It has grown from a video game to trading cards, toys, cartoons, comics, and movies. Now the Japanese sensation sweeping the globe comes to a theatre near you with its live-action national tour. Continuing into the new year, with dates added through Jan. 28, the action keeps going with Pokémon Live!

The characters of the popular children's entertainment franchise come to life in a stage production geared towards the whole family. The tour previewed in Albany, NY, Sept. 15-17, and began its world premiere at New York City's Radio City Music Hall, Sept. 20. It closed out its premiere engagement Oct. 1 and is now traveling across the country before finishing in St. Paul, MN Jan. 23-28.

The stage version of Pokémon (short for pocket monster) features some of your favorite face-off friends, including Ash, Misty, Brock, Team Rocket, Meowth, Jigglypuff, and of course Pikachu.

For your tickets to this event, you can call Ticketmaster or purchase them online at www.pokemon.com.

A remaining tour schedule follows: 12/27-12/31 - Milwaukee, WI - US Cellular Arena
1/2-1/3 - Moline, IL - Mark of the Quad Cities Arena
1/5-1/7 - Cincinnati, OH - Firstar Center
1/9-1/10 - Evansville, IN - Roberts Stadium
1/12-1/21 - Rosemont, IL - Rosemont Theatre
1/23-1/28 - St. Paul, MN - XCEL Energy Center

— by Ernio Hernandez