By Micaela Williamson
Visit the theater this month to see these beloved live performances that will entertain the whole family.
“Shrek the Musical”
Encore Stage and Studio
Arlington
July 17-26
Based on the 2001 DreamWorks film “Shrek” and William Steig’s 1990 book “Shrek,” this musical rendition features the familiar story of Princess Fiona, a gang of fairy-tale misfits and the bad Lord Farquaad. Shrek the ogre, with his talkative sidekick Donkey, becomes the unlikely hero. Encore Stage and Studio is known to be “theatre for kids, by kids” but notes, “Like the film, this musical contains irreverent humor and action sequences; we recommend this production for ages 8 and older.”
“Once Upon A Time“
Workhouse Arts Center
Lorton
July 18 and 25
Fairy-tale characters intermingle in this crossover tale featuring Cinderella, Snow White and the Princess and the Frog. An Evil Queen tries to conquer all three and change their stories. It looks like a real mess, and it is. Come and see how (and if) these tangled up tales get fixed.
“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang“
Alliance Theatre
Chantilly
July 24-31, 2015
When eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and his children set forth to restore an old race car, they soon discover it has magical properties. Trouble occurs when the evil Baron Bomburst tries to get the car for himself. This musical features a score from the Sherman Brothers and is based on the classic 1968 version of the Ian Fleming children’s book.
“Garfield, The Musical with Cattitude“
Adventure Theatre MTC
Glen Echo, Maryland
Now through Aug. 23
Jim Davis’ Garfield, a chubby and sarcastic tabby cat, comes to the stage. Garfield thinks he’s the best cat ever and deserves the most amazing birthday celebration. However, when his friends forget the date, he feels rejected and ventures off to find his own adventure. In this charming tale, Garfield quickly learns that “home is where the heart … and the food is.”
“Clue the Musical“
Northern Virginia Players
Lorton
July 30-Aug. 2, 2015
Was it Mr. Green in the Parlor with a rope or Mrs. Peacock in the Billiard Room with a lead pipe? Watch as this favorite board game comes alive with comedy, witty lyrics and a fun musical score. There are 216 possible solutions!
- Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography
Micaela Williamson is a coauthor 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.
