Live Entertainment for Kids in Maryland

The reviews are in… Nate The Great at Imagination Stage is a hit!

“Never underestimate the power of live performance expertly done” – MD Theatre Guide
“A delightful production” – MacaroniKid
“An enjoyable experience for all ages” – Moderately Moco

And now: Helen Hayes Award Recommended!

Art matters in this musical mystery! A boy who loves detective work and calls himself Nate the Great is thrust into solving not one but two mysteries involving a cat, a dog, two friends, and a missing painting. Full of quirky characters and fun, this show brings the popular book series to singing and dancing life. The show is running through August 11 and is recommended for ages 5 and up.

Special Performance Dates:
* Sensory-friendly performance: Sunday, July 23 at 10am
* Meet the cast after the show: Sunday, July 23 at 1pm

Fall class registration opens TODAY! Imagination Stage’s curriculum includes creative drama, acting, musical theater, dance, and performance opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming environment. Six and 10-week classes for ages 1 and up start mid-September. Payment plans and financial assistance are available.

Imagination Stage is a nationally-recognized theatre arts center in Bethesda, MD, respected for more than 43 years of high-quality, innovative programming.

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This post is sponsored by Imagination Stage, however, I only promote programs, places, and events that I genuinely believe in and think will appeal to KFDC readers.

Giveaway: Matilda the Musical is Coming to Olney Theatre this Summer!

Those of you who went and saw Elf this past winter know that Olney Theatre Center has become a real hotspot for high-quality, professional theatre. This summer, they’re mounting a new production, Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical, directed by Peter Flynn, who earned rave reviews for his recent production of Into the Woods at Ford’s Theatre downtown. Matilda is that rare creature: a musical that entertains both kids and adults, in keeping with the spirit of the original book.

From Roald Dahl, author of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, comes another unlikely hero: Matilda Wormwood. Born to parents who prize their own ignorance and disdain books, learning, and any information they can’t get from television, Matilda somehow manages to emerge…a genius. Maybe even a magical one. However, she and the rest of the school are under the tyrannical rule of a deliciously devious villain, principal Agatha Trunchbull. Matilda embraces the fearful and terrifying moments of childhood with humor, hard-earned optimism, and astoundingly witty musical numbers. Songs like “Miracle,” “Naughty,” and “Revolting Children” will ring true to adults, and belong in the survival kit of any child making their way through pre-adolescence and beyond.

Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical runs at Olney Theatre Center June 21 – July 21. Tickets are $54 – $99 and can be purchased online or through the Box Office. You can also try winning 4 tickets to the performance on Saturday, June 29, at 8pm through the giveaway below.

When you go, bring a new children’s book to donate!
One of the themes in Matilda is how books can change your life, how stories can inspire us to reach for our dreams, and how important it is to have adults in your life who can lift you up. That’s why Olney Theatre is partnering with two area organizations Velocity of Books and Maryland Book Bank to make sure every kid in our region has access to the stories that can help them be their truest selves. Bring a new children’s book with you when you come to see Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical at Olney Theatre. They’ll deliver the books to local organizations that promote literacy and educational opportunity in our region.

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Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical at Olney Theatre Center on Saturday, June 29, at 8pm, simply leave a comment below naming your or your child’s favorite children’s book. Get an extra chance to win by entering on the ” rel=”noopener” target=”_blank”>KidFriendly DC Facebook Page, too! This giveaway will run through June 23, 2019, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!