Tag Archives: Live Entertainment for Kids

Review: The Day You Begin at the Kennedy Center

[Note:  This review was written by KFDC Contributor Emily Moise, a local writer and mom of two young children.  She always has excellent recommendations for kids’ activities around the DC area. See some of them here, here, and here.]

It was a timely treat taking my kindergartner to the Kennedy Center to see The Day You Begin, a musical based on the bestselling children’s book by author Jacqueline Woodson. The plot: the first day at a new school with diverse new people; the setting: a familiar, yet more vividly modern elementary school classroom. The message? The day you truly “begin” is when you discover what makes you unique, but also the same as people who may seem so different.

The show, an age-appropriate 55 minutes in length, is immediately engaging and interactive. The teacher, Ms. Veve, asks the audience self-identifying questions: “Who wants to be a writer? Who wants to be a teacher? A basketball star?” It’s such a distinguishing topic of conversation for a kid. One student, Rigoberto, clearly wants to be a soccer star, running passionately down the aisle with his cardboard soccer ball and speaking his native Spanish.

The class is comprised of four students who are unlikely friends, but by the end, meant to be. For much of America, the diversity depicted in the book and musical is the new norm and something your child may already be navigating in school. Multi-cultural, multi-lingual, disabled, and more; very few are exactly alike. How fortunate that our kids are figuring out what makes them special yet what connects them at such young ages.

My daughter’s favorite part of the show is the lengthy lunch scene. Some days, there’s nothing more interesting to a kid than what everyone had (or bought) for lunch. Food is a big deal in a little kid’s world. The plot thickens when one student, Min, opens a canister of kimchi for lunch. It could not be more jarring to the others but Min stands proud. The kids figure out how to be kindly curious about what’s different, and also agree on what favorite fruit they share – a “beginning” moment to their friendship.

Ms. Veve leaves us with the following lesson: “go tell your stories.” Finding your place in the world and with others can begin with you opening up and being proud of what makes you you. Because “every new friend has something a little like you – and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.” During the car ride home, my daughter just kept begging me for kimchi for dinner…

The Day You Begin
Where: Kennedy Center | Foggy Bottom, DC
When: Through December 18
Tickets: $20-25

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Filed under 2022, DC, Fall, Live Entertainment, Weekend, Winter

Pixie Dust Aplenty in ‘The Adventures of Peter Pan’ at Synetic Theater



When Synetic Theater announced their new season a few months ago, I was happy to hear they would be kicking it off with a family-friendly show, The Adventures of Peter Pan. The company is known for its innovative approach to theater, often infusing classics with beautiful movement and sometimes even eliminating dialogue. (In fact, it was there that I saw my favorite adaptation of Romeo and Juliet, a wordless version that was absolutely mesmerizing.) However, many of their productions are too sophisticated for kids, so it had been awhile since I’d brought mine to a performance there.

The familiar tale about the boy who wouldn’t grow up is now on stage at the venue in Crystal City. And though they may have a younger audience in mind, Synetic doesn’t skimp one bit on their unique, artistic style. Captivating dance numbers, both spirited and subtle performances by the cast, dazzling costumes, and gorgeous use of light and props make an already magical story even more enchanting.

It’s an adventure, for sure, as Peter Pan journeys to Neverland with the Darling children and, along with the Lost Boys, battles Captain Hook and his crew. Scenes are full of energy and amazing choreography. The blend of dancing, sword fights, and some moving, emotional moments keeps all eyes on stage and the audience on the edge of seats. Although most of us know what ultimately happens, we’re still absorbed by the action and want to see it play out — especially in Synetic’s signature, physically dramatic style.

The show strays from the original, but the elements that make it different are some of the best parts. Peter’s shadow is a main character — he’s in just about every scene with him — and their dances together are so fantastic. (I realized later that the actor who played him, Zana Gankhuyag, was Romeo in the production I loved so much.) Also, Tinker Bell is Peter’s sister in this version, and she sparkles as much as her delightful fairy costume.

A post-show photo-op with Tinker Bell

Sasha said her favorite part of the show was a mermaid dance, a beautiful ballet among rippling sheets of fabric lit with blue to create a scene of water. When I asked what she liked best, though, she did have to think about it because “there were so many good parts!” I couldn’t agree more.

The Adventures of Peter Pan is running at Synetic Theater through November 19. Tickets are $15-55. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

* On Sunday, October 29 at 2pm, Synetic Theater is hosting a Pirate’s Ball, a family-friendly version of its annual Vampire’s Ball. Tickets include the 2pm performance of ‘Peter Pan,’ post-show family activities, light appetizers, and a meet-and-greet with some of the cast! All attendees are encouraged to wear costumes and bring a trick-or-treat bag! More info here.

Disclosure: I received complimentary tickets from Synetic Theater to see The Adventures of Peter Pan, however, all opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

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Filed under 2017, Fall, Gradeschoolers, Live Entertainment, Theatre, Virginia, Weekdays, Weekend

“How I Became a Pirate” at Adventure Theatre — Ticket Giveaway!



Adventure Theatre is kicking off its 2017-18 season with fun, swashbuckling entertainment! How I Became a Pirate will sail onto the stage this fall with a production recommended for all ages. And you have a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see a performance!

Based on the book by Melinda Long and directed by Jenny Male, the show follows the journey of a boy named Jeremy as he becomes an honorary pirate after a ship comes ashore while he’s building sandcastles on the beach. Jeremy learns the ropes of what it really means to be a swashbuckling (but smelly!) pirate — and the pirates just might learn how to play soccer, too.

How I Became a Pirate is running at Adventure Theatre September 22 – October 22, with both weekend and weekday performances. Tickets are $19.50 and can be purchased in advance online, at the Box Office, or by calling 301.634.2270. You can also try to win them through the giveaway below!

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Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to see How I Became a Pirate at Adventure Theatre, simply leave a comment below letting me know which performance — date and time — you would want to attend. Get an extra entry by also liking and commenting on the KidFriendly DC Facebook page. This giveaway will run through Wednesday, September 20, 2017, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!


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

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Filed under Sponsored Post, Theatre, Ticket Giveaway

Enter to Win Tickets to ‘Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook’ at Adventure Theatre!

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Adventure Theatre’s summer production and the last of their 2016/17 season opens in just a few weeks. Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook begins June 23 for a nearly two-month run. And one lucky KFDC reader can win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see it!

Based on the book series by Barbara Park and directed by Rick Hammerly, this stage version presents a tale for all ages to enjoy: When Junie B. Jones, with her two bestest friends in the world, loses her new furry mittens to some “stealers,” she has to investigate. But Junie B. might have something she forgot to return, too…

There’s more to enjoy than just a performance — patrons can also partake in a pre-show scavenger hunt to earn a prize. Participants who find all of the items will receive a Junie B. Jones set of five trading cards for our 65th season.

Adventure Theatre is also partnering with a local nonprofit to collect school supplies for underprivileged kids throughout the run of the show. When you go see it, consider bringing donations of new backpacks, notebooks, colored pencils, crayons, kid-friendly scissors, paper, glue sticks, markers, and activity books to help out children in need.

So, are you ready for summer entertainment and then some? Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook will run at Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park from June 23 – August 14, 2017. Performances are Saturday through Monday at varying times, and occasional Friday evenings, too. Tickets are $19.50 and can be purchased in advance online or by calling the Box Office at 301.634.2270. You can also try winning them through the giveaway below.

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Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of Tickets to see Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook at Adventure Theatre, simply leave a comment below letting me know which performance — date and time — you would want to attend. Get an extra entry by also liking and commenting on the KidFriendly DC Facebook page. This giveaway will run through Sunday, June 11, 2017 then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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


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Filed under 2017, All ages, Giveaway, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Seasonal, Summer, Theatre, Ticket Giveaway, Weekdays, Weekend

Enter to Win Tickets to Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre!

Photo by Sarah Straub/Adventure Theatre

Photo by Sarah Straub/Adventure Theatre



Adventure Theatre is getting ready to bring their spring production to the stage — along with the some Arabian magic. Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp opens this coming weekend with assistance from Middle-Eastern cultural consultants from Iran, India, Morocco, and Egypt among others.

Directed by Roberta Gasbarre and supported by the Weissberg Foundation’s Fund for Diversity in Theatre, the show is based on the original story, Book of One Thousand and One Nights. The multicultural cast and production team presents 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.

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp runs at Adventure Theatre April 7 – May 21, 2017. Recommended for all ages, there will be performances on weekends and weekdays, including during Spring Break. Tickets are $19.50 and available for purchase online or at the Box Office.

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Giveaway: For a chance to win a Family 4-Pack of tickets to see Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp at Adventure Theatre, simply leave a comment below letting me know which performance — date and time — you would prefer to see the show. To be eligible, you must subscribe to KFDC (see sign up on the left). Get an extra entry by also commenting on the KidFriendly DC Facebook Page. This giveaway will run through Thursday, April 6, then a winner will be drawn at random and notified shortly thereafter. Good luck!

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


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Filed under All ages, Giveaway, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Sponsored Post, Spring, Theatre, Weekdays, Weekend