A Family-Friendly Performance Promises International Perspective, Magic And Adventure

A trip to see “YAO YAO” at the University of Wisconin-Whitewater’s Young Auditorium will take you and your family on an enchanting adventure.

The adventure begins with a young girl named Yao Yao, the play’s main character, who loves playing with her father and hates when he leaves for work. One day, she pulls a thread on his coat and unlocks a magical world and journey full of discovery.

“Not only is the play itself creative, heartwarming and extremely fun to watch, it also appeals to a wide-ranging audience,” said Aaron Wesolowski, marketing specialist at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Young Auditorium. “From preschool-aged children to junior-high kids, it is truly a production that will hold the attention of kids and their parents.”

The production and performers come to UW-Whitewater from an outside theater group named BRUSH Theatre from Seoul, South Korea. It is impressive and unique, Wesolowski said. It involves live music and advanced screen art technology, which uses both screen projection and physical props, as well as some “theater magic.”

“The emotional chord that this show hits is really special for families to enjoy together,” Wesolowski said.

Wesolowski also explains the performance strikes the very core of Young Auditorium’s mission, which is to serve as an educational and cultural center that enriches the lives of people in our region. And also to serve as a catalyst for inspiration and community-building.

“With origins in South Korea, ‘YAO YAO’ is definitely a cultural fit that provides an international perspective on children’s theater Wisconsinites may not be familiar with,” Wesolowski said.

The performance is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 13. For tickets and information, visit http://www.uww.edu/youngauditorium, or call 262-472-4444.