Golden tickets: Theatre for kids

Once a year my mom and I would go to watch the ballet. It usually was around the holidays or after but it instilled in me, a love of theatre and the arts, and to this day my husband and I enjoy going to watch a show when we can find some time. I can’t wait to take our son when he can sit still long enough to watch a show. 

Going to see a show is a special experience kids will treasure and if not for yourself makes a unique gift for birthdays etc.

Below are some great shows that are currently running and some to put in your calendar for the months ahead....

Seussical                                                                                                                                      January 16 at Emelin Theatre
  
“Oh the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Adapted from the Broadway version, Seussical is an incredible crazy-quilt adventure, in which the power of imagination and the most miraculous “think” ever save the day.

Disney's The Little Mermaid
Until January 24 at The Play Group Theatre
                
Westchester’s Theater for Children and Teens presents The Little Mermaid based on the popular Disney animated film, the story tells of a beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, who longs to leave her home in a magical kingdom beneath the sea to live in the world above. Memorable musical numbers include “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.”

Ladybug the Musical
March 12 at Tarrytown Music Hall

Ladybug Girl and Bumblebee Boy celebrates the power of imagination and promotes a sense of adventure and exploration of the world around you. Inspired by the New York Times Top 10 best-selling Children's Books (September 14, 2014) with 14 titles and over 3.3 million copies in print, this lively new musical “buzzes” with the inventive energy of childhood. Lulu is disappointed that she is too little to play baseball with her big brother, grabs her trusty sidekick, Bingo, the family dog, and goes off to the park, seeking adventure. She meets up with her friends, Sam, Marley and Kiki and they morph into the Bug Squad as Ladybug Girl, Bumblebee Boy, Dragonfly Girl and Butterfly Girl fight the Mean Alien...or is that Lulu's brother? Imagination will triumph!

Choo-Choo Soul with Genevieve
April 9 at Paramount Theatre

Imagine parents honestly being able to enjoy the music that their children enjoy. Imagine soulful and current renditions of the ABC's, 1-2-3's, and learning how to be polite. Imagine a diverse, and incredibly hip duo, teaching children through music on an animated train....And Choo-Choo Soul is born!

If you want to venture further afield, here are some exciting shows within an hours drive of lower Westchester:

Treasure Trove – Disney on Ice
Until January 18 at Prudential Center, Newark, NJ

Get tangled up in Disney’s 50th animated feature with Rapunzel and Flynn and enter the worlds of your favorite Disney princesses: Ariel, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine, Aurora, Tiana, Mulan and, of course, the one who started it all, Snow White. Ahoy, Mateys! Set sail with Peter Pan, the always sassy Tinker Bell and the cantankerous Captain Hook & his pirate pals on an adventure beyond Never Land! Trek the wilds of Africa with Simba, Nala, Pumbaa and Timon as they discover the true meaning of the ‘Circle of Life.’ Tick-Tock! Tick-Tock! Don’t be late to a very important date with Alice & the Mad Hatter as they march with the Queen of Hearts’ Army Of Cards.

The Berenstain Bears Live!                                                                                                              From February 6 at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, New York

Adapted from the classic children's book series by Stan and Jan Berenstain, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, the Musical brings everyone's favorite bear family to life in a thrilling theatrical experience that kids as well as their parents will treasure for many years to come. The newest Off-Broadway musical for Mamas, Papas, and Young Cubs in NYC, The Berenstain Bears LIVE! will give boys and girls of all ages the chance to fall in love with these characters, just as their parents did when they were growing up.

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood Live!
Selected dates and locations from January 17 

Now, Daniel and all of his friends are hopping aboard Trolley to delight live audiences with DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE! Donning his iconic red sweater, Daniel takes the audience on an interactive musical adventure as he and his friends explore the vibrant world of their much-loved Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences. This live theatrical production filled with singing, dancing, laughter and “grr-ific” surprises will warm the hearts of multiple generations.  

Sesame Street Live                                                                                                                         From February 11 at Madison Square Garden, New York

Hosted by two live performers, Sesame Street Live “Let’s Dance!” offers an up-close, interactive experience like you’ve never experienced before! You, the audience, are invited to dance as all of your favorite Sesame Street friends join you on the floor – dancing with fans of all ages! In addition to ongoing dance parties, Elmo uses his imagination to "Do the Robot," Cookie Monster teaches all ‘feets’ to dance, and Ernie shares the fun of dance with the Sesame Street favorite “Shake Your Head One Time.” Favorite friends join the audience on the floor – dancing with fans, not just for them. It’s Sesame Street Live like you’ve never experienced it before!

Peppa Pig Live! Peppa Pig’s Big Splash! 2016
From April 9 at Beacon Theatre, New York
                
More fun than a muddy puddle! Peppa Pig is hitting the road for her first-ever U.S. theatrical tour, Peppa Pig’s Big Splash!
The original production features Peppa, George, and all their friends in an all-singing, all-dancing adventure full of songs, games and muddy puddles!