Tag Archives: Northern Virginia Children’s Theatre
Plan for the Ball: Encore Stage & Studio Presents ‘Cinderella’ this Winter!
The Autumn 2013 Line-Up of Live Entertainment
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
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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.
Put a Little Spring in Your Step…with Some Entertainment in Your Spring
Alice and the Mad Hatter from Septime Weber's "Alice (in wonderland).
There’s a whole new crop of live entertainment sprouting up on local stages. Whether your kids are seasoned theatre goers or budding entertainment enthusiasts, there’s sure to be a performance (or several) that will have them blooming with applause. Here’s where the shows are, ordered by opening date, with most descriptions pulled straight from the websites.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: March 2 – April 9
Tickets: $18
Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it’s a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he’s not his best friend anymore. And if that’s not bad enough, Alexander’s brothers don’t have any cavities but—he does. And just when it can’t get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and —yuck!—kissing on TV. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. Uuuugggghhh. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Rapunzel
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: March 15 – April 7
Tickets: $10
A“bewitching” adaptation of the Grimm’s fairytale featuring the music of Jacques Ibert. Witch Wartsmith wants a baby, and after bargaining for little Rapunzel, must go to great lengths to keep the growing girl out of the hands of a handsome prince. The Puppet Co. uses the charm and simplicity of hand puppets, created by Puppetmaster Allan Stevens, and performed by Eric Brooks, in a production designed to delight its younger audiences. Recommended for Pre-K and up.
Saturday Mornings at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Most Saturdays through April 28
Tickets: Free, but required. Distributed day of on first-come, first-served basis.
The free theatre program began runs on select Saturdays through the spring. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here.
Boogie Babes
Where: Eastern Market & Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: Thursdays & Fridays, 10:30am
Tickets: $5/child, free for siblings 6 months and under
Little ones can boogie along with their favorite local musicians in Eastern Market’s North Hall every Thursday morning AND at The Atlas Performing Arts Center on Fridays. Go for the show, then grab lunch in the Market and stay to play, or hit one of the many eateries on the H Street Corridor. Check the schedule to find out who’s playing when.
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 groups perform every Monday through Friday and touring performers drop by on many weekends. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing, and for other venue updates.
Basil Twist’s Petrushka
Where: Lansburgh Theatre
When: March 16-25
Tickets: $22.50 – $50
Petrushka tells the touching love story of three puppets at a Russian Carnival. Petrushka, the clown, falls in love with the charming Ballerina at first sight. The scheming and rich Moor loves the Ballerina as well, and seduces her with beautiful things. She rejects the earnest advances of Petrushka, who, upset and lonely, confronts the Moor. In order to make this story come to life, Twist sets it against the backdrop of a specially created two-piano version of Stravinsky’s original ballet score. Nine hidden puppeteers use a combination of Czech and Japanese techniques to bring the puppets to life while live pianists play the intricate Stravinsky score.
The Revenge of the Space Pandas
Where: Alden Theatre
When: March 17-18 & 24-25
Tickets: $10, $8/McLean district residents
In this comedy for young people by David Mamet, Binky Rudich’s latest invention, the two-speed clock, sends him, his friend Viv and their sheep Bob hurling into space. They land on a planet ruled by pandas deep within the Goolagong system. Making their way through a maze of interesting characters, these three friends try to find their way home. Featuring a cast of young McLean actors. Recommended for ages 6+.
Out of the Box
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: March 20-25
Tickets: $8
Follow a young girl and her best friend as they find out just how much can be created using their imagination. Our young heroine discovers a large box. “What’s inside? I’ll open it!” Each exploration leads to another, one door opens another door. There are dancing bits of light to chase and catch, explosions of color from the least likely sources, and other magic that could only come from the ability to let down your guard, open your heart and PLAY. Using music, sounds, and gentle interaction, our young friend and her buddy will engage children and parents in crafting this delightful and fun-filled world together.
Bash the Trash
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: March 23-24
Tickets: $8/Friday, $12/Saturday
What do you get when you combine music, storytelling, science and environmental awareness? The raucous, percussive group Bash the Trash, playing a Friday and a Saturday matinee at BlackRock! Children and adults can expect to rock with the most creative instruments ever and have a musical blast while learning about the environment. The talented artists of Bash the Trash will transform recycled and reused stuff into cool and weird musical instruments such as the “styrolin,” “balloon flute,” and the notorious “straw oboe.” The Saturday show includes a hands-on workshop in which kids will make instruments from recycled materials and play them in a parade. Enjoyed by ages 4 and up.
Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Verizon Center & Patriot Center
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $19.95-144.50
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Washington, DC-Metro area for three fun family shows! And as a special thank you their fans, the Globetrotters’ have partnered with the National Children’s Museum on an event at the Launch Zone on March 18 and have also created a $5 off discount code good for each ticket purchased for one of their upcoming games. To take advantage, go to: www.ticketmaster.com/promo/8v2pmu and use the code NCM.
Beauty and the Beast on Ice
Where: Gardens Figure Skating Club
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $10-15
The Gardens Figure Skating Club presents its eighth annual spring show. A figure skating portrayal of the classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast on Ice features over 60 skaters performing to music from the 1991 Disney hit movie and the long running Broadway musical adaptation depicting a prince transformed into a beast who risks staying a beast forever unless he receives reciprocated love from a young woman named Belle. The cast includes local skaters from as young as age 3 to adult, with skill levels ranging from beginner to advanced, creating a visually exciting theatrical experience.
Maryland Youth Ballet Spring Concert
Where: Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $18-25
Maryland Youth Ballet’s Spring Concert will feature three diverse ballets offering something for all audiences. The performance will include the exuberant children’s ballet Caroline Goes to the Seashore, choreographed by Michelle Lees and Harriet Fellows; the company premier of Christopher Doyle’s Empyrean Skies, an abstract contemporary ballet; and the popular classical ballet Paquita, restaged by Michelle Lees.
Wicked of Oz
Where: Columbia Ice Rink
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $12, free for ages 2 and under
Follow the Yellow Brick Road and meet all of your favorite characters from the Muppets, Tangled, Peter and the Wolf, The Wiz, Wicked and Wizard of Oz! “Wicked of Oz” is a delightfully entertaining ice skating show presented by the Columbia Figure Skating Club in Columbia, Maryland. This show is a special event for families and people of all ages, featuring over 90 performers ranging in age from 3 thru adult, including many talented skaters, including advanced, competitive skaters.
Secret Agent 23 Skidoo
Where: Discovery Theater
When: March 29
Tickets: $3-6
Tot Rock: Jammin at the Smithsonian presents Secret Agent 23 Skidoo, the King of Kid Hop! With witty lyrics, fat beats and magnetic stories, 23 Skidoo introduces kids to hip hop without compromising either one. Entertainment and education strike a perfect balance in this classic hip hop show, with high energy party rocking and amazing stories. There’s plenty of interaction with back and forth choruses that keep the kids singing and enough dancing and moving to keep all attention focused, from the hyper to the diapered. Secret Agent 23 Skidoo bumps up both the volume and the self esteem, and sets the family music bar higher than a hidden cookie jar.
The Gift
Where: Round House Theatre – Silver Spring
When: April 6-14
Tickets: $10-15
Inspired by the classic tale The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein, The Gift tells the story of a boy and a tree, and the intricate relationship that develops throughout the boy’s life. Their friendship naturally ebbs & flows, finally resting in a moment of mutual appreciation. Blending dance and theatre, The Kelly Mayfield Dance Company brings this magical story to life with their physical expression of the struggle to discover, and subsequently appreciate, unconditional love. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Septime Weber’s Alice (In Wonderland)
Where: Kennedy Center
When: April 11-15
Tickets: $50-155
Never before has The Washington Ballet combined such forces to create a new ballet. From the revolutionary vision of artistic director Septime Webre, designer Liz Vandal (Cirque du Soliel’s OVO), and composer Matthew Pierce comes a spectacularly reimagined take on Lewis Carroll’s classic story. Enter the magical world of Alice’s adventures, splendidly costumed, and gloriously danced… an unforgettable journey down the rabbit hole and the season’s grandest production!
Pinnocchio
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: April 12 – June 3
Tickets: $10
Half life-size rod puppets, performed in the Italian “Comedia del Arte” style, tell Carlo Collodi’s story of what it means to be “real”. Share the trials and tribulations of the little live puppet as he finds in one adventure after another that the “easy way” isn’t always the right way. Pinocchio sets out for school with the best of intentions, but somehow something more interesting leads him off the straight and narrow path. A Fox and Cat, a puppet show, a coach ride to a land too good to be true, all distract little Pinocchio from his quest to become a real boy. Recommended for K- Grade 6.
Gustafer Yellowgold’s Year in the Day
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: April 14
Tickets: $10/ages 1 and up
In Gustafer Yellowgold’s Year In The Day, we find former Sun resident Gustafer Yellowgold experiencing his unique take on a year’s worth of Earth holidays, both classic and unusual. New Year’s Day, Groundhog Day, Pancake Day/Fat Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day and many more receive the one-of-a-kind Gustafer blend of blissful pop-music, lyrical poignancy, and cartoon absurdity.
Rapunzel
Where: Imagination Stage
When: April 4 – May 20
Tickets: $11-22
Rapunzel is a typical 16-year-old girl, with a couple small exceptions: she was stolen from her real parents by a wicked witch who pretends to be her mother, and her home is a high-security tower in the middle of nowhere. She’s content, and as far as she knows, hers is a great life…if a little boring. Excitement finds Rapunzel when the charming and handsome Prince Brian stumbles upon her remote abode, and she realizes how much she has been missing! Brian dodges the witch to visit his new friend regularly, and the two plot an escape. But the witch is crafty and casts a spell that sets the young couple on a difficult journey to happily ever after. Recommended for Ages 4+.
NSO Kinderkonzert: Musical Opposites
Where: Kennedy Center
When: April 14-15
Tickets: $18
Sometimes you’re left with two puzzle pieces that just don’t seem to fit. But then with a little squinting and a lot of imagination, you find that they go together perfectly! In this fast-paced program, the Kennedy String Quartet demonstrates many types of musical contrasts that work together, from the technical to the emotional, exploring such simple musical building blocks as high and low, loud and soft, fast and slow. Then, playing excerpts by string quartet masters Haydn, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky, and Shostakovich, the quartet shows how composers use opposites to express a stunning variety of musical moods and emotions. For age 4 and up.
Sleeping Beauty
Where: Kennedy Center
When: April 14-15
Tickets: $18
Some puzzles remain unsolved for 100 years…until the right person comes along. Master storyteller David Gonzalez (2006 Drama Desk nominee) returns to the Kennedy Center and puts a new, rhymed verse spin on the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. Live music, image projections, and exquisite lighting create a magical multimedia world in which a beautiful (and funky) princess is awakened by true love’s kiss…or not. For age 6 and up.
Aquarium
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: April 16-22
Tickets: $8
In the last production of the this season’s Theatre for the Very Young series, audiences will enter a world where giant jellyfish fly through the air, sheep graze in the grass, and lemons create the sun in a “let’s pretend” sky. Mild music, beautiful puppets, and imaginative props welcome both children and adults into the magical, interactive realm.
Trout Fishing in America
Where: Blackrock Center for the Arts
When: April 21, 11am & 1pm
Tickets: $12
This eclectic folk/rock duo is best known for writing and performing whimsical songs for kids like “My Hair Had a Party Last Night” and “When I Was a Dinosaur.” If you like the titles, you’ll love the songs! They have received four Grammy-nominations and won multiple Parents’ Choice and Indie awards. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Five Little Monkeys
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: April 27 – June 3
Tickets: $18
Going shopping…baking cakes…sitting in trees…JUMPING ON BEDS!!! In this zany play, all in cumulative verse, five silly simian siblings insist on doing things their own way and, heedless of admonitions, much more monkey mayhem ensues. And maybe a call from a doctor. Recommended for all ages.
