One of the DC area’s best summer traditions for families begins this week! Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, Wolf Trap’s outdoor theatre series for young audiences, features a fun, engaging lineup of diverse acts. And, true to its name, this all transpires under the leafy canopy of the Wolf Trap National Park woods, tall trees encompassing the amphitheater adding some extra magic to the shows.
Performances span the entertainment spectrum, from puppetry to storytelling to music to dance to theatre. Sing along with Lisa Loeb, laugh and groove with the Story Pirates, be awed by the street dance crew Fly Dance Company, rock out with The Not-Its!, get excited about science with wacky Mr. Molecule, and much more!
You can catch performances Tuesday through Saturday mornings at 10:30 am from June 21 through August 6. Tickets are $8-12, and children under two enter free of charge. All ages are welcome, though most performances are geared toward children 3-6 years old. Purchase tickets online, by calling 877.WOLFTRAP, or at the Box Office.
For more about Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods, see this past KFDC review about the series.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.
As the weather heats up, stay cool — and entertained — with a variety of live productions around the DC-Metro this summer. Here are the shows that will be on local stages, listed in order of start date with most descriptions coming straight from the theatres. Tickets are on sale for all of them, so go ahead and save your seats!
Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Thru July 27
Tickets: Free
The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays through July with performances at 9:30am and 11:30am. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here. Tickets are distributed day of performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must be in line to receive a ticket.
Sleeping Beauty
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: Thru June 16
Tickets: $12/adults, $10/children
Encore Stage & Studio presents its newest “by kids for kids production: When Briar Rose is born, the King and Queen throw a celebration to welcome their newborn daughter. The whole kingdom is invited, save for one truly wicked witch. In revenge, Evilina casts a sleeping spell on the young Princess; a spell that can only be broken by true love’s kiss. Encore invites you to fall in love again with Sleeping Beauty, an amusing and playful presentation of the well-known fairytale. Special pre-performance music provided by Prelude Youth Orchestra on June 8 & 9 at the 3:00 pm performances. Recommended for ages 4 and up. Running time is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Bathtub Pirates
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: June 13-30
Tickets: $10
Captain Blackbeard, one of the Carolinas most infamous pirates, is without his ship. So a child’s bathtub will have to do. His motley crew outfits the bathtub with rudder, sail and a Jolly Roger pirate flag. This fanciful production comes from guest artists, Grey Seal Puppets, and has won one of the highest honors in puppetry, the UNIMA Citation for Excellence. Recommended for PreK – Grade 4. Running time is 45 minutes.
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.
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 acts perform every Thursday and 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.
Dr. Seuss’s A Cat in the Hat
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: June 21 – September 2
Tickets: $19
From the moment his tall, red-and-white-striped hat appears around the door, Sally and her brother know that the cat in the hat is the funniest, most mischievous cat they have ever met. With the trickiest of tricks and craziest of ideas, he is certainly fun to play with. And he turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. But what will mom find when she gets home…?
Puppets Take Strathmore
Where: Strathmore
When: June 22 – August 17
Tickets: Prices vary by performance
This summer, Strathmore will be invaded by “things on strings” for the campus-wide summer festival Puppets Take Strathmore, exploring contemporary American puppetry. The festival includes performances, workshops, and the fine art exhibition No Strings Attached, with activities for adults and for kids. Highlights of the festival include the DC debut of Blair Thomas & Co.’s acclaimed Hard Headed Heart and a Puppet Slam for avant garde East Coast puppet companies to showcase new, shortform puppet performances. The festival also features numerous unique elements to No Strings Attached, including puppets from Heather Henson’s IBEX (daughter of Muppets creator Jim Henson) and The Ballard Museum of Puppetry, as well as vintage puppets, film screenings, photography, representative sculpture and puppets of all shapes, sizes and modes of animation.
NSO KinderKonzert: Peter & the Wolf
Where: Kennedy Center
When: June 22
Tickets: $18
Those wonderful wind instruments give voice to a little boy named Peter and a wolf on the prowl in Prokofiev’s beloved musical tale. A woodwind quintet of NSO musicians–Alice Weinreb, flute; Nicholas Stovall, oboe; Loren Kitt, clarinet; Truman Harris, bassoon; and Laurel Ohlson, horn–introduces young audiences to the storytelling magic of music in this family favorite. For age 4 and up. Go 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. A project of the Women’s Committee for the NSO.
National Festival Orchestra: Peter and the Wolf
Where: Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, U of Md
When: June 23
Tickets: Free
In this family-friendly performance, members of the National Orchestral Institute play Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf and give their own imaginative musical interpretations of beloved children’s books. The National Orchestral Institute and Festival (NOI) brings together talented young musicians at the beginning of their careers for a month of professional development and music-making. Chosen by a rigorous, cross-country audition process, NOI participants quickly coalesce into dynamic ensembles that perform adventuresome programming.
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods
Where: Wolf Trap
When: June 25 – August 10
Admission: $10
From late June through early August, Wolf Trap presents Children’s Theater-in-the-Woods, over 70 family-friendly performances at 10:30am Tuesdays through Saturdays. Amidst 117 rolling wooded acres and nestled in a shady grove, the stage is set for lively adventures in music, dance, storytelling, puppetry, and theater. All of the productions are recommended for children between Kindergarten and 6th grade. The full schedule of shows is available of the Wolf Trap website. And you can read a KFDC review of the series from a previous summer here.
Peter Pan and Wendy
Where: Imagination Stage
When: June 26 – August 11
Tickets: Start at $12
Bethesda becomes Neverland this summer, as Imagination Stage presents Peter Pan and Wendy, a swashbuckling adventure with audience participation. In this version of the classic tale of the boy who refuses to grow up, the character of Wendy takes on a more prominent role, as she, too, is having trouble coming to terms with pending adulthood and accepting life’s responsibilities. Wendy wants to play, and Peter Pan is delighted to whisk her away to the magical island of Neverland where children stay children forever. With the help of Tinkerbell, the Lost Boys, Tiger Lily, and mermaids, Peter and Wendy battle the dreaded, but rather funny, Captain Hook.
Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian – Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: June 27-28
Tickets: $3-8
Lucky Diaz, Alisha Gaddis, and company rock out with “contemporary family music all dressed up in the ’50s,” says USA Today, which named the LA-based band a best new artist in kids’ music. The Chicago Tribune applauded their “indie pop-rock for seriously groovin’ families.” Recommended for ages 2-6.
Dinosaur Babies
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: July 5-28
Tickets: $10
This DinoRock musical fossil fantasy opens in the bedroom of a little boy named Nelson: “I saw that scary movie about dinosaurs and now I have nightmares.” Nelson is afraid to go to sleep, but with the encouragement of the Dream Weavers (Ingrid Crepeau, Michele Valeri and Steve Little) he does. Together the Dream Weavers and those cute little dinosaur babies help Nelson to conquer his fears and sleep well. Recommended for PreK-Grade 4. Running time is 45 minutes.
Mouse on the Move
Where: Imagination Stage
When: July 6-28
Tickets: $10-12
Mouse on the Move follows two adventurous mice who are ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to visit the moon, since it is reportedly made of delicious, mouth-watering cheese. Ages 1-5.
All The Way Live! with Paige Hernandez & Baye Harrell
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: July 9-12
Tickets: $3-8
Anything can come to life with a simple beat, a rhythm and a rhyme. Watch as world renowned hip hop performers collaborate on the spot to “remix” everything from folktales to classical art. Watch as the remix unfolds through dance, poetry, improv and rapping. In this interactive show, everything is “all the way live” and history is revived through hip hop lenses.
Backyard Theatre For Children
Where: Strathmore
When: July 11 – August 1
Tickets: $8/ages 3 and up
A quartet of kid-friendly performances on Strathmore’s tented Backyard Theater Stage will keep kids excited, engaged and moving this summer. Infectious riffs from kindie rock band Milkshake and the ’80s influenced Pop Ups will have whole families singing along to their concerts. Backyard Theater favorite Taikoza returns to showcase the thundering power of Taiko drums and Japanese dance, while DC-based Urban Artistry will teach hip hop dance basics for rambunctious youngsters bursting with energy to pop, lock, and breakdance.
Willy Wonka, Jr.
Where: Kenmore Middle School
When: July 11-12
Admission: Suggested donation of $5
Encore Stage & Studio invites you to a world of “pure imagination” in Stage Door’s musical production of Willy Wonka, Jr. Willy Wonka, owner of the magical and mysterious candy factory is ready to pass on his prized-business to a young, “bright spark.” Five contestants have found the golden ticket, Mike Teavee, Veruca Salt, Augustus Gloop, Violet Beauregarde and Charlie Bucket and are moving on into the competition. Find out which lucky contestant will win his delicious fortune. This scrumdidilyumptious musical is guaranteed to delight everyone’s sweet tooth! Recommended for ages 4 and older.
Video Games Live: Bonus Round!
Where: Wolf Trap
When: July 13
Tickets: $22-55
Power up for a spectacular ALL NEW fusion of live music and cutting-edge visuals from some of the world’s most popular video games such as Pokemon, Super Smash Bros., Skyrim, Journey, Street Fighter II, Earthworm Jim, Donkey Kong Country, Chrono Cross and many more, shown on HUGE screens in-house and on the lawn. Created, produced and hosted by world renowned game industry veteran Tommy Tallarico, top orchestras and choirs from across the globe perform along with exclusive synchronized video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, well known internet solo performers, electronic percussion, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive entertainment experience.
Science Spectacular with Eric Energy
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: July 16-19
Tickets: $3-8
Get ready to “wow” your kids with a science spectacular! Eric Energy is a wacky scientist and he will perform visual science experiments that deal with topics like the weather and matter. Kids will be seeing things like vortex fog rings, bubbling potions and more. This is an interactive show so volunteers will be needed! Recommended for ages 5-12.
Legally Blonde The Musical
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: July 19-28
Admission: $15/adult, $10/child
Encore Stage & Studio presents bubbly and bright Elle Woods, who never takes “no” for an answer. So when her boyfriend dumps her for someone “serious,” Elle upgrades her signature pink for Harvard crimson! This Hollywood blockbuster turned musical sensation will have you dancing in the aisles. Elle proves that being true to yourself never goes out of style. Recommended for ages 10 and up.
The Magical Worlds of Jack Julius
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: July 23-26
Tickets: $3-8
Come see the unique, magical world of Jack Julius as he presents his own style of magic, mime, comedy, and illusion. You will be amazed as you watch magic and art come to life. As always, there’s tons of audience participation – so get ready to be part of the show! Recommended for ages 5-12.
Playing by Air
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: July 23-24
Tickets: $8 by 6/15, $10 after 6/15
The award winning performers of Playing By Air share their sense of playfulness and breathtaking circus feats in this production filled with music, juggling and more…more…
The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses
Where: Meyerhoff Symphony Hall
When: July 27
Admission: $30-75
Based on one of the most popular and beloved video game series of all time, the tour—which has been hailed as a modern classic—features live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo’s The Legend of Zelda franchise. The name “Symphony of the Goddesses” refers not only to the concert program but also to the four-movement symphony recounting the classic storylines from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. The performance also will highlight orchestral renditions of music from other series games, including The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening and The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask. Eímear Noone will conduct the full orchestra with arrangements by music director Chad Seiter.
Circus!
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: August 2
Tickets: $10
In grand circus tradition, the “Grandest Show on Strings” features a collection of clowns, death-defying acrobats, and an amazing menagerie of fauna from the farthest reaches of the globe. Performed by Christopher and MayField Piper, many of the acts were built more than 50 years ago by Christopher’s parents for “Len Piper’s International Marionette Circus.” Recommended for PreK-Adult. Running time is 40 minutes.
Sing-A-Long Sound of Music
Where: Wolf Trap
When: August 31
Tickets: $20-38
A few of your favorite things are back! Quickly becoming a Wolf Trap tradition, this Oscar-winning movie will be shown on HUGE screens in-house and on the lawn, accompanied by an audience sing-a-long. It all kicks off with a vocal warm-up and an introduction to using complimentary goodie bags containing a treasure trove of Sound of Music props that ensure a fun, interactive experience. Be sure to dress in your Sound of Music best – the sing-a-long is paired with an unforgettable costume contest.
