Nate the Great, a new musical based on the first volume of Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s popular children’s book series about a boy detective, will be performed at the Whatley Center for the Performing Arts at Northeast Texas Community College on Saturday, January 30. The show will begin at 2 p.m. and tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students.

Theatreworks USA, America’s largest non-profit theatre for young and family audiences, presents Nate the Great, a new musical about teamwork and friendship (imaginary and otherwise). Introducing the latest and greatest in the grand tradition of crime-solving detectives like Sherlock Holmes, Nero Wolfe and Charlie Chan... Nate! Nate the Great, that is. This pint-size young detective has found lost balloons, books, slippers, chickens, and even a lost goldfish. But when his neighbor Annie asks for help in locating her missing painting, it takes all of Nate's derring-do to solve the toughest case of his career!

Although Nate believes that great detectives work alone, he finds that unraveling mysteries is easier (and a lot more fun!) with a partner. And a big plate of pancakes.

“Last year we were able to host the Theatreworks USA production of Junie B. Jones and it was a huge success. We anticipate that Nate the Great will be just as exciting and hope to have many families join us for this fun show,” Carolyn Franks, Director of the Whatley Center, said.

Nate the Great is based on the first volume in Marjorie Weinman Sharmat’s book series of the same name. The production features lyrics and book by Mindi Dickstein (Broadway’s Little Women: The Musical) and music by Daniel Messé. Dickstein and Messé previously collaborated on Theatreworks USA’s The Mystery of King Tut, Black Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood and portions of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie & Other Story Books. The show was originally directed by Peter Flynn with choreography by Devavand Janki, who previously teamed up on Theatreworks USA’s Junie B. Jones and Henry & Mudge. Scenery was designed by Paul Weimer, with costumes by Rick Kelly. This 60-minute musical is recommended for ages 4 and up. After a brief New York City-area tour in spring 2008, Nate the Great launched its national tour in fall 2008.

The NTCC production of Nate the Great is sponsored by Guaranty Bond Bank. You may reserve your seats today by calling the Whatley Box office at 903-434-8181. For more information about the NTCC production of Nate the Great, or for other information about the Whatley Center, visit www.ntcc.edu/whatley.