Get out of the cold and into the theatres (or, in at least one case, basketball arena) this winter! From children’s plays and puppet shows to symphonies for kids to classic tales on ice to acrobatic hoops, there’s live entertainment to indulge every interest. Here are details on what you can see on local stages, with most descriptions pulled straight from the websites.
Dr. Doo-Little
Where: Imagination Stage
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $10-22
Hugh Lofting is a Lieutenant in the British Army. In his letters to his son, he tells exciting stories about an eccentric doctor who can talk to animals! Dr. Dolittle has abandoned his traditional medical practice in favor of feathered, four legged, furry, ferocious, and in some cases, fantastical beasts. His profession leads him to Africa where he and his young apprentice encounter clever monkeys, giant elephants, lion cubs and even the wicked pirate Ben Ali! Through his unconventional methods, Dr. Dolittle must bring peace to all the warring creatures.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale
Where: Kennedy Center
When: Through January 8
Tickets: $20
Chock full of adventure, song, and gigantic dancing laundry, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical tells a tale of firsts: a stuffed animal’s first trip to the laundry, a little girl’s first words, and a Daddy’s first time dealing with his child going “boneless.” Based on his beloved Caldecott Honor–winning picture book, six-time Emmy Award winner Mo Willems joins Grammy Award(r)–winning composer Michael Silversher to lovingly celebrate the heart and heartache that can only come from a family visit to the local Laundromat. Praised as “a suds-related yarn with such wit and sprightliness that you’re half-inclined to swing by the nearest coin-operated front loader and feed it all your quarters, just for the fun of it,” by the Washington Post following its 2010 premiere, this fun musical is back by popular demand. Recommended for age 4 and up.
Mouse on the Move
Where: Imagination Stage
When: January 5 – February 5
Tickets: $10
Nellie and Amelia are two adventurous mice ready to explore the world beyond their little mouse-hole. They decide to go to the moon, since it is cat-free and made entirely of delicious, mouth-watering cheese. In this world premiere interactive play, there are many opportunities for audience participation. Join as they all try to reach beyond the stars. Recommended for ages 1-5.
Darius the Dragon & Rap-Punzel
Where: Encore Stage
When: January 6-15
Tickets: $12/adults, $10/children
What happens when the tale of a goofy dragon is paired with the story of an imprisoned princess? An afternoon at the theatre guaranteed to entertain the whole family! For the first time ever, Encore is thrilled to offer you two shows in one afternoon! First, Darius the Dragon enjoys his home in a quiet, peaceful cave — until it is destroyed by a bulldozer! Homeless and frightened, Darius must brave the noise and pollution of the 21st century and lead his new friends in a crusade to find the king of this strange new land. Next up, when a loving husband is caught stealing from a garden, he and his wife are forced to give their daughter to the witch next door. The witch raises the girl high in a tower where she yearns for life beyond her window sill. Join us for the classic tale of Rapunzel — told entirely in a rhythmic rhyming style! Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Airborne Comedians
Where: Alden Theatre
When: January 7
Tickets: $15/McLean residents, $20/non-residents
Enjoy gravity defying entertainment as the Airborne Comedians juggle electric guitars, lawn chairs and other seemingly non-juggleables. This pair is a sure bet to make you laugh.
Saturday Mornings at the National
Where: National Theatre
When: Most Saturdays through April 28
Tickets: Free, but required. Distributed day of on first-come, first-served basis.
The free theatre program began runs on select Saturdays through the spring. Musicals, plays, storytelling, and comedy shows are all part of the live entertainment line-up. See the complete schedule of performances here.
Peter & The Wolf
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: January 13 – February 19
Tickets: $10
One of The Puppet Co.’s best loved stories, this performance starts with an introduction to musical instruments used to signify each of the character, then blends into the story of Peter and his animal friends’ attempts to capture wily wolf “Old Lupus.” The one-man show, performed by puppetmaster Christopher Piper, is based on Russia’s popular tale of good versus evil and staged with half life-size marionettes. This production is a new approach to the old tale, using character dialogue rather than narrative to develop the plot. Recommended for pre-K and up.
Alladin, Jr.
Where: Burke Community Church
When: January 13, 14, 20, & 21
Tickets: $10
Welcome to Agrabah, City of Enchantment, where every beggar has a story and every camel has a tail! The Northern Virginia Players is pleased to announce their next show Aladdin, Jr. Filled with magic, mayhem, and flying carpet rides, audiences’ spirits will soar with excitement. This Academy award-winning show will thrill audiences of all ages. Northern Virginia Players and the cast of Aladdin Jr will make this musical a favorite for many years to come.
NSO Teddy Bear Concert: Teddy and the Ten Hats
Where: Kennedy Center
When: January 14
Tickets: $18
What’s a bear to wear when he has ten hats but only one head? The answer to that puzzle is in the music of this cute Teddy Bear Concert about a fuzzy fella with a zany collection of hats that represent a wide variety of music from Haydn to Sousa and beyond. Part dress-up party, part musical travelogue, kids can travel across styles and borders in these concerts presented by NSO musicians Aaron Goldman on flute, William Wielgus on oboe, and Janet Frank on cello. Recommended for ages 3 to 5, kids can bring their favorite stuffed animal to these interactive programs and have their teddy bear friend join in all the fun. And get there early for “Musical Playtime.” Starting 45 minutes before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy music and movement activities especially designed for small children.
Tiny Tots
Where: The Puppet Co.
When: Starting 1/18 – most Wednesdays, Saturdays, & Sundays at 10am
Tickets: $5
The series presents puppet shows designed for the youngest theater patrons (ages 0-4). They are shorter, the lights stay on, and the doors stay open. They have an arsenal of shows that they switch up every performance, so be sure to check the schedule to see what’s playing when you go.
How Old is a Hero?
Where: Discovery Theater
When: January 20 & 25
Tickets: $3-8
See this terrific touring show before it goes on the road. Meet Ernest Green of the Little Rock Nine, the first black student to graduate from an integrated high school; Claudette Colvin, who refused to give up her bus seat before Rosa Parks; and Ruby Bridges, who won equal rights before she could read. Learn about their compelling experiences and be inspired by the courage and hope of our youngest citizens The show features moving archival Civil Rights recordings.
The Snowy Day
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: January 20 – February 12
Tickets: $18
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first American picture book that featured an African-American child as the main character. The simple tale of a boy waking up to discover that snow has fallen during the night is brought to life in the magical world premiere. Peter celebrates the snow-draped inner city with a day of adventures-experimenting with footprints, knocking snow from a tree, creating snow angels, and trying to save a snowball for the next day.
The Wright Brothers: A Musical Play With Rainbow Puppet Productions
Where: Discovery Theater
When: January 26-27
Tickets: $3-8
Experience the fun of man’s first powered flight, presented by Rainbow Puppet Productions. This inspirational story about hard work and determination is told through lively songs and a variety of puppetry styles: hand, rod, and shadow. Recommended for ages 2-10.
P. Nokio
Where: Imagination Stage
When: February 1 – March 11
Tickets: $10-22
G.Petto is an ingenious designer of computer games who works for the evil Machine Master. One day he discovers that his new character, P.Nokio, can escape the computer! G.Petto is delighted at the prospect of having a “son.” With the help of the Graffiti Fairy, he sets out to teach P.Nokio how to become a real boy by attending the Old School and studying the art of rhyme. Unfortunately, P.Nokio is tempted by The Way of Fun and Trouble and The Land of Fools. He finds himself in the company of con artists and in a tangle of lies that endanger his newfound father. To save G.Petto from Machine Master, P.Nokio must wise up, keep it real and learn that words and truth are the mightiest. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Teen Ensemble: Romeo and Juliet
Where: Synetic Theater
When: February 3-4
Tickets: $15
The teens of Synetic Studio will perform the Shakespearean classic in the Synetic style under the direction of Senior Company Member Ryan Sellers and assisted by Alex Mills and Ben Cunis.
The Wings of Ikarus Jackson
Where: Kennedy Center
When: February 4-19
Tickets: $18
There is something puzzling about the new boy at school. Instead of a backpack, Ikarus Jackson has a feathery white set of wings and can fly. To get away from the kids who are taunting him for his uniquely feathered look, Ikarus soars through the city, over rooftops and playgrounds, like a slow-motion instant replay. Just when he thinks he’s all alone, a brave schoolgirl tells him what someone should have from the start: “your flying is beautiful.” Caldecott Honor and Coretta Scott King Honor winner Christopher Myers’s colorful and lovingly assembled collage-illustrated children’s book comes to life as an all-new dance-theater piece. For ages 8 and up.
Three Bears
Where: 1st Stage Theatre
When: February 9 – March 4
Tickets: $15
This brand-new play offers a comedic twist on the classic fairy tale and sends the Three Bears and a golden-haired friend on an all-new, a cappella musical adventure. The show is fast-paced, furry fun for the families. Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Disney on Ice: 100 Years of Magic
Where: Verizon Center
When: February 15-20
Tickets: $20-75
Join the celebration as 65 of Disney’s unforgettable characters from 18 beloved stories come to life in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic! You’ll be captivated by the one and only Mickey Mouse, the irresistible Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Donald Duck, Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio and many of the Disney Princesses. Be thrilled by exciting moments from The Lion King; Mulan; and Disney/Pixar’s Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, and Toy Story films; in a skating spectacular filled with magical Disney moments you’ll remember forever as Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic!
Tot Rock: Jammin’ at the Smithsonian presents Rocknoceros
Where: Discovery Theater
When: February 23
Tickets: $3-6
Discovery Theater favorites Coach, Williebob, and Boogie Woogie Bennie return to party with us and sing brand new songs from their recently released album, Colonel Purple Turtle. Don’t worry, they’ll also sing some of your old favorites, and we’ll have fun together like we always do when these great kids’ musicians visit us on The Mall. Their new CD and companion book will be on sale after the show.
Intersections: A New America Arts Festival
Where: Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: February 23 – March 11
Tickets: Vary by Performance
The Atlas Performing Art Center’s celebration of art as a form of connection and communication will include several family-friendly performances through it’s two and a half week run, including an interactive play, a jazz show, canine entertainment, drumming performances, and more.
The Magic Flute
Where: The Puppet Co. Playhouse
When: February 24 – March 11
Tickets: $10
The Puppet Co.’s most elaborate full marionette production. Christopher Piper’s adaptation of Mozart’s fantasy opera is a clear, understandable hour of beautiful music, dazzling special effects, and exquisite marionettes in fantastic animal shapes. Sung on tape in English by a talented local group of professional singers, this is the perfect introduction for children to great music. In this version of the story, the hero, Prince Tamino, is lost in a strange land. He meets a birdcatcher called Papageno. Together they are confronted by the Queen of the Night who begs Tamino to rescue her daughter Pamina who is being held captive by the evil Sarastro.
Tamino and Papageno travel to Sarastro’s realm and find Pamino. Then they meet Sarastro and discover that he is not evil, but a kindly ruler. Sarastro senses that Tamino and Pamino love each other and tells Tamino that if he can survive three trials that the couple will rule in harmony over the realm in his place. Recommended for grades 1 and up.
Culkin School of Irish Dance
Where: BlackRock Center for the Arts
When: March 3, 1pm & 3pm
Tickets: $12
Families will thrill to the athletic and artistic dancing by the talented students of this beloved Washington area institution. Culkin dancers have performed at the White House, the Kennedy Center and many local festivals. You’ll want to tap along in your seat! Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Out of the Box
Where: Landmark Mall & Atlas Performing Arts Center
When: March 1-18 (Landmark) & March 20-25 (Atlas)
Tickets: $8, free for 12 months and under
Follow an energetic young girl named PJ, as she discovers the possibilities one box can hold. With the everyday items she finds in the box, PJ transports the audience into her imaginary world filled with new places and sounds to explore. One room can hold an entire ocean; one box, an entire cave; 3 stuffed animals can be friends and fellow adventurers; and home takes on a new meaning. Out of the Box is infused with magic that comes from the young audience’s willingness to use their imaginations and play. Using music, sounds, and gentle interaction, PJ will engage children and adults in crafting this delightful and fun-filled world together.This world premiere production is a 30-minute, interactive, non-verbal show featuring an adult actor and musical accompaniment by an upright bass player.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Where: Adventure Theatre
When: March 2 – April 9
Tickets: $18
Alexander is having a bad day. A terrible day. A horrible day. To be quite honest, it’s a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day. But then, everybody has bad days, sometimes. Not only does Alexander wake up with gum in his hair, but his mother forgets to pack him dessert, and his best friend decides he’s not his best friend anymore. And if that’s not bad enough, Alexander’s brothers don’t have any cavities but—he does. And just when it can’t get any worse, there are lima beans for supper and —yuck!—kissing on TV. It is enough to make anyone want to go to Australia. Uuuugggghhh. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
NSO Family Concert: The Mozart Experience with Magic Circle Mime Company
Where: Kennedy Center
When: March 4
Tickets: $15-18
See the life of Mozart come together–one piece at a time–when Magic Circle Mime Company rejoins the NSO to perform The Mozart Experience. When a mischievous street musician is caught playing the orchestra’s grand piano, she is surprised to not receive a scolding from the conductor, but instead an invitation to “be Mozart” in this program about one of the most famous composers of all time. The street musician and her prankster companion must now confront dilemmas and opportunities similar to those faced by Mozart himself. In doing so, the audience experiences Mozart’s life as a very human story–as well as a great musical adventure! Recommended for ages 5 and up.
The Magic Lamp of Alladin
Where: By Encore Stage at Kenmore Middle School
When: March 9-18
Tickets: $12/adults, $10/children
In this thrilling tale, the adventurous Aladdin crosses paths with the evil magician Jammal and his wicked sister Halima. Only with the help of his clever monkey, Alakazam, the crafty Princess Jasmine and, not one, but three comical genies, can Aladdin prevent his magic lamp from falling into the wrong hands. Recommended for ages 4 and up.
Harlem Globetrotters
Where: Verizon Center & Patriot Center
When: March 24-25
Tickets: $19.95-144.50
The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters bring their ridiculous basketball skills and amazing athletes to the Washington, DC-Metro area for three fun family shows!