We The People and Harry the Dirty Dog make lessons fun at The Ridgefield Playhouse in December

Two “Arts in Education” events are guaranteed to shine a new light on learning when We The People is center stage at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Monday, December 1, at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m., and Harry the Dirty Dog teaches family values on Tuesday, December 9, at 10 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. In a trendy musical revue, We The People brings American Civics lessons to life and promises to make Social Studies exciting; especially appropriate for grades 4-8. This ArtsPower musical, Harry the Dirty Dog, is based on the classic book by Gene Zion and is sure to capture the whimsical humor and touching dedication to family found in Harry’s story; ideal for grades K-2.

In a thrilling performance of We the People, students will have a blast learning about the three branches of government, the First Amendment, presidential elections, democracy, the judicial process, and more. Barreling through a variety of musical styles relevant to today's youth, including rock, rhythm-and-blues and hip-hop, We the People will instill American pride in audiences of all ages (especially ideal for grades 4 – 8) and perhaps even inspire them to get involved and make a difference. 

 In Harry the Dirty Dog, Harry has everything a little white dog with black spots could want. There’s just one problem: He hates taking baths. He hates them so much, in fact, that one morning he runs away. After a day of wonder spent playing in the dirt, Harry gets so grubby that he turns into a little black dog with white spots…and returns home to find that his family doesn’t recognize him! 

The Arts in Education initiative at The Ridgefield Playhouse mixes school curriculum, moral lessons and/or historical perspective with the performing arts to provide students and teachers with a full performing arts experience. The intimate events typically last one hour and include time for students to speak with the performers after the show  -- a rare opportunity for enhanced learning. Study guides, which provide educationally rich lesson plans for teachers, are available.

These events are supported by Barker Welfare Foundation, Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation, The Box of Rain Foundation, Fairfield County Community Foundation, First Student, Inc., Helene Berger Foundation, The Leir Retreat Center, The Philip H. and Christine Lodewick Foundation, Pitney Bowes Foundation, Praxair, Union Savings Bank, and The Wadsworth Lewis Trust Fund.  

For tickets ($10), call Michelle at the box office at 203-438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.