Tag Archives: The Kennedy Center

Enter to Win Tickets to The Washington Ballet’s “Alice (in wonderland)”

The Washington Ballet’s spring programming begins in just a few weeks with Artistic Director Septime Webre’s world premiere of ALICE (in wonderland) at the The Kennedy Center April 11- 15.

The re-imagined take on Lewis Carroll’s classic promises to take audiences on a magical journey as they follow Alice’s misadventures — splendidly costumed and gloriously danced — down the rabbit hole. Combining Weber’s revolutionary vision with the talents of designer Liz Vandal (Cirque du Soleil’s OVO) and composer Matthew Pierce, it’s poised to be the Washington Ballet’s grandest production of the season.

There are 7:30pm performances every evening, plus two afternoon weekend shows during its run.  Tickets are $50-155 and can be purchased through the Kennedy Center website. Or, you can try to win them in the KFDC giveaway.

GIVEAWAY:  Want a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Opening Night performance of Alice (in wonderland) on April 12? Simply leave a comment on this post. To be eligible, you must like KidFriendly DC on Facebook. Get an extra entry for following on Twitter. A winner will be drawn at random at the end of the week and announced shortly thereafter. Good luck!

The entry period for this giveaway has ended!

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Filed under DC, Giveaway, Live Entertainment, Spring, Theatre, Weekdays, Weekend

On Stages this Spring

There’s a whole new crop of live entertainment for kids coming to area stages this spring.  From puppet shows for tiny ones to plays for the preschool set to family symphonies to concerts for young rockers, there’s something to indulge every age and interest. Here’s info on what’s coming to venues near us (most descriptions pulled straight from the websites).

Wake Up, Brother Bear!
Where:   Imagination Stage
When:    March 8 – April 10
Tickets:  $5 – $10
Sitting on the floor around a circular playing area, children watch as Brother and Sister Bear discover a year in the wild.  Together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish and skate on an icy pond.  Children are invited to join in the action throughout the show with a big bag of small props that help to create magical moments.  Themes of the cycle of the seasons, sibling relationships, and the dreams that we pursue from day to day and year to year underpin the story and offer a delightful exploration for young imaginations.  Recommended for ages 1-5.

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake
Where:   Adventure Theatre
When:     3/11-4/23
Tickets:   $15
If you give a cat a cupcake, he’ll ask for some sprinkles to go with it.  When you give him the sprinkles, he might spill some on the floor.  Cleaning up will make him hot, so you’ll give him a bathing suit… and that’s just the beginning!  From the author of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie!

Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co. at Glen Echo
When: Ongoing – Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
The Tiny Tots series continues the tradition of shows designed for the youngest theater patrons — ages 0-4. Productions are shorter, the lights stay on, the doors stay open, and the show is set up on the floor. A different show is presented every performance, so check the schedule to see what’s playing.

The Vanishing Viola, The Triumphant Trumpet, & Potions for Piano
Where:    Glen Echo Recital Hall, South Arcade Building
When:     Many Saturdays at 3pm, starting March 12
Tickets:   $10
The Washington Conservatory of Music presents a new series of Family Music and Magic Shows, The Magic of Music, featuring Musico the Magnificent and musical guests. The shows are designed as a fun introduction to music. Drew Owen, cellist and magician, is Musico the Magnificent.  Owen, a cello faculty member at the Washington Conservatory who performs with the National Symphony, the Baltimore Symphony and the Washington National Opera, is also a popular local magician. Owen will be joined by musical guests for each show.

Alice in Wonderland On Ice
Where: Gardens Figure Skating Club, Gardens Ice House
When: March 26-27, 1:30pm & 3pm
Tickets: $10 – $15
, children 2 and under are free
The Gardens Figure Skating Club in Laurel will hold its seventh annual spring show, Alice in Wonderland on Ice. Young audiences will enjoy watching the cast, all ages 14 and under, glide, leap, and twirl across the frozen stage as the perform the beloved children’s story. The Gardens Ice House is located at 13800 Old Gunpowder Road in Laurel.

Let Freedom Sing: The Story of Marian Anderson
Where: THEARC Theater
When: March 27, 3pm & 5pm
Tickets: FREE

The story of the great African American singer whose performances at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939 helped launch the civil rights movement. This is a one-hour opera for all ages and appropriate for middle and high school students. Reserve your tickets online. Availability is limited.

Imago Theater: ZooZoo
Where: Strathmore
When: March 27
Tickets: $15 – $35

Imago Theatre makes its Strathmore debut in ZooZoo. This one-of-a-kind company conjures up one surprise after another, including a menagerie of a giant dinosaur, hungry anteaters, hitch-hiking rabbits, introverted frogs, insomniac hippos and cantankerous polar bears. Mixing deftly designed costumes, brilliant physical comedy, illusion and audience participation, Imago Theatre is simply “captivating.” (The New York Times)

NSO Family Concert: The Trumpet of the Swan: A Novel Symphony
Where:    The Kennedy Center
When:     March 27
Tickets:   $15 – $18
Starring John Lithgow, the Kennedy Center commission based on E.B. White’s classic, The Trumpet of the Swan, returns. Though Louis is a trumpeter swan, he was born without a voice. Will a brass trumpet bring freedom, fame, fortune, and love? Recommended for ages 7 and up.

There will also be one “petting zoo” from 3-4:45pm, in between the two performances of The Trumpet of the Swan. Young concertgoers can get up close and hands-on with the instruments they’ll see played on the stage — from violins, trumpets, and oboes to trombones and percussion — in the Kennedy Center Atrium.

Various Weekend Concerts
Where:   Jammin’ Java
When:    Nearly every weekend
Tickets:  $8 – $10
Kids can jam as some of their favorite musicians play live shows at the venue in Vienna.  Family concerts are on the schedule almost every weekend for the next two months, starting with a Rocknoceros happy hour show this Friday, March 11, at 7pm.  Most of the other concerts are on Saturdays and Sundays.  Check the schedule for your kids’ fave – there’s a good chance they’re playing soon!

Dr. Kabooom!
Where:   The Kennedy Center
When:     April 1 – 10
Tickets:   $18
Scientific logic usually doesn’t have much use for words like magic or wonder. But Doktor Kaboom knows the value of these unscientific terms. Join him for a sidesplitting journey of increasingly spectacular, and often successful, experiments and demonstrations that will keep you riveted with interest and rolling with laughter. Doktor Kaboom! is an amazing educational tour of the modern scientific method, using humor and comedy while demonstrating spectacular applications of the physical sciences. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Cinderella, The World’s Favorite Fairytale
Where:   Alden Theatre
When:    April 2, 3, 9, 10
Tickets:  $8/McLean residents, $10/non-residents
The heroine we all know and love brings to the stage three of her counterparts in other cultures. This is a charming retelling of the Cinderella story featuring the legends of Plum Blossom (China), Vasilisa (Russia) and Broken Wing (Native America). Recommended for ages 6+.

George and Martha – Tons of Fun
Where:   Imagination Stage
When:    April 9 – May 29
Tickets:  $11 – $22
The two endearing hippos from the James Marshall picture books stomp onto stage in this warm and funny musical adaptation.  George and Martha are best friends.  They play music together and share meals, presents, picnics, and exciting adventures like flying a balloon.  Sometimes they have differences as all friends do.  But it cannot last.  Like all good friends George and Martha just can’t stay angry for long!  This simple story says much about our relationships at any age.  Geared for our youngest theatre-goers but enjoyable for all, this new musical by Joan Cushing sparkles with clever lyrics and laughter. Enjoyed by ages 3+

Junkyard Pirates
Where:   Discovery Theater (Smithsonian’s Ripley Center)
When:    April 19–22, 10:15am and 11:30am
Tickets:  $3 – $6
Ahoy, ye mateys! Meet puppet pirates created from recyclables, who discover that one person’s trash is another person’s treasure in an eco-adventure by Michelle and Ingrid of DinoRock Productions. Nettie the Recycler explains that a pirate’s favorite letter (“ARRRRRRR!”) stands for Reduce, Reuse, Repair, and Recycle. This musical lesson in ecology and recycling features songs like “Reduce the Use,” “More Trees, Please,” and “You Don’t Have to Throw It Away.”  Recommended for ages 3-10.

PLAY! A Video Game Symphony
Where:  Wolf Trap
When:    July 8, 8:30pm
Tickets:  $20 – $52
Award-winning music from Super Mario Brothers, World of Warcraft, Final Fantasy, the Legend of Zelda, Halo, Battlefield 1942, and many more. Outstanding visuals on huge screens in-house and on the lawn highlight memorable moments from these blockbuster video games.

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Filed under All ages, DC, Live Entertainment, Maryland, Music, Spring, Theatre, Virginia

The Sounds of Disney at the Kennedy Center

Here’s a show that didn’t make the list of local live entertainment that I posted about recently (but will be added now):  NSO Pops: Disney in Concert will be performed at the Kennedy Center February 3, 4, & 5.

Enjoy the magic music of Disney with the NSO Pops and guest conductor Michael Krajewski. Every new generation has a favorite Disney musical, whether it’s “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pocahontas,” “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” ” Aladdin,” or “The Lion King.” And then there are the classics, from a “Mary Poppins” medley to the “Yo ho” of “Pirates of the Caribbean.” When everyone joins together for memorable moments and melodies that Mouseketeers of all ages know by heart, it feels like a small world, after all.

Tickets range from $20 – $85 and can be purchased online through the Kennedy Center, though Goldstar currently has a deal on select seats and dates.  The show starts at 7pm Thursday and 8pm on Friday and Saturday and runs approximately two hours.

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MLK Celebrations and More this Weekend

Whether you’re looking for ways to pay tribute to MLK, interesting activities at the museums, or fun entertainment for the kids, this weekend has it covered.  Here’s what’s going on around town Saturday, Sunday, AND Monday.  Happy Weekend!

Martin Luther Kind Jr. Holiday Family FestivalThe National Museum of Natural History has commemorated the birthday of MLK for over 30 years and will continue the tradition this weekend.  On Saturday, Sunday, and Monday guests are invited to participate in an interactive play recreating a sit-in, hear the words of Dr. King brought to life in a dramatic presentation, and participate in a discussion on civil rights.  The free event runs from 10am – 5pm each day and is open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Stories in Art at the National Gallery – The museum’s winter program for kids ages 4 – 7 begins on Sunday with a study of Alexander Calder.  The workshop will start with a reading of “Sophie’s Masterpiece,” a book about a spider and her wondrous creations.  From there, the group will explore Calder’s “Spider” and learn to weave their own wire mobiles.  The hour-long session begins at 11:30am, 12:30pm, 1:30pm, and 2:30pm. Sign-in for Stories in Art will take place in the East Building Atrium, beginning at 11am that day, and will continue until all spaces are filled.  No admission fee required.  For more about the series, see this post from last week.

Sharing the Dream: A Multicultural Celebration of Love & Justice – This two-day festival at the National Museum of the American Indian celebrates the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and brings together artists from African, Latino, and Native American communities. Listen, watch, and learn as  they share their expressions of love and justice through their music, spoken word, and storytelling performances. The weekend also includes hands-on activities for all ages as well as films, tours, and other regularly scheduled programs at the museum. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday from 12 – 5pm.  A complete schedule of activities is available on the NMAI website.

“I Have a Dream…” PillowcasesKids are invited to share their dreams with the National Children’s Museum Launch Zone on Saturday from 11am – 4pm in commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by making their own “I Have A Dream…” pillowcases. Other activities will be presented to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Dr. King.  The Launch Zone is located at the National Harbor in Oxon Hill.

Poetry Extravaganza – All ages are invited to this tribute honoring the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the MLK, Jr. Memorial Library on Saturday at 1pm.  The poetry readings and recitals by Collective Voices will take place in the library’s Great Hall.

Last Call for the NutcrackerIf the kids missing the magic of the holidays or maybe you didn’t get to see the season’s most classic show, you have one last chance to recapture the holiday spirit on stage before we say farewell for a while.  The Synetic Family Theater’s production of The Nutcracker has two final performances this weekend — and KFDC readers can get a discount on tickets.  For details, see this post from a few days ago.

Girl Up “Unite for Girls”Teen girls in the Washington, DC, area have an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of girls around the world. This Saturday, January 15, the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up “Unite for Girls” city tour is stopping in the nation’s capitol to hold a pep rally in support of girls across the globe, and local teens are invited to take part in the educational and empowering event.  For details about the event, see this post from earlier this week.

Theater TimeSeveral children’s stage productions begin this week, and tickets are still available for some of the performances.  Check out this post from a few days ago to see what’s playing and how to reserve your seats,

Rock Out Sunday MorningWhat better way to start the day than rocking out with local kids’ fave Rocknoceros.  The band is laying at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue at 10:30am.  Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 day of the show.  Purchase online through the Sixth & I website.

Give Together Family Volunteer DayLooking for something to do with the kids on the day off from work and school on Monday?  Volunteer Fairfax is hosting an event that will give families an opportunity to give back.  The second annual Give Together Family Volunteer Day will bring together several non-profits from the region with local families to work on various service projects.  For complete details about the event, see this post

Let Freedom Ring on Millennium Stage – The Kennedy Center and Georgetown University host a musical celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy. The concert featuring Grammy Award–winning, platinum-selling vocalist Patti LaBelle also includes the Let Freedom Ring Choir with Music Director, Rev. Nolan Williams Jr. Georgetown University will award the ninth annual John Thompson Legacy of a Dream Award to Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery—a leader in the American Civil Rights movement.  Free tickets will be given away two per person in line in the Hall of Nations at 4pm on Monday on a first-come, first-served basis.

Free Admission to National ParksIn celebration of the holiday weekend, the National Park Service is waiving entrance fees at more than 100 national parks that usually charge admission.  Layer up for a hike in the woods or cruise through Shenandoah and take in the views.  This is the first of five fee-free weekends at national parks this year.

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Filed under All ages, Annual, Art, DC, Educational, Festival, Free, Live Entertainment, Museums, Weekend, Winter

Holidays on the Stage

Tis’ the season for some wonderful productions at many of our local theatres. From several versions of The Nutcracker ballet (including some on strings) to Ebenezer Scrooge at Ford’s Theatre to seasonal favorites scaled down for little ones, there’s something on the stage for everyone. And not only do these productions enhance the holiday spirit; they’re entertaining indoors activities on nippy autumn and winter days.

Here’s a rundown of holiday shows (ordered by opening date, with most descriptions pulled straight from the websites) coming to theatres as early as this weekend. All tickets are on sale now.

The Happy Elf
Montgomery College, in collaboration with Adventure Theater
Dates: 11/12 – 11/19
Tickets: $20, $15/Seniors & Students
Based on the song of the same name by Harry Connick, Jr. and book by Lauren Gunderson and Andrew Fishman, with music and lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr. and directed by Tony Award-winner John Rando, The Happy Elf is an exciting new addition to both the College Performing Arts Series and Adventure Theatre’s 59th seasons. This new musical follows Eubie, a North Pole elf who always wears a smile, when he decides to bring Christmas joy to the sad town of Bluesville, which has fallen into a state of permanent blues. A coveted spot on Santa’s sleigh team awaits Eubie if he can fix Bluesville. Don’t miss this heart-warming new holiday musical that captures the joy of the season.

Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer
Adventure Theater
Dates: 11/19 – 1/2
Tickets: $15
Experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and friends in a whole new way – LIVE! The beloved stop-motion classic soars from the TV screen to the stage in this live-action world premiere. Featuring everyone’s favorite characters: Hermey the Elf, Sam the Snowman, the Misfit Toys, the Abominable Snow Monster, Yukon Cornelius, Santa, and (of course) Rudolph! You won’t want to miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. All ages.

A Christmas Carol
Ford’s Theatre
Dates: 11/20 – 1/2
Tickets: $30 – $60
Join the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they lead the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge on a journey of transformation and redemption. Michael Baron returns to direct his original staging that captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s classic. Acclaimed Washington stage actor Edward Gero returns to play Scrooge in the production The Washington Post hailed as “musically high-spirited” and “infectiously jolly.” Recommended for ages 5 and up.

The Little Red Gingerbread Man
Discovery Theater
Dates: 11/23-24 -10:15am & 11am, 11/26 – 11am.
Tickets: 11/23-24 $3 – $6, 11/26 $9/children, $10/adults
In this best of all fairy-tale worlds, the Barefoot Puppets tell the rollicking story of what happens when two great classics get mixed with a twist. You’ll never guess what happens when an inquisitive redhead goes in search of a runaway cookie. Chase scenes! Hilarity! The Big Bad Wolf! It’s a perfect pre-Thanksgiving family activity. Friday is a special family performance — each child will receive a gingerbread cookie to decorate and take home. Recommended for ages 2-8.

The Joffrey Ballet – The Nutcracker
The Kennedy Center
Dates: 11/24-28
Tickets: $45 – $150
The Joffrey Ballet dancers perform Robert Joffrey’s “dazzling” (The Chicago Sun-Times) version of Tchaikovsky’s family classic, featuring charming Victorian scenery and costumes.

Junie B. in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells!
Imagination Stage
Dates: 11/24 – 1/11
Tickets: $10 – $22
It’s holiday time in Room One and that means drama! Tattletale May keeps picking on Junie B., and things get even worse when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa. She hatches a plan to give May a lump of coal, while getting an awesome Squeeze-A-Burp for herself. Will Junie B. have a last-minute change of heart and show her true holiday spirit? Just like its heroine, the show has laughs, verve and energy to spare! Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Nutcracker
The Puppet Co. Main Stage
Dates: 11/26 – 12/31
Tchaikovsky’s musical adaptation of the E. T. A.Hoffman story is brought to life by the magic of The Puppet Co. “The Nutcracker” is the festive story of Clara-Marie’s adventures with her favorite toy. The larger-than-life-size costume characters and marionettes delight Clara-Marie, and the audience, on her magical journey through the “Land of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Originally performed live with the Arlington Symphony, this production is full of, as the Washington Post put it “clever costuming and delightful surprises.”

The Nutcracker
THEARC
Dates: 11/27-28
Tickets: $29
Septime Webre’s “The Nutcracker” will delight audiences at THEARC on November 27 & 28. Word has it that these Washington Ballet productions at the Anacostia theatre are intended to be kid-friendly for antsy theatre-goers, with a scaled-down set and shorter performances. Four show times are available.

Nutcracker Fantasy
The Puppet Co. Tiny Tots
Dates: 11/27 – 12/29
Tickets: $5
This marionette version of the holiday classic is geared toward the smallest of audience members. Tiny Tots shows are designed for theater patrons ages 0-4. They are shorter, the lights stay on, the doors stay open, and the show is set up on the floor.

Seasons of Light
Discovery Theater
Dates: Mon thru Fri 11/30 – 12/22
Tickets: $3 – $6
This seasonal favorite calls in the warmth of many holidays filled with light in our fun-filled interactive celebration. Explore the history and customs of Devali, Ramadan, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas, Christmas, and a First Nations tradition of the Winter Solstice. This show sells out fast — book your tickets early! Recommended for ages 4-12.

Septime Weber’s The Nutcracker – Presented by The Washington Ballet
Warner Theatre
Dates: 12/2-26
Tickets: $43.20 – $106
The grand, full-scale version of Septime Webre’s production, performed by the Washington Ballet. Tickets range from $43.20 – $106.

A Christmas Carol (Saturday Morning at National)
National Theatre
Date: 12/4
Tickets: FREE
An interactive adventure presents Charles Dickens’ ever-green holiday tale of Tiny Tim Crachit and the hard-hearted Ebenezer Scrooge. The old miser’s redemption from ill-humor and grumpy greed is brought vividly to life by the delightfully charming, entrancing and whimsical story-teller, Chris Davis. Show times are 9:30am and 11am. Tickets are free and distributed a half hour prior to performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Every person must be standing in line to receive a ticket.

Christmas Dreams from The Nutcracker
National Theatre
Date: 12/11
Tickets: FREE
Snowflakes and Sugar Plum Sweets are in the air as the Virgina Ballet Company and School present selections from their magical, glittering Nutcracker. Familiar music, lively dances, lovely costumes and charming characters from Tchaikovsky’s classic confection bring us elegant and amusing holiday cheer. Show times are 9:30am and 11am. Tickets are free and distributed a half hour prior to performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Every person must be standing in line to receive a ticket.

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Filed under Annual, DC, Holidays, Live Entertainment, Seasonal, Theatre