WATERLOO - A popular Nickelodeon television show will make a two-night stop in Cedar Falls next month.

"The Backyardigans Live! Tale of the Mighty Knights" will hit the McLeod Center stage April 16 and 17. The show is sponsored by Nickelodeon and Broadway Across America. Tickets go on sale March 10.

Heather Costello, director of the University of Northern Iowa Sports and Event Complex, said the venue is the perfect location for the high-energy show.

"We've been trying to get more children's shows for a long time. Gallagher-Bluedorn gets some, but the shows' needs are so big that McLeod is the perfect size," she said. "Hopefully this is the first of many. And this is such a cool one for us to have. It's the first time the Backyardigans are doing a live show, and the first time we are hosting a kid's show."

The show, which is based on a Nickelodeon special that originally aired Jan. 14, follows backyard friends Uniqua and Tyrone as they become knights and embark on a quest to protect King Pablo's unpredictable egg. Along the way, Grabbing Goblin Austin and Flighty Fairy Tasha join the mayhem as the egg hatches feet and makes an unexpected dash up Dragon Mountain. Audience help is needed to face a mighty dragon and return the egg to the king.

In typical Backyardigan fashion, the show will get the entire family singing, dancing and laughing to songs of courage, friendship and the imagination. Those wishing to prepare for the show can check out the latest Backyardigans CD "Born to Play," which includes six songs from "Tale of the Mighty Knights." The television movie also is available on DVD.

"The Backyardigans has proven to be a huge hit with Nickelodeon families, and based on the enormous success of the Dora and Diego Live shows, we're confident 'The Backyardigans Live!"' will have the same fantastic response from kids and parents across the country," said Stuart Rosenstein, senior vice president of resorts and theatricals at Nickelodeon Recreation.

Contact Emily Christensen

at (319) 291-1570 or

emily.christensen@wcfcourier.com.