‘Call of the Wild’ comes to MSU Riley Center March 26

Contact: Marianne Todd

MERIDIAN, Miss.—The MSU Riley Center is presenting special performances this month for school children as part of its annual educational programming.

Next up for young students is Jack London’s classic tale “The Call of the Wild,” a March 26, 10 a.m. show for children in grades 3-6.

Participating schools can apply at www.msurileycenter.com for free tickets for their students through the Phil Hardin Education series. This effort, which includes lesson plans to educators in grades K-12 complementing the underlying performance themes, encourages arts education among area school children. Tickets also are available for home-schooled children.

More than 500 area students in grades K-2 attended the lighted performance of “The Ugly Duckling” earlier this month.

“The educational shows are our favorite day here at The Riley Center. We get to see young faces and future creators. And they’re so excited, happy and adorable,” said Morgan Dudley, director of conferences, events and operations. “We had schools from West Point, Eupora, Laurel, Philadelphia, Louisville—from all over to see ‘The Ugly Duckling.’”

Terry Dale Cruse, MSU-Meridian associate vice president and head of campus, said these  performances are carefully selected for the positive and profound impact they have on young minds.

“The Phil Hardin Foundation has long been an endowment-level supporter of MSU-Meridian, and we have heartfelt gratitude for the role they play in sustaining our ability to extend the arts to all children,” Cruse said.

For more information, visit www.msurileycenter.com or inquire with student school administration in grades 3-6.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. MSU-Meridian is online at www.meridian.msstate.edu.