Ode to the Gold Rush

South Coast Rep unveils “Eureka!,” a touring production aimed at students.A South Coast Repertory educational touring production is taking a look at one of the California’s most famous historical events.

“Eureka!,” a musical about the Gold Rush in 19th century California, is a world premiere musical by Richard Hellesen and Michael Silversher, directed by John-David Keller.

It tours Southern California elementary schools from Jan. 11 to April 29.

In conjunction with the tour, there will be four public performances of “Eureka!”: Jan. 30, 5 p.m. on the repertory’s Argyros Stage; Feb. 21, 10 a.m. at Santa Ana College’s Phillips Hall; and April 30, 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at the repertory’s Nicholas Studio.

“Eureka!” is the story of the days that follow the discovery of the first gold nugget, seen with wide-eyed wonder by a boy named Martin Wimmer.