Category Archives: Arts & Culture Events for Preschoolers

St. Louis Family Theatre Series at Florissant Civic Center

Experience nationally touring family theater productions at the Florissant Civic Center Theatre!

Tickets
Public performance tickets are $8 each.
Box office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm
Call 314.921.5678
Email FCCT@FlorissantMO.com
Purchase tickets online
Single tickets go on sale 45 days prior to the opening of any production.

Location
Florissant Civic Center Theater
1 James J. Eagan Drive
Florissant, MO 63033


Photo: Theatreworks USA

DRAGONS LOVE TACOS & OTHER STORIES
FROM THEATREWORKS USA

Public Performances: November 19, 24, and 25, 2017 at 2 pm

Approximately 50 minutes in length.
Recommended for grades K through 5.

Theatreworks USA’s newest musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books!

Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin Dragons love all sorts of tacos—except spicy ones! When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party , red-hot trouble ensues.

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein: It’s bedtime for the little red chicken. Papa is going to read her a story, but the chicken can’t help interrupting. Will the chicken ever get to sleep?

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds: A story about the creative spirit in all of us. Vashti can’t draw, but when her teacher says “Just make a mark and see where it takes you.” Vashti discovers she is an artist, after all.

Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride by Kate DiCamillo, Illustrated by Chris Van Dusen: Mercy, a porcine wonder, and Mr. Watson go for a ride every Saturday in Mr. Watson’s automobile. But one Saturday, guess who winds up behind the wheel?

Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa School Days by Erica Silverman, painted by Betsy Lewin Yee: Haw! Cowgirl Kate and her loyal horse Cocoa are the perfect pair. They do everything together, until school is in session—and horses are not allowed!

Production and Cast Information


HENRY & MUDGE
FROM THEATREWORKS USA

Public performances: January 12, 2018 at 7:30 pm AND
January 13 and 14, 2018 at 2 pm

Approximately one-hour in length.
Recommended for grades Pre-K through 3.

Moving from the city to a new house in the country can be tough. Just ask Henry, who can’t find a playmate in his new neighborhood! Luckily, he’s got Mudge, a great big, 182-pound canine buddy, with whom he can share all kinds of adventures!

Henry discovers that having a pet is a big responsibility — they need to be fed, they need to be taken out for walks, and of course they need lots of love and playtime! And when the dog is as big as Mudge is, they also need good training. Henry teaches his new friend to sit, heel, and shake his hand, but rolling over is one trick Henry just can’t seem to teach Mudge, no matter how hard he tries.

When Henry’s cousin Annie comes for a visit, Mudge is so charmed by her that he finally rolls over at her command! Henry thinks Mudge must love Annie more than him, because the dog only does the trick for her. Very upset, Henry runs away into the cold dark woods to find adventures on his own. Mudge follow’s the boy’s scent into the forest — he really does love Henry and doesn’t want to be without him.

Will the two friends be reunited? Find out in this Theatreworks musical, based on the best-selling series of books by Cynthia Rylant.

Read the study guide for Henry & Mudge.


PINKALICIOUS THE MUSICAL
FROM VITAL THEATRE COMPANY, INC.

Public performances: February 4, 2018 at 2 pm;
February 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm; and February 10, 2018 at 2 pm

Approximate run time is 50 minutes.

Photo: Vital Theatre Company

 

Pinkalicious can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toes – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, only Pinkalicious can figure out a way to get out of this predicament.

Read the study guide for Pinkalicious the Musical.


CLEMENTINE
FROM BARTER THEATRE COMPANY

Public performances: March 4, 2018 at 2 pm;
March 9, 2018 at 7:30 pm; March 10, 2018 at 2 pm

Photo: Barter Theatre

Clementine is having a terrible week, but this spunky eight-year-old doesn’t let her daily visits to the principal’s office get her down! Come join America’s favorite curly-haired carrot-top as she navigates the hilarious waters of friendship, family, school, and mischief on an epic third grade adventure you’ll never forget.

Adapted by Catherine Bush with music and lyrics by Dax Dupuy.
?From the book by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Freeze.
Published by Disney-Hyperion.

Read the study guide for Clementine.

Lantern Fest St. Louis

The Lantern Fest is an opportunity for thousands of revelers to join as a community and create an unforgettable spectacle of light. After an afternoon of live music, dancing, and s’mores, when the sun sets and the time is just right (typically 30 minutes after sunset), participants will light the sky with lanterns representing their highest hopes, deepest regrets, and fondest dreams. Be sure to arrive early enough to park, check-in, and find a place to enjoy the event.

Lantern Fest St. Louis
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Gates open at 2 pm.
Lantern release is approximately 30 minutes after sunset.
Brookdale Farms
8004 Twin River Rd
Eureka, Missouri 63025

Tickets
$7 to $55 (plus fees and tax)
Be sure to register in advance for the early bird pricing.
Parking is $10 cash.
Extra lanterns are $10 each.

Ages
All ages are welcome. With the number of open flames present at the venue, and especially as the darkness falls, please keep a close eye on any children. Kids between ages 4 and 12 are $7 each and do not receive a lantern, and children below 3 are free. You need to be 13 or older to light a lantern.

Things to bring with you
* Water and small snacks are permitted inside the venue. There will be plenty of concessions to buy food and drinks.
* A blanket or chairs for sitting.
* Dress for the weather.

Lantern Fest FAQ 

The Lantern Fest and Sustainability

Top photo: Lindsey Bartlett

the_lantern_fest_

lanternfest

Lunar New Year Celebrations

YearoftheRoosterBring the family to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Rooster! Here are some highlights of St. Louis area celebrations open to the public.

The Magic House
Saturday, January 28, 2017, 10 am to 2 pm
Families can enjoy a Lion Dance performance, arts, crafts, and Chinese face painting. Free with museum admission.

Saint Louis Art Museum Lunar New Year Festival
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Explore Chinese, Korean, and Taiwanese culture with activities, performances, and demonstrations. Special performances including a Lion Dance and T’ai Chi and Kung Fu demonstrations start at 2 pm in the Sculpture Hall. Free.

University City Lunar New Year 2017
February 3 and 4, 2017
Experience parades, lion dances, authentic Chinese food, 50 local artists, hands-on activities, and performances. Performances are in partnership with the Lunar New Year Festival student run organization of Washington University. Free.

Lunar New Year Festival Kick Off
Friday, February 3, 2017, 5 to 9 pm
Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard,
University City
Night Market: Featuring Taste of Asia restaurants, artisans, retailers
6 pm: Chinese Community Performers
7 pm: Fusion
8 pm: DJ

Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Saturday, February 4, 2017, 11 am
11 to 11: 30 am: Pre-Parade Gathering Brittany Woods Middle
11:30 to noon: Lunar New Year Parade (Weather Permitting)
Departs Brittany Woods Middle School, 8125 Groby Road, St. Louis, MO 63130 at 11:30 am. The parade heads north down 81st Street, and turns into the parking lot of Seafood City, ending at the Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard.

Night Market
Noon to 8 pm
Mandarin House Banquet Center
8004 Olive Boulevard, University City
Featuring Taste of Asia restaurants, artisans, and retailers.

Performances
Mandarin House Banquet Center, 8004 Olive Boulevard,
University City
1 pm: Lion Dance Kickoff
2 to 4 pm: Washington University Lunar New Year Festival Performances
4 pm: DJ
5 pm: Chinese School Performers
6 pm: Fusion
7 pm: Headliners
8 pm: DJ

Lunar New Year Festival at the Edison Theatre
6465 Forsyth Boulevard
February 10, 2017 at 7 pm
February 11, 2017 at 2 pm and 7 pm
The Lunar New Year Festival (LNYF) is an annual event on the Washington University Campus celebrating the Lunar New Year and promoting awareness of the different aspects of Asian culture from China to Korea and more. This spectacular show in the Edison Theatre, is a completely student-run production and promotes interaction and unity among the various Asian groups on campus. Through a great variety of exciting performances of acting, dancing, and music, people of all backgrounds can enjoy and celebrate the New Year together. Tickets $10.

 

 

Day of the Dead Celebration

diadelosmuertos_nov5_6_pdf_16632Missouri History Museum Event!

Día de los Muertos is a holiday celebrated throughout Latin America and around the world in many other cultures. It brings together groups of people to pray for and remember friends and family members who have died. Join the Missouri History Museum for an expanded version of the holiday commemoration with traditional music, dancing, an art display, alters, informational tables, and more.

Saturday, November 5, 2016, 11 am to 4 pm
Sunday, November 6, 2016, 11 am to 4 pm

Missouri History Museum
Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park
St. Louis, MO
T 314.746.4599

Schedule of Events

11:30 to 1:30 pm
Simultaneous Live Music in the Grand Hall and on the Museum’s Lower Level

Ongoing
The Film “The Book of Life” will be shown continuously in the New Classroom

11 am to 4 pm
Community Partners tables on the Museum’s Main Level

11 am to 4 pm
Childrens’ Craft Tables on the Museum’s Main Level

11 am to 4 pm
Dia de los Muertos Art Display on the Museum’s Main Level

11 am to 4 pm
Altars from many countries, some reflecting on 9/11, the unknown soldier, and a tribute to Selena in the ATT Room

11 am to 4 pm
Face Painting in the Schnucks Classroom

1:30 to 2 pm
Live Alter by Chef Martin Lopez

Dance performances in the Lee Auditorium
2 to 2:30 pm, Panamanian
2:30 to 3 pm, Bolivian
3 to 3:30 pm, Almas de Mexico
3:30 to 4 pm, The Oaxaca

 

 

Laumeier Sculpture Park Fall and Winter Programs

LaumeierSculptureParkFallWinterPrograms

Have you been to Laumeier Sculpture Park lately? In addition to being a great place to explore and run around (dogs too!), this beautiful sculpture park has an exciting and diverse number of arts education programs for youth of all ages as well as adults. Be sure to check out their special holiday art workshops. (Snow globes!) Sign up today for a fun experience.

Here is a just a sample of their wide range of family programs. Registration fee includes one adult with one child; children must be accompanied by an adult.

ArtSparks / Adult with Child Ages Pre-K
Thursday, September 8 / 11 am to noon / $10

Monarch Mania / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, September 10 / 2 to 4 pm / $40

ArtSparks / Adult with Child Ages Pre-K
Thursday, September 22 / 11 to noon / $10

Things That Go Bump in the Night / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, September 24 / 7 to 9 pm / $20

Bye Bye Birdies / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, October 22 / 2 to 4 pm / $40

The Sounds That Surround Us / Adult with Child Ages 4 to 12
Saturday, November 19 / 1:30 to 3:30 pm / $40

Read their Fall and Winter Programs Guide.

Learn about Laumeier Sculpture Park’s education programs.

 

Winter Performances for Families

Here are some wonderful live performances to see with your family this winter in St. Louis. Charlotte’s Web, MOMIX, Seussical, the St. Louis Symphony, and Peter Rabbit Tales are sure to entertain!

January 15-17, 2016
Florissant Civic Center presents
Charlotte’s Web
A Theatreworks USA production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7
Call 314.921.5678.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

Theatreworks’ production of Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman–she will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig, but ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship. Read more about the production on Theatreworks USA’s site.


 

January 29-30, 2016
Dance St. Louis presents
MOMIX in Alchemia
The Touhill Performing Arts Center
One University Boulevard, St. Louis
Tickets $28 to $55
Call 314.516.4949 or purchase online.

The irrepressible Moses Pendleton presents Alchemia, his new work for the dazzling dancer-illusionists of MOMIX. Just as he led audiences on a surreal journey through the four seasons in Botanica, Pendleton manipulates the four classic elements–earth, air, fire, and water–in Alchemia to produce a show about the art of alchemy, and the alchemy of art. A multimedia spectacle, Alchemia bursts with beauty, daredevil thrills and playful humor. It’s MOMIX at its most magical.


 

February 12-14, 2016
Florissant Civic Center presents
Seussical the Musical
A Theatreworks USA production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7
Call 314.921.5678.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Adapted from the Broadway version, this adaptation especially for young audiences features thirteen actors and enhanced production values. Seussical is TheatreworksUSA’s biggest show ever.

The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) in this romp through the Seuss classics. When the sweet, good-natured elephant Horton hears a small cry for help coming from a small speck of dust, he promises to rescue and guard it because “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

On that small speck of dust lives JoJo, an imaginative young Who. JoJo has astounding “thinks,” in which anything’s possible, but his parents believe this creativity is inappropriate for the son of the Mayor of Who-Ville.

Meanwhile, the one-feathered bird, Miss Gertrude McFuzz, desperately wants Horton to notice her. Maybe, she thinks, she just needs a more impressive tail. At the same time, the amazingly lazy Maysie La Bird connives, cajoles and convinces Horton to sit on her egg while she goes off on a spree.

Will the planet of Who survive? Will Horton pay attention to Gertrude? Will Maysie ever return for her egg? Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic characters find themselves intertwined in an incredible crazy-quilt adventure, in which the power of imagination and the most miraculous “think” ever save the day! Read more about Seussical the Musical.


 

tales_of_shakespeare

Sunday, February 21, 2016 at 3 pm
St. Louis Symphony presents
Tales of Shakespeare
Powell Hall
718 North Grand Boulevard
Tickets $8 to $19
Call 314.534.1700 or purchase online.

Take a journey through the eyes of a few of Shakespeare’s most adventurous characters. Magic and mischief will follow you as his exciting stories unfold before your eyes and ears. Through music and the ancient art of storytelling, children and families will connect with the language and themes of some of Shakespeare’s most popular plays in an immersive, theatrical celebration. Featuring Mendelssohn’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and more.

 


March 11-13, 2016
Florissant Civic Center presents
Peter Rabbit Tales
An Enchantment Theatre Company production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7
Call 314.921.5678.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

“Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were – Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail and Peter….” These famous opening lines of “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” have enchanted young audiences for over one hundred years with the exploits of a charming hero, who, going against his mother’s wishes, has adventures (and misadventures) in Mr. McGregor’s garden. Beatrix Potter created an instant classic with the little blue-coated rabbit who we recognize as both boy and rabbit, wild and civilized, and who has become an icon of childhood since he first hopped out of the pages of a story book and into children’s hearts. Enchantment Theatre Company is delighted to collaborate with Frederick Warne & Co. and Penguin Books UK to present the authorized theatrical version of Peter Rabbit™ Tales.

Meet Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, Beatrix Potter’s beloved characters, as they escape from Mr. McGregor, outfox Mr. Tod and rescue the Flopsy Bunnies from the disagreeable badger, Tommy Brock. When Benjamin’s children disappear, he goes to his cousin, Peter Rabbit, to help him find the bunnies. But Peter thinks he’s had quite enough of adventure, remembering his youthful escapades in Mr. McGregor’s garden. As the cousins reminisce about their past adventures, their friends – Squirrel Nutkin, Mrs. Tiggy-Winkle, Jemima Puddle-duck and Mrs. Tittlemouse – gather to encourage Peter on this one last quest.

In celebration of Beatrix Potter’s 150th birthday anniversary, Enchantment Theatre brings her captivating stories to life. Using fantastic masks, whimsical puppets, gorgeous scenery and original music, the magical, marvelous World of Beatrix Potter™ comes alive on stage.

Top Photo: Mark Garvin, Enchantment Theatre Company

Superman 2050 at COCA

Photo: Bryan Smith for the Wall Street Journal
Photo: Bryan Smith for the Wall Street Journal

2 for 1 tickets! Use the promo code SUPER50 (while supplies last)

Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 2 and 5 pm
Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 1 and 4 pm

COCA presents
Superman 2050
A Theater Unspeakable production
Founders’ Theatre at COCA
524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis
Tickets $14 to $18 (use promo code SUPER50 for 2 for 1 tickets)
Call 314.561.4877 or purchase online.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

“A fastidiously executed, often hilarious work of physical theater.”
— Time Out Chicago

Epic story, pocket-sized proportions—seven actors share one tiny platform (just 3-by-7 feet of space!) and upon it an original Superman tale unfolds. Set in a fictional 2050 Metropolis with a remarkable resemblance to Chicago, this Theater Unspeakable production highlights imaginative, resourceful cast members who use only their bodies and voices to create every prop, scene, sound effect, and character in a battle between Superman and Lex Luthor.

Superman2050_COCA

Upcoming Performances for Kids

There are so many exciting live performances geared towards kids this Fall and Winter in St. Louis. Here are a few shows not to miss!

Note: Performances at the Florissant Civic Center are nationally touring productions, feature excellent artists, and are top rate experiences! Don’t be misled by the inexpensive ticket prices.

wunderland2October 2-11, 2015 (Limited ticket availability)
COCA presents
wUNDERland
Founders’ Theatre at COCA
524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis
Tickets $16 to $20
Call 314.725.6555 or purchase online.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

Fall down the rabbit hole with this original dance production, created and choreographed by Anthony “Redd” Williams, that puts a hip-hop spin on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” Experience the classic upside-down fantasy world through a whole new lens with dazzling costumes and cutting-edge choreography, led by the larger-than-life Mad Hatter and many more lovable, whimsical characters.


 

caps_for_saleOctober 9-11, 2015
Florissant Civic Center presents
Caps for Sale, the musical
An Adventure Theatre MTC production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7
Call 314.921.5678 or purchase online.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

“Caps! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!” The cap peddler wears a huge stack of caps, balanced carefully on top of his head. Brown caps, blue caps, gray caps, and red caps. When no one buys a cap, he takes a nap under a shady tree. But, when he wakes up, the caps are gone! Was it bears, pirates, one thousand thieves, or a band of merry mischievous monkeys? Read more about the production.


 

October 21-November 1, 2015
The Fabulous Fox presents
Roald Dahl’s
Matilda the Musical
The Fox Theatre
527 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis
Tickets $25 to $88
Call 314.534.1111 or purchase online.
Run time: Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.

“Welcome to the deliriously amusing, heartwarming, head-spinning world of MATILDA THE MUSICAL. You won’t want to leave” says Bloomberg News. It’s Time Magazine’s #1 show of the year! Winner of 50 international awards, including four Tony Awards®, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, MATILDA continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End. The Wall Street Journal says, “The makers of MATILDA have done the impossible – triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany, and stupendous fun.”


 

hoot_and_howlOctober 25, 2015 at 3 pm
St. Louis Symphony presents
Hoot & Howl at Powell
Powell Hall
718 North Grand Boulevard
Tickets $8 to $19
Call 314.534.1700 or purchase online.

Celebrate Halloween with a spooktacular concert along with help from special guest, Luna the Bat. Luna will take you on a musical tour of all the wickedly wonderful animals that relish the night. Featuring Night on Bald Mountain from Fantasia and John Williams’ Hedwig’s Theme from the popular Harry Potter films. Presented in partnership with the Saint Louis Zoo.


 

CAM_Halloween2015October 31, 2015, 10 am to noon
Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) presents
Family Day Block Party
3750 Washington Boulevard
FREE
Recommended for ages 3–12.

Celebrate Halloween in Grand Center! CAM partners with the Pulitzer Arts Foundation and the Sheldon Art Galleries for a special Family Day Block Party. Costumes encouraged.

10:00 to 10:30 am
Kota project (Pulitzer Arts Foundation)
At the Pulitzer, discover the hidden histories of Kota reliquary guardian figures, produced in Central Africa between the 17th and 20th centuries, and play an interactive digital game in the Pulitzer’s exhibition Kota: Digital Excavations in African Art.

10:45 to 11:15 am
STL Improv Anywhere performance (CAM)
At CAM, enjoy face painting and help create a “Haunted Garden” mural made out of cardboard with artist Daniel Raedeke. STL Improv Anywhere will lead a performance, and the New Art in the Neighborhood high school art students will guide special art activities.

11:30 am to noon
Uncle Albert performance (Sheldon Art Galleries)
At the Sheldon Art Galleries, enjoy crafts from 10:00 am to noon and a performance by acoustic group Uncle Albert at 11:30 am.


November 14-15, 2015
COCA presents
Superman 2050
A Theater Unspeakable production
Founders’ Theatre at COCA
524 Trinity Avenue, St. Louis
Tickets $14 to $18
Call 314.725.6555 or purchase online.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

Epic story, pocket-sized proportions—seven actors share one tiny platform (just 3-by-7 feet of space!) and upon it an original Superman tale unfolds. Set in a fictional 2050 Metropolis with a remarkable resemblance to Chicago, this Theater Unspeakable production highlights imaginative, resourceful cast members who use only their bodies and voices to create every prop, scene, sound effect, and character in a battle between Superman and Lex Luthor.


FlyGuy

November 22, 27, and 28, 2015
Florissant Civic Center presents
Fly Guy and Other Stories
A Theatreworks USA production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $5.25
Call 314.921.5678.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

A new musical revue based on favorite children’s books. Book titles subject to change:  Fly Guy Meets Fly Girl by Tedd Arnold, Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin, Fluffy the Classroom Guinea Pig by Kate McMullan, Horace & Morris But Mostly Dolores by James Howe, Kitten’s First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes, Lilly’s Big Day by Kevin Henkes and Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. Read more about the production on Theatreworks USA’s site.


 

Photo by Rachel Brandt.
Photo by Rachel Brandt

December 19-23, 2015
Imaginary Theatre Company presents
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Heagney Theatre at Nerinx Hall High School
530 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves
Tickets $7
Call 314.968.4925.
Run time: Approximately 50 minutes.

When a kindly shoemaker gives his only remaining pair of shoes to a cold and hungry beggar woman, he finds his good deed rewarded in unexpected ways. The shoemaker is shocked by the appearance of magic elves who turn his simple shoe shop into a great success, thrilling customers with their special creations. Based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm, this beloved, warm-hearted story is perfect for the holiday season, reminding us that where we find kindness, generosity and hope, anything is possible.


 

Photo: Presentation licensed by Disney Music Publishing and Buena Vista Concerts, a division of ABC Inc. © All rights reserved
Photo: Presentation licensed by Disney Music Publishing and Buena Vista Concerts, a division of ABC Inc. © All rights reserved

January 2-3, 2016 
St. Louis Symphony presents
Ratatouille in Concert
Powell Hall
718 North Grand Boulevard
Tickets $35 to $65
Call 314.534.1700 or purchase online.

Savor the tale of a determined young rat with a cultivated palate who gets an unlikely chance to do what he dreams of most—cook in a French restaurant in Paris. In a hilarious chain of events that turns the City of Lights upside down, he achieves his dream with his good pal Linguini. Bring the whole family to experience the Academy Award-winning film Ratatouille on the big screen while the beloved score by composer Michael Giacchino is performed live by the St. Louis Symphony. Learn more about the production. 


 

January 15-17, 2016
Florissant Civic Center presents
Charlotte’s Web
A Theatreworks USA production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7
Call 314.921.5678.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

Theatreworks’ production of Charlotte’s Web is based on E.B. White’s loving story of the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a little gray spider named Charlotte. Wilbur has a problem: how to avoid winding up as pork chops! Charlotte, a fine writer and true friend, hits on a plan to fool Farmer Zuckerman–she will create a “miracle.” Spinning the words “Some Pig” in her web, Charlotte weaves a solution which not only makes Wilbur a prize pig, but ensures his place on the farm forever. This treasured tale, featuring mad-cap and endearing farm animals, explores bravery, selfless love, and the true meaning of friendship. Read more about the production on Theatreworks USA’s site.


 

January 29-30, 2016
Dance St. Louis presents
MOMIX in Alchemia
The Touhill Performing Arts Center
One University Boulevard, St. Louis
Tickets $28 to $55
Call 314.516.4949 or purchase online.

The irrepressible Moses Pendleton presents Alchemia, his new work for the dazzling dancer-illusionists of MOMIX. Just as he led audiences on a surreal journey through the four seasons in Botanica, Pendleton manipulates the four classic elements–earth, air, fire, and water–in Alchemia to produce a show about the art of alchemy, and the alchemy of art. A multimedia spectacle, Alchemia bursts with beauty, daredevil thrills and playful humor. It’s MOMIX at its most magical.


 

February 12-14, 2016
Florissant Civic Center presents
Seussical the Musical
A Theatreworks USA production
James J. Eagan Center
1 James J Eagan Drive, Florissant
Tickets $7
Call 314.921.5678.
Run time: Approximately one hour.

“Oh, the thinks you can think” when Dr. Seuss’s best-loved stories collide and cavort in an unforgettable musical caper! Adapted from the Broadway version, this adaptation especially for young audiences features thirteen actors and enhanced production values. Seussical is TheatreworksUSA’s biggest show ever.

The Cat in the Hat is the host and emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) in this romp through the Seuss classics. When the sweet, good-natured elephant Horton hears a small cry for help coming from a small speck of dust, he promises to rescue and guard it because “a person’s a person, no matter how small.”

On that small speck of dust lives JoJo, an imaginative young Who. JoJo has astounding “thinks,” in which anything’s possible, but his parents believe this creativity is inappropriate for the son of the Mayor of Who-Ville.

Meanwhile, the one-feathered bird, Miss Gertrude McFuzz, desperately wants Horton to notice her. Maybe, she thinks, she just needs a more impressive tail. At the same time, the amazingly lazy Maysie La Bird connives, cajoles and convinces Horton to sit on her egg while she goes off on a spree.

Will the planet of Who survive? Will Horton pay attention to Gertrude? Will Maysie ever return for her egg? Dr. Seuss’s beloved classic characters find themselves intertwined in an incredible crazy-quilt adventure, in which the power of imagination and the most miraculous “think” ever save the day! Read more about Seussical the Musical.

Photo at top: Joan Marcus for Theatreworks USA, Seussical

 

Youth & Family Friendly Events at CAM

In addition to its thought-provoking exhibitions and engaging events, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM) presents several fun and unique programs for youth and families this summer.

StrollerTours

Stroller Tours
Wednesdays, June 3, July 1, and August 5   |  FREE
9 to 10 am
Recommended for infants to 24 months.
Complimentary refreshments.
Designed for art lovers and their young ones, this special guided tour of the current exhibitions offers something new each month.

 

CAM_MorningPlayDate

Morning Play Dates
Wednesdays, June 3, July 1, and August 5   |   FREE
10 to 11 am
Recommended for ages 2 to 5 years old.
Complimentary refreshments.
Aspiring young artists and their families participate in unique art and movement based projects, artist-led activities, and performances. The June 3 Play Date features artist Dani Radosevich who leads an optical glasses art activity in which kids can see through different shades of color to change the perception of their environment. Musical entertainment for the June 3 event features Celia.

 

BlockParty

Family Day Block Party
Saturday, June 20, 10 am to noon   |   FREE
Recommended for ages 3 to 12 years old.
Join CAM, the Pulitzer, and the Sheldon for a special Family Day Block Party filled with art activities, performances, storytelling, face painting, and more at each location (the three arts organizations are adjacent to each other). CAM features a huge cardboard labyrinth workshop and band The Trip Daddys.

 

StopMotion

Stop-Motion Madness Summer Camp
Monday through Friday, July 27-31
9 to 11:30 am
Ages 9 to 13 years old
$125 general; $85 for CAM Family Members
Register by July 13.
Artist Sarah Paulsen guides campers in creating their own collage and live-action animation videos.

 

pagepunk-printmaking

Punk Printmaking Summer Camp
Monday through Friday, July 27-31
12:30 to 3 pm
Ages 9 to 13 years old
$125 general; $85 for CAM Family Members
Register by July 13.
Campers celebrate non-traditional printmaking and create printed artwork, stickers, posters, and t-shirts with artist Eric Repice.

 

pagepunk-printmaking2

Crushed: Found Object Letterpress Workshop
Monday through Friday, August 3-7
1 to 4:30 pm
Ages 14 to 18 years old
Register by May 29.
CAM, Central Print, and artist Sage Dawson offer a new take on traditional and contemporary methods in printmaking. High school students explore letterpress printing on the proof press, including innovative new approaches to using centuries-old art making techniques. This one week program starts with an introduction to letterpress and its history in St. Louis. Students then explore the urban landscape and print posters using found objects that make a literal impression of our culture. A maximum of nine students will be accepted into the program. Once accepted, students attend free of charge and must make a commitment to consistently attend all five classes.

Classes meet at two locations 1 to 4:30 pm:
August 3 & 4 at Central Print, 2624 N. 14th St., St. Louis, MO 63106
August 5 at CAM, 3750 Washington Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63108
August 6 & 7 at Central Print, 2624 N. 14th St., St. Louis, MO 63106

 

Photos: Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis (CAM)