HOPKINS, Minn. – Stages Theatre Company opens the world premiere of “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” this Friday (Jan. 14) at the Hopkins Center for the Arts. Based on the book by Laura Numeroff, this comical story features a young boy, Matty, who befriends a moose that has a never-ending appetite for muffins.

 For Director Marilee Mahler, having three main characters (Matty, the Moose and the Mom) was a challenge, but she quickly developed a solution. “A unique aspect is the way extra youth actors (the ensemble) have been incorporated into the story. We are using them as a magical ensemble that facilitates all the action on stage.” Given the two-dimensional set and props, audiences will witness the magical ensemble appear in different ways and are costumed in patterns from the set to blend in.

 “If You Give a Moose a Muffin” begins Jan. 14 and ends Feb. 13. All weekday matinees are sold out, but evening and weekend performances are still available. Purchase tickets by visiting www.stagestheatre.org for performance dates and times, or call the Box Office at (952) 979-1111, Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for children (ages 5 to 17) and seniors (60+). Lap passes are available for free (ages 0 to 2) and $5 for (ages 3 to 4). The show is suitable for all ages and runs approx. 60 minutes.

Stages Theatre Company was founded in 1984 and since then has grown to become one of the largest professional theatres for young audiences in the country. We engage young artists with themes relevant to their lives and involve them in creating magical works featuring young people in meaningful roles. Through theatrical productions, workshops, conservatory classes and other outreach programs, Stages Theatre Company annually serves more than 125,000 young people and their families.