WEST PLAINS, Mo. – The Imaginary Theatre Company of the St. Louis Repertory Theatre will bring its production of “The Emperor’s New Clothes” to the West Plains Civic Center stage for a 7 p.m. performance Jan. 23.

Presented by Missouri State University-West Plains’ University/Community Programs (U/CP) Department, the performance is being made possible with support from the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency.

Tickets are $8 each for adults.  Children age 13 and under, and Missouri State-West Plains students with a valid BearPass ID, will be admitted free.

This beloved Hans Christian Andersen tale gets a quirky new look in this silly satire about a vain man and his clever wife, according to information from the theater company.  Determined to teach her husband a lesson in humility, the queen and her loyal handmaiden pose as two weavers who make the most beautiful garments in the world.  There’s just one catch – only the most intelligent people can see these clothes.  Everyone is invited to find out if the emperor will admit he’s had the wool pulled over his eyes or embarrass himself in front of the entire kingdom.

“‘The Emperor’s New Clothes’ is always presented in unique perspectives, and this one will be no different in a show designed for our youngest audiences,” said U/CP Theater and Events Coordinator Emily Gibson.  “We are proud to be able to bring back the Imaginary Theatre Company and let them take us on another journey that teaches important lessons along the way.  Without the support of our audiences, the St. Louis Repertory Theatre and the Missouri Arts Council, we would not be able to bring such high quality performances to this area.”

For more information about this presentation, contact the U/CP office at 417-255-7966 or visit www.wp.missouristate.edu/ucp/.