Go see a stage show!
by Shannon Maughan
for Real Families, Real Fun
o watch a live performance is a thrilling and always unique experience. Unlike a movie audience, a theater audience affects performers simply by being there -- whether they're reactive or not. Though you may not have immediate access to the famous theaters and productions in New York City or London's West End, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy live performances in your hometown.
Community theaters and playhouses, colleges, high schools, and even church groups frequently stage musicals, plays or other theatrical performances. "Our children's elementary school has the most amazing music and drama [departments], so the fifth and sixth graders each do separate productions," says Amy Mayfield. "We've seen Fiddler on the Roof and Bye Bye Birdie."
As it turns out, many RFRF's panel families are theater lovers. "I grew up going to the Nutcracker every year with my mom and my aunt as a special girls night out," recalls Lynda Hannan. "I was probably seven years old when I started going. I can't wait until Jack and Katie are old enough for me to take them."
According to RFRF's families, there are many community theaters from which to choose. "Omaha has a wonderful children's theater group," Beth W. reports. "They offer people the opportunity to usher during the performances in return for several complimentary tickets. This is a great way to incorporate regular theater visits into our family budget. It also allows the kids to see that many ordinary people work together to make the show a success."
The Hannan family attends educational performances at a museum. "They are included in our museum membership. This works for us since they are inexpensive and last about a half hour."
Some of RFRF's families take a more active role. Peggy LaClair's kids repeatedly participate in the musicals at their church. And Betsy Bissmeyer reports, "Both kids are in the children's choir at church. Our daughter was also in The Wizard of Oz this past spring in the community theater. She was a flying monkey and a munchkin, and learned a lot about all of the work that goes into a production. She can't wait for this year's show, The King and I."
Live performances excite kid's imaginations and can inspire home productions. "We have a cardboard puppet theater that has inspired some interesting puppet productions," says Peggy LeClair.
And kids aren't the only ones who catch the performance bug. Lori Thole's husband takes center stage in their home. "Dad takes various toys, like a stuffed animal or a dinosaur, and puts on puppet shows for them [the kids], complete with silly voices. The kids love it and interact with the puppets, which they don't get to do at the big public shows."
RFRF raises the curtain on a few popular musicals, hoping that you and your family feel inspired to enjoy a live show soon.
The Nutcracker
In the fantastic tale, young Clara dreams of the handsome nutcracker she received as a Christmas gift from her uncle. Through Clara's vivid imagination, the audience is transported to a magical world of dancing sweets and snowflakes and warring rodents, where Clara is captured by and then rescued from the Mouse King.
Annie
Orphan Annie endures a hard-knock life under the care of bitter Miss Hanigan. Annie is invited to spend the holidays with wealthy Oliver Warbucks and eventually wins his heart. "Daddy" Warbucks adopts Annie and her orphan dog, Sandy, and they live happily ever after.
You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown
Charles Schulz's beloved comic strip characters seem larger than life in this darling musical. The gang's all here -- Snoopy, Linus, Lucy, Schroeder -- belting out winning songs, "Suppertime," and "Happiness." First performed on Broadway in 1967 and then revived on Broadway in 1999 (Kristin Chenoweth won a 1999 Tony for her role as Sally).
TAKE IT FROM ME:
"If you can't find live theater options in your community, I suggest trying one of the many fine videos from a company called Globalstage, which specializes in presenting performances by children's theatre troupes across the country. Each tape includes an entertaining introduction of the important themes of the program and fun facts about the author or playwright. Some of the great family titles, aimed at kids 7 and up, include The Three Musketeers, The Man That Corrupted Hadleyburg and Pinocchio."
--Shannon Maughan
This article © 2001-2004 Studio One Networks.
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