‘Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!’ heading to Eisenhower Auditorium

UNIVERSITY PARK — The legendary Mister Rogers’ messages about living a neighborly life get a new look with a Center for the Performing Arts-presented production of “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” Daniel and his friends will sing and dance their way through an afternoon of “grr-ific” lessons at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15, in Eisenhower Auditorium.

The live-action production is based on PBS Kids’ award-winning animated series “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.” The series follows the adventures of the offspring of Daniel Striped Tiger, a resident of the Neighborhood of Make Believe from “Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Each episode follows the young Daniel while he learns life lessons and navigates social cues, including how to cope with sadness and disappointment, and how to practice thankfulness and cooperation.

Tom and Mary Ellen Litzinger sponsor the presentation. McQuaide Blasko Endowment provides support. WPSU is the media sponsor.

Kids Connections, which is free for ticket holders and includes a craft-centered, child-friendly activity provided by WPSU and books provided by Schlow Centre Region Library, takes place in Eisenhower one hour before the show. Due to space and time restrictions, Kids Connections participation is limited.

Patrons are welcome to bring a contribution for a book drive aimed at supporting Mid-State Literacy Council’s efforts to improve reading and learning proficiency in children. Titles with reading levels of preschool to sixth grade are preferred. Blue collection buckets are located in the Eisenhower lobby during regular business hour — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays — and during the performance.

Eisenhower will be closed Friday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Jan. 2.

For more information, visit the “Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!” website, or call (814) 863-0255.