Community members of all ages are invited to join the bilingual adventures of “Dr. Dolittle” as Owens Community College’s Center for Fine and Performing Arts presents the theatrical version of a timeless favorite in both spoken English and American Sign Language Jan. 25 in the Center for Fine and Performing Arts’ Mainstage Theatre at 2 and 4 p.m.

The performance is the second in the series of three Family Fun Sundays presented by Owens.

 “Dr. Dolittle” is presented by the national touring group Sign Stage on Tour, a theatrical company comprised of deaf and hearing stage specialists. Sign Stage on Tour, which performs an array of theatrical plays worldwide in both spoken English and American Sign Language, is dedicated to presenting educational programs that integrate bilingual education with theatre. Previous performances by the theatre group include “Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,” “Treasure Island” and “Matilda.”

“When a character speaks on stage it occurs in American Sign Language, however, a spoken voice will be heard at the same time,” explained Barbara Barkan, Owens operations manager for the Center for Fine and Performing Arts. “The blend of languages allows individuals to experience the spatial beauty of American Sign Language as the actors move their hands and bodies, as well as hear the spoken dialogue so that audience members, both deaf and hearing, are able to fully enjoy Dr. Dolittle’s uncanny ability to hear and treat animals.”

“Dr. Dolittle” tells the story of a doctor that gives up treating people after Polynesia, his parrot, teaches him animal language. His fame in the animal kingdom quickly spreads throughout the world and he sets off to cure a monkey epidemic in Africa, finding all sorts of adventures along the way.

Tickets for “Dr. Dolittle” are $12 and all seats are general admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.owens.edu or call the Center for Fine and Performing Arts at (567) 661-2787 or1-800-GO-OWENS, ext. 2787.

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