Tag Archives: Artisphere

Review: Darius the Dragon & Rap-Punzel by Encore Stage & Studio

Something about seeing kids perform on stage really seems to resonate with kids watching them. At least this was the case with Owen at Encore Stage & Studio’s latest production, Darius the Dragon & Rap-Punzel, running at Artisphere’s Spectrum Theatre through January 15.  The two-play production is performed entirely by youth actors — quite impressively, at that — just as Encore’s “Theatre by Kids, For Kids” slogan promises.

Owen and I had a chance to see the performances this past weekend, and he was not only thoroughly engrossed in the shows, but also quite interested to know more about the actors themselves, like who played which characters and how old they were, something he’s never asked to do for adult-acted shows. It was clear this youth theatre experience was special for him.  Compared to the older actors he’s used to seeing, these were his peers, people he could somewhat relate to.

But it wasn’t just the kids in the audience who were entertained  by the shows; it was obvious the adults enjoyed them, too. Along with appreciating the talent of such a young cast, there are underlying messages about environmental issues and a fun, hip twist on a classic fairytale, elements that appeal to adult sensibilities.

Dragon meets 21st-century world

As for the production, it begins with Darius the Dragon, a one-hour play about time-warped medieval dragon whose cave in a 21st-century city park is about to be bulldozed. He befriends Jenny, who introduces him to her friends, and with their help, he crusades to stop the construction and save their park/his home. Darius and Jenny have a great rapport, and the police chief and mayor (Darius’ adversaries-turned-supporters) are quite an amusing duo. The rest of the cast does an excellent job of creating the city setting by wearing cars to create traffic and playing a choreographed basketball game.

Rapping vegetables in Rap-punzel

Rap-punzel begins after a 15-minute intermission, and it takes no time at all to get into the groove of the show, and I mean that literally.  As the cast presents the classic story of the girl with the long hair raised by a witch in a high tower as her parents’ remittance for stealing from her garden, all of the dialogue is rapped.  And it’s executed with such perfect rhythm and rhyme, I found myself bobbing my head along to it and saw Owen doing some small hip hop moves in his seat. This 30-minute rendition on a tale we all know well was, perhaps, the most creative I’ve ever seen — and heard.

The cast of kids took their bows to very enthusiastic applause. And they made their way from the stage to the lobby, where kids who saw the show lined up to get their autographs — no doubt, a thrill for both audience and actors.

Darius the Dragon & Rap-Punzel is on stage at Artisphere’s Spectrum Theatre, located at 1611 N. Kent Street in Arlington, for one more weekend.  There are performances on Friday (1/13) at 7:30pm, Saturday (1/14) at 11am and 3pm, and Sunday (1/15) at 3pm. Tickets are $12/adults, $10/kids and can be purchased online. The production is recommended for ages 4 and older.  Six-year-old Owen gave it two thumbs up!

 

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Filed under DC, Gradeschoolers, Live Entertainment, Preschoolers, Preteens, Teens, Theatre, Tweens, Virginia, Weekend, Winter

The Weekend Round-Up: November 4-6

A fall frolic on the National Mall.

 

These post-Halloween days are almost as enjoyable as the extravaganza itself. After weeks of costume discussions, trick-or-treat planning, and candy hiding (mostly from myself) so it’s not eaten before the big day, this respite between major holidays is welcome.  It won’t last long, as preparations for winter festivities are about to begin. (And I’ll be posting about them soon, but wanted to give you a chance to untie ghosts from trees and dispose of rotting pumpkins). So, in the meantime, enjoy these next few autumn days. Here are some ideas of where to do it. Happy Weekend!

Think Outside… – These splendid fall days are going to be fewer and farther between soon, so my top recommendation is to get out and enjoy them while you can. Do a quintessential DC outing and tour the memorials on the Mall. Go leaf peeping in the National Arboretum or explore the sprawling grounds of Brookside Gardens.  Hike amid brilliant foliage at Great Falls or Riverbend Park. Play the day away Cabin John Regional Park. The options are abundant, and you can find even more in KFDC’s list of The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids.

Smashing Pumpkins – Now that Halloween is over, you can get rid of those jack-o-lanterns that are starting to cave in on themselves on the front porch. And you can have a good time doing it at Great Country Farms’s Punkin’ Chunkin’.  Do the honors on their Silo Drop or Zip Wire Sploosh, or bring it to their Pumpkin Drop Zone to be added to the “fireworks display” as pumpkins are dropped from a 40-foot lift in the parking lot. And while you’re there, enjoy the rest of the farm’s attractions — cow trains, swings, slides, mazes — before the amusement shuts down for the winter.  Open from 10am – 5pm. Admission is $10/adults, $8/children.

Euro EntertainmentWe’re in the last week of the Kids Euro Festival, the program bringing a month of free continental artistic adventures to venues all over DC. This weekend see “A Cat in Paris” at AFI, “The Seasons of Palina” at the Atlas Performing Arts Center, several performances on the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, and much, much more. Check the schedule for times and details.

Rock Out with Recess MonkeySeattle’s celebrated band of teacher-rockers is coming to DC this weekend to perform three shows at two different venues. First, they are playing a free concert on the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage on Saturday at 6pm.  For shows that might work better with little ones’ schedules, see them on Sunday, November 6, at Jammin’ Java at 11am or 2pm.  Tickets are $10 and available for purchase online.

Happy 90th, Phillips Collection!The museum housing masterpieces from some of the world’s most famous artists probably isn’t exactly a go-to spot for a day out with little ones.  But this Saturday is an exception. It’s the gallery’s 90th birthday/anniversary, and they’re celebrating with an all-day bash that includes free activities, gallery talks, and performances for the whole family. Cupcake favors will be handed out while they last, ballet students will be practicing among Degas paintings, an accordionist and a cappella group will perform for guests, and even more will be happening throughout the day from 10am – 8pm.  See the schedule for times and details.

Celebrate American Indian HeritageAmerican Indian leaders, traditions, and arts are commemorated on U.S. postage stamps, and the National Postal Museum is celebrating them with a day of activities for kids. Learn about American Indians on postage stamps; make a topical stamp collection; and enjoy storytime with a book about Sequoyah, the Cherokee man who gave his people written language. Join in the fun on Saturday from aam – 2pm.

Robin Hood  – Encore Stage’s production of the classic tale opens on Friday at 7:30pm, and there will be several shows to follow this weekend and next. Here’s what’s special about Encore’s performances: They are for children by children. Yes, it’s mostly a youth cast, and if their production of The Wizard of Oz is any indication, these kids will put on quite a show. The play will be performed at Artisphere’s Spectrum Theatre, tickets are $12/adults, $10/children and can be purchased online.

Children’s Flea MarketScore a few bargains and support some entrepreneurial kids at the McLean Community Center on Saturday from 11am – 1pm. Young vendors will have a variety of gently used items for sale.  A donation truck will be on hand after the event to take any unsold items.

NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Tunes ‘n’ (Pig) TalesEnjoy stories and music all about animals in this Teddy Bear Concert featuring The Three Pigs, Teddy Bear Rag, The Swan, and Baby Elephant Walk. Performed with a very unusual combination of instruments, NSO principal musicians Marissa Regni on violin and Dotian Levalier on harp join with Marissa’s father Albert Regni on four different saxophones to give each animal its own unique voice. And as a “little” surprise, along with full-sized instruments, the musicians perform on their miniature counterparts – a toy piano, a sopranino saxophone, and a tiny violin. Recommended for ages 3 to 5.  Tickets are $18.

Theatre on Strings – Take the kids to a puppet show at Glen Echo Park where The Three Billy Goats Gruff is currently being performed on Main Stage. Showtimes are 11:30am and 1pm Saturday and Sunday, recommended for pre-K and up. Tickets are $10 and available for purchase online.

Portrait Story Days – Drop in at the National Portrait Gallery from 1-4pm on Saturday and Sunday to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This weekend, learn about Chief Joseph (1840-1904), chief of the Nez Perce.

America’s Got Talent AuditionsIs your child a star in the making? Well, here’s a chance to show the nation. America’s Got Talent is holding their DC auditions Saturday and Sunday at the Washington Convention Center, and kids (and adults!) of all ages are invited to try out for the show.  Doors open at 8am and close by 7pm.  Pre-registration and more info is available here.

 

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Filed under All ages, Art, Babies, DC, Festival, Free, Gradeschoolers, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Preschoolers, Preteens, Theatre, Toddlers, Virginia, Weekend

Last Weekend of Summer Break

Having a laugh on an easy summer day

 

It’s the final weekend of the summer break. For us, anyway. DC Public School students head back to the classroom on Monday, my Kindergartner-to-be Owen among them. And while I’m brimming with excitement and pride about this new beginning for him, I’m also going to miss the casual days of the last couple of months…and his pre-“big kid” school youth. Needless to say, I’m greeting these next few days with a little extra gusto. Whether your break is also winding down or you’re still savoring the season, here’s where you can enjoy summer with the kids this Friday through Sunday. Happy Weekend!

Fair Play –  The county fair fun continues for two more days at the Montgomery and Prince Willima County Fairs. Find info on both in this post from last week.

Back-to-School Blast Off Get a jump start on the new school year at Pump It Up in Lanham today from 5:30 – 7pm and on Saturday from 11:30 – 1pm. The Mecca of bounce is hosting special open play sessions that include an hour of jump time plus a slice of pizza and a drink for $10/person. You can also enjoy Sundaes on Sunday from 12 – 2pm, where guests can jump then create their own ice cream treats for $10/child, $3.50/adult.

The Old Ball Game –  The Phillies are in town for a three-game series against the Nationals, with games at 7:05pm on Friday and Saturday evenings. If you’re thinking about taking the kids, plan to bring them on Sunday when the first 10,000 fans ages 12 and under will receive a Nats duffel bag.  It’s also a Signature Sunday when select players are available for autographs at 12:15pm. Kids can also run the bases after the game. Be sure to check out the Family Fun Pack if you plan to go that day.

Peachy Keen – The pickings are still good at most local farms, so if the weather cooperates, head to a peach orchard to stock up on the fruits. Use this list of farms from a post about berry picking as a guide; most of them have peaches or other pick-your-own delights now, though it never hurts to give them a call to confirm.

The DC ScoopIce Creeeeam! Union Market, at 6th Street and Florida Avenue NE, will be the site of a sweet event on Saturday that the whole family will love — if you love ice cream, that is. Seventeen of the area’s best ice cream, gelato, and custard vendors are having a taste-off to determine the best scoop in the city. Enjoy live music, face painting, a glitter artist, and of course, ice cream tasting all for free!

Yellow & Blue Make GreenThe Textile Museum is hosting its monthly Arts for Families event on Saturday from 2-4pm. Experiment with color mixing while making your own nature print on fabric. Explore and create within Museum’s beautiful garden, featuring the installation Garden Lace by artist Michelle Brody. The event is free, and no reservations are required.

See Stars at Rock Creek  – On Saturday and Sunday at 1pm, the Rock Creek Planetarium (the only one in the National Park system) invites kids ages 5 and older to view the season’s brightest starts, planets, and constellations and learn their stories. Like all Rock Creek ranger-led programs, this one is free.

Cloudy with a Chance of… Documents?  –  As random as it may sound, the National Archives is hosting a screening of the hit kids’ movie “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” on Saturday at 12pm. See the film for free in the William G. McGowan Theater.

Rock out at ArtisphereIt’s always a dance party when the Rocknoceros trio takes the stage, and this Saturday is sure to be no exception at Artisphere’s Dome Theatre.  The show/fun starts at 11:30am; tickets are $12/adults and $8/kids and available for purchase online.

Family Fest on the Potomac – On Saturdays through September 10, families can enjoy water rides, live entertainment, food, and vendors at the National Harbor. In addition, Family Fest will present the Harbor Star Stage featuring local and national artists throughout the day. Gates are opn from 1-7:30pm. Admission is $10, food and drinks are sold separately.

Movies on the PotomacThe National Harbor hosts another family event on Sunday evenings when it shows free films starting just after sunset.  This week’s feature is the “Chronicles of Narnia.”

Be sure to check out even more ideas in these popular posts:

Joys of Summer

The Best Places in the DC Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Day Outdoors with the Kids

Rainy Day Recreation (ie, Indoor Fun)

Stay Entertained Through Summer

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Filed under All ages, Art, DC, Eats, Educational, Farm, Festival, Free, Indoor Play, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Movies, Museums, Music, Outdoor, Park, Sports, Summer, Virginia, Weekend

On the Radar this Weekend: Kids’ Films, Peeps, Pirates… and Rain

So, last weekend I posted this screen shot from my phone on my personal Facebook page (it garnered quite a few “likes”).

And what a glorious week  it was weather-wise here in DC.  But it looks like Mother Nature is ready to balance things out a bit. The current forecast couldn’t be more different than last week’s brilliant outlook.

Luckily, there’s plenty to do this weekend regardless of how many little suns or rain showers and lightening bolts my phone’s weather app displays.  (But, just in case, I’m still including some outdoor picks in this round-up of activities for the family.)  Happy Weekend!

Kids World Cinema  – Passport DC presents this showcase of international children’s films that aims to introduce international children’s films to Washingtonians, compare significant cross-cultural differences in this genre, and inspire the artistic development of DC children through the discovery of quality foreign films. The festival targets 6 to 13-year-olds and will showcase a selection of the most significant international productions for young audiences. Each screening will be followed by children’s workshops and discussions addressing the films’ cultural contexts. Age group will vary with each film and workshop.  Screening will take place tonight at 6pm and on Saturday at 2pm.  Full details are available on the Cultural Tourism DC website.

PEEPS ShowArtisphere has partnered with Artomatic to bring highlights from the 5th Annual Washington Post PEEPS® Diorama Contest to Artisphere through Tuesday, May 31. The 2011 The exhibition features over 20 entries from the contest. On Saturday from 12 – 4pm, kids and families will be able to join in the PEEPS® fun with free activities, including a special children’s tour of the dioramas and PEEPS® diorama-making workshops. The free events will include PEEPS® treats, compliments of Just Born, the manufacturer of PEEPS®.

Turtle Park May FairFriendship ‘Turtle’ Park’s annual spring carnival and largest event of the year is on Saturday from 10am – 4pm. There will be moon bounces, pony rides, games, face painting, a bake sale, silent auction, and more. A dunk tank and entertainment will also be among the festivities, and food from Masala Art, Potomac Pizza, Robeks, hot dogs, ice cream, and popcorn will keep bellies full.  For the live entertainment line-up, see the Turtle Park website.

Pirate’s FestAhoy, matey! Have you ever dreamed about life on the high seas in the 18th century? Why did sailors swab the deck? Did they really walk the plank? The Pirate Fest at Darnall’s Chance House Museum has answers to these questions and more on Saturday from 11am – 4pm. The event will feature swashbuckling re-enactors, hands-on children’s activities, live music, concessions stand, children’s pirate costume contest, a treasure hunt and more for wannabe pirates and landlubbers alike!  Admission is $5.

Portrait Story Days: Andy WarholDrop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Saturday and Sunday from 1 – 4pm to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art.  The focus of this weekend’s free program will be American pop artist Andy Warhol.

Public Art for You and Me!Join staff at the National Building Museum on Sunday from 1 – 2:30pm for a Family Workshop that explores art in the outdoors community. Participants will go on a guided walk through the Museum’s neighborhood with a special focus on public art. They’ll take in the art and architecture of the city, then return to the Museum to enjoy murals and mosaics in two of the Museum’s exhibitions. Using all that they’ve seen as inspiration, guests will then make their own murals to take home and enjoy. Cost is $10 for museum members, $15 for non-members. For registration info, see the National Building Museum website.

Live it Up on the LoopEnjoy a fun family event with a focus on leading a healthy, active lifestyle at Market Common Clarendon on Sunday from 10am – 2pm. Kids activities will include a moon bounce, live entertainment, glitter tattoos, hula hooping, and more. All activities are free, and the event is on rain or shine!

Baby Loves DiscoTickets are still available to the dance party for the sippy cup set taking place at the Lowes Annapolis Hotel on Sunday from 2- 5pm.  Kids ages 6 months to 7 years and their parents are welcome on this dance floor. Bubble machines, games, toys, and a DJ spinning cool tunes are all part of the kiddie entertainment. Parents will appreciate healthy snacks, diaper changing stations, and the chance to see their babes have a blast.

Pendragwn Youth Film FestivalThe public is invited to view the winning entries submitted to the Festival by students ages 11 – 18 at the Atlas Performing Arts Center on Sunday. Along with the film screenings, attendees can participate in a variety of creative workshops (registration is required) and enjoy a performance by the critically acclaimed step group, Step Afrika.  This will all happen from 12 – 6pm.  A schedule of events is available on the Festival website.

That’s Entertainment – A variety of performances will be on local stages this weekend, from puppet shows and plays at Glen Echo to productions at Ford’s Theatre and Imagination Stage. This post has details on what’s playing around town.

Rainy Day RecsThere’s a very good chance this list of rainy day suggestions will come in handy. If the forecast makes good on its promise of a wet weekend, this post contains many ideas on where to have fun indoors.

Hello, Sunshine?The list of best places to enjoy the outdoors with the kids keeps growing.  Check it out for ideas on where to have fun under the sun — if we see it this weekend, that is.


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