Tag Archives: The Magic Paintbrush

Still Time to See The Magic Paintbrush at Synetic Family Theater

Synetic Family Theater’s production of The Magic Paintbrush has experienced such great success, the theater is extending its run for an additional two weeks.  The play, based on the the classic Chinese folktale of the same name, has been selling out shows all season and recently received the Helen 
Hayes
 Awards 
Recommended© honor.

I just included my take on the show in the latest weekend round-up, so here is a repost:  The Magic Paintbrush takes the audience on a dramatic adventure through China. Owen and I saw the play a couple of weeks ago, and we were both enchanted.  Performed completely through pantomime (or physical storytelling, as the theater calls it) I was unsure how Owen would respond.  But while he couldn’t quite follow the story, he was nonetheless captivated by the expressive actors performing along with beautiful Chinese music and action-packed scenes, including Cirque de Soleil-like choreography, as actors whirled mid-air on suspended curtains. I’d recommend reading the story with your kids prior to the show, so they have a better understanding of the plot, but even if you don’t have an opportunity, they’ll likely be mesmerized all the same.

You can read another, more thorough review here.

Tickets for The Magic Paintbrush are $12 and available for purchase through the Synetic Theater website.  Click the following links to buy tickets for specific dates:

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Filed under Gradeschoolers, Live Entertainment, Preschoolers, Preteens, Spring, Theatre, Toddlers, Weekend

A Weather-Dependent Weekend

Right now I’ve got a line from the Stone Temple Pilots song “Plush” playing on repeat in my head:  “And I feel so much depends on the weather.”  Those lyrics could be the theme for this post. Some of this weekend’s best activities take place outdoors, but with rain in the forecast for tomorrow they may not live up to their potential.  Luckily, there’s plenty going on for a great time indoors, too.  (And we’ve learned by now that the forecast isn’t always reliable, anyway.)  Here’s what’s happening around town, indoor and out, rain or shine.  Happy Weekend!

The Tidal Basin was lovely and crowd-free on a chilly weekday evening

A Peek at the Peak – It’s one of the most wonderful times of the year when the cherry trees are in bloom, and they are at their best right now.  The National Mall and Tidal Basin are sure to be teeming with blossom oglers if the weather cooperates, but braving the crowds is worth it.  Our family went for a sunset stroll by the Jefferson Memorial a few evenings ago and found the scene as spectacular as ever.  If you’re planning to partake in the blossom experience this weekend, check out these tips before you go.

Family Fun Day at the Yards ParkAs noted above and below, there two things to get excited about as spring begins in DC: Cherry blossoms and baseball.  On Saturday, you can celebrate both at the Yards Park, the centerpiece of the new Capitol Riverfront area that just opened last year. The Family Fun Day will include kids activities such as boat making and moonbouncing, lantern making for all ages, demos by the Trapeze School, Japanese performers and music, a variety of Japanese cuisine from Nooshi Sushi, and Sake tasting and a Japanese beer garden (for adults, of course) from Mie N Yu.  The event is free and open to the public from 11am – 4pm.

Nano Days – Celebrate nanotechnology at the National Museum of American History’s Spark!Lab with a day full of activities that teach all ages about nano science and invention and the role it plays in our lives. Staff will help visitors conducts experiments that include constructing a giant model of a carbon nanotube entirely from balloons, measuring height in nanometers, and creating a liquid crystal display that changes color.  The free event runs from 10am – 4pm Friday through Sunday.

Owen runs the bases after a Nats game last season

Nationals vs. BravesBaseball season is officially underway, and we can root for the hometeam this weekend as the Nats host the Braves for two more afternoon games on Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are still available for both, and you can get a discount on select seats if you buy through Goldstar.  And don’t forget about Kids Run the Bases on Sunday after the game—children ages 4-12 can round the plates for an extra ballpark thrill.  For more about baseball games at Nationals Park, see this write up from last year.

Southwest Waterfront Fireworks FestivalThe National Cherry Blossom Festival’s annual event at the Southwest Waterfront is an all-day affair with live music and family festivities galore al kicking off at 1pm. Enjoy a variety of musical performances on three stages aong with face painting, balloon artists, strolling entertainment, mini-sailboat races,T-shirt screenings, fire boat water shows, and more. The grand finale will begin at 8:30pm when the fireworks show illuminates the evening sky and water.

Tots Rock! At Air & SpaceThe National Air & Space Museum is hosting one of its Tots Rock! Shows on Saturday from 10am – 3pm. Kids ages 3-8 can enjoy a mix of entertainment at one of their favorite museums. They can explore a Planetarium show starring Big Bird and Elmo, listen to a flight-themed story, craft shadow puppets or  build a rocket, and…drum roll…rock out at a Ryan Buckle and Friends concert as they perform their hit show Science You Can Sing To. Visit the website for a schedule of events, and note that tickets are required and seating is limited for planetarium shows.

House of Sweden Family Fun – Join the Swedish Embassy for a family day with activities for all ages. Enjoy the Space for Children interactive play room, craft your favorite animal out of fusible beads, take an interactive quiz walk where you will learn some Swedish, get a Swedish treat from the fishing pond (little red gummies, anyone?), and create a work of art in the painting corner.  The free event runs from 11am – 2pm on Saturday.

Shabbatots Passover Prep – The Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is hosting the first installment of Shabbatots, a new monthly Shabbat program for families with young children. Explore the intersection of Judaism and flexibility with Torah yoga, enjoy a light lunch, and learn fun ways to make a Passover seder family friendly. Each family will take home a “seder in a sack” and tools to create a personalized seder. Torah Yoga is free and runs from 10 – 10:30am. The lunch and activity portion runs from 10:30am – 12pm, and cost is $36 per family. The activity is appropriate for children ages 2-6, but siblings of different ages are welcome.

A Preschool Celebrates 50 YearsThe Learning Center for Young Children (LCYC) is celebrating its 50th year of serving the Kensington area with an Open House & Children’s Fair on Sunday from 2 – 5pm. Families can enjoy activity stations set up around the school including arts & crafts, storytelling, hands-on science projects, music, and dance.  LCYC’s ‘Young Music Makers’ will perform under the direction of John Horman.  There will also be door prizes, face painting, and snacks available.  Visit the website for more details, including location and directions.

The Magic Paintbrush – You have two more weekends to catch the Synetic Family Theater’s current production that takes the audience on a dramatic adventure through China. Owen and I saw the play a couple of weeks ago, and we were both enchanted.  Performed completely through pantomime (or phyiscal storytelling, as the theater calls it) I was unsure how Owen would respond.  But while he couldn’t quite follow the story, he was nonetheless captivated by the expressive actors performing along with beautiful Chinese music and action-packed scenes, including Cirque de Soleil-like choreography, as actors whirled mid-air on suspended curtains. I’d recommend reading the story with your kids prior to the show, so they have a better understanding of the plot, but even if you don’t have an opportunity, they’ll likely be mesmerized all the same.  Tickets for The Magic Paintbrush are $12 and available for purchase through the Synetic Theater website.

Show TimeSeveral more productions will be on stages this weekend, including Dr. Kaboom at the Kennedy Center and Cinderella at Alden Theatre. For more current performances, see this post on spring shows in the area.

Tiny Tots –Two puppet shows for the littlest ones will be performed at The Puppet Co. this weekend: Animal Crackers on Saturday and Dragon Bandwagon on Sunday.  Both start at 10am.  Tickets are $5 and available online or at the box office.   Tiny Tots shows are recommended for ages 0-4.

Portrait Story Days: Duke EllingtonDrop in at the National Portrait Gallery on Sunday from 1 – 4pm to listen to a story about a person who has influenced American history and culture and to create a special piece of art. This week, learn about jazz composer, pianist, and big band leader Duke Ellington (1899-1974).

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Washington (and Lincoln’s) Weekend

Celebrate our former Presidents, sharpen the science and engineering skills, take a cinematic tour of Arabia, catch some live entertainment.  There’s plenty to enjoy with the family this weekend — and you have an extra day to do it.  Happy Weekend!

Happy Birthday, Mr. Presidents From museum events to special activities at Washington’s old digs to a parade through Old Town, there are several family-friendly ways you can celebrate George and Abe’s big days.  See this post from yesterday for a round-up of area events.

Family Science DaysBrowse interactive tabletop exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have questions answered by experts convened by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This free event is open to all, but organized especially for middle- and high-school students.  All Family Science Days events will take place on Saturday and Sunday, February 19-20, in Exhibit Hall D of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.  Visit the AAAS website for the program schedule.

Arabia 3DJourney through the Arabian Peninsula and its rich culture and history in the Smithsonian’s IMAX Johnson Theater’s newest film.  For a full review of the movie, see this post from yesterday.

Discover Engineering Family DayThe National Building Museum and the National Engineers Week Foundation invite you to debunk the myths of engineering and discover how professional engineers turn an idea into reality.  Celebrate National Engineers Week by participating in this free, hands-on and fun-filled festival.  Discover Engineering Family Day is a FREE, drop-in program, though a $5 donation is suggested. Recommended for children ages 5 to 13 with adult supervision.

Centennial of Airmail Family Festival – Games and activities at the National Postal Museum bring the first airmail flight to life on Saturday. Learn about daredevil pilot Fred Wiseman, the woman who received the first mail by airplane, and the differences between the Wright Brothers’ planes and the one Wiseman flew. This free event runs from 11am – 3pm.

Theater Time – At least two new shows opened this week – The Magic Paintbrush at Synetic Family Theater and Jack and the Beanstalk at The Puppet Co.  Check out this post for details and to see what else is playing on our local stages.

Billy Kelly & the Blah Bah Blahs in ConcertWith jaunty aplomb and a giddy inclination to rock out, Billy Kelly and his band The Blahblahblahs will bring The Billy Kelly Show to Café Nola in Frederick on Sunday, February 20.  Says Billy, “Our family show is all about dancing, shouting and laughing, both on stage and off.  It’s loose, it’s a hodgepodge, it’s friendly, comfortable, and just about anything goes!”  For  more information about the show, visit Billy’s website.

Discover StrathmoreLooking for something to do on the day off from school? This event on Monday, February 21, promises family fun in a terrific showcase featuring performers, music, workshops, sample classes, fine art and roving entertainment throughout the Mansion and Music Center.  This is part of Strathmore’s season-long Guitar Festival, celebrating the most influential instrument of the century.  No tickets are required for this free event. Open at 11am. Strollers are not allowed inside the buildings. Free parking in the Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro Garage.

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Win Tickets to See The Magic Paintbrush at Synetic Family Theater!

In honor of Punxsutawney Phil’s glorious prediction for an early spring, I am giving away tickets to see The Magic Paintbrush at the Synetic Family Theater.  All you have to do is leave a comment, telling me what springtime activities you can’t wait to enjoy, and you will be entered into a random drawing to win four tickets to a performance of the play.

Conceived and Directed by Elena Velasco, The Magic Paintbrush inspires the audience to use their imaginations, taking them on an adventure to ancient China, following the footsteps of an orphan and a dream.  Despite prejudices and position, the orphan aspires to become an artist.  That wish is answered when a mysterious old man presents a unique gift – a magic paintbrush.  The brush begins an enchanting journey that test the boundaries of humility and humanity.  What will become of the orphan, and how will this gift be used?  Through a blend of music, dance, gymnastics, Chinese theater traditions, and physical storytelling, Synetic Family Theater actors help young theater-goers understand that with power comes responsibility and wisdom.

The Magic Paintbrush opens on February 19 and will run through April 3, with performances on Saturdays and Sundays at 11am, plus two 4pm shows on Saturday, February 26, and Saturday, March 12.  Tickets are $12 in advance/$15 at the door and can be purchased through the Synetic Family Theater website or by calling 800.494.8497.

Of course, if you go leave your comment, your tickets might be free.  Good luck!

 

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Live Entertainment at Venues Near You

How about some live shows to help keep the kids entertained – and warm – over the winter months?  From plays and puppet shows to music concerts and ice skating pageantry, there will be plenty to delight all audience members.  Here are details of what you can see with most descriptions straight from the websites.  All tickets are on sale now.

Aquarium
Where: Imagination Stage
When: January 12 – February 6
Tickets: $10, $5/lapseat children 12 months and under

Be a part of a magical world designed by artists from the Lyngo Theatre Company especially for the very young. With gentle music, beautiful puppets and props, two performers lead children and caregivers to an underwater world with a giant jelly fish; to a grassy patch where sheep love to graze; and to a garden where lemons create the sun in a let’s pretend sky. Along the way, every child and some of the grown ups, too, will have a chance to get in the act. Recommended for ages 1 – 5.


The Velveteen Rabbit
Where: The Puppet Co. @ Glen Echo Park
When: January 14 – February 13
Tickets: $10

Applause Unlimited returns with Margery William’s gentle tale of how toys become real. Told with hand puppets, storytelling and song, solo puppeteer Christopher Hudert takes children through this classic story of friendship, changes, and magic. The popular tale is of particular interest to youngsters learning to read, and anyone who has ever had a favorite stuffed toy. Running Time: 45 minutes. Recommended for ages 3 ½ and older.

Rocknoceros
Where: Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
When: January 16
Tickets: $8 in advance, $10 day of show

What better way to spend a Sunday morning than rocking out with local kids’ fave Rocknoceros. Your kids are sure to know all the lyrics to their hit song “Pink!”.

The Wright Brothers
Where: National Air & Apace Musuem
When: January 19 – 21
Tickets: $6/adult, $5/child, $3/children under 2

Experience the fun of man’s first powered flight as Rainbow Puppet Productions presents The Wright Brothers. We follow the brothers as they write their chapter in American history. Learn how growing up as avid readers gave them faith in their own abilities. Watch them experiment and take to the skies. Lots of music and a variety of puppetry styles—hand, rod, and shadow—craft an inspirational story about hard work and determination. This is a Discovery Theater performance that takes place at the Air & Space Museum. Recommended for ages 2 -10.  Note:  The Discovery Theater has a great line-up of shows in February, too.  Visit the website to see what else is playing.

Mirandy and Brother Wind
Where: Adventure Theatre & Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: January 21 – February 13 (AT) February 25 – March 13 (Atlas)
Tickets: $15
, (Goldstar also has discounts for select dates)
Who will take the cake? Why, Mirandy of course. The junior cake walk happens soon and Mirandy needs a dance partner. Who can high step and kick the best? Why Brother Wind! But how can Mirandy capture him? Grandmother Beasley says, “Can’t nobody put shackles on Brother Wind, chile. He be special. He be free.” Leave it to Mirandy, she’ll catch him; she’ll grab hold of that Brother Wind and win that delicious cake! Through her journey to capture Brother Wind, Mirandy learns something special – freedom and kindness. Recommended for ages 4 & up.

Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: January 22
Tickets: Free, but required. Distributed day of on first-come, first-served basis.

After several weeks’ hiatus, the free Saturday morning treat for kids will resume with Meet Penguin Bob! Artist, author and illustrator Joe Jamaldinian recounts the escapades of his lovable creation Penguin Bob and launches Barrymore Eagles’ Kids Art & Koloring Kontest! Joe sketches an exciting adventure in which Bob follows his quest to teach children to follow their dreams in a multi-cultural world of fascinating people. New shows are presented almost every Saturday through the spring. Be sure to check the website to see what’s coming up. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

Animalia Puppet Show
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 29
Tickets: $12, $8 for McLean district residents

Hobey Ford’s beautiful production of Animalia explores the world of animals through movement, music and visually stunning puppetry. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

NSO Pops: Disney in Concert
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: February 4, 5, & 6
Tickets: $20 – $50, (Goldstar also has discounts for select dates)

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.

Disney on Ice: Princess Wishes
Where: Verizon Center
When: February 16 – 21
Tickets: $15 – $75 (Goldstar also has discounts on select seats)

Enter a world of wishes with your favorite Disney princesses. Tinkerbell represents the magic of Disney as she whisks you through a collection of enchanting and beloved Disney stories.  Purchase tickets online through the Verizon Center.

46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes
Where:   The Kennedy Center
When:     February 18 – 20
Tickets:  $18

How many wondrous circus acts can be stuffed into 45 minutes? Exactly 46, with barely a pause to applaud. From clowns and contortionists to animal acts and acrobats, Australia’s Circa gives audiences the circus without all the boring bits. Lively music keeps the pace as a handful of multi-talented performers bend, fly, juggle, and balance to battle the clock. 46 Circus Acts in 45 Minutes is fast, furious, and fun for everyone. Recommended for ages 5 and up.

Stomp
Where: The Warner Theatre
When: January 25 – 30
Tickets: $37 – $57

The unique musical production of choreographed percussion using the body and ordinary objects, is on an American tour and will be stopping in DC for six days of performances. Catch sneak previews on January 13 at several venues around town. See this post for more information.

Perseus Bayou
Where: Imagination Stage
When: February 5 – March 17
Tickets: $10 – $22

This award-winning musical sets the classic Greek myth of Perseus and his quest for the snake-headed Medusa in post-Civil War Louisiana. To save the bayou from the evil Polydectes, Percy must journey to the edge of the human world with the help of a conjure woman, Miss Athena, a spirit-cat, Panther Hermes and a tomboy named Andromeda. Percy’s coming-of-age is vividly told in this epic and magical theatrical work. Imagination Stage is delighted to welcome back Mary Hall Surface, whose The Hundred Dresses and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice played here in prior seasons. Enjoyed by ages 6+

Jack and the Beanstalk
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: February 17 – April 10
Tickets: $10

A timely version of the classic children’s tale about the young lad that doesn’t know beans about trading, but still manages to climb his way to the top. The first half of the story follows the familiar track, but the second half turns into a rescue of the Giant’s servant, rather than the traditional crime spree found in most versions. Jack finds that happiness lies in helping others rather than mere personal gain. Told with rod puppets and some surprising twists, Jack has long been a favorite of our audiences.

The Magic Paintbrush
Where: Synetic Family Theater
When: February 19 – April 3
Tickets: $12

Based on Chinese folklore, The Magic Paintbrush is a magical tale of the power of good virtues against the forces of greed. Ma Liang, a poor orphan boy, dreams of becoming a painter. His dreams come to life one day when he discovers a magic paint brush that brings his art to life. Ma Liang’s brush sets him on an enchanting journey, from countryside to palace, proving that in the end giving and sharing is the best reward.

Ishara Puppet Theatre: Simple Dreams
Where: The Kennedy Center
When: March 19 – 20
Tickets: $18

Combining the essences of puppetry and imagination, Simple Dreams is an interplay of music, dance, and performers animating simple objects such as sticks and umbrellas to create vivid images of birds, fish, animals. This visual poem on nature and the cycle of life comes from the imagination of leading Indian puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee, founder of The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust. For age 5 and up.

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)

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Filed under All ages, DC, Free, Live Entertainment, Music, Theatre, Winter