Earlier this week Dallas Children’s Theater’s star of the 2012-2013 season, Pinkalicious, presented the “Pinkalicious Green Team Award” for bravely growing healthy greens to students at Stonewall Gardens, and children at Vickery Meadow Community Garden. A class of first graders, Pinkalicious and Blue Bear from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) joined together at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School in Dallas. After that, Pinkalicious met with a group of children from Vickery Meadow Learning Center at Vickery Meadow Community Garden, 6521 Ridgecrest, Dallas 75231.
DCT kicks off its 29th season in the pink with PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL, September 21 – October 21, 2012 at DCT’s Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman Street, Dallas, Texas 75231. To celebrate the occasion and the theme of the show, healthy eating, DCT took its star actress, Emily Lockhart as Pinkalicious, on the road to reward youngsters for leading productive lifestyles.
DCT’s Education Director, and director of the show, Nancy Schaeffer, said, “This show rejoices in all things pink, but goes on to reveal that more is not always better. Pinkalicious learns that eating too much dessert is not good for you, and that with a little love and support from family, eating green food is fun and delicious.” DCT is honored to reward students for learning all about vegetables, and promoting the benefits of healthy eating through their own efforts and initiative.
Mark Painter, Stonewall Garden Instructor, teaches classes about the interaction and diversity of all the living organisms in the garden, and the impact eating has on other living things. “Stonewall Gardens works to connect students with nature,” he said. “It is important that students know where the food we eat comes from, and that all systems work together in balance.” Peas, okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, herbs, kale, broccoli, cabbage, tomatoes and asparagus are just a few of the earthly delights being grown at Stonewall Gardens by Painter and his students. They showed Pinkalicious broccoli sprouts and tall okra bushes during the presentation and taught her about the relevance of healthy food.
Joining the students at Stonewall Gardens was Councilmember Sheffie Kadane who addressed the first graders. “When I was growing up I didn’t have a garden at my school. You are so smart for learning how to grow food. I am proud of each and every one of you.”
Blue Bear, mascot for BCBSTX, discussed the benefits of good nutrition with Pinkalicious and the students. Blue Bear is the health and wellness ambassador for BCBSTX community outreach effort. Blue Bear helps spread the message of health and wellness in a fun and creative way. Everywhere he goes, Blue Bear provides a lot of smiles, encouragement and basic information about how to stay healthy. BCBSTX chose to sponsor this play because it speaks to both children and adults about the importance of being conscious of what we eat. Blue Bear and his friends at BCBSTX will also be participating in Opening Weekend festivities for the show at DCT, September 21-23. They will provide healthy lifestyle tips and fun activities that weekend.
Student matinees of PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL are available to school groups on Tuesdays through Fridays. DCT will be providing facilitated Q&A sessions for students and teachers to learn more about the benefits of healthy eating. Please call ArtReach Booking at 214-219-2049 to inquire about student matinee performances.
