Young Audience Series at Quick Center for the Arts in Fairfield

Based on Judy Blume's book, Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, April 11 at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts

Yesterday my friend and I took our 3-year-old daughters to Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts for a live performance of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny by the Mermaid Theater Group of Nova Scotia. I was curious about how these two very brief stories would play out on stage, but even more curious to see if the girls would sit through it (they did)! 

The show was beautiful. Hard to believe that just three puppeteers could be behind the elaborate productions. The sets were stunning - especially Goodnight Moon's. It appeared to glow and looked exactly like the book, right before our eyes. I couldn't believe how a theater full of really small kids was so quiet - just a testament to how well done the show was. Not a peep except for some ohhh's and ahhh's when the lights went down. 

This was my first visit to the Quick Center but we'll be back for more! Be sure to look into the Young Audience Sunday Series for details about all the shows for kids. Next up is Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing on April 11. Click here for tickets and show times. 

This show seems a bit sophisticated for my preschooler but if you plan on going, let me know how it is!

Tickets Now on Sale for Russell the Hermit Crab - Sunday May 2 in Stamford

I was recently invited to join a fabulous team of volunteers who are hard at work on this special event coming to Stamford. The Magical Music for Life Foundation's production of Russell the Hermit Crab will take place at Westover Elementary School on Sunday, May 2. I hear it's a fabulous show  for kids 3+ and all for a great cause. Proceeds benefit Childcare Learning Centers (CLC) in Stamford.

For over 100 years CLC has provided quality education and care for young children and their families within the Stamford and Greenwich communities.CLC was established in 1902 as the Stamford Day Nursery to provide care for the children of working families. Since then, CLC has grown dramatically and is now licensed to serve 1,250 children and their families daily.

Tickets are on sale now at www.russellthehermitcrab.eventbrite.com for both shows on May 2 (2pm and 4pm).

GOODNIGHT MOON & THE RUNAWAY BUNNY - Live at Fairfield University March 21!

I can't wait for this one! Next Sunday my 3-year-old and I have a special day planned together. We haven't had much QT together since the baby was born 4 months ago so we're going to Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts for a live performance of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny. The show's received rave reviews and I hope she loves it! Showtimes are at 1pm and 3pm. Read more about the show here and  purchase tickets at https://www.choicesecure01.net/mainapp/eventschedule.aspx?Clientid=quickcenter

Whatever Happened to the Dish and the Spoon?

The Downtown Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport is home to a new show for kids. Between now and February 22, you can catch The Adventures of the Dish and the Spoon. Keep an eye out for my friend and cast member Krissy Dorn (below). One thing I know about her is that wherever she goes, hilarity is sure to ensue and I'm sure this will be no different. I asked her to tell me a bit about the show and here's what she had to say: "I love taking my daughter to the Downtown Cabaret Theater, even when I'm not in the show. I think the show is an imaginative wondering of what might have happened when the dish and spoon run away. Through their crazy adventure they have ups and downs, make mistakes, pay for them, and then find happiness. I think that is a great message for our kids. We all are going to make mistakes, big or small, in our lives but when learn and grow from them we can have happiness."

Order your tickets here.

More Theater Ideas for Kids in Fairfield County

I can't wait until my daughter is old enough to bring to the theater. In the meantime, I'll just have to live vicariously through you and your kids! Here are some ideas for some upcoming live shows that are great for kids and families. Let me know if you plan to attend any of these shows below or if you've enjoyed any other recent shows.

Ridgefield Playhouse - The Science of Magic, May 20.

Westport Country Playhouse - Cinderella's Mice, July 27th.

Finally, The Downtown Cabaret Theater in Bridgeport has an exciting 2008-09 season planned for kids. The first show is a long way off (October), but the offerings sound great and the shows are at really convenient times (Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 2:30). My friend Jennifer Butler of Jennifer Butler Made to Measure in Fairfield RAVES about the Downtown Cabaret Theater. She had this to say about it in an interview I did with her awhile back:

"...our favorite place to go is the Downtown Cabaret Children's Theater in Bridgeport. We love it. We're pick-per-show ticket holders, so we go to all of them, but play it by ear on the date in case I have to work or there's a birthday to attend." Click here to read the entire interview.

photo above courtesy of Ridgefield Playhouse

Upcoming Theater for Kids in Fairfield County

My post on April 18th about the live musical production of Max & Ruby at the Quick Center generated a lot of interest, so I thought I'd follow up with some more ideas for kids' theater. Let me know if there's anything to add. Thanks!

Downtown Cabaret Theater (Bridgeport)
"Alladin" through May 18th

For details, visit www.dtcab.com/aladdin.htm

Ridgefield Playhouse

"Dr. Doolittle" tomorrow at 11am and 2pm - Tickets are still available and can be purchased by calling 203.438.5795 or at the box office one hour prior to the show. For details visit, www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org/venue.asp?eventID=538

Stamford Center for the Arts

I never heard of the Flat Stanley project but apparently it's catching on around the world and it sounds pretty cool to me. To summarize, it's all about kids connecting with other kids through a pen pal program and several schools in Connecticut are participating. For more details about the program visit www.flatstanley.com and for more details on an upcoming musical production inspired by the Flat Stanley program on May 16th at the Stamford Center for the Arts visit https://tickets.stamfordcenterforthearts.org/public/show.asp

Westport Country Playhouse

"Harry the Dirty Dog" a musical for kids in grades k-2 May 4th

"Cinderella's Mice" a modern take on Cinderella for kids in grades k-4 July 27th

For details visit www.westportplayhouse.org/events/family

Quick Center for the Arts at Fairfield University
Live musical production of "Max & Ruby" on May 4th
For details visit www.quickcenter.com/

Live Performance of Max & Ruby at Fairfield University's Quick Center Sunday, May 4th

A live musical performance of Max & Ruby will take place on Sunday, May 4th as part of the Young Audience Series at Fairfield University's Quick Center for the Arts. Visit www.quickcenter.com for more details and while you're on the site, be sure to check out their birthday party package too. Purchase 10 or more tickets, take $2 off each ticket, and enjoy a free party available at selected shows! The Quick Center provides the tables and chairs and you provide the rest.