Strega Nona the Musical at Tilles Center

The story of the magical grandmother and her mischievous assistant comes to life when Tomie dePaola's "Strega Nona the Musical" is performed at Tilles Center, on Saturday, Jan. 8, at 2 p.m. Strega Nona tells the story of a friendly witch who uses her magical powers to the heal aches and pains of her family, friends and neighbors. The musical – created by Thomas Olson and Roberta Carlson in 1986 for the Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company – combines three of Tomie dePaola’s beloved children's books: "Strega Nona," "Strega Nona Her Story" and "Big Anthony and the Magic Ring."

When Strega Nona seeks an assistant to help her with her daily chores, the tall, clumsy Big Anthony is the first to respond. Strega Nona warns Anthony to stay away from her magic pasta pot, but the curious boy cannot resist. The magic pasta pot turns out to be too much for Big Anthony to handle and soon the town is flooded by pasta! It is up to Strega Nona to save the day.

A reader's-theater family workshop will take place before the show, in which children and adults can play a part in the tale of Strega Nona and her magical pasta pot. Reservations are required.

Tickets are $20 and $12; available at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com or www.tillescenter.org.

Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, C.W. Post Campus, Rte. 25A, Brookville.