Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, June 5, 1995 TAG: 9506060043
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
``The Christmas Cup,'' a children's novel by Roanoke author Nancy Ruth Patterson, is being adapted into a play for Mill Mountain Theatre's Theatre B.
``I wanted to adapt [it] because of how wonderful the book is,'' theater executive director Jere Lee Hodgin said, ``and because she is a notable local writer.''
The book centers on an eight-year-old girl's purchase of an old dented cup and her realization, with the help of her grandmother, of its worth in learning the value of other people.
Hodgin will direct the production with involvement from the author.
``She has been invited to have a part in the whole process,'' he said.
``I'm very honored and excited,'' said Patterson, who is a regular patron of the theater. ``I feel absolutely confident in the people who will be working on it.''
The production is tentatively scheduled for November and will include several local students in the cast.
Patterson, director of CITY school, a Roanoke school for gifted high school seniors, and a creative writing teacher for Roanoke City Schools, lectures across the country.
``The Christmas Cup'' was her first children's book. She has also written ``The Shiniest Rock of All'' and is under contract for two more children's novels.
'Tom Jones'
``Tom Jones,'' Henry Fielding's novel, has been adapted into a play opening at the Blue Ridge Dinner Theatre on Wednesday, with performances on June 10, 13, 14 and 17.
Matinee performances are scheduled during the week with evening performances on Saturdays.
The comedy features the escapes, escapades and adventures of young Tom Jones.
Each performance is preceded by a meal. An informal seminar with members of the Ferrum College English department will take place before Saturday performances.
For reservations, call 365-4335.
Conservation fair
``A Healthy World,'' Appalachian Power Co.'s annual Conservation Festival, will be held June 10-11 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Mill Mountain Zoo, Roanoke.
The event encourages people to look not only at themselves but also at the needs of habitats and their inhabitants.
The festival hosts approximately 20 organizations throughout the weekend, such as the Wildlife Center of Virginia, Virginia Dept. of Forestry, National Aquarium of Baltimore, Environmental Defense Fund and Clean Valley Council.
Special programs will be offered Saturday on:
``Using Passive Solar to Grow Plants and Herbs,'' 1 p.m.; ``Snakes in the Balance,'' 2 p.m.; ``Whales Tales,'' 3 p.m., and ``Cargo For Conservation,'' 4 p.m. and noon Sunday.
On Sunday the following programs will be offered:
``Watershed Into the Bay,'' 1 p.m.; ``Native Wildlife Conservation,'' 2 p.m.; and ``P.I.T.S., Plastic in the Streams,'' 3 p.m.
Appalachian Power Company's electric car will be available for demonstrations.
Children's activities will include face painting, ``Animal Olympics,'' each day at noon, and storytelling.
The event will be held rain or shine. Regular zoo admissions ($3.50 adults, $2 children, under 2 free) apply.
For more information, call 343-3241.
by CNB