Arts briefs: Children's Castle Theater brings 'Honk!' to Lakeville

The Children's Castle Theater will present "Honk!", a musical version of the Hans Christian Anderson classic "The Ugly Duckling" aimed at kids. The story of a young duck who doesn't fit in with his siblings, it has won several awards since its debut in 1993.

Performances will be given at 7 p.m. on Feb 13-14 and Feb. 20-21 and at 2 p.m. on Feb. 14-15 and Feb. 21-22 at the Lakeville Area Arts Center, 20195 Holyoke Av., Lakeville. Tickets are $13 and can be purchased by calling 952-985-4640 or at www.ci.lakeville.mn.us. Click on "City Departments" and then "Lakeville Area Arts Center."

The Dakota County Library is celebrating Black History Month by holding a series of events funded by Minnesota's Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. First in the series is a panel discussion and chance to meet author Susan Follett from 6 to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at the Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount.

Follet is the author of "The Fog Machine," which explores racial tension in Mississippi in 1964. Also on the panel are Gail Falk, a Freedom Summer veteran, and Freedom School student and activist Anthony Harris. There will also be a performance of freedom songs performed by the Soulful Sounds Gospel Choir.

Registration is preferred. To register or for a listing of three other upcoming Black History Month events, go to: http://bit.ly/1zFL6BY.

Enjoy your favorite old school films at this year's classic movie nights, sponsored by the Rosemount Area Arts Council.

This season features the best of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall films from now until May. "The Big Sleep" will show at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13 at the Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount.

The Rosemount Area Arts Council is sponsoring a series of bluegrass concerts to chase the winter blues away. The next show, featuring the Minneapolis-based group Sans Souci, will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Rosemount Community Center, 13885 South Robert Trail, Rosemount. Tickets can be bought at the door, at www.rosemountaac.org/bluegrass-2015.html or by sending a check to: RAAC, P.O. Box 409, Rosemount.

The Chameleon Theatre Circle is looking for new plays that have never been produced for its 16th annual new play contest. Over the theater's 17 seasons, it has produced 23 original shows.

All styles and genres are welcome, from one-acts to musicals to full-length dramas. Winning plays will be performed in a festival in November 2015 and considered for performance during the 2016-17 season. There are also cash awards ranging from $25 to $100.

Each playwright may submit two plays. Submit three copies of the script, CDs of music (if applicable) and required forms by April 30 to: The Chameleon Theatre Circle, 16th Annual New Play Contest, 7287 153rd St. W. #240069, Apple Valley, MN 55124.