By Micaela Williamson
Are you tripping on Legos? Can’t stand the sight of another Barbie? Tickets to a children’s show make a great treats for the kids, create memories, and are a good reason to get out of the house after the post-Christmas rush. Here are some upcoming family-friendly performances in our region:
The Little Mermaid, Jr.
Encore Stage & Studio
Jan. 10-19, 2014
Arlington
Make a big splash with this classic tale of Ariel the mermaid who wants to become a human. “The Little Mermaid is a fantastic story that will have everyone singing and dancing along to favorites like “Under the Sea” and “Kiss the Girl,” says Sara Duke, Executive Director of Encore Stage & Studio. The show is recommended for ages 4 and older.
The Wizard of Oz
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Jan. 25-26, 2014
Manassas
The Center for the Arts’ Pied Piper Theatre celebrates the 75th Anniversary of The Wizard of Oz with this classic musical production. Join favorite characters like Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they sing and dance and follow the yellow brick road through the land of Oz. Watch out for the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys!
Miss Nelson is Missing
Adventure Theatre
Jan. 17 – March 9, 2014
Glen Echo, Md.
Miss Nelson’s class is the worst, and no matter what she does, they just won’t listen. Imagine the surprise when Miss Nelson goes missing and the terrifying substitute Viola Swamp takes over. Will the students of Room 207 ever get Miss Nelson back? Watch this favorite children’s book come to life in this musical production recommended for ages five and older.
Beauty and the Beast
Workhouse Arts Center
Feb. 1-March 1, 2014
Lorton
This live show is Vianlix Mestey’s adaptation of the classic fairytale. A vein, self-centered prince is doomed to spend eternity as an ugly beast until he finds a kind, loving girl to break the spell.
Rumpelstiltskin
Imagination Stage
Feb. 5-March 16, 2014
Bethesda, MD
“This is a story that’s old as old, of how a girl turned straw into gold.” A poor miller fibs that his daughter can spin straw into gold, and the king commands her to do so. The daughter enlists the help of a rotten, riddling fairy named Rumpelstiltskin. However his price for helping is a mystery and puts her family in jeopardy. Will she be able to solve the riddle and save her family in time? Best for ages five through ten.
Disney on Ice 100 Years of Magic
Verizon Center
Feb. 12-17, 2014
Washington, D.C.
Sixty-five of Disney’s favorite characters including Mickey, Minnie, Donald, the princesses and many more join in the celebration. The beautiful choreographed skating will impress the whole family, and the night will feature magic that only Disney can create.
Micaela Williamson is a co-author of local travel guide, Kid Trips Northern Virginia, an extraordinary resource that provides descriptions, useful information and insider tips for hundreds of local destinations. Micaela is also an award winning blogger who enjoys supporting area businesses and scouting out family-friendly venues with her two young sons.