While kids can experience just about every type of entertainment on the TV or computer, there is nothing like seeing a show live and in person. The DMV is chock full of local theaters offering a variety of shows to warm your heart and entertain kids of all ages. From shows with plenty of dancing, to shows inspired by Disney, to shows filled with great messaging, there is a production for everyone.
Photo: Amy Boyle Photography
American Girl Live!
American Girl super fans will love the first-ever musical inspired by the historical dolls and their stories! The nationwide tour, will make stops around the country through mid-May, and heads our way on March 3rd. The 90-minute show takes kids on a journey to Camp American Girl—there, they’ll meet five spunky campers and their camp counselor. At the overnight summer camp, the campers bring along their beloved dolls Rebecca, Maryellen, Julie, Nanea, Luciana and Melody, who come to life and break out in musical numbers that reflect their historical eras. Through their dolls and their dolls’ stories, the campers learn lessons of friendship, the importance of following their dreams and empowering one another.
Strathmore
5301 Tuckerman Ln. (Bethesda, MD)
When: Mar. 3
Online: strathmore.org
The Travels of Babar
For children (and children at heart!) this concert mixes the magic of stories, images, and music, including Return to the Land of the Elephants by composer Raphael Mostel—the U.S. premiere of the orchestral version of one of his two multimedia musical voyages based on The Travels of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff. The 2 p.m. show is a sensory-friendly performances that is welcoming to all families. Following the 4 p.m. concert, young audience members can ask questions and hear stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with some of the artists.
Kennedy Center
2700 F St., NW
When: Apr. 7
Online: kennedy-center.org
Alice In Wonderland
“Curiouser and curiouser” down the Rabbit Hole you go! Join Alice on her fantastical journey through Wonderland. Join all your fave characters like The White Rabbit, The Cheshire Cat, The Caterpillar, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen of Hearts, in this musical adaptation of the classic Lewis Carroll tale. Alice gives the entire family a chance to spend an utterly “mad, mad day” at the Creative Cauldron enjoying one of the most famous and enduring children’s classics of all time.
Creative Cauldron
410 South Maple Ave. (Falls Church, VA)
When: Mar. 22-Apr. 14
Online: creativecauldron.org
Huckleberry Finn’s Big River
This revision of Broadway’s Tony-Winning Musical will lift your spirit. This version of Mark Twain’s polarizing novel removes offensive language and expands the role of Jim, now the same age as Huck. Twain’s classic sweeps you down the mighty Mississippi as the irrepressible Huck Finn helps his friend Jim, an enslaved teen, escape to freedom from enslavement. This tale of friendship against all odds is recreated for young audiences as two best friends demonstrate the power children have to change the world.
Adventure Theater
7300 MacArthur Blvd. (Glen Echo, MD)
When: Through Mar. 10
Online: adventuretheatre-mtc.org
Finding Neverland
Directed by Diane Paulus and based on the critically-acclaimed film, FINDING NEVERLAND tells the incredible story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan. Who doesn’t love Peter Pan?! Playwright J.M. Barrie sets out to write a play that will astound London theatergoers. With a little pixie dust and a lot of faith, Barrie takes an epic leap, leaving his old world behind for Neverland, where nothing is impossible and the wonder of childhood lasts forever. The magic of Barrie’s classic tale springs to life in this heartwarming theatrical event. Recommended for older children as the play runs over 2 hours.
National Theatre
1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW (DC)
When: Feb. 26 – Mar. 3
Online: thenationaldc.org
—Guiomar Ochoa
