Tag Archives: Date Night

Live Entertainment on Local Stages this Spring

The interactive TreeHouse Shakers: Hatched at BlackRock Center for the Arts

The interactive “TreeHouse Shakers: Hatched” at BlackRock Center for the Arts



With the new season comes a whole new lineup of live entertainment. There are shows for all ages and interests — plays, puppet theatre, musicals, concerts, dance performances, and more to enjoy at venues around the area. Here’s what you and the kids can see on local stages this spring, listed in order of opening date.

Paper Dreams
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through April 9
Tickets: $14

In a brand-new collaboration with Mons Dansa Dance Company Barcelona, Spain, we bring to life our first DANCE performance based show, perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea?

Ragtime
Where: Ford’s Theatre
When: Through May 20
Tickets: $18-64 (look for a discount)

Based on E.L. Doctorow’s celebrated novel, this epic Tony-winning musical depicts three families striving for the American dream at the turn of the 20th century. As the country balances on the cusp of social change, the lives of a wealthy white family, a daring Harlem musician and a determined Jewish immigrant intersect—and their fates are inextricably bound and profoundly changed. With an expansive musical score, striking relevancy and a who’s who of 20th-century historical characters, “Ragtime” confronts both the unbridled optimism and the stark reality of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

The Select (The Sun Also Rises) (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Lansburgh Theatre
When: Through April 2
Tickets: $44-113 (look for a discount)

A stage littered with liquor bottles and café chairs seamlessly transforms itself from the bistros of Paris to the banks of the Irati River; a long bar table roars to life and charges a champion matador; an out-of-control dance party takes off during a night of nonstop revelry. As the story winds its way through France and Spain and lands in Pamplona where bullfighting and the fiesta rage in the streets, Hemingway’s narrator carries the heavy burdens of a war injury and his inability to have the woman he loves; a woman whose amorous escapades he follows with bemused but painful fatalism.

Monica Becomes a Big Sister
Where: Discovery Theater
When: March 23
Tickets: $3-8

Monica can’t wait for the newest member of the family to arrive. But a broken leg sends her to the emergency room with her mom. In a musical medical adventure, Monica discovers that a hospital isn’t such a scary place—and that a baby brother might join you on the trip back home. Recommended for ages 3-7

To Sail Around the Sun
Where: Kennedy Center
When: March 25-26
Tickets: $20

Set to the timeless music of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, this imaginative world premiere co-commission between the NSO and Company | E uses dance, film, storytelling, and musicians to weave together stories about the changing of the seasons. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Pike St. (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Woolly Mammoth
When: March 27 – April 23
Tickets: $39-49 (look for a discount)

On the Lower East Side, a mother works hard to keep the electricity flowing for her daughter’s respirator while a hurricane looms nearby. As she prepares for disaster, a vibrant host of characters—a decorated war veteran, her ne’er-do-well father, her octogenarian downstairs neighbor—bring new meaning to the phrase “it takes a village.”

Mother Earth & Me
Where: Discovery Theater
When: March 28-31
Tickets: $3-8

The magic of earth science takes center stage in this fun, interactive Discovery Theater original as we explore the origins of our planet, the water cycle, and our important role in the ecosystem, as well as folklore about the “big blue marble” we call home. Kick off Earth Month by pledging to become an Earth Warrior—and find out some great ways to start right away!

The Three Billy Goats Gruff
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: March 30 – April 30
Tickets: $12

A marionette romp in which three brothers get the goat of a hen-pecked troll, in their attempts to trip-trap-tromp to where the grass is greener. Three variety numbers precede the performance, demonstrating the making of a simple hand puppet, and manipulation of rod puppets and marionettes, as an introduction to the Art of Puppetry.

A Raisin in the Sun
Where: Arena Stage
When: March 31 – May 7
Tickets: $66-111

Lorraine Hansberry’s groundbreaking masterpiece follows the Younger family yearning for a better life far from the cramped confines of their Chicago tenement. Hope arrives in the form of an unexpected financial windfall, but when they realize they have differing definitions of the American dream, which dreams get realized and which deferred? A Raisin in the Sun paints the African-American experience in brilliant and powerful strokes, as vibrant and vital today as they were in 1959.

Water on Mars
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: April 1-2
Tickets: $18-24

Water on Mars is virtuoso juggling gone wild. Take three monstrously skillful young jugglers, six hands and thousands of catches. Add flying chocolate and backflips, 400 rolls of tape and magnetic jump-ropes. Result: better than a roller coaster and as good as the 4th of July. When these three work together on a single project it´s like 3 Jackson Pollock´s sword fighting with paint covered brushes. Designed for spaceships and distant planets, Water on Mars is the future of juggling.

Saturday Family Jazz Sessions
Where: Strathmore
When: Several Saturdays in April, May, & June
Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at door

Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features music by a different performer each session. These will take place during the spring April 1, April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3, and June 17.

Chicago
Where: Kennedy Center
When: April 4-16
Tickets: $50-159 (look for a discount)

With show-stopping numbers, astonishing dancing, and a healthy dose of razzle dazzle, Chicago is a heart-pounding spectacle of everything that makes Broadway great. Foxy Roxie Hart (portrayed by Grammy winner Brandy Norwood) and Velma Kelly bring down the house in this six-time Tony winner! Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Tot Rock: Alphabet Rockers – Hip Hop for Kids
Where: Discovery Theater
When: April 6-7
Tickets: $3-8

Alphabet Rockers is the “modern day De La Soul for the 21st century (all-natural) juice box crowd” (Cooper & Kid). This is an intergenerational dance party where the performers’ infectious energy and hip hop grooves get kids jumping and head nodders rocking out – all set to educational lyrics about complex cultural topics and learning goals. Alphabet Rockers make learning come alive through the beats, rhymes, moves and community of hip hop – and you will have confidence this is adding value to your community and life.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: April 7 – May 21
Tickets: $19.50

This is Aladdin as you’ve never seen it before. Aladdin and his love, the princess Adora, must outsmart an evil Magician who wants to use the genie in Aladdin’s lamp for his nefarious schemes! Will he get away with it? Get ready for love, magic, and mystery in this production for all ages.

Cuisine & Confessions
Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center at George Mason
When: April 8-9
Tickets: $30-50, half-price available for ages 12 and under

Dance, acrobatics, and a pinch of theatrics are the essential ingredients in this remarkable show that explores life in the family kitchen where lessons are learned, bonds are forged, and secrets are exchanged. Montreal-based group The 7 Fingers of the Hand interprets relationships and storytelling as they prepare a meal in a unique and playful way, getting right into the heart of the home, using circus acts and acrobatics to depict scenes of family meals and intimate moments. This acclaimed ensemble’s name is a twist on a French idiom, “the five fingers of the hand,” which describes distinct parts moving in coordination toward a common goal. In this case, there are seven artistic collaborators who achieve a common goal in creating an amazing production. The highly skilled artists, with their precisely timed stunts, provide the perfect recipe for an unforgettable theatrical event.

Smart People
Where: Arena Stage
When: April 14 – May 22
Tickets:

Do our belief systems stem from our environment, or are some prejudices hard-wired into us? With barbed wit, Lydia R. Diamond (Stick Fly) explores the unavoidable nature of cultural bias and other sticky subjects in the controversial and fiercely funny new play Smart People. Four intellectuals — a doctor, an actress, a psychologist, and a neurobiologist studying the human brain’s response to race — search for love, acceptance and identity in a complex world where political correctness comes face-to-face with cold hard data.

Fun Home (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: National Theatre
When: April 18 – May 13
Tickets: $48-98 (look for a discount)

Every once in a while a Broadway musical comes along that surprises, moves and excites audiences in ways only a truly landmark musical can. The groundbreaking, life-affirming and exquisite new musical FUN HOME was the event of the Broadway season, receiving raves from critics and audiences alike, winning five 2015 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL and making history along the way. Based on Alison Bechdel’s best-selling graphic memoir, FUN HOME introduces us to Alison at three different ages as she explores and unravels the many mysteries of her childhood. A refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes, FUN HOME is extraordinary, a rare beauty that pumps fresh air into Broadway. (New York Times)

Ecosystems Alive
Where: Discovery Theater
When: April 20-21
Tickets: $3-8

From tropical forests to tundras, deserts to wetlands, our planet’s ecosystems display a rich diversity. Be introduced to live reptiles from a variety of habitats and discover why healthy ecosystems are so important to all life. You might get to meet a boa constrictor, box turtle, bearded dragon, or other creatures from around the world. Recommended for ages 6-11.

In the Heights – En Español!
Where: Gala Hispanic Theatre
When: April 20 – May 21
Tickets: $40-60

New York’s Washington Heights is a vibrant community on the brink of change, where the biggest struggle can be which traditions you take with you and which you leave behind. With its gripping tale of hopes and dreams, this groundbreaking musical is the next chapter in the multicultural American story. Conceived by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Where: Strathmore
When: April 21
Tickets: $20-60

The world-renowned all-singing, all-plucking superstars return with their toe-tapping music, hilarious banter, and sheer superlative entertainment. Last year they celebrated “30 Plucking Years” of ukulele action, this year they will have been active for “One Billion Seconds.” See for yourself why the Ukes of GB (the original Ukulele Orchestra, the oldest and the best) and their entertaining, witty, shopping trolley dash through all genres of music has led to sold-out shows all over the world. Critics, trying to encapsulate the group’s indefinable magic and joy, have heralded the group as “the best musical entertainment.”

The Jungle Book
Where: Imagination Stage
When: April 22 – May 28
Tickets: $15-30

Mowgli is a human child brought up in the jungles of India by a family of wolves. The embittered tiger Shere Kahn may be stalking him, but Mowgli is a quick learner. His friends, Baloo the goofy bear, and Bagheera, the savvy Jaguar, teach him how to gain the trust of the four-footed hunters, the birds, and the snakes so that he will never be friendless. He falls into a bad crowd of silly monkeys who lead him astray and play a mean trick on him. How will Mowgli escape from the deep, dark well? And, how will he save himself when Shere Kahn turns the wolf pack against him? Kipling’s timeless classic deals with very timely issues in this lively new version. Mowgli learns to respect his environment and the wisdom of the animals. And he realizes that, as a grown man, it’s his responsibility to protect them. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

TreeHouse Shakers: Hatched
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: April 23, 2pm & 4pm
Tickets: $18

After an extraordinarily popular performance at BlackRock in 2014, the TreeHouse Shaker’s Hatched returns to BlackRock. With movement, music, handcrafted puppets, and very little human dialogue, this show is set on a family farm, a newborn chick emerges from her shell at sunrise to a strange and busy world. Audience members interact and play with the characters on stage; they give the chicks their feed, milk bottles to the lamb and are licked by the cow. A beautiful introduction to theater, Hatched will charm and engage babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

Macbeth (KidFree Suggestion!)
Where: Sidney Harman Hall
When: April 25 – May 8
Tickets: $44-102 (look for a discount)

In a world beset by civil war and invasion, Macbeth and his artful lady begin a series of murders, plunging us into the darkest night of the soul. Storms rage, fires burn and night blankets the earth in this tale of sound and fury, accompanied by Shakespeare’s richest poetry.

Paper Dreams
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: April 27-30
Tickets: $6-10

Imagination Stage partners with Mons Dansa from Barcelona, Spain for a delightful movement performance. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea? Recommended for ages 1-5.

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Most Saturdays
Tickets: FREE!

The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays 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.

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.

Boogie Babes
Where: Eastern Market
When: Thursdays, 10:30am
Tickets: $5/child, free for sibling 6 months and under

Little ones can boogie along with their favorite local musicians at Eastern Market’s North Hall every Thursday morning. Go for the show, then grab lunch in the market or at one of many nearby eateries after.

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.

Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Ongoing daily, 6pm
Tickets: Free

The Kennedy Center presents these free, no-tickets-required performances every day at 6pm, and the public is welcome to enjoy them. The acts span the genres — you can see everything from contemporary dance to folk music to puppetry to comedy shows to opera scenes. Millennium Stage showcases everyone from local youth choirs to internationally known bands (They Might Be Giants performed there a few years ago). This is a great series to keep in mind for whenever you’re looking for some free, easy entertainment.

Shear Madness
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Ongoing
Tickets: $50-54 (look for a discount)

Set today in the Shear Madness hairstyling salon, this record-breaking comedy is Washington’s hilarious whodunit. After more than 13,000 performances, the show has stayed in great shape. Recommended for kids middle school ages and up.

Peppa Pig Live!
Where: Strathmore
When: May 3
Tickets: $29-59

Peppa Pig’s Big Splash is an action-packed live show featuring your favorite characters as life size puppets and costume characters! Come join Peppa, George, Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and more in an all singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!

Cinderella
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: May 4 – June 11
Tickets: $12

The elegance of 17th-century France, combining elaborate costumes of the Comédie-Française and Offenbach’s “Gaiety Parisian” to adorn the tale of the cinder girl who captures the heart of the handsome prince. The production was acclaimed at the 1997 National Puppet Festival, and performed by invitation at the Center for Puppetry Arts, in Atlanta.

Jojo’s Puppy Adventure
Where: Discovery Theater
When: May 4-5
Tickets: $3-8

Jojo has always wanted a pet of his own. But when he discovers an injured puppy, he knows he must reunite it with its owner. Join Jojo on an interactive musical search to find the puppy’s home—and a happy ending for both of them. Recommended for ages 3-7.

Snow White
Where: Hylton Performing Arts Center
When: May 5
Tickets: $17-35

Virginia National Ballet’s Snow White is a charming, family friendly neo-classical ballet with hilarious appearances by the Seven Dwarfs, thrilling, bravura dancing from the Evil Queen, and gorgeous dancing by Snow White and the Prince, supported by students of Gainesville Ballet School as the adorable forest animals. Managing Director Elysabeth Muscat Hegab says that this will be Virginia National Ballet’s first “Fairy Tale” ballet with slapstick comedy, and the first time the company is including younger dancers in a performance. This production is perfect for all age groups, as the story is very easy to follow, the dancing and choreography are brilliant, and the gorgeous sets and costumes include four different scenic backdrops, original sets, and colorful costumes, on stage at the Hylton Performing Arts Cente

The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Where: Synetic Theater
When: May 10 – June 11
Tickets: $20-60

Synetic’s visionary Founding Artistic Director Paata Tsikurishvili brings his mind-bending, cinematic style to Victor Hugo’s gothic, heartbreaking epic of inner beauty and undying loyalty. When the beguiling dancer Esmerelda captures the heart of the deformed bell-ringer Quasimodo, his adoptive father, the priest Frollo, decides he wants her for himself – plunging all of Paris into a spiral of riots, revolution, and murder. This production will not have dialogue. Recommended for ages 13+ for violence.

Nearly Lear
Where: Kennedy Center
When: May 12-14
Tickets: $20

What if King Lear was told by his closest companion? In this one-woman tour-de-force, Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool–and every other character–to tell a very personal and poignant story borrowing from Shakespeare’s words. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Shakespeare for the Young: Midsummer Magic
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: May 17-21
Tickets: $6-10

Shakespeare’s delightful story of tricks and magic spells comes to life for the very young through puppets, movement and music. Recommended for ages 2-7.

Baltimore Symphony Orchestra: E.T. The Extraterrestrial In Concert
Where: Strathmore
When: May 18
Tickets: $35-92

Soar through the stars with Steven Spielberg’s masterpiece as you’ve never seen or heard it before! Jack Everly conducts John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score live as the classic film is projected on a giant HD screen. Bring the whole family to experience the magic of Elliott and his friend from far, far away.

Titus
Where: Kennedy Center
When: May 20-21
Tickets: $20

Young Titus is in a situation that seems hopeless… he can either give up or fight. This exciting and challenging journey examines the obstacles faced by young people in our modern world and how we learn to find courage within ourselves as we confront those obstacles. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Mouth Open, Story Jump Out
Where: Kennedy Center
When: May 20-28
Tickets: $20

Don’t miss a one-man show from Polarbear, one of the UK’s most exciting spoken-word artists. International assassins, secret codes, dog-eating boa constrictors, and more come to life when a boy tries to make sense of his father’s disappearance. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

NSO Family Concert: Peter and the Wolf in Hollywood
Where: Kennedy Center
When: May 21
Tickets: $20

Critically acclaimed Brooklyn-based production company Giants Are Small offers an invigorating new perspective on Prokofiev’s classic, with a narrator and the musicians of the NSO creating all of the sound effects on stage. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Under the Baobab Tree with Iya
Where: Discovery Theater
When: May 4-5
Tickets: $3-8

Gather beneath the iconic tree of life as master educator Iya Bashea Imana shares captivating folktales. Music and movement, puppets, and eco-friendly crafts combine with timeless stories that offer an introduction to African traditions and wisdom. Recommended for ages 3-7

The Secret Garden
Where: Fauquier Community Theatre
When: May 5-21
Tickets: $18/adults, $16/ages 3-18

This enchanting classic of children’s literature is reimagined in brilliant musical style by composer Lucy Simon and Marsha Norman, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright of ‘Night Mother. Orphaned in India, 11 year-old Mary Lennox returns to Yorkshire to live with her embittered, reclusive uncle Archibald and his invalid son Colin. The estate’s many wonders include a magic garden which beckons the children with haunting melodies and the “Dreamers”, spirits from Mary’s past who guide her through her new life, dramatizing The Secret Garden‘s compelling tale of forgiveness and renewal.

Hip Hop Culture: /peh-LO-tah/
Where: Kennedy Center
When: June 9-11
Tickets: $20

Marc Bamuthi Joseph explores soccer by layering poetry, movement, visuals, and music into a fresh theatrical form based on Hip Hop aesthetics. This world premiere co-commission features verbally and physically energetic performances.

Strathmore Children’s Chorus: Celtic Sounds
Where: Strathmore
When: June 11
Tickets: $20-25

The Strathmore Children’s Chorus focuses their 5th anniversary spring concert on all things Celtic. Celtic Sounds celebrates the traditional music of Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, bringing to life classics such as “Loch Lomond,” “Danny Boy,” and more. Celtic Sounds also includes a world premiere from composer Mandy Miller, plus guest artists from the Culkin School of Traditional Irish Dance and the A. Mario Loiderman Middle School for the Creative and Performing Arts Choirs.

*Know of a great upcoming production not listed here? Let me know in the comments below!


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Filed under All ages, Date Night, DC, Free, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Music, Seasonal, Spring, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend

Warm Up With Some Winter Entertainment

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe brings winter magic to Adventure Theatre

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe brings winter magic to Adventure Theatre



As the mercury drops, stay warm and entertained at a show! Children’s plays, puppet shows, family symphonies, acrobatic hoops, monster trucks, date night options… there’s live entertainment to indulge every interest. Here are details on what you can see on local stages and arenas, listed in order of start date.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Through December 31
Tickets: $19.50

This snowy, holiday classic features just a two-person cast! Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy are sent to live in the countryside home of professor Digory Kirke. As Lucy explores the house, she discovers a secret portal to a magical world called Narnia. With an evil White Witch ruling the kingdom, can Lucy, her new friend Mr. Tumnus, and her family band together to save Narnia? Recommended for all ages. Read the KFDC review!

The Secret Garden
Where: Sidney Harman Hall
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $44-102 (look for a discount)

When 10-year-old Mary Lennox loses her parents to a cholera epidemic in the British Raj of India, she travels to England to stay with Archibald Craven, her remote and morose uncle, still grieving the death of his wife ten years ago. Terrified of every nook and cranny of the haunted Craven Manor on the Yorkshire Moors, Mary seeks refuge in her late aunt’s mysterious walled garden, where she discovers amazing secrets. KFDC Insight: This is a beautiful, superbly acted production — Sasha and I both enjoyed it!

Carousel
Where: Arena Stage
When: Through December 24
Tickets: $64-109

When Billy Bigelow and Julie Jordan fall in love, little do they realize that his rebellious ways will lead to tragedy. Given a chance to make good, will a lucky star save Billy and those he loves? This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic got a well-deserved standing ovation at the performance Owen and I saw. Brilliant performances by the talented cast, a simple yet beautiful theatre-in-the-round-setting, and a story that is emotional and hopeful make for a superb theatre experience. I recommend it for ages 10 and up, or make it a date night.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through January 15
Tickets: $15-30

Once upon a time, in a French provincial town, Belle is the bookish daughter of a hapless inventor. She narrowly avoids the amorous advances of the bully Gaston only to find herself imprisoned in the castle of a terrible Beast. While the servants Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts and Chip conspire to make Belle fall in love with their bewitched master, she gradually wins over his heart by virtue of her kindness and patience. Excitement builds as Gaston gathers a mob to rid the community of the ugly Beast and to claim Belle for himself alone. Needless to say, after much high drama, silly laughter, exuberant singing and dancing, love wins the day! Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Into the Woods
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $49-175 (look for a discount)

Venture into the woods with the acclaimed Fiasco Theater’s production that became NYC’s surprise hit of the season. This witty and wildly theatrical re-invention of Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical classic is staged like you’ve never seen it before! Recommended for ages 8 an up.

Mary Poppins
Where: Olney Theatre
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $43-90 (look for a discount)

One of the most beloved tales of all time! It’s 1910 and Mr. Banks is looking for a stern nanny for his two wayward children… but fortunately for the family, Mary Poppins comes along, and teaches them all – especially Mr. Banks – some valuable lessons in what family really means. From the magical “Chim Chim Cher-ee” to the iconic “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” you’ll delight to the story of a wizardly, wise nanny, two precious children, and the family she teaches how to love each other.

Wicked
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $99-359

Wicked, the Broadway sensation, looks at what happened in the Land of Oz… but from a different angle. Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin–smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships… until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.” Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Titanic
Where: Signature Theatre
When: Through January 29
Tickets: $40-94

Come aboard the ship of dreams in this Tony Award®-winning Best Musical—a heart-stopping and riveting ride through the final moments of Titanic’s fateful journey. In this stunning, 360-degree production, Artistic Director Eric Schaeffer plunges you into the middle of the glamour, chaos, heroism and, ultimately, in the spirit of the most infamous ship of all time. With a lush, unforgettable score and a cast, orchestra and crew of more than 50 artists, Titanic will be the theatrical event of the season!

Adventures with Mr. Bear
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: December 18-30
Tickets: $9

The wonder and magic of a child’s imagination are brought to life in this charming world premiere. One cozy winter afternoon, a young girl and her favorite stuffed animal, Mr. Bear, play a game of hide and seek which evolves into a series of exciting adventures. Together, they embark on a journey of endless possibilities – all from the comfort of her playroom! Cuddle up with your favorite stuffed animal friend and join us for a delightful holiday production. Recommended for ages 2-5.

Blue
Where: Imagination Stage
When: January 3 – February 8
Tickets: $14

Imagine a world where the only color is blue. Blue flowers, blue grass, even blue cereal! Inky and Pale live in such a world until they discover something RED!

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.

Boogie Babes
Where: Angelika Pop-Up, Eastern Market, & The Atlas
When: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10:30am
Tickets: $5/child, free for sibling 6 months and under

Little ones can boogie along with their favorite local musicians at the Angelika Pop-Up (behind Union Market) on Wednesdays and in Eastern Market’s North Hall every Thursday over the summer. Go for the show, then grab lunch in the Markets.

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.

Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Ongoing daily, 6pm
Tickets: Free

The Kennedy Center presents these free, no-tickets-required performances every day at 6pm, and the public is welcome to enjoy them. The acts span the genres — you can see everything from contemporary dance to folk music to puppetry to comedy shows to opera scenes. Millennium Stage showcases everyone from local youth choirs to internationally known bands (They Might Be Giants performed there a few years ago). This is a great series to keep in mind for whenever you’re looking for some free, easy entertainment.

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Most Saturdays
Tickets: FREE!

The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays 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.

The Little Princess
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: January 6-11
Tickets: $15/adults, $10/children

It’s Encore Stage & Studio’s theatre by kids for kids! Sara Crewe, a young heiress to a diamond mine fortune, leaves her home and father in India to go to school at Miss Michin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies in London. When adversity strikes, Sara’s imaginative powers come to the rescue, transforming a drab institution into a place of magic and mystery. Using the grace and virtue of ‘a little princess,’ Sara proves that kindness always wins. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards
Where: AMP
When: January 7, 10:30am
Tickets: $12

join the kids pajama jam party! Ashli Christoval, AKA Jazzy Ash, explores her New Orleans heritage with a vibrant, five-piece band of musician-educators! Each song is lovingly crafted to inspire movement and wonder in audiences of all ages. Your family will be charmed by Ash’s sassy style as she leads you on a musical adventure through gypsy jazz, zydeco, swing, blues, Dixieland, and more.

Professor Wingnut Wants to Fly
Where: Discovery Theater
When: January 11-12
Tickets: $3-8

Join wacky citizen-scientist Professor Wingnut and his friend Seymour Seagull as they explore the amazing science of flight! From birds to airplanes, this pair loves all things airborne, and are in pursuit of the secret to just what makes them fly. Songs, science, and a flight-tastic dance party take off right under the planes in the Air and Space Museum. Tour the museum after the show! Recommended for ages 3-7.

ROE (KidFree Recommendation!)
Where: Arena Stage
When: January 12 – February 19
Tickets: $55-90

The lawyer: a young, brilliant, courageous woman arguing Roe v. Wade before the Supreme Court. The plaintiff: a complex, single woman seeking to end an unwanted pregnancy. The landmark 1973 case legalized abortion, but also began their separate journeys that would come to mirror the polarization in American culture. With shocking turns and surprising humor, Roe illuminates the difficult choices women make and the passion each side has for its cause.

Bud, Not Buddy
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 12-15
Tickets: $20-50

It’s 1936 in Flint, Michigan, and 10-year-old Bud is sure about two things: he wants to find his father, and he is not called Buddy. Unfortunately, while his mother made his name crystal clear, the whereabouts of his dad are a little unsure. The only clue she left behind is a flyer advertising Herman E. Calloway and his band, the Dusky Devastators of the Depression. With this and his trusty suitcase in tow, Bud sets off on an epic journey of discovery, set to the soulful sounds of jazz. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

The Ugly Duckling
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 14, 1pm
Tickets: $15, $10/MCC tax district residents

It’s hard being different. When a strange egg shows up in Mama Duck’s nest and hatches, a very ugly duckling is born. After many failed attempts to “fit in,” the ugly duckling sets out on a journey to find his true place in the world. He soon realizes that he must learn to love himself before he can discover who he really is. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Giver
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 14, 4pm
Tickets: $15, $10/MCC tax district residents

Jonas’ world is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver—to receive and keep the memories of the community. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life—and the hypocrisy of his safe world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise, and to take control of your own destiny.

Goldilocks
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: January 20 – February 19
Tickets: $12

Goldilocks is on trial, and the audience to decides if it was breaking-and-entering or an innocent mistake. This musical romp illustrates that there are two sides to every story, with the same circumstances seen from very different points of view. Told with rod puppets and giant hand puppets, this production keeps the audience guessing while including all the favorite elements of the classic children’s fairytale. Recommended for ages 3.5-9

4×4: Ephemeral Architectures
Where: Strathmore
When: January 22
Tickets: $28-68

What in the world do ballet and juggling have in common? Both are mathematical, architectural, and athletic endeavors based on people tracing pathways in space. Be there as four jugglers and four ballet dancers share a stage in this cross-art-form experience, leaving unseen patterns everywhere, defying the limitations of gravity and inspiring awe in the audience.

As You Like It
Where: Folger Theatre
When: January 24 – March 5
Tickets: $35-75 (look for a discount)

Rosalind is banished from court and flees to the Forest of Arden, where she discovers Orlando and a world of passion and possibility in one of Shakespeare’s most cherished romantic comedies. When she disguises herself as a man, enchantment abounds and blossoms into an exploration of the beauty and complexities of young love. Children under the age of four are not permitted in the theater. Every person entering the theatre must have a ticket.

Night of the Living Dead
Where: West Potomac High School
When: January 26 – February 4
Tickets: $10-12

From the Beyond the Page Theatre Company… Based on George A. Romero’s 1968 original classic masterpiece horror genre film of the same title, Night of the Living Dead pits the dead against the living in a struggle for survival. There is panic throughout the nation as the dead suddenly come back to life. The story follows a group of people who barricade themselves into an old farmhouse in an attempt to remain safe from these flesh eating monsters. This gripping terror-filled play brings all the fright of the cult classic film to life. Its blend of thrilling horror laced with touches of black humor envelops the audience in the action and unfolds into a shocking theatrical ending.

Monster Jam
Where: Verizon Center
When: January 28
Tickets: $15-95 (look for a discount)

The world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks will thunder its way into DC. Grave Digger, El Toro Loco, Pirate’s Curse, Shark, Alien Invasion, Zombie, Monster Mutt Rottweiler, and Blue Thunder are among the vehicular beasts you’ll see tearing up the indoor terrain this year.

Hamlette
Where: The Keegan Theatre
When: January 28
Tickets: $15 (look for a discount)

Hamlette takes the classic Shakespeare play, throws it in a blender, and shakes it up into a side-splitting comedy told in under an hour with only five actors. Recommended for young people age 11 and older.

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Catch the Vibe
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 28-29
Tickets: $20

NSO tuba player Stephen Dumaine and NSO percussionist Eric Shin team up to show you how lively the tuba can be! Along the way, you’ll meet some relatives of the tuba from around the world, and you might even get to see Stephen play while riding his bicycle! Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Ella Enchanted
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: February 3 – March 19
Tickets: $19.50

Based on the Newberry Honor book by Gail Carson Levine. Baby Ella of Frell is given the “gift” of obedience by Lucinda, a misguided fairy, and thus cannot disobey any direct order. Then when tragedy strikes, Ella is reduced to an obedient servant in her new home with Dame Olga. Can Ella find a way to rid herself of the troublesome curse? Recommended for all ages.

Watch on the Rhine (KidFree Recommendation!)
Where: Arena Stage
When: February 3 – March 5
Tickets: $55-100

With America on the brink of entering World War II, Fanny’s daughter escapes to the D.C. suburbs with her German husband, a man deeply involved in anti-fascist movements. But with an Eastern European guest with ulterior motives also living in their midst, tensions rise as it becomes clear that no one’s safety can be guaranteed — at home or abroad.

The Amazing Max
Where: Alden Theatre
When: February 4
Tickets: $15, $10 MCC tax district residents

Don’t miss this wonderfully delightful magic show. Max Darwin combines magic and comedy, making objects appear and disappear and generally defying the laws of physics inches from theatergoer’s faces. This high-energy, interactive and all-around silly show is appropriate for audiences of all ages.

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions
Where: Strathmore
When: February 4
Tickets: $49-89 (look for a discount)

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is the must-see video game concert of the year. All-new orchestral arrangements and carefully timed visuals draw from recent and classic Pokémon video games. Gamers of all ages will enjoy the rare opportunity to hear live renditions of the tunes that have soundtracked their favorite Pokémon hunting expeditions and battles through every generation of the beloved Nintendo series—starting with “Red” and “Green” from the original GameBoy and building up to “X” and “Y” for the 3DS. Cartoon fans are also in for a treat, as the performance includes an orchestral arrangement of the Pokémon television show theme song. Gotta hear ‘em all!

Family Matinees
Where: Avalon Theatre
When: February 4 – March 11
Tickets: $8

The theatre in Old Town Alexandria presents Films and live performances that are family-friendly and ridiculously fun. From puppet shows to concerts to movie screenings, these are typically held on Saturday mornings and scheduled periodically throughout the year.

King Charles III
Where: Sidney Harman Hall
When: February 7 – March 12
Tickets: $44-102

The Queen is dead. After a lifetime of waiting, Prince Charles ascends the throne with Camilla by his side. As William, Kate, and Harry look on, Charles prepares for the future of power that lies before him…but how to rule? Written primarily in Shakespearean blank verse, this modern history play explores the people underneath the crowns, the unwritten rules of Britain’s democracy, and the conscience of its most famous family. Recommended for tweens and up.

Kofi’s Drums: The Beat of Life
Where: Discovery Theater
When: February 8-10
Tickets: $3-8

Drummer Kofi Dennis brings the vibrant rhythms of a West African village to life though music, storytelling, and dance. Using authentic instruments, the Ghanaian native leads lively call-and-response songs, games, and movement that gets audiences on their feet in a high-energy exploration of African cultural traditions. Recommended for ages 4-8.

The Freshest Snow Whyte
Where: Imagination Stage
When: February 11 – March 18
Tickets: $12-30

A radical, hip hop update to a fairytale classic. Set in the year 3000, we meet Snow Whyte—a graffiti-artist locked in competition with her arch rival, Kanye East, over which of them makes the “freshest” images in the universe. Both depend on a Simon Cowell-type celebrity called Mira to decide which of them is the best. After her exile to a distant planet, Snow Whyte is sheltered by two rapping alien twins (reminiscent of the Seven Dwarves), and survives two visits from the vengeful Kanye, dressed in crazy disguises. She then uncovers the true secret to talent: that it is shared equally among all people, and not the exclusive property of anyone. Witty raps, cool moves, and a beat that just won’t quit, this show will have you bouncin’ in your seat and shouting “Oh, yeah!” Recommended for ages 5 and up.

NSO Family Concert: Joshua Bell in The Man with the Violin
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 12
Tickets: $29-49

When the world-renowned violinist played anonymously in DC’s subway, his experience inspired an acclaimed children’s book. Now this world premiere concert brings together sensational music, an engaging narrator, and colorful imagery from the story! Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Step Afrika! Step Xplosion
Where: Strathmore
When: February 12
Tickets: $35-75

Step Afrika!’s third annual showcase at Strathmore is a celebration of Black History Month, and it’s going to be big! Percussive dance styles historically practiced by African American fraternities and sororities plus African traditional dance and art forms from around the world come together as Step Afrika! integrates songs, storytelling, and humor into a highly entertaining, interactive show. Watch as the top step teams from across the country showcase the kind of technique and agility that inspires audiences everywhere, and see how Step Afrika! promotes stepping as an educational tool for young people, promoting teamwork, academic achievement, and cross-cultural understanding.

Signal Songs of the Underground Railroad
Where: Discovery Theater
When: February 14-15
Tickets: $3-8

With the aid of her powerful voice, Phyllis Wade combines acapella spirituals, slave narratives, and stories passed down through generations to pay tribute to one of the move controversial periods of our nation’s history. The music we have come to know as “signal songs” was used by slaves to communicate with one another and to share directions to the Promised Land via the Underground Railroad. These powerful songs and stories will move you to stand up, clap, sing and rejoice for freedom. Recommended for ages 7-14.

Saturday Family Jazz Sessions
Where: Strathmore
When: Saturdays, February 18/March 4/March 18, 11am
Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at door

Junior jazz aficionados can spend Saturday mornings singing, playing, and preparing for a lifetime of music appreciation. Strathmore’s fun, creative, kid-friendly series features music by a different performer each session.

NSO Music for Young Audiences: Follow That Fiddle
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 18
Tickets: $20

In this home-run performance, NSO musician Glenn Donnellan will introduce you to the Electric Slugger™, an electric violin that he custom made from a baseball bat. You’ll have a ball as he plays a wide range of musical styles on this and a variety of violins from around the world. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

American Boychoir
Where: Church of the Redeemer, Bethesda
When: February 19
Tickets: Free

Dr. Seuss’s beloved poem Oh, the Places You’ll Go tells the tale of a young boy boldly facing his future. The book’s opening lines, “Congratulations! Today is your day” could easily be the slogan of the American Boychoir, the renowned ensemble of the Princeton-based American Boychoir School (ABS), whose members participate in four tours each year, bringing music to the country and the world.

How Old Is a Hero?
Where: Discovery Theater
When: February 21-24
Tickets: $3-8

Everyone can make a difference! In this uplifting play, audiences meet young people who helped change the nation by their heroic actions during the Civil Rights era: Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine; Claudette Colvin, who stayed seated on a bus before Rosa Parks; and brave 6-year-old Ruby Bridges. Their inspiring stories demonstrate that courage begins with our young.

Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: February 23 – March 26
Tickets: $12

Fe-fi-fo-fum. A timely version of the classic children’s tale about the young lad that doesn’t know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. Jack finds that happiness lies in helping others rather than mere personal gain. Told with rod puppets and some surprising twists, Jack has long been a favorite of our audiences. Recommended for ages 5-9.

Duke Ellington’s Neighborhood
Where: Atlas Performaing Arts Center
When: March 4
Tickets: $15

Join this interactive journey through Duke Ellington’s DC, from U Street and the Howard Theatre to Anacostia, and groove along with Duke’s jazz piano with a live jazz trio. Join amazing performers, as they discover how a local hero influenced the Harlem Renaissance, helped shape the cultural history of Washington D.C., and became an international star. Featuring DC artists Krislynn Perry, Brian Thorne, and Wes Felton. Presented by the In Series Opera & More, Duke Ellington’s Neighborhood is part of Atlas PAC’s Intersections Festival for 2017.

DRUMline Live
Where: Strathmore
When: March 6
Tickets: $28-68

Dazzling choreography, explosive percussion, and a powerful, positive message about history, unity, and pride: DRUMLine Live is an unforgettable foray into a uniquely American art form. The soulful, high-stepping style of the historically black college and university (HBCU) marching band experience—as captured in the hit movies Drumline and Drumline: A New Beat—is the focus of this interactive, high-energy show. A synchronized musical showcase of the legendary HBCU experience, DRUMLine Live is perfect for families, and appeals to music lovers of all ages with an emotional program that promises to have the audience on its feet!

Nutt & Bolt
Where: The Lab at Convergence
When: March 8-23
Tickets: $9

Nutt and Bolt are robot rivals. They spend their days using the random junkyard objects around them (and on them!) in games of skill and sound, rallying their wee friends, the audience, for support. As the competition builds to a frenzied pinnacle, Nutt and Bolt realize that by working together, they can make something even more wonderful than they could on their own! Together, sounds become stories, notes become music, and the world becomes full of possibility. Recommended for ages 2-6.

From the Mouths of Monsters
Where: Kennedy Center
When: March 10-12
Tickets: $20

Loosely inspired by Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, this contemporary, highly theatrical world premiere commission features two actors who riff on the classic monster tale in unexpected ways, with surprising relevance to today’s audiences. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Kodo
Where: Strathmore
When: March 15
Tickets: $35-75

Exploring the limitless possibilities of the traditional Japanese drum, the taiko, Kodo is forging new directions for a vibrant living art-form. Led by renowned artistic director Tamasaburo Bando, one of the world’s leading Kabuki masters and a recognized Japanese Living Treasure, the athletic performers of Kodo honor and reimagine centuries-old Japanese musical and theatrical traditions.

All Ireland! with Shannon Dunne and Alex Boatright
Where: Discovery Theater
When: March 17
Tickets: $3-8

Erin go bragh! Celebrate Paddy’s Day with dancer-musician Shannon Dunne and musician Alex Boatright in their joyful show includes old-style sean nós dancing, singing, and the sounds of traditional instruments. Experience a little taste of Ireland as you join the floor-stomping fun!

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live
Where: Strathmore
When: March 17
Tickets: $16-58

Get ready for the ultimate playdate 65 million years in the making! Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo Live takes families on a breathtaking tour of prehistoric Australia. You’ll meet an eye-popping collection of amazingly life-like dinosaurs and other creatures that will thrill and entertain kids while stimulating their imaginations in ways that will forever connect them to their world. The skilled Erth performers and puppeteers, wielding puppets designed with the help of professional paleontologists, create a show that’s fun, unique, and amazingly realistic. Resist the urge to run and hide—the puppets are part of an exciting learning experience that everyone can enjoy.

Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Verizon Center & Eagle Bank Arena
When: March 17-19
Tickets: $25 and up

The iconic Harlem Globetrotters are coming to the Verizon Center in Washington, DC with their unrivaled family show, featuring some of the greatest athletes on the planet. With incredible ball handling wizardry, amazing rim-rattling dunks and trick shots, side-splitting comedy and unequaled on-court fan interaction, this must-see event is guaranteed to entertain the whole family creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Aladdin
Where: THEARC
When: March 18-19
Tickets: $30-50

The Washington Ballet (TWB) presents Aladdin, an original adaptation of the “Arabian Nights” tale about the adventures of a poor yet carefree street urchin named Aladdin who falls in love with a Princess, discovers a magic lamp and escapes the villainous plans of an evil magician who vies to overtake the throne.

Grug and the Rainbow
Where: Kennedy Center
When: March 18-19
Tickets: $20

Based on the much-loved picture book character created by Ted Prior, this brand-new show from Australia’s Windmill Theatre features exquisite puppetry and more. Recommended for ages 2 and up.


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KidFree: Surprise, Secret Music Events with Sofar Sounds

Local bluegrass band By & By performs for Sofar Sounds

Local bluegrass band By & By performs for Sofar Sounds

In case my blog doesn’t make it obvious, I love discovering new adventures and having different kinds of experiences, both with my kids and without. I value my “grown-up” time, whether it’s a night out with my husband or friends, a daytime venture, or just doing something for myself. Having some time sans kids is important for my sanity life balance. I know this is a sentiment echoed by many parents, so I thought I’d put this all together and, every now and then, share some ideas for those “KidFree” occasions. And I’m starting with one of the cooler things I’ve recently experienced: Sofar Sounds.

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sofar_door

So, it’s a random Thursday evening, and I’m hanging out at a nondescript row house in the heart of Petworth with a roomful of people I have never met before watching some local bands play. (You know, a typical Thursday night for a mom of two elementary school-aged kids.) And while I’m there for the concert, I didn’t know who would be playing until I arrived at the house. Even more, I didn’t know exactly where it would take place until the day prior.

Broke Royals kick off the concert with a 4-song set

Broke Royals kick off the concert with a 4-song set

What I did know beforehand was that Sofar Sounds, the global music series producing the concert, was right up my alley. When I received an invitation to attend, I learned that Sofar (which stands for ‘Songs from a Room’) creates unique live music experiences through secret shows hosted in intimate spaces. I love live music in small settings as much as I enjoy new, unique adventures. I also really like neat surprises. So, I RSVP’ed a zealous “hellz yeah!” (well, not really, but I was excited), worked out a date to go, then waited over a week for the rest of the details.

sofar_deckview

Guests and band members hang out before the show

That’s not normally how it all works, however. Sofar Sounds hosts these music events in over 250 cities around the world. If you want to attend one in DC or elsewhere, you can see dates and areas of upcoming shows, then you have a couple of options: You can buy a ticket to guarantee entry in many locations or you can apply for a free ticket (though how guests are selected, I’m not sure).

So, the day before my show, I receive an email with an address, arrival time, and a heads-up that the event is BYO and that we’d likely be sitting on the floor in case I want to bring a pillow or something for comfort. I still have no clue what to expect music-wise.

sofar_lineup

The next day, a friend and I Uber to the address, which turned out to be said rowhouse in Petworth. A Sofar rep greets us and gives us the lowdown on the show. A sign hanging by the door lets us know that By and By, Be Steadwell, and Broke Royals would be the artists performing. I hadn’t heard of any of them, but that’s all part of the adventure — discovering new music. So, we pour our wine (we brought our own cups, too) and take it out on the back deck where other concert-goers and band members are hanging out. People are mingling, and we chat a bit with the Broke Royals lead singer about his day job at the Apple Store.

Sofar Sounds gigs aren’t always hosted at a house. The location might be a warehouse, store, pop-up space, office, theater, even a museum. And a cool thing regarding the venue is that anyone can apply to host it — yes, you could potentially have a concert in your living room (or basement or bedroom) with a random group of people you don’t know in the audience.

Be Steadwell mesmerizes the audience

Be Steadwell mesmerizes the audience

After about 20 minutes, the show is ready to begin, and we all gather in the living room, some people on sofas, most on the floor, others standing along the wall. Everyone is there to enjoy the music, and the rule is no texting, talking, or filming (ok, so I broke it, but I was there as “media” and, hopefully, low-key about it).

I don’t know if we got lucky, or if they always get good acts, but all of the performances were fantastic — and all so different. Broke Royals played acoustic versions of their alternative rock songs, encouraging audience interaction as we sang parts of the chorus. The super talented Be Steadwell described her unique sound as queer pop. And By and By closed it out with a fun set of jubilant bluegrass. It was great entertainment, and something about being in that intimate space under those “secret” circumstances added a bit of enchantment to the whole experience.

The concert ends and we hang out a little while longer, talking with other guests on the front porch before heading home. I’m back at my house before 11 — the concert started a bit after 8 — in time for a good night’s sleep, with new tunes playing in my head and grand ideas of hosting a Sofar gig at my house.

Ready for a KidFree evening with Sofar Sounds? Visit the website to read more about their mission, and check out upcoming concert dates in DC.

 

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Enter to Win Tickets to “Chicago” at the National Theatre!

Chicago-ecard

This one is for grown ups, so plan for a date night or mom’s night out!

“‘Chicago’ still GLITTERS HYPNOTICALLY.”
Ben Brantley, The New York Times

A true New York City institution, Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz; one show-stopping song after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder it has been honored with six Tony Awards®, two Olivier Awards®, a Grammy®, and thousands of standing ovations. It’s also no surprise that Chicago has wowed audiences all around the world, from Mexico City to Moscow, Sao Paulo to South Africa.

Whether you’re looking for your first Broadway musical, whether you’ve seen the Academy Award®-winning film and want to experience the show live on stage or you’ve seen it before and want to recapture the magic, Chicago always delivers.

Chicago will be on stage at the National Theatre February 10-15. Tickets are $48-93.

Giveaway: For a chance to win two tickets to see Chicago at the National Theatre on February 10, simply leave a comment below naming your favorite Broadway musical. To be eligible, you must follow KidFriendly DC on Facebook. The giveaway will run through Sunday, February 1. A winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!


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