East metro arts briefs: Woodbury Community Theatre to stage 'Les Misérables'

The Woodbury Community Theatre will celebrate its 40th season with one of its largest shows, featuring more than 80 cast, crew and orchestra members from 20 communities.

Les Misérables opens June 19 and continues through June 28. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, June 19, 20, 26 and 27 at 7 p.m.; Sundays, June 21 and 28 at 3 p.m.; and Thursday, June 25 at 7 p.m.

Shows are at the Loft Stage at East Ridge High School, 4200 Pioneer Drive, Woodbury.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and students. Children four and under and active military families are free. Tickets can be purchased online at: merrillartscenter.org/theatre-tickets

There's a horseback ride this weekend in Lake Elmo, with a carriage-riding option for those with special needs.

The River Valley Riders host the event on Saturday, June 20, at Lake Elmo Park Reserve.

There's an 8-mile horseback ride or a 3-mile walk/wheel.

River Valley Riders provides therapeutic horseback riding and carriage driving to people with special needs. The proceeds expand these services.

To learn more, visit www.rivervalleyriders.org or call 651-439-2558.

Top cyclists from across the country will contest the 17th annual North Star Grand Prix to be held on Wednesday through Sunday, June 17-21.

For maps and event schedules, visit www.northstarbicyclefestival.com.

The race culminates on Sunday with the Stillwater Criterium, including a difficult climb up Chilkoot Hill.

And the east metro got the lion's share of the dough.

ArtReach St. Croix was one of 75 organizations nationwide to get a Big Read grant and will use it to read and celebrate John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath."

The $15,000 will fund activities taking place next April from Hastings to St. Croix Falls.

Other Minnesota recipients were Metropolitan State University, St. Paul ($14,200), and the Scott County Historical Society, Shakopee ($6,130).

"Big Truck Day" and a "Car and Truck Party" are coming up this week at county libraries.

Participants should bring a favorite small (matchbox sized) car or truck to take a drive along a "library tape town," including a kid carwash. They also will make truck crafts and hear some fun truck books. Registration is required; visit www.co.washington.mn.us/library and head for "library events."

In Forest Lake on Saturday, June 20, the Hardwood Creek Library offers Big Truck Day from 9-11:30 a.m.

View a collection of large vehicles, including an ice cream truck and a fire truck. Entertainment is by the Teddy Bear Band. No registration is required.

A basketball youth sports camp this week in Woodbury aims to teach kids ages 7 to 10 the fundamentals of the game through teamwork in a fun and noncompetitive environment.

The camp is at Evergreen West Park from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 15 to Thursday, June 18.

The activity number is 551213-02. To register, call 651-714-3583 or visit the city's website, www.ci.woodbury.mn.us.