To celebrate the Arkansas Repertory Theatre's new family-friendly production of "Because of Winn Dixie The Musical," Little Rock Family is planning a super special pre-show event on Saturday (Dec. 7). Families can snag half-price children's tickets to see the show starring a 140-pound dog, visit animals from Humane Society of Pulaski County and take part in fun activities in the lobby!

At Little Rock Family Day at "Because of Winn Dixie the Musical," attendees will see a matinee performance of the heartwarming musical about a lonely girl and the dog she finds at a Winn Dixie supermarket.

In the lobby before the show, families can make holiday crafts, visit vendors like ICM, and sign up for lots of prizes, such as season passes to Magic Springs Water and Theme Park. Plus, Better Beginnings will be giving away gift baskets to several lucky winners, as well as handing out free child care checklists and other helpful information for parents.

Outside of the theater, 601 Main St., Little Rock, the Humane Society of Pulaski County's mobile adoption unit will have pets available for adoption from 12:45-1:45 p.m. They'll also be accepting donations of recycled newspaper, animal-safe toys and Purina dog and cat food.

Then, after the show, attendees will be given the chance to take photos with the cast of the show--bring your own camera to snap a picture with the actors!

"Because of Winn Dixie the musical" is a brand-new production based on the award-winning novel by Kate DiCamillo. The original musical will also be the first pre-Broadway musical starring a live dog in a leading role. Taran and Cally, both Irish Wolfhounds, will share the title role of Winn Dixie, and are trained by Broadway’s foremost animal trainer, Bill Berloni. The production will take center stage from Dec. 4-29 at The Rep.

Little Rock Family Day will be Saturday (Dec. 7). Activities in the lobby begin at 12:45 p.m.; the matinee performance will begin at 2 p.m.

Tickets to all performances of "Because of Winn Dixie the Musical," including Little Rock Family Day, are half-off for children. 

And don't miss another special event happening Monday (Dec. 9). Expert animal trainer for the theater, Berloni will be on hand at The Rep to talk about his experiences training animals who have become four-legged Broadway stars and sign his book "Broadway Tails." Check-in for the event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and the lecture will get started at 6 p.m. Registration is free for members of the theater and $15 for non-members. Get more information and register for the lecture here.

For more information about the musical and Little Rock Family Day, click here or read our article from the December 2013 issue here.