Theater for kids | Wired Momma

Category Archives: Theater for kids

A Little House Christmas at Adventure Theatre MTC

November 23, 2012

Last week the production A Little House Christmas opened at Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo Park. We typically are lucky enough to see the plays on the eve before the opening during the final dress rehearsal and my girls were particularly excited to see the first holiday play of the season. As we entered the theater, I immediately knew that things really are different with Adventure Theatre since they merged — never before have I seen such an elaborate and beautiful set at this particular theater than with this production. The prairie house is intricately built out onto the stage, including a loft bed for the girls but it was the wheat that wrapped around the house with the soft evening light behind that really grabbed me. Kudos to Adventure Theatre MTC for further extending our children’s imaginations with the possibilities in set design and creation through this production – I really loved it. And all this before the show even got started!

Photo Credit: Adventure Theatre MTC

Now to the show. My girls are seven and four this month and I am a little embarrassed to admit that I haven’t yet exposed them to Laura Ingalls Wilder and the Little House series. In fact, over the summer, we vacationed with a group of friends and one is an elementary school teacher who really raved about the series and how much her kids, a boy and a girl (both about the same age as my girls), really love the stories and the TV series (which she picked up on the cheap at BJs). Clearly I need to add it to their Christmas lists. Prior knowledge of the book and premise really isn’t necessary to enjoy this delightful 45-minute production, however. The three young girls starring in the play, Katie Littleton as Laura Ingalls, Maya Brettell as Mary Ingalls and Caroline Coleman as Nellie Oleson, do a remarkable job through their acting and expressions of conveying the story and message to the younger kids in the audience – and also really keep the attention of even the youngest in the audience.

As the production opens, we quickly learn the Ingalls family has moved into the country and they’ve invited some friends over for a pre-holiday feast. The addition of the “city girl”, Nellie Oleson, to the house shifts the dynamics and Laura has little patience for the girl’s snobby, obnoxious behavior. The messages involved in these kid friendships are ideal for the tween set and I believe would appeal to boys as well as girls. Certainly the behavior of the girls created some “teachable moment” opportunities for me and my girls as we drove home and talked about good and bad behavior and how we treat our friends.

Suddenly the threat of a nasty storm moves in over the prairie, complete with remarkable special effects on the set – it rained in between the windows of the cabins – really a great detail to look out for that added extra pizzaz to the show. Also – listen carefully for some of the words and phrases used in the play – clearly old-fashioned and hilarious to consider bringing back. As Christmas draws near and the unrelenting storm fails to ease up, the Ingalls girls adjust to the idea of celebrating Christmas without Santa and without any gifts. Both of their parents attempt to soften their disappointment and ultimately, the girls discover they can still enjoy and celebrate the holiday even if Santa can’t make it across the river.

Fabulous dancing scene. Photo Credit: Adventure Theatre MTC

At this point, me and my friends started wondering how we were going to explain this one to the kids later and considered whipping up some consistent talking points so we wouldn’t further confuse matters with conflicting stories but at least in my house, it wasn’t needed. I expected many questions about where the flying reindeer were and why couldn’t Santa get to their house if he can get everywhere else – but none of that happened. In the end, though my youngest wasn’t likely absorbing the full message of the show, even she digested some of it because they left the play happy and content that the Ingalls girls still celebrated Christmas, even if it was a little different this year. In the end, the family had one another and the warmth of their home on the prairie, and everything felt right.

The Adventure Theatre recommends the play for kids ages 4 and up. My 4-year-old definitely enjoyed the show and sat happily for the 45-minute production but I can see how not all 4-year-olds would sit through it. My advice if your kids are on the younger side would be to base that decision on your own child but I would think the show is universally appealing to those 5 and up, and particularly relevant to the tween-aged kids. Catch this lovely holiday production before it ends on December 31. Tickets are $19 and can be purchased online

Disclosure: Adventure Theatre MTC gifted the tickets to me but my opinions here are all my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

Holidays, Theater for kids

Adventure Theatre’s “Big, The Musical”

October 11, 2012

Last Sunday, I was so grateful we had afternoon plans to go see “Big, The Musical” at Adventure Theatre MTC in Glen Echo Park. It was so rainy and so cold – it was fortuitous that we made such great indoor plans before knowing how dreadful the weather would be.

The cast of the musical Big. Photo Credit: Adventure Theatre MTC

I was also excited about embarking upon this Important Wired Momma Business Affair because I had a dear friend, Christiana, in town from Chicago and she is a true musical theater lover – so what a treat to take her to one of my fav children’s theaters of all time. Now full disclosure – heading into this production, I had some reservations about bringing my girls. They are now almost 7 and almost 4 and I worried the subject matter would be too mature for them but the show is recommended for kids ages 5 and older. I’ve been pushing it with the youngest Wired Momma’ette for a few years now, so what’s one more rainy day with a musical distraction, I reasoned?

Unfortunately, I learned the hard way that sometimes, it’s best to trust one’s gut and the theatre’s age recommendations….but let’s be honest, my number was bound to be up on that lesson.

As it turns out, “Big, The Musical” is the first show at Adventure Theatre that I’ve seen starring actual children….real….live….children. This was a big change and one that I think, in particular, will appeal to the area tweens if they haven’t yet seen this production. My almost seven-year-old also delighted in seeing young tweens on stage and I think it further inspired her love of theatre and music. That said, I actually totally disagree with the Adventure Theatre on their age recommendations and honestly think this production is suited for those at least 9 years old and up.

First, as any child of the 80s knows, the subject matter of “Big” is just too complex for the younger kids in the audience. I admire Adventure Theatre

: Creative recreation of Zoltar for the musical Big. Photo Credit: Adventure Theatre

for such an ambitious program; to tackle a Hollywood movie hit, that was later adapted for Broadway in the late 90s, to then pair it down to a 80-minute production for young audiences is no small feat. The set was simple, the wardrobe well suited to the 80s movie we all recall and the famous Zoltar was outfitted in the most creative and colorful costume in the production. Adventure Theatre also incorporated multi-media in this production which I thought was an interesting and dynamic touch.

I hadn’t seen the movie probably since the late 80s and must admit, the idea that young 12 year-old Josh Baskin (played by Marley McKay) would essentially go missing and his mother (played by Kate Fisher) would be satisfied with one call from him noting that he needs some time and will be back in a few weeks, now seems absolutely ludicrous to adult, parent moi. I bought it as a tween back in Tom Hanks’ day, however. Neither of my kids noted this as unusual or problematic.

I eagerly awaited the iconic piano scene from FAO Schwarz and wondered how this production would recreate it – and they did a pretty good job. Adult Josh (played by Greg Maheu) exuberantly portrays a child-like adult who happily joins MacMillan Toys CEO (played by Lawrence Munsey) on the floor piano for a rendition of Chopsticks. Maheu has no small task in front of him, taking on a role that requires child like gestures and enthusiasm while functioning in the adult world. I thought he did it very well and portrayed a convincing and believable child-adult.

Here’s where I cut to the Wired Momma children, however, and note that all of this was racing over their heads, and it was only the mixing in of dynamic and well sung dancing scenes and colorful toys that they wanted to play with, that enabled me to keep them seated and somewhat engaged during the 80-minute production. Again, I take the blame for bringing my youngest but given the age of the child actors in this production and the content of the show, I really believe that unless you have a 4th grader on up, this is not the production for you. I almost found myself wondering if Adventure Theatre is remodeling its approach to children’s theater in this area but a quick look at their upcoming shows makes me think they are not. The flip side is that I think it’s really nice and refreshing to actually see children performing in a children’s theatre, and I think the kids themselves really like to see that on stage, so if I did have older kids – this would be a show I would absolutely take them too.

“Big, The Musical” is only running through October 28. Tickets are $19 each and can be purchased online. The Wired Momma kids are really looking forward to the next production, The Little House Christmas, because they are still talking about last year’s Christmas show.

Disclosure: Adventure Theatre MTC gifted the tickets to me. My opinions here are all my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

DC Events with Kids, Theater for kids

Summer Fun 2012: Beauty & The Beast at National Theatre

June 14, 2012

The Beast roared into town this week and he’s only here for two short weeks until June 24, so I’m adding him to the list of Summer Fun 2012. As a special way to celebrate the end of the school year, I took my rising first grader to see Disney’s Beauty & The Beast, produced by NETworks Presentations, at National Theatre on Tuesday night. Little delights a 6-year-old more than a favorite Disney movie coming to life in a musical production and I figured, what better way to treat her to a special night in honor of how hard she worked all school year-long.

The stellar supporting cast of Beauty & The Beast. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

The production did not disappoint. Coming down from the high of Arena Stage’s Music Man, I am beginning to think we are very spoiled in DC due to the breath of musical theatre productions at our disposal. What I most looked forward too were the costumes – how would they display Mrs Potts, Lumiere, Cogsworth and the Beast? Having taken a sneak peek at the video montage of the show in advance, mainly to make sure my daughter wouldn’t be afraid of the Beast, I knew the costumes would be first-rate and they really were. Lumiere quickly became the favorite character among our little group of friends (the moms, that is). His quick wit, charm, fantastic French accent and effortless desire to flirt added humor and pizzazz to every scene he was in. We marveled over Mrs Potts and how much her arm must have hurt to hold it out as the sprout on the tea-pot for the duration of the show. Beasts’ voice was disarmingly similar to Beast’s voice in the Disney movie production and his costume and posture walked the line between being intimidating and beast-like but stopped short of scaring the little kids. I applaud his ability to so realistically portray the Beast we’ve all come to know and love from the Disney movie. Gaston came in a close second on my list of favorites; his ego, obnoxious personality, fantastic black velour pants and fake chest hair livened up every scene he was in. My daughter adored Gaston’s side kick because she’s entered that age where nothing beats physical comedy. And last but certainly not least, was Belle, played by Emily Behny. Belle’s strong personality, sass and Behny’s beautiful singing voice make her an excellent and totally believable Belle.

The supporting cast in the production is so strong that there were times I wished for more scenes with a fuller stage of the broader cast singing and dancing,

Be Our Guest...my favorite scene in the show. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

probably because we were completely spoiled by “Be Our Guest.” I wished for a chance to watch that scene on repeat about 10 more times for fear I was missing details, mainly because I was mesmerized by the gold spoons and forks. Not to mention the skill of the dancer inside the dancing carpet – how did he do THAT? During the “Be Our Guest” scene, which nears the end of the first act, is when you are given an artful and beautiful reminder that any musical associated with Disney is going to knock your socks off at least once during the show.

I would be remiss in failing to mention the beautiful music that accompanied the production. As you would expect, the orchestra performed exceptionally all night long and acted as an important part of the cast. This production actually features the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by the late Howard Ashman, and true Belle fans will quickly notice the additional songs, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice.

So at this point – you’re wondering- should you go and what is an appropriate age for your kids if you’re going to take them? Yes, you should go, especially if you have a child who deserves a really special night out. Here’s where I differ from the marketing of the show, however, because it is billed as appropriate for ages 3 and up. First, there are several times when a younger child could easily be scared. My daughter’s friend, who just turned 5 last week, was clinging to her mom a few times. My advice for anyone going with younger ones would be to show them the 3 minute video montage in advance so the kids know what to expect with the Beast. My rationale for thinking the youngest I would pay to bring a child – is five years old – is really based on the length of the show. On Tuesday, it started around 7:30pm and ended at 10:15pm. It is a long show with a brief 15 minute intermission. Even a matinée doesn’t change the reality that, at least in my experience, getting a 3 or 4-year-old to sit for almost three hours is near impossible but of course, every kid is different, so I am happy to be challenged on this one. I just know that I wouldn’t bring one of my kids until they are 5.

Belle & the Beast. Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

Tickets for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast begin at $39 (plus applicable service charges) and are currently on sale now through Telecharge only at (800) 447-7400 or online. The show is only here for two weeks – here’s the schedule:

Tuesday, June 12 – Thursday, June 14 at 7:30p

Friday, June 15 at 8:00p

Saturday, June 16 at 2:00p and 8:00p

Sunday, June 17 at 1:00p and 6:30p

Tuesday, June 19 – Thursday, June 21 at 7:30p

Friday, June 22 at 8:00p

Saturday, June 23 at 2:00p and 8:00p

Sunday, June 24 at 1:00p and 6:30p

Before I headed out to the National Theatre on Tuesday, I perused their web site and was reminded that they offer a fabulous and free Saturday morning program for kids. Here’s a link to the Summer 2012 program if you’re looking to fill in a Saturday this summer, especially if it’s a rainy one. In the meantime, enjoy this show while it’s still here. I’d love to be Lumiere’s and Cogsworth’s guest anytime.

Disclosure: I was gifted tickets for the press performance but my opinions here are my own.

0 Comments - Leave a comment!

DC Events with Kids, Summer Survival with Kids, Theater for kids, Uncategorized

Favorite Things, 76 Trombones, Belle, A Beast: Summer Fun Abounds

May 16, 2012

Summer is around the corner and one of the best things about living in DC is there is never a dirth of great theatre to take advantage of with the kids or date night. Today I am highlighting some of the shows I am most excited about…so especially if you also LOVE musicals – today’s post is for you.

Don't miss Beauty & the Beast. Photo Credit: The National Theatre

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, the award-winning worldwide smash hit Broadway musical, is returning to Washington, D.C. for two weeks only at the National Theatre. Tickets for Disney’s Beauty and the Beast begin at $56.50 and can be purchased online. Tickets go on sale at the National Theatre Box office on Monday, May 21. I am going to see the show on June 12 – so expect my review the next day – and just might be more excited than my 6-year-old. The National Theatre indicates it is age appropriate for those 3 and up.

We grew up on the Music Man in my house – we couldn’t get enough of watching the movie version. Seriously. Madam Librarian, Marian – love her. So for any other Music Man lovers out there, Professor Harold Hill rolls into town May 11 – July 22 at the Arena Stage. I am headed there next week with my mom and sister but will report back not just as a date night/ladies night idea but also about taking the kids. The Music Man is directed by the Arena Stage’s Artistic Director Molly Smith.

Local fun fact: Joining the adult cast are five D.C.-area youth who were cast as a result of an all-day casting call held at Arena Stage. The chosen young actors include Ian Berlin making his professional theater debut as Winthrop Paroo, Heidi Kaplan as Amaryllis and Jamie Goodson as Gracie Shinn. Colin J. Cech and Mia Alessandra Goodman appear as River City kids.

Tickets range from $46-$91 and the show is 2 hours and 2o minutes with an intermission.

Every summer I love love love Wolf Trap, despite the heat, the inevitable t-storms and the disaster of the parking lot when you’re tired, it’s late, and you just want to go home. It doesn’t matter because what is summer without Wolf Trap? I love Children’s Theatre in the Woods, I mean, who doesn’t, right? But now that my girls are a little older, I’m also considering the Sound of Music Sing-Along on August 25. First of all, it’s my 10th anniversary, and they are having a costume contest. Do you think I could convince Mr. Wired Momma to show up in Lederhosen? I think I’ve earned that after 10 years and 2 kids.

But more to the point, how can I resist my Favorite Things: a lawn, a picnic, my kids, a starry night and Julie Andrews and the ever-dashing Captain Von Trapp? Oh: and of course, Mr. WM dressed like this:

It could happen

What fun summer plans do you have? I dare you to show up at Wolf Trap dressed as the lead nun on August 25……

“Like” Wired Momma on Facebook because the summer fun ideas are just starting……

1 Comment - Leave a comment!

DC Events with Kids, Summer Outdoor Music, Summer Survival with Kids, Theater for kids