Catch 101 Dalmations at Imagination Stage through January 4
As the mercury drops, keep the kids warm and entertained at a show! Holiday productions, puppet theater, dramatic and comical plays, live music, basketball thrills, ice dancing, and more fantastic experiences are coming to venues all around the area. Here’s where you can see them, listed in order of opening date. And if you know of a great production that you don’t see here, feel free to mention it in the comments.
Holiday Shows
Where: Local theatres
When: Throughout the holiday season
Tickets: Varies by production
From seasonal traditions to special performances, there are numerous shows that will entertain and capture the holiday spirit on stages around the area. The KFDC 2014 Holiday Guide includes a comprehensive list of them.
101 Dalmations
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through January 11
Tickets: $17-30
When Mr. and Mrs. Dearly welcome a new litter of Dalmatians to their 1950s London home, Cruella de-Vil is quick to plot their kidnap. Loving puppy parents Pongo and Missis discover their location, and set out on a harrowing adventure through the countryside to rescue their puppies. With the help of several friendly dogs along the way, the family reunites on Christmas Day, and Cruella is defeated. But will the Dearlys take in all 101 dalmatians? Recommended for ages 4-10.
Tiny Tim’s A Christmas Carol
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: Through January 1
Tickets: $19
Tiny Tim longs to have his father home on Christmas day, but mean old Mr. Scrooge won’t give Bob Crachit the day off! There must be a way to change Scrooge’s mind – perhaps a ghost or two will set Scrooge right. Can this clever boy and his best friend Charlotte save Christmas and change the heart of the meanest man in town? This exciting world premiere story of a father and son is adapted by Broadway’s Tony-winning Ken Ludwig (Twas the Night Before Christmas) and his very own son, Jack. Get ready for the wildest ride you’ve ever had at Christmas!
Wake Up, Brother Bear
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through November 30
Tickets: $12
This audience-favorite show is back from hibernation! Watch as Brother and Sister Bear experience a full year of glorious seasons. Together we see a waterfall melt, meet a butterfly, chase an elusive fish, and skate on an icy pond. Children are invited to join the action with a small bag of props that help create magical moments. Recommended for ages 1-5
The Gift of Nothing
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Through December 28
Tickets: $20
Today is a very, very merry special day! Mooch, a charming and curious cat, wants to get the purr-fect holiday gift for his best friend Earl, a loveable pup. But Earl already seems to have all he needs: a bowl, a bed, and a squeaky chew toy. So what do you get someone who has everything? Well, nothing, of course! Based on characters in the beloved internationally syndicated comic strip MUTTS, this world premiere musical adaptation of Patrick McDonnell’s The Gift of Nothing follows Mooch’s frantic and hilarious search to find Earl absolutely nothing–which always turns out to be something! Join the delightful duo, along with their owners Millie and Ozzie, cantankerous Frank, adorable Doozy, and an onstage pianist for this festive and heartwarming adventure. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
The Nutcracker
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: November 28 – December 30
Tickets: $10
The Puppet Co.’s annual holiday treat! The Nutcracker is the festive story of Clara-Marie’s favorite toy and their adventures together in the land of the Sugarplum Fairy. Music from Tchaikovsky’s famous ballet blends with marionettes and costume characters to create this unique production. Don’t miss it! Recommended for children in Kindergarten and up.
Boogie Babes
Where: Union Market, Eastern Market, & The Atlas
When: Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Fridays, 10:30am
Tickets: $5/child, free for sibling 6 months and under
Little ones can boogie along with their favorite local musicians at Union Market on Wednesdays, in Eastern Market’s North Hall every Thursday, AND at The Atlas Performing Arts Center on Fridays. Go for the show, then grab lunch in the Markets or hit one of the many eateries on the H Street Corridor.
Millennium Stage
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Ongoing daily, 6pm
Admission: Free
The Kennedy Center presents these free, no-tickets-required performances every day at 6pm, and the public is welcome to enjoy them. The acts span the genres — you can see everything from contemporary dance to folk music to puppetry to comedy shows to opera scenes. Millennium Stage showcases everyone from local youth choirs to internationally known bands (They Might Be Giants performed there a few years ago). This is a great series to keep in mind for whenever you’re looking for some free, easy entertainment.
Tot Rock
Where: Jammin’ Java
When: Ongoing
Tickets: $5/weekdays, $10/weekends
Tot Rock is Jammin’ Java’s super-popular kids music concert series, providing wholesome family entertainment at one of the DC Metro area’s finest music clubs. Local acts perform every Thursday and Friday, and touring performers drop by on many weekends. Check the calendar often to see when your favorite act is performing, and for other calendar updates.
Saturday Morning at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Through December 13
Tickets: Free
The free theatre program runs on select Saturdays with performances at 9:30am and 11:30am. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here. Tickets are distributed day of performances on a first-come, first-served basis. Everyone must be in line to receive a ticket.
Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Most Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.
Fiddler on the Roof
Where: Arena Stage
When: Through January 4
Tickets: Start at $50
Celebrate the 50th anniversary of an American classic! More than just a poor milkman, Tevye is a humble Jewish father who finds his devotion to God severely tested by his headstrong daughters, who want to be their own matchmakers, and the increasingly ruthless government forcing him from his land. With a jubilant and masterful score including “If I Were a Rich Man;” “Sunrise, Sunset;” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “Tradition,” Tony nominee Jonathan Hadary makes his Arena debut as Tevye in this celebration of family, community and life’s unexpected miracles, large and small.
Seasons of Light
Where: Discovery Theater
When: December 1-19
Tickets: $3-8
Joy, warmth, and community illuminate seasonal holiday celebrations the world over. Back for its 16th season, this signature Discovery Theater show celebrates the history and customs of Ramadan, Devali, Sankta Lucia, Chanukah, Los Posados, Kwanzaa, Christmas, and the First Nations’ tradition of the Winter Solstice in an interactive event that bridges communities and cultures. This show sells out early, so don’t wait to get your tickets! Recommended for ages 5-10.
Snow Day
Where: Workhouse Arts Center
When: December 3-14
Tickets:$8
One cold December morning, a young girl named Skip wakes up to find the entire neighborhood covered in a thick, dazzling blanket of white snow. A playful (if not a little mischievous) winter elf takes her on an adventure – showing her just how magical snow can be! Join Skip as she experiences all the excitement, joy, and wonder of her very first snow day. This nonverbal world premiere production features live music and lots of wintertime fun, just in time for the holiday season.
Beauty and the Beast
Where: Synetic Theatre
When: December 3 – January 11
Tickets: $20-95
In this brand-new adaptation, produced by Paata Tsikurishivili, directed by Company Member Ben Cunis and adapted by Ben and Peter Cunis (The Three Musketeers, Genesis Reboot), Synetic draws on the darkness and sensuality of the original French fairy tale to create a passionate and inspiring Gothic romance. Synetic’s athletic actors and innovative theatrical effects will transform this classic story into a visual dream full of wonder, mystery, and redemption. This production will be a primarily movement-based piece with some dialogue. This performance will be family-friendly with some scarier moments. Recommended for children 7 & up.
Disney Junior Live! Pirate & Princess Adventure: Jake & Sofia Live
Where: The Lyric in Baltimore
When: December 5-6
Tickets: $25-95 (look for a deal here)
Grab your tiaras and doubloons and join us for Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure. Mickey and Minnie are taking their seats too at this never-before-seen live show featuring your favorite characters from Disney Junior’s hit series, Sofia the First and Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Get swept up in the excitement as Sofia and her family prepare for a royal celebration that helps us all learn the true meaning of being a princess with a special appearance by Cinderella. Then it’s off to Never Land where Jake and his swashbuckling friends Izzy and Cubby, with a little help from Peter Pan, battle Captain Hook to unlock treasure hidden inside a mysterious volcano. It’s danger and dueling on the high seas as Jake discovers what it takes to be a true hero. Filled with new music, amazing effects, thrilling action and endless surprises, your family will sing, shout, and soar into the action when Disney Junior Live On Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure sails into your town.
Sesame Street Live: Make a New Friend
Where: Patriot Center
When: December 12-14
Tickets: $18-30 (look for a deal here)
Chamki is from far away and she’s visiting Sesame Street for just one day! Grover has a long to-do list for his friend, from kayaking to hot yoga, but Chamki is busy enjoying cookies with Cookie Monster, singing with Abby Cadabby, and doing ‘The Elmo Slide.’ Will an appearance from Super Grover get Chamki’s attention? Join the fun and make a memory with your friends and family! No matter where you’re from or where you’ve been, everyone is special – so join in! Elmo, Grover, Abby Cadabby, and their Sesame Street friends welcome Chamki, Grover’s friend from India, to Sesame Street. Together, they explore the universal fun of friendship and celebrate cultural similarities, from singing and dancing, to sharing cookies!
The Tempest Family Week
Where: Sydney Harmon Hall
When: December 12-21
Tickets: Varies by event/performance
If you want to introduce your kids to the work of The Bard, this is a perfect time to do so. From December 12 through 22, during the five-week run of The Tempest, Shakespeare Theatre Company will be hosting a variety of programs and performances geared especially to young theatre-goers. This post has a schedule of ways you and your kids can participate.
Beauty and the Beast
Where: Warner Theatre
When: January 6-11
Tickets: $47-143
Disney’s Beauty and the Beast smash Broadway hit brings to life the classic story of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped in a spell placed by an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed to his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity. Purchase tickets through TicketMaster here.
Cinderella
Where: Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre
When: January 9-18
Tickets: $12/adult, $10/child (look for a deal here)
A young girl, nicknamed Cinderella by her cruel stepsisters, dreams of leaving her work behind and becoming a princess in this classic musical. When the royal family throws a ball, she finally gets her chance… if she can be home before midnight! With a little bit of magical assistance from her fairy godmother, Cinderella just might win the heart of her very own Prince Charming. This timeless fairytale is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Circus!
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: January 16 – February 15
Tickets: $10
In grand circus tradition, the “Grandest Show on Strings” features a collection of clowns, death-defying acrobats, and an amazing menagerie of fauna from the farthest reaches of the globe. Many of the acts were built more than 50 years ago by Christopher’s parents for “Len Piper’s International Marionette Circus.” Recommended for pre-K and up.
Mockingbird
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 17 – February 1
Tickets: $20
Caitlin’s world has always been black and white. As an 11-year-old on the autism spectrum, she used to rely on her older brother to help make sense of things beyond dictionaries, schedules, and the facial expressions chart at school. But now that he’s gone, she’s all on her own. With the support of her advisor, father, and a new reading buddy, Caitlin begins to understand how to get close to people again, embrace the “messiness” of emotions, and use her burgeoning artistic talents to move on. Hailed as “extraordinary… [a] moving and insightful masterpiece” by Publishers Weekly, Kathryn Erskine’s 2010 National Book Award–winning young adult novel has been adapted for the stage by Julie Jensen, a recipient of the Kennedy Center Award for New American Plays. Directed by Tracy Callahan, this moving, vibrant, and surprisingly humorous world premiere play shows how the perseverance of one girl can change a community–and how black and white can always be complemented by a kaleidoscope of colors. Recommended for age 10 and up.
Jammin’ at the Smithsonian: Karen K & the Jitterbugs
Where: Discovery Theater
When: January 23
Tickets: $3-8
BUG OUT with Karen K & the Jitterbugs! Known for their upbeat, catchy, genre-swirling tunes that parents enjoy as much as their kids, Karen K & her Jitterbugs keep hands clapping and feet jumping at their rockin’, crowd-engaging shows performed across the country. The scene is set in Karen K’s Bug Out, the fort in her back yard where she seeks adventures and makes music with her imaginary friends, the Jitterbugs.
Monster Jam
Where: Verizon Center
When: January 24-25
Tickets:
The world’s largest and most famous monster truck tour featuring the biggest names in monster trucks will thunder its way into the Verizon Center in January. Grave Digger, Backwards Bob, Aftershock, Krazy Train, Crushstation and Stinger are among the vehicular beasts you’ll see tearing up the indoor terrain this year.
Petite Rouge a Cajun Red Riding Hood
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: January 30 – March 8
Tickets: $19
Take a toe-tapping trip to the bayou in this family-friendly, Zydeco-driven musical soaked in N’awlins hot sauce! Based on the classic fairy tale and adapted from the book by Mike Artell and Jim Harris, a red-hooded duckling named Petite Rouge and her sidekick cat lead the Big Bad Gator on a wild “duck” chase through New Orleans and Mardi Gras. Will they make it to Grandmere’s house with a basket full of Cajun goodies? Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Lions of Industry, Mothers of Invention
Where: Discovery Theater
When: February 5-6 & 10-12
Tickets: $3-8
Beauty magnate Madame C.J. Walker, agricultural chemist and “peanut man” George Washington Carver, education giant Booker T. Washington, and even cranky chef George Crum, who accidentally created the potato chip, all take center stage in this vibrant living-history production. Discovery Theater’s original interactive play honors the creativity and genius of African American entrepreneurs and inventors and inspires the achiever in all of us. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Two Divas and a Bear!
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 7
Tickets:
What happens when you bring together a concert violinist, an opera singer, and everyone’s favorite stuffed animal? You get Two Divas and a Bear! Join NSO violinist Marissa Regni and soprano Kari Paludan as they explore the human voice. As it turns out, the violin has a voice, too! As you listen to Schubert’s The Trout, Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise, and Rossini’s Two Cats, you’ll discover that the strings of the violin are very similar to our very own vocal cords. Recommended for ages 3 to 5, kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to these interactive programs and have their teddy bear friend join in all the fun! The show lasts approximately 45 minutes, but go early for “Musical Playtime.” Starting 45 minutes before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children.
Imago Theatre: Frogz
Where: Strathmore
When: February 22
Tickets: $25-38
The spellbinding Imago Theatre thrilled Strathmore audiences in 2011 with the “Felliniesque mayhem” (Variety) of its brilliant physical comedy and stunning stagecraft. The company returns with its best-known show, Frogz— a double hit on Broadway in two smash engagements at the New Victory Theatre. Enjoy “familyfriendly entertainment” that’s “lively, inventive, mysterious, thrilling, truly goofy fun” (Boston Globe)!
Black Violin
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: February 8
Tickets: $26
Virtuoso violinists Kev Marcus and Will B are Black Violin—a dynamic duo of high-energy, classically trained musicians renowned for their ability to meld highbrow and pop culture into a single genre-busting act. Their electrifying style mines the synergy among classical, jazz, blues, R&B and hip-hop. Whether you lean toward Bach or Beyoncé, Black Violin is sure to enthrall… and rock the house.
Disney on Ice: Worlds of Fantasy
Where: Verizon Center
When: February 11-16
Tickets: On sale December 29
Experience a magical Disney fantasy live on ice! Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney•Pixar’s Cars race across the ice like you’ve never seen before! Dive into The Little Mermaid’s enchanting undersea kingdom and enter the mystical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and the Disney Fairies as they reveal the magic that lies within! The toys are back in town with heroic action when Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie and the Toy Story gang escape from the rambunctious tots of Sunnyside Daycare and race for home, in their most daring adventure ever! From wheels to waves, playtime to pixie dust, your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life in Worlds of Fantasy.
Jack’s Tale: A Mythic Mountain Musical Adventure
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 14-15
Tickets: $20
“Pretty is as pretty does,” says young Jack–and that’s just the kind of spunky no-nonsense outlook that sets him apart from his older brothers. So when Old King threatens to kick their mama off her mountaintop farm, fearless Jack sets out on a fantastic journey to talk some sense into the unruly ruler and settle up the deed! Along the way, Blue-Beard Giant and other intriguing characters equip him with a magic gunnysack, a fortune-telling pickle jar, and an enchanted axe. Can Jack chop down Old King’s hackberry tree and win his daughter’s hand in marriage? Or will he lose his head to Raggedy Bones just trying? Bringing together actors with a live, onstage bluegrass band the show taps into the old-time Appalachian “Jack Legends” from the Scots-Irish tradition. Interweaving a clever story with the region’s toe-tapping musical traditions, this warm and delightfully authentic world premiere production is as sweet, dark, and rich as the soil from which it sprang. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
NSO Family Concert: Casey at the Bat
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 14-15
Tickets: $20
The NSO gears up for Spring Training with this fun program inspired by America’s favorite pastime. Wear your team’s jersey for this thrilling music program about teamwork. The highlight of the concert is a beguiling baseball composition set to the famous poem Casey at the Bat. Also on the program is the zany and virtuosic 4-violin version of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” performed by NSO violinists. Don’t miss an exciting day of sports-themed music, jersey-wearing musicians and conductors, and more! Go early for a Musical Instrument “Petting Zoo” in the lobbies of Opera House and stay after to ask questions and hear engaging stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the concert artists. Recommended for age 5 and up.
Alladin
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: February 19 – March 16
Tickets: $10
From ancient Persia comes this lavish and entrancing tale, true to the original “One Thousand and One Arabian Nights,” full of genies, wizards, magic caves, exotic princesses, and an elephant! Half life-size rod puppets and exciting special effects make this production exciting and exotic theater. Recommended for K – Grade 6.
Outside the Bachx
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 20 – March 1
Tickets: $20
Wonder what Beethoven and beatboxing would sound like together? How about a rap-off with Rachmaninoff? Or Debussy on a drum machine? Well, get ready for classical music and hip-hop to collide in full force with the world premiere of Outside the Bachx! Following their white-hot moves in last season’s family production of Fresh Noise: A Mashup of Youth Voices–Game On!, Rokafella, Kwikstep, and the rest of the crew are back with a funky twist on everyone’s favorite “old-school” composers. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Jammin’ at the Smithsonian: Bari Koral Family Rock Band
Where: Discovery Theatre
When: March 13
Tickets: $3-8
Bari’s show features a creative blend of music and movement that get kids on their feet for plenty of fun! Jam to pop-friendly tunes about disappearing cupcakes, a runaway gingerbread man, and a soaring rocket ship from a performer the New York Post calls “the Sheryl Crow for kids.”
Harlem Globetrotters 2015 “Washington Generals’ Revenge” Tour
Where: Patriot Center & Verizon Center
When: March 13-14
Tickets: $16-150 (look for a deal here)
The world famous Harlem Globetrotters, featuring some of the greatest athletes and entertainers on the planet, are bringing their unrivaled family show to the DC area! The Globetrotters will face a great challenge this year, as the infamous Washington Generals are more determined than ever to match the franchise’s historic last victory over the Globetrotters nearly a half century ago. It has been five years since the Globetrotters and Generals have faced off, as the Generals have been searching far and wide for the best players to retool their roster and have been preparing for one thing: victory over the Globetrotters.