"Power of the Pyramid” is a short play that tells kids it is in their power to eat well and be healthy.

"The Power of the Pyramid” is put on by The National Theatre for Children, a Minneapolis-based troupe that has produced entertainment for school-aged kids for 27 years. It allows health care providers and schools to pitch in together to teach children and their families about the power of healthy eating.

The MMA is a sponsor for the play.

In the play, Preston Polygon is a waiter at the Pyramid Restaurant. Unfortunately, he’s the worst waiter in the whole wide world. His boss, Chuck Wagon, has given Preston 20 minutes to learn everything there is to know about fitness and nutrition, or he’ll lose his job.

It’s a dicey situation for Preston, made worse by the fact that he must simultaneously compete with a very strange and talkative mummy.

Kids like the wackiness of "Power of the Pyramid,” doctors like the nutritional common sense of it, and parents and teachers like the creative way the play energizes children about a subject important to their lives.

"Power of the Pyramid” was performed at a host of Twin Cities schools in the past two years. In 2007 it made a tour of Minnesota's Northland -- Duluth, Two Harbors, Ely and Hibbing.

"Teaching kids and their families how important it is to eat right and be active will help them maintain a healthy weight, and avoid diseases linked to obesity like diabetes,” said G. Richard Geier, M.D., president of the MMA, which represents more than 11,000 physicians throughout the state.

"The Medica Foundation recognizes the need for wellness education activities throughout Minnesota,” said Rob Longendyke, executive director of the foundation. "We’re pleased to sponsor an entertaining program that will boost children’s awareness of the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.”

The play makes it easy and fun to learn about nutrition and fitness. In school, children see a live interactive performance of "The Power of the Pyramid.” Its lessons are reinforced by workbooks, take-home activities to complete with the whole family, and consciousness-raising posters to hang in the classroom.

The National Theatre for Children’s online learning center features games and quizzes linked to Prince of the Pyramid that teach kids about nutrition and fitness. Kids are invited to visit www.NTCLearningCenter.com. Grown-ups have a site, too: http://www.nationaltheatre.com/about.htm

"Power of the Pyramid" Brochure