Have you heard the big news? The BFG, the beloved Roald Dahl book, has been brought to life for the stage and will be at The National Theatre through July 25. Owen and I saw a performance this past weekend, and we both found the production hugely entertaining.
Integrating magnificent puppetry, rich visuals, and imaginative storytelling, this stage version presents the tale of the world’s only friendly giant, who brings good dreams to humans, and Sophie, an orphaned little girl, as they embark on a magical journey to save the children of England from bad giants. It does so with adventure and humor that captivates both children and adults.
And this presentation of The BFG is more than just a wonderful show. It’s the inaugural production of The National Children’s Theatre, an alliance between Imagination Stage and The National Theatre to bring the theatre arts to more children in DC. In pre-performance remarks about the partnership, it was announced that 10,000 children from each ward in the District would be invited to see The BFG in November — a tremendous treat for many! I can’t wait to see what’s coming next.
The BFG is running at The National Theatre through July 25, with morning performances during the week, an evening show Friday, and a matinee on Saturday. It’s recommended for ages 5 and up. Tickets are $14-38.
Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets to see The BFG, however, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Catch Lulu and the Brontosaurus at Imagination Stage this fall
As the weather starts to cool down, local stages will be heating up with lots of great entertainment for families. Here’s where you can find it all, listed in order of start date, with most descriptions coming straight from the theaters.
Potted Potter
Where: Sidney Harmon Hall
When: September 5 – 15
Tickets: Start at $45
Potted Potter takes on the ultimate challenge of condensing all seven Harry Potter books (and a real life game of Quidditch) into seventy hilarious minutes. This fantastically funny show features all your favorite characters, a special appearance from a fire-breathing dragon, endless costumes, brilliant songs, ridiculous props and a generous helping of Hogwarts magic! Even if you don’t know the difference between a Horcrux and a Hufflepuff, Potted Potter will make you roar with laughter. This brilliant family entertainment is perfect for ages 6 to Dumbledore (who is very old indeed).
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 check the schedule to see what’s playing when you plan to 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.
The Lord of the Rings
Where: Wolf Trap
When: September 6-7, 7:30pm
Tickets: $25
See the shire in a new light at this multimedia event featuring the epic film on huge screens in-house and on the lawn with Howard Shore’s award-winning score performed live on stage. A live orchestra and choir will accompany the on stage and on screen performances.
Jim West’s Dinosaurs
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: September 12, 9:30 am & 11:30 am
Tickets: $4
Jim West’s giant puppets take small fry on a happy prehistoric musical journey through a land full of friendly dinosaurs. Recommended for grades pre-K-2. Publick Playhouse is located at 5445 Landover Rd. in Cheverly, Md. arts.pgparks.com
Uno, dos, tres…con ANDRES!
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: September 18-19, 10am & 11:15am
Tickets: $3-8
Counting has never been more fun in English and Spanish. Play and dance with Andrés Salguero to songs familiar and new as he uses sing-alongs and movement to share Spanish words and create plenty of bilingual fun. ¡A bailar, niños! Recommended for ages 2-6.
Goodnight Moon
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: September 20 – October 27
Tickets: $19
In the Great Green Room, a Little Old Lady whispers “Hush”, in vain! The humorous antics of a very nocturnal bunny, his magical room, dancing bears, and a red balloon brings to life the most iconic children’s books of all time. Will bunny ever get to sleep? Based on the book by Margaret Wise Brown. Recommended for all ages. *Personal note: This was one of the first shows I took Owen to see when he was still a wee one, and it was the perfect introduction to the theatre world.
Winnie the Pooh!
Where: Workhouse Arts Center
When: Through September 29
Tickets: $12 adults; $8 children under 12 years old
Join Pooh, Piglet and all the rest for an adventurous afternoon in the Hundred Acre Wood! The forest is in a worry when two mysterious new neighbors, Kanga and Roo, move in. On top of that, Eeyore has lost his tail again! Will Piglet come to the rescue? Recommended for all ages. Running time 75 minutes with one intermission. Concessions available before the performance and at intermission.
Lulu & the Brontosaurus
Where: Imagination Stage
When: September 25 – October 27
Tickets: $12-22
Lulu and the Brontosaurus is the story of a feisty young girl who wants nothing but a brontosaurus for her birthday. When Mom and Dad draw the line at the impracticality of a pet dinosaur, Lulu sets off into the forest to find the large reptile all by herself. When she meets Mr. B, it’s clear that this brontosaurus is not interested in being her pet—he wants Lulu to be his pet instead! She has certainly met her match, and nothing turns out quite the way she expects.
Big Apple Circus
Where: Dulles Town Center
When: September 26 – October 14
Tickets: Start at $20
(Read about our experience at the big Apple Circus last year.) It’s the vivacity! It’s the velocity! It’s the LUMINOCITY — the All–New Show from the Big Apple Circus! Venture within the hubbub at the heart of Gotham, where the restless tide of humanity flows through canyons of skyscrapers and shoals of billboards: The dog-walker, whose rowdy pups perform amazing tricks! Businesswomen who arrange to meet, soaring high above on a double trapeze! The rube, a clown-prince among peers, celebrating the mirth of life! Revelry at New Year’s Eve, with teeter-board acrobats flying like fireworks! and a chic couple of wire-walkers suspended mid-air for the event! The humble repairman, climbing the ladder of his imagination! The mounted policewoman, directing a cavalcade of steeds! The flimflam man with his quicksilver moves! The food cart vendor, juggling his produce! Construction workers assembling athletic poses of incredible strength! The celebrated Big Apple Circus Band provides the lively musical soundtrack, and Ringmaster, John Kennedy Kane, will conduct your tour through this luminous cityscape. Run away and join the Big Apple Circus this season for a dazzling, unforgettable spectacle of wonder, merriment and joy!
Teacher from the Black Lagoon
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 2, 10:15am & 12pm
Tickets: $6
TheatreWorks USA presents a wonderful new musical revue based on favorite contemporary children’s books. Along with the title work, the audience will meet big stinky “Dogzilla”, “Grumpy Bird”, the “I Want My Hat Back” bear, “Lily’s Purple Plastic Purse”, and the “The Grasshopper and the Ant.” Recommended for grades K-4.
Steamystery
Where: Studio Theatre, Katzen Arts Center
When: October 3-6
Admission: $15 adults, $10/AU community & children under 18,
What is STEAM? Curious Cat and her friends are about to find out. Through song, dance, poetry, and audience participation, Curious Cat discovers the mysteries and delights in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Recommended for ages 6 and up.
NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Teddy & Ten Hats
Where: Kennedy Center
When: October 5-6
Tickets: $20
Back by popular demand! Little children love dress-up as much as these playful musicians spinning a story about a teddy bear whose zany collection of hats represents a wide variety of music, from Haydn to Sousa and beyond. This program actively engages children as listeners in an atmosphere of fun. Kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to these interactive programs and have their teddy bear friend join in all the fun! Lasting approximately 45 minutes, they’re perfect for even the youngest music lovers in your family. Go early for “Musical Playtime” – starting 45 minutes before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children. Recommended for ages 3 to 5.
Mandy the Clown
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 10, 9:30am & 11:30am
Tickets: $4
Perfecting the art of goofiness, Mandy is a trained circus artist and kid-friendly clown who juggles, stilt walks, does magic and keeps children fascinated and having fun. Recommended for grades pre-K-2.
Capitol City Symphony Young Artist Concerto Concert
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: October 13
Tickets: Free for 16 and under
Every season, CCS presents at least one Young Artist concerto concert. This opening concert will include two young winners of the Levine School Concerto Competition: 11-year-old Avery Lin Gagliano playing the First Movement of Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20; and 14-year-old Yukino Takehara playing the First Movement of Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto.
From Here to There
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: October 16-21
Tickets: $8
A delightful show for the youngest theatre-goers all about the joy building bridges. (And knocking them down too!) Join two playful characters that climb over, craw under, and even hide behind the bridges they build, using rhythm, rhyme and imagination! A free-play session at the end of the performance invites the children to explore the show’s props. Presented by Imagination Stage collaboration with England’s award-winning Tell Tale Hearts Theatre Company.
Peter & the Wolf
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: October 17 – November 22
Tickets: $10
Peter and the Wolf, performed by TPC co-founder Christopher Piper, is based on Prokofiev’s popular tale of good versus evil, staged with half life-size marionettes. An introduction to the instruments in the orchestra, and to the themes in the work, precedes this story of Peter’s, and his animal friends’, attempts to capture wily “Old Lupus.” Recommended for pre-K – grade 6.
Balé Folclólrico da Bahia
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 17, 12pm
Tickets: $20
Brazil’s incredible national dance company takes the audience on an explosive and exhilarating trip to the heart of Brazil, for an hour-long immersion into the colorful history and culture of our Latin American neighbor. Experience the excitement of one of the major folk dance companies in the world. Recommended for all ages .
The Spooky Magic of Joe Romano
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: October 19, 1pm
Tickets: $14
Magician Joe Romano provides the tricks, and it will be a treat for all! Be amazed at the mind-boggling illusions that this expert entertainer performs. Joe will make a “haunted table” float in the air, conjure a creepy, crawly creature, turn one lucky child into Harry Potter and more! Enjoyed by ages 4+. Pre-show party, with snacks and arts activities, starts at 12pm.
Skippyjon Jones
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 25, 10:15am &12pm
Tickets: $6
The popular storybook kitten with the big ears is presented in a musical theatre version, with Skippyjon transforming into Skippito Friskito, the greatest Chihuahua sword fighter of old Mexico! But when the local canines are terrorized by a huge bee, will Skippyjon turn into a ‘fraidy-cat or will he still be top dog? Recommended for grades K-4.
NSO Family Concert: Halloween Spooktacular: The Sequel
Where: Kennedy Center
When: October 27
Tickets: $15-18
When is it ever cool to “boo” the orchestra? On Halloween, of course! But watch out, because at this frightfully fun follow-up to the NSO’s popular Halloween Spooktacular program, ghoulishly attired musicians might “BOO” you from behind their instruments in return! Don your spookiest ‘ween wear and come early for pre-concert trick-or-treating plus a special Haunted Hall Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo.” Then take your seats for a “spirited” performance as an incognito Ankush Kumar Bahl conducts a new round of goosebump-inducing favorites including the Toccata and Fugue in D minor–J.S. Bach’s most famous organ piece–featuring the Concert Hall’s new Rubenstein Family Organ, the “Ritual Fire Dance” from Manuel de Falla’s ballet score El amor brujo (“Love, the Magician”), “Anitra’s Dance” from Edvard Grieg’s music for the play Peer Gynt, and a selection from John Williams’s score for the Harry Potter films. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Splat the Cat
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: October 29, 10:15am & 12pm
Tickets: $6
Windwood Theatricals presents a great new musical adventure based on the popular book. It’s Splat’s first day of school and, afraid that he won’t make new friends, he brings his pet mouse for company. When Seymour the mouse escapes from his hiding place in Splat’s lunchbox, the school full of cats goes wild, until the teacher calms things down and everyone learns some important lessons. Recommended for grades K-5.
Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian presents Joanie’s Halloween Party
Where: Discovery Theater
When: October 31 – November 1, 10am & 11:15am
Tickets: $3-8
There’s no reason to scare up an excuse to dance like crazy when the energetic Brooklyn-based, kindie-rock band Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights make their Halloween debut at Discovery Theater. Leeds brings songs from her latest album, Bandwagon, along with other hits and kid-friendly Halloween tunes. The band will be in costume—and families can be, too! Recommended for ages 2-6.
Cinderella
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: November 1, 10:15am & 12pm
Tickets: $6
American Family Theatre’s Broadway for Kids production of Cinderella is an enchanting musical of the classic tale, where goodness prevails and the mistreated child finds lasting happiness. Recommended for grades pre K-5
Man of the House
Where: Kennedy Center
When: November 2-3
Tickets: $20
In this world premiere, master storyteller David Gonzalez returns with a brand-new, semi-autobiographical solo show about Pablito, a young boy of Cuban/Puerto Rican heritage who searches for his long-lost father while spending a summer in Miami. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
The Young Spectaculars and the Front Yard Adventure
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: November 6-11
Tickets: $8
Meet brother and sister Andrew and Emma – aka The Young Spectaculars! Energized by their super-powered imaginations, but stuck creating their own adventures near the front porch, they save a cat and a picnic lunch before stumbling upon more than they bargained for. Join the Young Spectaculars for this show intended for the little hero inside all of us.
Aesop’s Fables
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: November 7, 9:30am & 11:30am
Tickets: $4
Jim West returns with a stage full of puppets presenting Aesop’s delightful tales of wit and wisdom, including “The Tortoise and the Hare”, “The Fox and the Grapes” and more, including Aesop himself and his dog Moral, dancing to beautiful music. Recommended for grades pre-K-2.
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theater
When: November 8-17
Tickets: $12/adult, $10/child
When four children stumble upon an old wardrobe, little do they know they would enter the magical world of Narnia. Full of mystical creatures, talking animals and great escapes, this action-packed story by C.S. Lewis shares the triumph of good over evil. The children help Aslan, the great lion and ruler of Narnia, battle the White Witch who wishes to put an end to Aslan’s reign. Join the adventure as four brave kids, one great lion, and an entire kingdom fight for what is right. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Dr. Dolittle
Where: Northern Virginia Players/Family Worship Center
When: November 8, 9, 15, 16
Tickets:
The classic tale of kindness to animals comes to life in the stage adaption of the original Doctor Dolittle! Animal kindnesses will trot, crawl and fly its way onto the stage and into your hearts in DOCTOR DOLITTLE JR. With a cast of 54, all of the characters we’ve come to love through the stories of Hugh Lofting and the magical movie musical are given new life in the JUST released stage version. The musical tells the classic tale of a wacky but kind Doctor who can talk to animals. The show takes the audience on a journey from the small English village of Puddleby-in-the-Marsh to the far corners of the world in search for the Great Pink Sea Snail–the oldest and wisest of the creatures on earth.
Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian presents Rolie Polie Guacamole
Where: Discovery Theather
When: November 14-15, 10am & 11:15am
Tickets: $3-8
Can you get any hipper than a kindie-rock band from Brooklyn? Rolie Polie Guacamole’s high-energy, interactive shows are a mix of funk, rock, and folk sounds mashed into original tunes about natural living, eating healthy, and staying active. Their latest album, Houses of the Moly, brought them a Parents’ Choice Silver Award. Recommended for ages 2-6.
Capitol City Symphony Family Concert
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: November 17, 2:30pm & 4:30pm
Tickets: Free for 16 and under
There will be two performances of the popular Family Concert. CCS is very excited to announce a special collaboration with Fourth Wall Ensemble, a hybrid arts ensemble in which musicians are also dancers and actors. The orchestra’s youngest audience members particularly enjoy the instrument petting zoo and interactive performance, as well as a special program book just for the younger set.
Junie B. Jones – Jingle Bells, Batman Smells
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: November 14, 10:15am & 12pm
Tickets: $6
Holiday time is approaching, and the first graders in Room One are creating the perfect party. But when Junie B. draws the name of her arch nemesis for a Secret Santa Gift, she has to decide whether to give Tattletale May what she deserves….or not. Recommended for grades K-5.
The Bully Free Zone with Queen Nur
Where: Publick Playhouse
When: November 19, 10:15 am & 12
Tickets: $6
Folk tales, fables and hip hop take center stage in Queen Nur’s interactive and inspiring performance about accepting others’ differences. A professional storyteller, Queen Nur is also a recognized expert in adolescent psychology and dispute resolution. Her warm and friendly stage presence captures the attention and wins the involvement of young audiences. Recommended for all ages.
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.
