Syracuse Stage plans open house for Sept. 29

Syracuse Stage will hold its 2012 Open House on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Festivities will include guided backstage tours, free performances of the annual Bank of America Children’s Show “A Thousand Cranes” (directed by Stage’s Director of Educational Outreach Lauren Unbekant), hourly ticket raffles, a presentation by SU’s Department of Drama and complimentary refreshments throughout the day.

Later the same day, a performance of SU Drama’s “Merrily We Roll Along” will take place at 8 p.m. in the Storch Theatre. Show tickets are available at 315-443-3275.

All events during Stage’s 2012 Open House will be free and appropriate for families of all ages.

The Syracuse Stage lobby, at 820 E. Genesee St., will open at 10 a.m. There will be complimentary refreshments throughout the day, activities for children and an Eat Together 4 Peace art exhibit on display.

Thirty-minute guided backstage tours will run every 10 minutes from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (last tour at 1:30 p.m.). Tours will leave from the Storch Theatre.

At 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., there will be free performances (45 minutes) of “A Thousand Cranes,” part of the Bank of America Children’s Tour. “A Thousand Cranes” is a moving true story about the effects of war on the life a 12-year-old Japanese girl named Sadako, and how, through her spirit of hope and determination, she be­came an inspiration for generations to come. With an eye toward the future, this year’s production of “A Thousand Cranes” will incorporate recent events in Japan and connect them to the spirit of Sadako and her message of hope. The performance will be held in the Archbold Theatre with a post-show discussion and is recommended for children of all ages.

At 12:30 p.m., there will be musical performances by students in SU’s Department of Drama.