Museum to host author of 'Phantom Tollbooth'

June 29, 2007

Norton Juster, the world-renowned author of the children's book "The Phantom Tollbooth" will be at Discovery Station, 101 W. Washington St., Hagerstown, on Saturday, from 10 a.m. until noon.

Juster's 1961 classic has been compared to "The Wizard of Oz," "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland," and books by Dr. Seuss and Shel Silverstein.

Juster, 78, is an architect and a writer. His other most well-known works include: "The Dot and the Line" and "The Hello, Goodbye Window," which won the Caldecott Medal for Chris Raschka's illustration.

"The Phantom Tollbooth" and "The Dot and the Line" were made into full-length feature films by famous director and animator Chuck Jones.

Niki Perini's Summer Institute for the Arts will be performing an original dance in honor of Juster at 10:15 a.m. At 10:45, Juster plans to read excerpts from his best-known works. A book-signing and snack will follow at 11:15 a.m.

The author plans to stay for part of the movie being shown at the Discovery Station museum.

In August, Authentic Community Theatre Inc., in conjunction with the Washington County Board of Education, will begin its third year of the Summer Institute for the Arts. Limited spots are still available. This year's production, to include original music, script, and costuming, will be based on "The Phantom Tollbooth."

Summer Institute for the Arts runs from July 30 through Aug. 11, meeting Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Paramount Elementary School. The final performances of "The Phantom Tollbooth" will be held Saturday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Md.

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