East Lansing Youth Explore "The Giver"

Have you ever longed for everything to be under control and safe? Have you wished for no war or fear or pain? Welcome to the futuristic community that Lois Lowry created in her book, The Giver. There are also no choices, and no feelings. The Giver is the only person who holds the memories of real pain and real joy. When a young boy named Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver—to receive and keep the memories of the community. Jonas learns the truth about life—and the hypocrisy of his utopian world. The Giver explores what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny.

East Lansing Public Schools seventh graders read The Giver at McDonald Middle School each year, but for the next two weekends, everyone has the opportunity to see it onstage with the Mid Michigan Family Theatre. The show is directed by Bill Gordon and the cast includes some of our own East Lansing youth. The Giver will be performed at The Miller Performing Arts Center, 6025 Curry Lane, South Lansing (2 blocks west of the Miller/Cedar St intersection). The play will run from October 19-28, Fridays at 7 pm, Saturdays and Sundays at 3 pm. Tickets are $7 and are available at the door (not recommended for preschoolers.) For more information, go to www.freewebs.com/midmichfamilytheatre/