Franklin, the world's favorite turtle, is coming to The Alex Theatre in Glendale in a full-length musical, Franklin's Big Adventure, on March 18 at 2 & 5 PM. Based on the top-rated Nickelodeon animated TV series and the best- selling Scholastic Book series, the 60-minute musical features Franklin and his friends Fox, Beaver, Bear and Snail.

Franklin's Big Adventure has choreography by Mary Lu Spinney and music produced by Matt Segriff. The family show tells what happens when Franklin and his pals visit the museum, where they are fascinated with displays of the Roman Empire, Ancient Musical Instruments, the Rainforest and the Dinosaur Exhibit, where Franklin has a "Close Encounter" with a creature larger than himself.

"Franklin the Turtle" is one of the highest rated children's programs among 2 to 5-year-olds on all US broadcast, cable and syndicated television. It airs on Nickelodeon's morning block, Nick. Jr. two times a day, five days a week, and on Nickelodeon once a day, five days a week. The "Franklin the Turtle" books are written by Paulette Bourgeois and illustrated by Brenda Clark and have sold over 24 million copies worldwide.

Alex Theatre is located at 216 N. Brand Blvd. For tickets and information call Tele-Charge at (800) 233-3123 or visit www.alextheatre.org

— By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent