At this time of year, there is so much to choose from if you’re looking for a theatre performance that a) involves kids and/or b) kids will love. I’ve selected just three to showcase the sorts of things that are happening this year. Check out what’s happening in YOUR area — and enjoy! (I’ve listed the holidays in calendar order as they are celebrated this year.)
Chanukah: The Minnesota Jewish Theatre Company in St. Paul, Minnesota has presented a special Chanukah production every year for the past sixteen years. This year, they’re performing The Chanukah Guest from December 2 to 18. As their website describes it, “the play tells the story of Bubba Brayna who is going deaf and blind and mistakes a hungry bear for a Rabbi who is coming for a visit. Hilarity ensues as she welcomes the bear into her home, cooks for him and yes, dances with him!”
Sounds like fun! I wonder what special Chanukah performances are happening where you live?You can learn more about the MJTC’s production of The Chanukah Guest at this link.
Christmas: What could be better than the now-classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas? Instead of (or as well as) watching the classic animated half-hour on TV, or grabbing some popcorn to take in the movie version, people in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota can see a diverse cast of all ages in a live stage production!
The Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis is performing How the Grinch Stole Christmas from November 6, 2018 to January 6, 2019 — what a great way to spend some of the winter holiday break! You can learn more about it at this link.
Kwanzaa: There’s a fantastic-sounding musical happening off-Broadway in New York City that celebrates not one, not two, but at least six — including Kwanzaa, Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Chinese New Year, and Shichigosan. It’s called Holiday Beat, and it runs from November 23 to December 30, 2018.
Check it out at this link (there are other Kwanzaa-focused celebrations listed in that post, as well.) You can learn more at the FunikiJam OffBroadway website. There’s even a part where kids in the audience can get up and dance, too!
There’s also a play called Bone Soup: a Kwanzaa Story. I couldn’t find information about current performances, but watch for it!
Whatever or however you celebrate, there are stage productions, music events, craft sessions, special events at art galleries and museums — there are many ways to celebrate the many days of the holidays. Enjoy!