Don’t miss your shot! Disney+ has just given us a new exclusive look at Hamilton, the film of the original Broadway production. 

During the 2020 ESPY’s airing on ESPN and ESPN2, Disney+ debuted the trailer for Hamilton which will premiere on the streaming service on Jul. 3. 

The filmed version offers some of the best elements f live theater, film and streaming to bring this unforgettable performance to homes around the world.  Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theater. This musical has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education.

 Filmed at The Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway in June of 2016, the film transports its audience into the world of the Broadway show in a uniquely intimate way. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and direction by Thomas Kail, “Hamilton” is inspired by the book “Alexander Hamilton” by Ron Chernow and produced by Thomas Kail, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Jeffrey Seller, with Sander Jacobs and Jill Furman serving as executive producers. Filming was produced by RadicalMedia. The 11-time-Tony Award-, GRAMMY Award-, Olivier Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning stage musical stars: Daveed Diggs as Marquis de Lafayette/Thomas Jefferson; Renée Elise Goldsberry as Angelica Schuyler; Jonathan Groff as King George; Christopher Jackson as George Washington; Jasmine Cephas Jones as Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds; Lin-Manuel Miranda as Alexander Hamilton; Leslie Odom, Jr. as Aaron Burr; Okieriete Onaodowan as Hercules Mulligan/James Madison; Anthony Ramos as John Laurens/Philip Hamilton; and Phillipa Soo as Eliza Hamilton.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Disney+ 

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Apple TV+’s season of Fraggle Rock: Rock On! is about to come to a close, but it won’t go off without a bang! The final two-mini episodes are studded with plenty of award-winning musicians and special guests.

In the two-part finale, the Fraggles will team up with celebs to share more songs and stories, the first of which is “Wembley and Gobo’s Mrazmerizing Adventure!” As the name implies, you’ll get to see plenty of Grammy-award winner Jason Mraz on his own farm. This episode is already available for streaming!

photo: Courtesy of Apple TV+

In next week’s episode, Jason Mraz returns and teams up with Alanis Morissette, Common, Neil Patrick Harris, Tiffany Haddish, and Ziggy Marley. The Fraggle rock gang and special guest group will come together to perform a new version of the classic theme song, “Dance Your Cares Away.”

The mini-episode will debut for free on Apple TV+ on Tues. May 26.

––Karly Wood

 

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Legendary puppeteer Caroll Spinney passed away on Dec. 8 after a long battle with Dystonia. Best known as the creative force behind the iconic Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Spinney was 85.

The talented puppeteer joined Sesame Street in 1969, creating beloved characters that would impact children and adults for decades. Along with five Daytime Emmy awards and a Grammy award nomination, Spinney also received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in 2006.

Named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, Spinney and his character creations visited China with Bob Hope, danced with the Rockettes, got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and so much more.

Sesame Street co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney said, in a press release, “Caroll Spinney’s contributions to Sesame Street are countless. He not only gave us Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, he gave so much of himself as well.” Cooney continued, “We at Sesame Workshop mourn his passing and feel an immense gratitude for all he has given to Sesame Street and to children around the world.”

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Sesame Street via YouTube

 

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Baby it’s cold (or slushy, or wintry mix-y) outside! One solution for winter weekend woes is to head to a show. New York City is a theater town, and there are lots of theaters here that cater just to kids. Plus, you’ve got Sesame Street Live rolling in to town for a giant run. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite shows for kids this winter, including big musical productions, more than a little bit of magic, puppetry, and more. Snap up some tickets today for a guaranteed weekend plan!

For an Immersive Adventure: Pip's Island

Pip's Island

Pip's Island, the interactive and immersive show that premiered back in 2016, has returned to New York City! The fantastical production, designed for kids ages 4 -10, begins previews March 11, and opens March 21. Audience members move through imaginative environments, help characters along the way, and play a part in helping save the day. (Lots of positive messaging is throughout the show as well.) Pip's Island is in a new home on 42nd Street, and while it maintains much of the original story, sets, and characters, it’s been updated and improved. Take the kids on a special date, or book the best birthday ever for up to 50 kids! Tickets are $49 online, and $59 at the box office. Read our full review from its first NYC run here! 

Starting March 11
Tickets: $49 in advance; $59 at box office
400 W. 42nd St.
Midtown West
212-609-1372
Online: pipsisland.com

For Artful Puppetry with a Green Message: Ajijaak on Turtle Island

Richard Termine

In this show from New York City company IBEX Puppetry, kites morph into soaring birds and branches transform into a gentle deer. Puppetry artist Heather Henson and Grammy Award-winner Ty Defoe bring together an ensemble of North American First Nations Peoples to tell the tale of Ajijaak, a young whooping crane who must face her first migration south. Indigenous songs performed live, languages and dance weave together in a spectacle of artistry to create an affecting fable about the dangerous effects of climate change on animals and Mother Earth. Recommended for ages seven and up. 

March 1-10
Tickets: $17 and up
New Victory Theater
209 W. 42ndSt.
Times Square
646-223-3010
Online: newvictory.org

For a Tale As Old As Time: Beauty and the Beast

Symphony Space

This classic tale is performed by one of the oldest, continually-running marionette theater companies in the country. The National Marionette Theatre presents the story of The Beast and Fiona with meticulously-crafted marionettes. Recommended for kids ages four and up, the show is 60 minutes long. 

March 9, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m.
Tickets: $17/non-members; $14/members
Peter Jay Sharpe Theater 
2537 Broadway at 95th St. 
UpperWestSide
212-864-5400
Online: symphonyspace.org

To See Kids' Words Come Alive (Hilariously): The Story Pirates

Story Pirates Facebook page

As Lin-Manuel Miranda (allegedly, and probably) likes to say, "Have you not seen Story Pirates yet? Get on that." This troupe of comedians, performers and teaching artists takes kids' ideas, stories, and words, and acts them out to pretty much everyone's delight. These shows, which do sell out, support their work of Story Pirates Changemakers, which brings life-changing literacy programs to kids in low income schools, homeless shelters, and the foster care system. PS: Have you heard? The Story Pirates have a new book out, Digging Up Danger!

Sat., Feb. 16, Noon-1 p.m.
Tickets: $35
Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre
555 W. 42nd St.
Midtown
Online: eventbrite.com

For Little Laurie Berkner Fans: Pillowland

New York City Children's Theater Facebook page

For the youngest of theatergoers (ages 2 to 5), Pillowland, produced by New York City Children's Theater, is inspired by kindie rocker Laurie Berkner's song of the same name. Kids are encouraged to wear their pajamas to this 30-minute interactive show that takes them on a trip to the titular destination. Kids get a primo spot in the small performance area, and parents can join them or hang back and sit in chairs. Note: shoes off before entering the theater. Hang out after the show for photos with the cast! 

Through April 14
Tickets: $27
Peter Theater at the Flea Theater 
20 Thomas St. 
Tribeca
212-226-0051
Online: nycchildrenstheater.org

Become a Jedi Master (and Laugh While Doing It): Jedi Academy

Symphony Space/Just Kidding

Calling all Star Wars fanatics who like to laugh! Young intergalactic adventurers are invited to learn the ways of the Jedi with Panniken Moonjumper, a true Master of intergalactic fun and adventure. During this comedy variety show, little Jedi Warriors, Princesses and Darth Vaders will feel empowered to discover the great Force within their hearts. The all-ages show, from the brain of kids' entertainer David Engel, involves comic antics, exciting physical challenges, magical mayhem, lightsaber lessons and a visit from our space hero’s furry alien sidekick. Bonus: audience members are invited to come in costume!

March 16, 11 a.m.
Tickets: $17/non-members; $14/members
Leonard Nimoy Thalia Theatre
2537 Broadway at 95th St. 
Upper West Side
Online: symphonyspace.org

—Mimi O’Connor

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It looks like Pink’s Grammy Award is pretty much the best “award” around. If you’re wondering how that’s possible (she lost to Ariana Grande), read on for the so sweet story.

Pink didn’t actually attend this year’s Grammy Awards—and for a valid reason. Her toddler son, Jameson, was sick—and sometimes even celeb mamas have to stay home with their sick kids, Even so, she still got a very special Grammy of her own, when her kids made her a completely cute trophy.

Yep, instead of Grammy gold, Pink took home an adorable kid-created trophy made out of aluminum foil. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the musician revealed that foil awards are actually a family tradition. Each time she loses (which really isn’t that often), hubby Carey Hart and their two kiddos break out the foil and get artsy.

Along with ‘gramming a pic of daughter Willow, 7, with the newest award, Pink also tweeted, “I think it’s kind of rad that I just lost my 20th Grammy nomination. I’m always honored to be included. Now to get this sick baby in the bathtub. Congrats to all the nominees! Have fun tonight.”

We love how Pink always manages to keep it all in perspective.

—Erica Loop

Featured photo: Pink via Instagram 

 

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Photo: UNICEF Kid Power

Peace out, Fitbit– there’s a new fitness wearable on the market, and it gives kids the power to change the world. Thanks to a new partnership between Target and the US Fund for UNICEF, the new UNICEF Kid Power Bands do just that.

Here’s how it works: The UNICEF Kid Power program revolves around the wearable fitness tracker and its accompanying mobile app, empowering kids to reach various fitness goals and also learn about new cultures. A great way to start 2017, right? These actions earn them points that will “unlock” life-saving therapeutic food packets, which UNICEF then delivers to families with severely malnourished children in developing countries.

This infographic helps break it down.

Photo: Target

Win-win! The one-size-fits-all UNICEF Kid Power band retails for about $39.99 and comes in four colors: blue, orange, and two special Star Wars: Force for Change editions in black and white.

“With UNICEF Kid Power, kids and families can move and have fun, all while saving the lives of children around the world. I’m raising my daughter to be strong, healthy and giving. As a mom, the fact that UNICEF’s lifesaving work is powered by kids is really exciting. Every child deserves a healthy start at life, no matter where they live and Kid Power is helping to make that possible,” says Grammy-award winner and UNICEF Kid Power spokesperson, P!nk.

Will you be purchasing one? Let us know in the comments below!

Dia de Los Muertos honors those who have passed from this world into the next, but despite its morose name, the holiday is, without a doubt, a day of celebration. Activities, including decorating sugar skulls, face-painting and dancing the night away, are a few of the ways families can engage in this festive Mexican holiday.

 photo: Dia de Los Muertos skulls by mario via flickr creative commons

Dia de Los Muertos Procession and Concert
Everyone is welcome to join in the traditional, musical procession, starting at the PSU Urban Center (SW 5th Ave. and Mill St.) and ending at the Crystal Ballroom, with other participants dressed in black and painted faces. Don’t forget your umbrellas! At the destination, there will be Aztec dance performances, kids’ crafts, and so much music. All events are open to the community and welcome children.

Sun., Nov. 2nd, 4 p.m. (procession), 5 p.m. (show at Crystal Ballroom)
Procession is free, the show is $10/person advance, $12/person at the door, free for ages 12 and under
Crystal Ballroom
1332 W Burnside St.
855-227-8499
Online: crystalballroompdx.com

photo: Dia de Los Muertos NW via Facebook page

Una Celebracion De Tradicion y Innovación
Kids will find plenty to do and see at 6th annual celebration from Dia de Los Muertos NW: “A Celebration of Tradition & Innovation”. This year, Audio Cinema will host face-painting, muertos calaveras (sugar skull) decorating, storytelling with the Multnomah County Library, live music, including a performance by Grammy Award-Winners, Los TexManiacs, and a Catrina parade winding through the event. This is also a food drive for SnoCap Community Charities, so be sure to bring a non-perishable food item with you.

Sat., Nov. 1, 1 p.m.- midnight
$5/person at the door, free for children 12 and under
Audio Cinema
226 SE Madison St.
Online: facebook.com/diadelosmuertosnw

Dia de Los Muertos at Roots Salon
In cahoots with the aforementioned Dia de Los Muertos NW celebration, day two’s festivities will take place on All Soul’s Day at Roots Salon. There will be food, kids’ activities, storytelling and more music. Participants can also bring something for the altar, as a gift to those who are no longer with us.

Sun., Nov. 2, noon-8 p.m.
Free
Roots Salon
5400 NE 30th St.
Online: facebook.com

Kids’ Crafts at Beaverton Library
Celebrate the Day of the Dead with a themed crafting session with sugar skulls in the library’s Storytime Room. Kids ages 2-11 are welcome with a grownup.

Sat., Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Free
Beaverton Library
12375 SW 5th St.
Beaverton, Or
503-350-3600
Online: beavertonlibrary.org

How does your family celebrate Dia de Los Muertos? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelley Gardiner