Looking to add some culture and fun to your winter weekends? Pollyanna Theatre has you covered. Starting January 28, there will be something hiding in Grandma's closet that will touch your heart and imagination.

The Thing in Grandma’s Closet tells the story of Nick and Ally, whose grandma has recently passed away. As they clean her house, the downer of a day becomes much more interesting when they discover a mysterious contraption tucked away in a closet. Is it another one of the eccentric former science teacher’s failed inventions, or something she hoped they would find? The siblings put aside their petty squabbles and work together so that they and their mother can reconnect with their grandma and move forward from their loss. Through the action of the play, both Nick and Ally learn that there are many reasons to admire their grandmother that they never knew about. The siblings learn that their grandmother was a very successful scientist who overcame great obstacles to achieve her career in a day when women were not encouraged to love science and math.

As a mother who has watched her kids suffer the loss of a grandparent, I am enthusiastic about this production. Pollyanna's show are consistently heartfelt and sensitive. I look forward to seeing their take on loss.I also love that there is an element of empowering girls to pursue all dreams, including those that lead them down unusual paths. Director Judy Matetzschk-Campbell says, “The Thing in Grandma’s Closet is a great way to look at how far we have come, but also, to take stock in how far we have to go. I hope it can spark conversations about the struggles that young girls are still facing in regards to societal expectations and gender roles.”

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WHO: Theatre Company www.pollyannatheatrecompany.orgWHAT: The Thing in Grandma’s Closet by Jonathan GrahamWHEN:  January 28 – February 5, 2017Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.WHERE: Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts701 W. Riverside Drive, Austin, TX  78704TICKETS:  Tickets range from $10.50 - $13.50. Tickets may be purchased online by visiting http://www.pollyannatheatrecompany.org.Discounts are available for groups of 10 people or more, and financial aid is available for families who need it. For more information, call (512) 743-7966 or email pollytheatre@gmail.com.