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The swirling wings of Butterfly, played with colorful charm by Micki Martinez, captured the attention of 200 kindergarten, first- and second-graders from Mill Creek and North Star elementaries at a matinee of Salt Lake Acting Company's "Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly." The Thursday morning show was one of 12 free matinees to be performed for 1,700 students during the run of the theater company's annual kids show. (Public shows continue on weekends through Dec. 28 at the Marmalade district theater; information and tickets at 801-363-7522.) The show's inventive, colorful costumes were a hit with Thursday's audience, who clapped and shouted their approval of a spinning disco light, as well as the bugs' sassy choreography and energetic renditions of hip-hop-inspired songs. —

Insect diaries

Salt Lake Acting Company presents "Diary of a Worm, a Spider and a Fly," its annual show for young audiences. Playwright Joan Cushing adapted the story from the popular picture books written by Doreen Cronin and illustrated by Harry Bliss.

When • Through Dec. 28; shows are at 7 p.m. Friday and noon and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday; additional shows Dec. 17-19, 22-23 and 27-28; call 801-363-7522 for times

Tickets • Children $15, adults $25; 801-363-7522 or saltlakeactingcompany.org

Promotional shows

Thursday, Dec. 15, 6:30 p.m. • Sweet Library, 455 F St., Salt Lake City

Friday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m. • Day-Riverside Library, 1575 W. 1000 North, Salt Lake City

Donations • Throughout the play's run, SLAC will accept donations for its neighboring school, Washington Elementary, and the YWCA

Community partnerships • SLAC is promoting the work of Voices for Utah Children and Intermountain Therapy Animals, while students from Washington Elementary and the Visual Art Institute are creating artwork inspired by Cronin's books to decorate the theater's lobby

More • For more information on SLAC's Title 1 Arts Education program, call 801-363-7522