TheatreworksUSA brings children's book author Beverly Cleary's (The Mouse and The Motorcycle) beloved character Ramona Quimby to life onstage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale). Ramona's adventures on Klickitat Street in Portland, Oregon, have entertained and instructed elementary school-age children for the past 40 years while earning several prestigious book awards, including the coveted Newbery Medal. Ramona, subject of 8 books, is now an enthusiastic 9-year-old. With the help of her supportive family and friends, especially older sister Beezus, she discovers ways to overcome the wacky troubles commonly suffered by youngsters. TheatreworksUSA is a New York City-based theater group specializing in productions for families. Discounted tickets are available today at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. They cost $5; lap seats for those under 12 months old cost $3 each. Saturday performances at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. are part of the Center's Family Fun Series, and precurtain activities and postperformance snacks are offered to all. Tickets cost $11; $3 for lap seats. Call 954-462-0222. -- By Margaret Griffis
Rail Days
South Florida founder is back
SUN 2/22
Henry Flagler made his way into Florida history mile by mile. The founder of the Florida East Coast Railway was the first to bring the iron horse to Miami, thus opening the floodgates for tourists and expats who've been clamoring to live here ever since. In 1907 Flagler extended the rails to Key West, in what is thought of as his most adventurous achievement. Local historian Jerry Wilkinson takes on the persona of the original South Florida honcho in a family-friendly performance at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum (12450 SW 152nd St.) The performance starts at 2:00 p.m. Admission costs $3 for children and $5 for adults. Call 305-253-0063. -- By Juan Carlos Rodriguez
