GRAND TIMES WITH YOUR GRANDKIDS
By Hal Drucker
THEATER
Dames at Sea
Bay Street Theater
Long Wharf
Sag Harbor
631-725-9500
Through Sept. 6.
I saw Bernadette Peters in the original 1948 production of Dames at Sea, when she was a refreshingly versatile, tap dancing/singing 20-year-old ingenue who won the Drama Desk Award for Best Performer in a Musical. I'm confident that in the hands of the Bay Street director Ray Roderick your grandchildren and mine will have a fine time, the show being a valentine to Follow the Fleet, with Fred and Ginger and other nautical Hollywood musicals.
The New Victory Scottish Festival
Sept. 18 – Nov. 1
For Times and Reservations: 1-646-223-0010
Cinderella
The Duke on 42nd Street
229 W. 42nd St.
Shona Reppe Puppets
Fife, Scotland
Sept. 18 – 27
There was the Disney animated version, the Frederick Ashton Royal Ballet version, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s made-for-TV version (whose music becomes more enchanting with each hearing). Now, the beloved fairy tale comes to life in the hands of puppeteer, Shona Reppe. Dedicated to producing inventive and highly imaginative small scale visual theater for children and their families, Reppe is regarded as one of the artists responsible for Scotland’s emergence as a leading exponent of puppetry. 45 minutes Ages 4+
My House – U.S. Premiere
Studio 3B at the New 42nd Street Studios
229 W. 42nd St.
Andy Manley, in association with Starcatchers
Edinburgh , Scotland
Oct. 2 –18
The Starcatchers Project explores the development and creation of theater for babies and tots (0-3 years old), their families and caregivers. My House creator Andy Manley , together with designer Claire Halleran and composer Danny Krass, invite parents and little ones to circle around as a simple cardboard box unfolds into an olio of colors, textures, shapes, and sounds. Presented in a New 42 nd Street studio for an audience limited to 25, this gentle and intimate one-man show is an ideal first-time theatrical experience. 40 mins. Ages 1 ½ – 3.
The Man Who Planted Trees – U.S. Premiere
The Duke on 42nd Street
229 W. 42nd St.
Puppet State Theater Company
Edinburgh , Scotland
Oct. 2 –11
“Laughs, heartbreak, war, regeneration, scented breezes, sparkling wit, and the best dog puppet ever” sums up the Puppet State Theatre Company’s theatrical adaptation of French novelist Jean Giono’s environmental classic. Dog and his quick-witted chum Jean tell the tale of a thoughtful shepherd who plants a forest, acorn by acorn, - and in the process - transforming a barren wasteland. The Man Who Planted Trees is a innovative blend of comedy, puppetry and storytelling with sensory effects. 60 minutes 7+ - adults
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| Photo: Douglas McBride |
Hansel and Gretel – U.S. Premiere
The New Victory Theater
209 W. 42nd St.
Catherine Wheels Theater Company in association with Brunton Theatre
Musselburgh, Scotland
Oct. 15 – Nov. 1
This inventive production of the famed Brothers Grimm fairy tale requires that the entire New Victory be transformed from basement to balcony to accommodate the complex and intricate needs of a “promenade” theater piece. Audiences follow the path of Hansel and Gretel as the pair journey from their kitschy 1970s inspired home through a spooky forest and into the dangerous clutches of a bald-headed witch who is at once nasty, funny and completely off-her-rocker. Hansel and Gretel features live music, and for a little nostalgia and camp, some Bay City Rollers’ tunes in the soundtrack. Described as “a world of dark absurdity,” Hansel and Gretel is based on an original work by the National Theater of Scotland (Black Watch) . 70 minutes Ages 8 - adults.
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Drew McVety and Company in Click, Clack, Moo
Photo: Joan Marcus |
Theatreworks USA presents
Click, Clack, Moo
Lucille Lortel Theater,
121 Christopher Street, between 7th Ave. & Hudson St.
1- 800-497-5007
10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – Aug. 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 24, 25, 26, 28
10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. & 6 p.m. – Aug. 6, 13, 20, 27
2 p.m. - Aug. 2, 9, 16, 23
Each day, a limited number of free tickets will be made available to individuals at the Lucille Lortel Theatre on a first-come, first-served basis. Distribution will begin one hour prior to each performance, with a limit of four (4) tickets per adult. Sorry, but individual reservations are not taken.
Kudos to Theatreworks USA’s generosity in providing such outstandingly professional fare to the pre-K’s, K’s and post-K’s of NYC for the 21 st. summer season. All day long Farmer Brown hears "click clack moo, clickety clackety moo..." The cows are typing and protesting their working conditions. Anyone who reads this column, knows that I enjoy a good pun. However I am disinclined to use the publicity department’s description of this production as being – and I quote – "a hilariously moo-ving new musical about compromise." Better they should have said, udderly delightful. The world premiere performances are based on the award-winning book by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. Ages 4+ 60 minutes.
Book by Billy Aronson
Lyrics by Kevin Del Aguila
Music by Brad Alexander
Based on the book by Doreen Cronin
with pictures by Betsy Lewin
Directed by John Rando
Choreographed by Wendy Seyb
Paper Mill Playhouse
22 Brookside Drive
Milburn , NJ
(973) 376 -4343.
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Kara Lindsay as Laura Ingalls, Steve Blanchard as Charles “Pa” Ingalls, Maeve Moynihan as Carrie Ingalls, Jenn Gambatese as Mary Ingalls and Melissa Gilbert as Caroline “Ma” Ingalls. Photos by Michal Daniel. |
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Kevin Massey as Almanzo Wilder and the Company of Little House on The Prairie. |
Little House on the Prairie, The Musical
Sept. 10 – Oct. 10, 2009
Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories take on a brand new frontier in this new musical that should definitely appeal to your grandkids. The creative team includes: staging by Francesca Zambello ( Disney's The Little Mermaid ); book by Rachel Sheinkin (The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee); score by Oscar Winning composer Rachel Portman; lyrics by Donna di Novelli and Melissa Gilbert, who played "Laura" in the popular TV series, as "Ma." The musical deals with the Ingalls family's struggles and triumphs on the prairie as young Laura grows from childhood to adulthood.
ON THE TOWN
Nov. 11- Dec. 6
Music by LEONARD BERSTEIN
Book and Lyrics by BETTY COMDEN and ADOLPH GREEN
Based on an idea by JEROME ROBBINS
Leonard Bernstein's and Jerome Robbins' dance spectacular, sails to the Paper Mill Playhouse stage with brand new choreography by Patti Colombo (who did such a marvelous job with the Paper Mills’ Seven Brides for Seven Brothers) and Bernstein’s most melodious score and lyricists Comden & Green at their best with such iconic songs as New York, New York, Lonely Town and Lucky to be Me. It's the story of three sailors on a 24-hour leave. They search for , Miss Subways - and do they find her? What do you think? The musical of course is based on Robbins’ ballet Fancy Free.
Lost in Yonkers
Feb. 17- March 14, 2010
Among Neil Simon's best work, this Drama Desk, Pulitzer Prize and Tony ® Award winner is a funny and touching portrayal of acceptance, survival and family dynamics that will take you from laughter to tears and reminiscences of your own childhood.
Smokey Joe’s Café
April 7- May 2, 2010
Rock 'n' roll, pop, rhythm and blues - they're all here in toe-tapping form. Packed with Leiber and Stoller chestnuts like On Broadway, Love Potion #9, Stand By Me and Hound Dog.
Peter Pan
June 2 – June 27
Lyrics by CAROLYN LEIGH
Music by Moose Charlap
Additional Music by JULES STYNE
Additional Lyrics by BETTY COMDEN and ADOLPH GREEN
Based on the play by JAMES M. BARRIE
Team up with the Darling family and Nana the dog. Fly away with Wendy and Peter to Never,Neverland for a derring-do encounter with Captain Hook, Smee and all the rest. This adaptation of J.M. Barrie's classic story is a perennial favorite that your grandkids will delight in. Songs include such keepers as I Won’t Grow Up, I’ve Gotta Crow, I’m Flying and Never. Never Land. Music by Moose Charlap (father of jazz pianist Bill Charlap), Jule Styne and lyrics by Comden and Green.
MUSEUMS
Children’s Museum of Manhattan
The Tisch Building
212 West 83rd Street
212 721-1223
Summer Snow?
Through Dec. 31
An exhibition of snowmen by photographer Martha Madigan. All ages.
Amusement Park Science
Through Sept. 10.
Grandkids learn about the laws of physics as they play with hands-on models of amusement park rides and games. They can create their own roller coaster to explore and experiment with potential and kinetic energy, experience momentum on a spinning platform and build their own amusement park to see how fast (and high) their imagination will take them. All ages.
Gods, Myths & Mortals: Discover Ancient Greece
Zeus or Hera? Which Greek god are you most like? Immerse yourself in Ancient Greece surrounded by real ancient objects. Climb a giant Trojan Horse, escape the Cyclops and sing with the Sirens as you complete your epic journey to be an ancient Greek hero. Ages 6+.
City Splash Outdoor Water Play
10:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. (weather permitting)
Splash down in the Sussman Environmental Center and explore the physical properties of water as you launch boats down a winding stream. Younger children can splash, pour and experiment in the puddle patch.
Adventures with Dora & Diego
Enjoy adventures in the rainforest and join Diego on a series of high-stakes animal rescue missions where your grandkids can help save armadillos and build a spectacled bear’s nest. Ages 2-6.
PlayWorks™
Feed Alphie the talking dragon, put out fires at the fire truck, and pour and sift sand at the sand table. See the extraordinary in the ordinary as your grandchild explores a wonderland of language, art, science, and imagination. An area for children under two provides a special space to play with the baby. Join us for daily drop-in programs. Babies to 4.
Author Series: LEGO® Certified Professional, Sean Kenney
September 12 1:30 – 3 p.m.
Meet this LEGO® Certified Professional and author of Cool Cars and Trucks—a colorful and interactive “how to” guide to building cool cars and trucks with LEGO bricks! Get down on your knees with your young ‘uns and build your own cool vehicle with LEGO. Book signing with Sean Kenney. Ages 5+.
Block Party
Reopens Sept. 19
Towers, castles, towns and bridges! Use your imagination to conceive an idea… then make it real. Work side-by-side with other families using specially designed building blocks to make your creations. All ages (best for 5 & older)
Shofar Mosaic
Sept. 19 12, 2, 3 & 4 p.m.
Rosh Hashanah is characterized by the blowing of the shofar, a trumpeting device fashioned from a ram's horn. Look over the authentic shofars and be uplifted by ancient mosaics of shofars and create your own inspired mosaic artwork. Ages 2-6
Author Series : Baltazar and the Flying Pirates
Sun, September 27 3 & 4 p.m.
Justin Roth reads his swashbuckling adventure about high spirited pirates. Design a pirate flag and eye patch. Ages 5+
TRAVEL AND HEALTH FOR GRANDKIDS
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