Upcoming local family-friendly productions based on literary works
Snow White
Next Stop Theatre
Herndon
April 9-24
Recommended for ages 5 and up
This twist on the original story includes a feisty Snow White who makes her own decisions and chooses her own happy ending. Next Stop Theatre says, “Come for the princess story; stay for the kung fu!” Kids will love the positive message of following your dreams.
Read the story: The real Snow White is a classic tale written by the Brothers Grimm. Compare and contrast the old fairy tale to its modern interpretation.
Shrek the Musical
Northern Virginia Players
Burke
April 22-30
Recommended for ages 5 and up
Travel to a fairy tale land with the band of misfits including Shrek the ogre, a comical donkey, the gingerbread man, a princess with a secret and more. The familiar plot is laced with an upbeat musical score and teaches the lessons of friendship and self-worth. This unique production features a cast made up of 60 local youth aged 8-18.
Read the story: Before it was a popular DreamWorks franchise, Shrek was actually a storybook written by William Steig.
The Emperor’s Nightingale
Adventure Theatre
Bethesda, Maryland
April 22-May 30
Recommended for ages 4 and up
Set in 18th-century China, this production features a magical bird with a sweet song that saves the empire and helps a stubborn prince become a wise ruler. This adaptation includes a musical score and plot that focuses on the emperor’s younger days.
Read the story: Peruse the traditional The Emperor’s Nightingale, a short story written by fairy tale icon Hans Christian Anderson.
Moby Dick
Kennedy Center Family Theater
Washington, D.C.
April 23–24
Recommended for ages 7 and up
Germany’s award-winning Theater Triebwerk combines motion and music to tell the epic saga of Moby-Dick. The crew, led by Captain Ahab, embarks in a voyage across the seven seas to seek vengeance on the infamous white whale. Throughout the performance, the actors keep the audience engaged and at the edge of their seats through use of costumes, interesting movements and a variety of musical instruments.
Read the story: Older children may be ready to tackle the epic legend written by Herman Melville. For a simplified illustrated version, try Classic Starts: Moby-Dick by Kathleen Olmstead.
Clifford the Big Red Dog
Hylton Performing Arts Center
Manassas
April 30
Recommended for ages 3-6
Clifford the Big Red Dog has been a loveable children’s character for over 50 years. In this production, the audience will join Clifford, Emily Elizabeth and their friends from Birdwell Island in a musical and interactive show filled with heartfelt lessons for children. Special meet and greet opportunities with the cast are available following the performance.
Read the books: There are now over 50 different Clifford storybooks by Norman Bridwell in print with themes such as holidays, friendship, family situations and more. For generations, little ones have fell in love with the big red dog.
Courtesy of Tiffany Brown, Mamaratzy Photography 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.
