"Cri-Cri" Concert at TAMIU Friday, April 19

The magical creation of musical legend Francisco Gabilondo Soler will take children and adults alike to the dazzling world of "Cri-Cri: El Grillito Cantor" (Cri Cri: The Singing Cricket) during a colorful presentation Friday, April 19 at 7 p.m. in Texas A&M International University's Kinesiology/Convocation Building (Gym).

Performed by the A&M International Dance Performance and Flamenco Troupes for the University's annual Spring Dance Concert, costumed characters will come to life in a variety of dances including "El gato del barrio" (The Barrio Cat), "El chivo ciclista" (the cycling goat), "Caminito a la escuela" (The Little Walk to School), "Los ratones bomberos" (The Firefighter Mice), "La rusiana" (The Russian Bear), and "El ratón vaquero" (The Cowboy Mouse).

The event, under the artistic direction of assistant professor of dance Bede Leyendecker, is free and open to the public. The program has been designed to incorporate various types of dance including ballet, modern, jazz, tap, and Spanish dance into the realization of "Cri-Cri's" characters.

Two separate 'children's only' presentations will be held for more than 3,000 local school children on the same date at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in the Kinesiology/Convocation Building.

"Cri-Cri," originally created by the Mexican-born Soler as a radio educational show teaching children positive values, reached its fame in Mexico and Latin America in the 1940s and has continued to be a popular icon since. "Cri-Cri's" world is full of fantasy, illusions and lessons.

"Cri-Cri's" story starts with Pancho and Teté, two children who must spend the weekend in their grandmother's house. At first, the kids are not fully convinced they will have a good time at their grandmother's, but become surprised when they are taken to her attic and find forgotten objects like dolls, old jars, furniture and an old radio. There, they meet Cri-Cri the cricket who guides them into a world of adventures, mischief and unique places. "Cri-Cri" is fun and will leave children and adults learning and laughing at the same time.

The Spring Dance Concert is one of several fine and performing arts events that showcase A&M International's growth in the arts arena in preparation for the opening of the Fine and Performing Arts complex.

For further information, please contact Leyendecker at 326-2625. University office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu