Tag Archives: Dance St. Louis

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

Family Friendly Theater Events

Here are some great live theater events to take your family to in the next few weeks.

1. Diavolo: Friday, February 28 at 8 pm; Saturday, March 1 at 2 pm and 8 pm
The Minneapolis Star Tribune calls dance company, Diavolo, ““A wild mash-up between Cirque du Soleil and American Gladiators with Vegas-style showmanship.” The company is one of the West Coast’s most prominent dance companies and a designated cultural treasure of the City of Los Angeles. Composed of modern dancers, athletes, gymnasts, ballet dancers, martial artists, actors, and stunt performers, Diavolo pushes the boundaries of dance through its dynamic movement and signature use of colossal set pieces, including skateboard ramps, a 15-foot staircase, an 18-foot aluminum and steel spinning wheel, and a giant cube that turns into a pyramid. A Dance St. Louis presentation. Approximate run time is 90 minutes with one intermission. Best for children 6 years old and up.

Touhill Performing Arts Center
Tickets $33 to $55

 

2. The Tortoise and the Hare: Friday, February 28 at 7 pm (doors open at 6:30 pm)
The Imaginary Theatre Company produces wonderful children’s productions with great singing, dancing, and humor. This well known Aesop’s fable springs to life in a fun new musical adaptation. Henry is a racer, one of the fastest bunnies the forest has ever seen. Shelly’s a tortoise, his quietly devoted best friend. Henry has always been the star of the show, until one day Shelly starts to have some dreams of her own. With the help of their forest friends, Shelly realizes her own worth and Henry finds out that sometimes being the best isn’t the most important thing. Best for children 5 to 8 years old (who can stay up late!). Approximate run time is 45 minutes.

St. Louis County Public Library Headquarters, Main Reading Room
FREE

TortoiseandtheHare

 

3. The Ugly Duckling & The Tortoise and the Hare: Friday, March 21 at 7:30 pm; Saturday, March 22 at 2 pm; Sunday, March 23 at 2 pm
Lightwire Theater, in conjunction with Corbian Visual Arts and Dance, bring their use of cutting edge technology, moving sculpture, and dance to an unforgettable theatrical experience. The Ugly Duckling and The Tortoise and the Hare use Corbian’s signature electroluminescent puppetry. Hans Christian Andersen’s The Ugly Duckling has helped generations of children understand one of humanity’s universal struggles. Lightwire Theater brings this classic story to the modern stage offering hope to us all as we root for the ugly duckling who exemplifies resilience and heroism along the way to becoming a beautiful swan. Aesop’s fable, The Tortoise and the Hare, now more than 2,500 years old, continues to drive home the time-tested adage, “Slow and steady wins the race.” Lightwire Theater, with its dazzling visuals, poignant choreography, and creative use of music ranging from classical to jazz to pop, literally brings these beloved tales into a new and brilliant light. Best for children 3 years old and up. Approximate run time is one hour.

Florissant Civic Center
Tickets $7

 

4. The Snail and the Whale: Saturday, March 22 at 2 pm and 5 pm; Sunday, March 23 at 1 pm and 4 pm
Tall Stories, last seen at COCA in the supremely entertaining production of The Gruffalo, present their latest collaboration with author Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler. Through songs and storytelling, The Snail and the Whale is about a tiny snail who takes a ride on the tail of a humpback whale. When the whale finds himself beached, he suddenly needs the help of his tiny passenger. How will the snail save him? This journey is presented through the eyes of an adventurous young girl and her seafaring father. Best for children ages 3 to 10. Approximate run time is 50 minutes.

COCA
Tickets $16 to $20

Top photo: Copyright Tall Stories

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet

“Fierce, athletic, and compulsively sensual.” – Village Voice

Dance St. Louis presents Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet January 28 and 29 at Touhill Performing Arts Center. This New York based company works with some meaty and brilliant choreographers and beautiful dancers. Led by French-born Artistic Director Benoit-Swan Pouffer, the company will bring St. Louis dance fans some breath-filled, exhilarating, poignant, and stunning movement. We don’t get to see much contemporary ballet in this area, so be sure to experience this performance. I have yet to see Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet live, but from their video excerpts, there is clearly something visceral and Ballet Boyz/William Forsythe going on…

Friday, January 28 at 8 pm  |  Touhill Performing Arts Center
Saturday, January 29 at 2 pm and 8 pm  |  Touhill Performing Arts Center

Tickets $28 to $50

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet Videos

Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet on Flickr