Helpful Mom

As I was perusing the events listings on Kids out and about as I do occasionally looking for fresh ideas of things to do with the girls I came across a couple that I really liked, which are good ways to introduce theatre to young kids.

The first two are FREE and would be great even for the youngest kids because it’s puppet theater.  Just make sure if your kids can’t sit still for long that you sit close to an exit so you can beat a hasty retreat in case Jr decides he no longer wants to sit in your lap but get his hands on one of those fun looking puppets.  The info is as follows:

Friday, February 6 from 10:30-11:15am at the Gates Public Library.    The Catskill Puppet Theater will delight all with their musical melodrama, The Villian’s Mustache.  Colorful 2 1/2 foot tall puppets with animated mouths will perform in this fast paced show.  Registration required, call 247-6446.

Enchanted Kingdom Puppet Show

Date: Friday, February 20
Time: 2:30 – 3:30 pm
Enchanted Kingdom Puppet Show
Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
Cost: FREE

Age Groups: 4 – 5 years, 6 – 8 years, 9 – 12 years, All Ages, Family
Description: Come to the Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 2:30 pm for Art Miller’s Enchanted Kingdom puppet show. Join Cinderella, the Frog Prince, Little Red Riding, the Big Bad Wolf and Puff the Magic Dragon in their search for clues in an enchanted library. This free, musical, mystical puppet show is sponsored by the Children’s Center and will appeal especially to kids who are between the ages of three and ten and their families.
Contact: Children’s Center
Phone: 585-428-8150
Address: 115 South Ave.
Rochester, NY 14604-1896
Web: www.libraryweb.org
Email: ChildRef@libraryweb.org
Extra Information: Pre-registration is not required.

The other idea is for a play of Cinderella that is adapted specifically to be entertaining to for young children.

Cinderella

Date: Friday, February 27 – Sunday, March 1
Time: 10am/12:30pm; Sat/Sun: 1 & 3pm
TYKEs (Theatre Young Kids Enjoy)
Cost: $14 per ticket
Categories: Music, Reading/Stories, Shows, Shows (participatory)
Age Groups: 4 – 5 years, 6 – 8 years, 9 – 12 years, Teenagers

Performed by adult professional actors

A musical adaptation of the classic tale about a kind-hearted girl who is forced to work as a servant for her slightly wicked stepmother and jealous stepsisters. Sure we know how it ends (happily ever after!) but this story, often regarded as the most popular fairy tale of all time, is sure to be a delight for the whole family!

Public Performances:

Saturday, Feb. 28 at 1 & *3 p.m.

Sunday, Mar. 1 at 1 & 3 p.m.

*Interpreted for the hearing impaired

Tickets available on-line at: www.tykestheatre.org or by calling

461-2000 ext. 235

Discounts available for subscriptions and groups of 10 or more!
Contact: Gina Donahue
Phone: 461-2000 ext. 235
Address: Jewish Community Center
1200 Edgewood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14618
Web: www.tykestheatre.org
Email: tykes@rochester.rr.com
Extra Information: Pre-registration is not required.

So perhaps as our winter wears on you may find yourself looking for something new to do with your kids as I do on this evening, and perhaps one of these ideas have peeked your interest.  And if you don’t live in our area take a look into your area libraries as they offer a wide range of free programs for young kids through the year.  And many community groups offer theatre programs for young children a few times a year.  Enjoy!