‘Encore Stage & Studio's "Honk, Jr." opens January 11
With the new year comes a fresh assortment of shows offering on-stage entertainment. Good timing, too, as more indoor options will be welcome as we enter the throes of winter. This list is compiled by opening date with most descriptions coming straight from the theatres. Tickets are already available for just about all of the shows, so go ahead and save your seats! And you can still catch some holiday and fall entertainment, so be sure to go here and here to see what’s still in theatres. Happy viewing!
A Brown Bear, a Moon, and a Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle
Where: Kennedy Center
When: December 27 – January 6
Tickets: $18
Sometimes the heroes are the storytellers. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, well known for its beautiful portrayal of beloved children’s books, brings its expertise to the colorful tales of Eric Carle. Old favorites join together with new friends in three of Carle’s most treasured tales. The classic picture book The Very Hungry Caterpillar is joined by a cast of adventurous animals drawn from the pages of Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? The poignant story of a young girl’s unusual request, Papa, please get the moon for me, completes this can’t-miss puppet performance celebrating the work of one of the great writers and illustrators of children’s books. For ages 3 and up.
Cinderella
Where: Olney Theatre Centre
When: Through January 13
Tickets: $44-49 (Look for a deal on Certifikid)
In this musical tale of magical proportions, Cinderella dreams of adventure and romance and unwittingly calls upon her fairy godmother with a wish to attend the Prince’s Ball. Through this enchanting classic fairytale, we learn that the impossible is possible and dreams truly can come true. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Wake Up, Brother Bear!
Where: Imagination Stage
When: January 3 – February 3
Tickets: $10
Watch as Brother and Sister Bear experience a full year of glorious seasons. Together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond.Children are invited to join the action with a small bag of props that help create magical moments. Recommended for ages 1-5.
Honk, Jr.
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: January 11-19
Tickets: $12/adults, $10/children & seniors
Hans Christian Andersen’s classic tale, The Ugly Duckling, is reinvented in Honk! Have you ever felt like you just don’t fit in? Ugly – an awkward, odd-looking duck, separated from family – is desperately searching for his way back home. Through his quest, Ugly overcomes challenging situations, makes unforgettable friends, and finds love in many forms. Be there as Ugly discovers that he is truly beautiful, both inside and out. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
NSO Kinderkonzert: Musical Opposites
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 12
Tickets: $18
The Kennedy String Quartet demonstrates many types of musical contrasts, from the technical to the emotional, engaging the audience as they explore simple musical building blocks such as high and low, loud and soft, fast and slow and musical opposites like arco and pizzicato. Then, playing excerpts by string quartet masters, the quartet shows how composers use opposites to express a stunning variety of musical moods and emotions. *Arrive early for the Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Starting one hour before each Kinderkonzert, this hands-on activity in the Kennedy Center Hall of States gives children a chance to get up close with the instruments they’ll see played on stage–from violins and trumpets to oboes and flutes. Recommended for age 4 and up.
Angelina Ballerina, The Musical
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 12
Tickets: $15 or $10/McLean Residents
Angelina and her friends and even her teacher, Ms. Mimi, are all aflutter because a special guest is coming to visit Camembert Academy! Angelina and her friends will perform all types of dance, including hip-hop, modern dance, the Irish jig, and, of course, ballet. Based on the CG-animated series, Angelina Ballerina The Next Steps on PBS KIDS®, Angelina Ballerina The Musical is a family-friendly show that will have the entire audience dancing in the aisles. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Tot Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Ongoing
Tickets: $5/weekdays, $10/weekends
Tot Rock is Jammin’ Java’s super-popular kids music concert series, providing wholesome family entertainment at one of the DC Metro area’s finest music clubs. Local groups perform in the morning every Monday through Friday, and touring performers drop by on many weekends. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing, and for other calendar updates.
Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.
Billy Kelly and the Blahblahblahs: Blast Off!
Where: Air & Space Museum
When: January 17-18
Tickets: $3-8
Discovery Theater, in partnership with Jammin’ Java and the Air & Space Museum, present another act in the Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian series. Take a sing-along, dance-along musical journey with Billy Kelly and his band. The Air and Space Museum is the perfect place to hear the quirky, catchy tunes of the kindie rocker who wrote “Dance from Outer Space” and “Why Is the Moon Following Me?”.
Zorro
Where: Source Theatre
When: January 17 – February 17
Tickets: $24-45
Zorro, the masked avenger, is born when quiet, bookish Diego must find a way to fight corruption and injustice in this swashbuckling adventure. This World Premiere from the Constellation Theatre Company reframes the pulp drama as a coming of age story about self-discovery and the courage needed to seek justice for all. It is a world of high romance and adventure, where good vanquishes evil, and wrongs are righted with three signature swipes of a sword. Recommended for ages 10 and up. Pay-What-You-Can Previews will take place on Thursday, January 17 and Friday, January 18 at 8:30pm. Source Theatre is located at 1835 14th Street NW.
Toyland
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: January 18 – February 10
Tickets: $10
Bad ol’ Mr. Barnaby (aka “the crooked man”) is up to no good, and it’s up to Mother Goose, Little Bo Peep and Tom the Piper’s son to sing their way to a happy ending. This adaptation of Victor Herbert’s musical fantasy includes such familiar pieces as “Toyland” and “March of the Toys,” with costume characters and near life-size marionettes. Recommended for Pre-K and up.
Alice in Wonderland
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 18-27
Tickets: $45-150
The National Ballet of Canada returns to the Kennedy Center with an outrageous, eye-popping theatrical production of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Lewis Carroll’s perpetually winsome, subversive, cunning, and hilarious children’s classic is given a glorious ballet treatment by British choreographer Christopher Wheeldon that is the very measure of the original, set to an energetic, riveting, original score by Joby Talbot. Bolstered by striking sets and costumes by Bob Crowley, Wheeldon revisits and brings to the stage many of the tale’s beloved characters in brilliant choreographic arrangements that will undoubtedly create fresh impressions of these familiar faces.
Winnie the Pooh
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: January 19 – February 24
Tickets: $19
Winnie the Pooh is Christopher Robin’s fat little bear of Very Little Brain, who would like to drift peacefully through life, humming tunes and stopping frequently to eat “a little something.” Follow Pooh and Piglet on a Heffalump hunt, watch Rabbit scheme to rid the forest of Kanga’s dreaded bathtub, and help Eeyore search for his tail. Pooh’s intentions are always the best, but his passion for honey and condensed milk keeps getting him into trouble. Recommended for all ages.
Festival de Teatro para Ninos/Children’s Theatre Festival
Where: Artisphere
When: January 19
Tickets: $15/ages 13+, $10/ages 4-12, free for 3 and under
Enjoy a full day of theater and much more. Artisphere presents six hours of theater and other activities to delight the entire family. All activities are Bilinghual.
NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Bears, Bears, Everywhere!
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 19-26
Tickets: $18
It’s a big bear world out there, and every sort of bear has its own look and growl. This Teddy Bear Concert takes a peek at these adorable creatures and the sounds of their homelands, music that is as unique as they are. The performance assembles a wild combination of instruments in order to create music from around the world. Children will also be introduced to an out-of-this-world instrument, the theremin, which is used to create the crazy sounds in a lot of classic films. Recommended for ages 3-5, kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to these interactive programs and have their teddy bear friend join in all the fun! Lasting approximately 45 minutes, they’re perfect for even the youngest music lovers in your family. *Arrive early for “Musical Playtime” — starting 45 minutes before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children.
The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Where: JCC of Greater Washington
When: January 25 – February 3
Tickets: $19
See the students of Adventure Theatre MTC present their version of the fairytale classic. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch Ursula, and convince Prince Eric that she’s the girl with the enchanting voice. Featuring students in grades 6-12, the production is recommended for all ages.
Tap Kids
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 26
Tickets: $20, $15/McLean residents
Eight of the nation’s most talented young tap dancers take to the stage in this rousing, joyous celebration of American youth culture. New York Stage Originals’ “TAP KIDS” takes tap dance to new heights while telling the story of a group of teenagers during their last months at school as they come to terms with teenage love, their first big dance, graduation, and pending adulthood.
Anime Momotaro
Where: Imagination Stage
When: February 2 – March 10
Tickets: $10
An old couple in ancient Japan long for a child. They have their wish granted when a huge peach floats down the river and breaks open to reveal a baby boy. They name him Momotaro, and he grows up to be the strongest young man in all of Japan. But Momotaro’s village has a tiny problem… GIANT OGRES! Ogres have been bullying the villagers for years, and Momotaro decides he must make a stand. With the help of friends-the dog Inu, the monkey Saru, and the bird Kiki-Momotaro meets his foes face-to-face. Performed in the style of popular anime cartoons with traditional Japanese influences, this action-packed staging of Japan’s most famous folktale teaches powerful lessons about inner strength and how creativity, kindness, and cooperation win out over brute force. Recommended for ages 5-10
Sleeping Beauty-The Broken Spell
Where: Workhouse Arts Center
When: February 2- March 2
Tickets: $12/adults, $8/ages 12 and under
Sleeping Beauty—The Broken Spell is the tale of Sleeping Beauty, who is the victim of a terrible spell causing her to constantly fall asleep. Her parents ask the help of a famous magician Magical and his talking cat, Edgar. Magical and Edgar must find a prince who can break the spell with true love; otherwise Sleeping Beauty may fall into an endless sleep forever! This performance has a running time of 55 minutes with one intermission and is appropriate for all ages.
Kim and Reggie Harris: Dream Alive
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: February 9
Tickets: $14
A celebration of African American history ideal for Black History Month. Kim and Reggie Harris are dynamic and superbly talented traditional folk performers who captivate audiences with their songs and storytelling. In Dream Alive, they bring to life an array of educators, artists, scientists, poets, inventors and other key contributors to African American history through an interactive and engaging presentation.
Disney on Ice: Treasure Trove
Where: Verizon Center
When: February 13-18
Tickets: $20-80 (on sale 12/31 at 10am)
Hit the ice with Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald and Goofy as they embark on a treasure hunt for some of the most popular Disney films ever. Audiences will experience a medley of their favorite animated Disney movies throughout the years including the very first full-length animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and the 50th Disney film, Tangled. With eight movies and more than 50 Disney characters featured, Feld Entertainment’s Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove has a story for every generation.
Little Red Riding Hood and the 3 Little Pigs
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: February 14 – March 10
Tickets: $10
What’s so bad about the Big Bad Wolf? At last B.B. (Big Bad) Wolfe tells his side of the story, in rap, no less. Has the notorious pork poacher and grandma impersonator gotten a bum rap, or is he truly deserving of his moniker? You be the judge! This tongue-in-cheek version of two children’s favorites uses humor and music to explore our fear of things we don’t understand. This is one of our funniest productions and includes lots of audience participation. Recommended for Pre-K and up.
LEO: The Anti-Gravity Show
Where: Artisphere’s Spectrum Theatre
When: February 15-16
Tickets: $30/adults, $25/students & children
What would happen if the law of gravity were to suddenly change? The newest creation from innovative Berlin-based production company Circle of Eleven, LEO leaves audiences wondering which way is up and which way is down. Winner of the Carol Tambor Best of Edinburgh Fringe Festival Award, LEO is a mind-bending, funny, surreal and surprisingly touching work that challenges the senses and tests perceptions of reality through the clever interplay of live performance and video projection. Recommended for ages 7 and up.
Sleeping Beauty Dreams
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 16-17
Tickets: $18
Sleeping Beauty Dreams reimagines the famous princess as an overprotected daughter looking for a way to break free of her castle walls in order to search for true love…and her true self. A contemporary look at this classic tale, Marionetas de la Esquina’s humorous storytelling and whimsical puppetry awake this sleeping princess as never before. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Scooby Doo Live! Musical Mysteries
Where: Warner Theatre
When: February 16
Tickets: $25-75
In this exciting new show, Scooby-doo and the Mystery Inc. Gang have been called upon to help solve an epic mystery. A trouble-making ghost is haunting a local theatre and Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, Velma, and Scooby-doo are on their way in the Mystery Machine to help solve it! This rollicking live theatre show brings everyone’s favorite animated series to life in a bright and hilarious way. Filled with wacky new characters and uproarious antics, Scooby-doo Live! Musical Mysteries has young audiences on the edge of their seats in traditional Scooby-doo fashion from the moment the theatre lights go dim and the stage lights go on.
Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Saturday morning starting in February
Tickets: Free, but required
The free theatre program will run on select Saturdays starting in February and through the spring. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. Tickets are distributed day of performances on first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must be in line to receive a ticket.
Big Bad
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: February 22 – March 3
Tickets: $12/adults, $10/children, students, seniors
Breaking news! Encore Stage & Studio brings you live coverage of the trial of the Big Bad Wolf. Have you ever wondered what happened to him after the story ended? Mr. Wolf is in the defendant’s seat, and the plaintiffs, represented by the Fairy Godmother, take the witness stand one by one and tell their traumatizing stories of their encounters with Mr. Wolf. Is he guilty or innocent? Well, that’s up to you! Recommended for ages 4 and up. Running time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The Young Spectaculars and the Front Yard Adventure
Where: Downtown Baptist Church, Alexandria
When: February 22 – March 8
Tickets: $8
Arts on the Horizon is premiering this brand new show: Meet brother and sister Andrew and Emma – aka The Young Spectaculars! Energized by their super-powered imaginations, but stuck creating their own adventures near the front porch, they save a cat and a picnic lunch before stumbling upon more than they bargained for. Recommended for children ages 2-5, intended for the little hero inside all of us!
Stars and Stripes/KIDS
Where: Sydney Harmon Hall
When: February 23, 2:30pm
Tickets: $32 and up, but look for a Certifikid deal here
Artistic Director Septime Webre promises to provide an “exhilarating ride” with this patriotic show, as the Washington Ballet creates a special kid-friendly performance of Stars and Stripes/KIDS. In addition to Balanchine’s Stars and Stripes and audience-favorite excerpts from Don Quixote, and Le Corsaire, the program will feature “Make-a-Ballet,” with audience members, especially children, joining in on the dance.
LUMA
Where: Strathmore
When: February 23
Tickets: $20-40
Flickers. Glowing. Flashes. Sparks. Bursts. Pulsing. The fun happens after the lights go out as Strathmore’s Concert Hall fades to black for the performers of LUMA to create a surreal world using darkness as the canvas and light as a brush. The whimsical spectacle creates artistic depictions of natural, artificial and metaphysical light as black-clad performers roam the stage, manipulating glowing balls, and light-reactive elastic cords, streamers, banners and hi-tech luminous objects to music by composers including Aaron Copland and Rossini. Fireflies dance, shooting stars flash across the darkened stage, projections undulate against massive backdrops, carnival rides spin and EKG monitors pulse to a heartbeat in an expression of humankind’s connection to light.
Mickey’s Music Festival
Where: Patriot Center
When: February 24
Tickets: $22-50
Mickey Mouse and friends rock the world with the stars from The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Toy Story in their new show. Disney hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country, and more. The irresistible lineup of performers, including Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy; Ariel, Sebastian and Ursula; Jasmine, Aladdin and Genie; and Woody, Buzz and Jessie; are among the more than 25 Disney stars featured. You can’t resist dancing , singing, playing your air-guitar and laughing with this band of characters! Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.
