The school year is ending. The days are getting longer. The heat is on. Not that we even need an excuse, but this is all good motivation to check out some great productions at our local performing arts venues this summer. And there are plenty of live shows to see, both on stage now and in the coming months. Here’s the run-down of what’s playing.
The Puppet Co.
“Sleeping Beauty” is on the puppet stage now through July 25 at Glen Echo Park. After that, kids can catch “Little Red Riding Hood & The Three Little Pigs” from July 30 – September 5. Performances for both shows are every Thursday & Friday at 10am & 11:30am and Saturday & Sunday at 11:30am & 1pm. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online, at the box office, or by calling 301.634-5380. Both are recommended for Pre-K and up.
And babies and toddlers haven’t been left out! The Puppet Co. has Tiny Tots performances for littler ones every Tuesday Wednesday and Saturday at 10am. The shows change frequently, so check out the schedule to see what’s playing on specific dates. Tickets are $5 per person, including babies, and can be purchased online, at the box office, or by calling 301.634-5380.
Imagination Stage
The pirate productions I posted about recently begin in just a couple of days at Imagination Stage in Bethesda. “How I Became a Pirate” is a musical adventure recommended for children ages 3 and up. The show will be running from June 23 – August 14, with show times on Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm & 4pm, and Tuesday – Friday at 10:30am. Tickets are $10 – $21 and available for purchase online here.
“Pirates! A Boy at Sea” is a pirate drama recommended for a slightly older crowd, ages 7 and up. It will be playing in the Lerner Family Theatre from July 2 – August 15. Show times are Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm & 4pm, and Tuesday – Friday at 10:30am. Tickets range from $10 – $21 and can be purchased online.
Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods at Wolf Trap
Starting June 29, Wolf Trap will host six week’s worth of family-friendly shows on a stage nestled in a shady grove on 117 enchanting wooded acres. Performances, ranging from music and dance to puppetry and storytelling, will take place Tuesday – Saturday at 10am and 11:15am through August 7. See their calendar for the complete schedule of shows. Tickets for all performances are $8 and can be purchased online by clicking “more” on the calendar. Shows are recommended for kids kindergarten age and up.
Adventure Theatre
Also at Glen Echo Park, Adventure Theatre has a new play on the way. “If You Give a Pig a Pancake” will run from July 2 through August 15. The tale follows a little girl who plays hostess to a challenging piglet and all the debacles that arise along the way. Tickets are $15/adults and $12/children 12 and under. Reserve your seats online or by calling 301.634-2270.
Discovery Theater
Presented by the Smithsonian Associates, all kinds of acts are on the line-up at Discovery Theater this summer, from musical performers to tappers and breakdancers to a science circus. Next up is Granny’s Appalachian Tales, a fun mix of puppetry, music, and drama playing July 1-2. See the website for the complete summer schedule. All shows take place at the Ripley Center, accessed through the little copper-domed building just off Independence Avenue on Jefferson Drive, between the Smithsonian Castle and the Freer gallery of Art. General admission tickets are $6/adults, $5/children, free for kids 2 and under.
Mary Poppins
Every kid should know how to spell sing “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” The tale of the nanny with the magical touch is a classic, and this particular production of the Broadway musical has gotten great reviews. “Mary Poppins” will be on stage at the Kennedy Center July 1 – August 22. I posted about this a couple of months ago, but if you haven’t gotten tickets yet, they are still available, ranging from $25 – $125.
Star Wars: in Concert
Fans young and old will be transported to another galaxy for two hours as an 86-member orchestra plays the “Star Wars” soundtrack accompanied by clips from the film classic displayed on a 60-foot wide screen. The show just started its national tour last week, and so far it’s gotten great reviews. It will land at the Verizon Center on July 17 for two shows, at 2pm and 7pm. Tickets range from $35 – $75 and can be purchased online.
Yo Gabba Gabba Live!
Get the sillies out this summer! DJ Lance Rock, Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Toodee, Plex, and other special guests are coming to the stage at Jiffy Lube Live (formerly Nissan Pavilion) on August 28 for two shows, at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets range from $35 – $55. Reserve your seats now.
