’ singing and dancing and the entertaining storytelling.  The actress that plays Mirandy is phenomenal! Watch out for Felicia Curry.

For fascinating historical information, including a snapshot of life during the early 1900′s as well as recipes for Snow Ice Cream and Strawberry Cake, check out the comprehensive Dramaturgy for Mirandy.

Mirandy and Brother Wind runs at Adventure Theatre from January 24-February 13, 2011 and at the Atlas Performing Arts Center as part of the Intersections Festival: A New America Arts Festival, February 25-March 13, 2011. Tickets are $15 for General Admission, BUT!

I am giving away a Family Four-Pack of tickets to see Mirandy and Brother Wind.  Just leave me a comment telling me why you’d like to win.   Giveaway ends at midnight on Wednesday, February 2nd.

*Disclosure: my family received complimentary tickets to see the show.