In January, a collection of nearly 800 local students, families and community members filled the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of the Canyons for the second installment of the PAC’s Almost Free Family Series, sponsored by McDonald’s of Santa Clarita. Featuring a performance of the Tony Award nominated musical A Year with Frog and Toad — based on the beloved literary characters created by Arnold Lobel — the day’s events also included pre-show fine arts activities for elementary students and the opportunity for audience members to meet and interact with the show’s performers.
As an added treat, McDonald’s of Santa Clarita Schutz Organization— which serves as the primary sponsor of the series — arranged for a surprise visit by Ronald McDonald, who was on hand to greet students as they entered the PAC.
“The performance of A Year with Frog and Toad was an amazing success,” said Mark Schutz, owner of McDonald’s Santa Clarita Schutz Organization. “Adam Philipson and the entire PAC staff have done so much to help bring the arts to families in our community and McDonald’s is honored to be a part of that effort.”
The Almost Free Family Series is a collection of family-focused and educationally relevant performances that have been priced for the entire family to enjoy. Though most Family Series performances are held on weekends, local teachers and community organizations interested in bringing a student group to the PAC may be eligible to receive discounted tickets and supplemental arts educational classroom materials.
The next installment of the McDonald’s of Santa Clarita Almost Free Family Series will take place at 2 p.m., Saturday, May 1, and include a performance of the musical Max and Ruby, which follows the escapades of the two bunny siblings created by author Rosemary Wells.
For more information about the Almost Free Family Series or to purchase tickets for Max and Ruby please call 661-362-5304 or visit www.canyonsPAC.com