Erin Leigh Peck is a New York based actor, writer and mother. She has performed on and off Broadway, in regional theatre and on tour, in films and on television. She most recently appeared Off-Broadway in The Toxic Avenger Musical and can often be seen on television in various commercials. Erin's play Mother of Mine is a contemporary 'dramedy' about pregnancy, parenthood and postpartum. She is the proud and busy mother of two extremely awesome kids. Please visit her web site, www.ErinLeighPeck.com.
 BWW JR: 1-2-3 Imagine- ELMO'S COMING!
January 24, 2012
My three year old couldn't be more excited: we are going to see Elmo. I'm sorry, did you not hear me? I SAID WE ARE GOING TO SEE ELMO! That's right, from Thursday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 26, Elmo and the gang will be visiting Madison Square Garden in their new production, 1-2-3 IMAGINE!.
 BWW JR: THE BULLY Walking a Mile in Someone Else's Sandals With Socks
January 16, 2012
We've all had it happen to us. Some of us worse than others, but everyone who's lived past the age of eighteen has at some point in their lives been the target of a bully. For me it was a boy named Chris who used to torture me at the bus stop (are you reading this you jerk?). For a whole year of my life, I started out each morning being called names by a boy who I now realize was too insecure to just hang out and talk to other kids for ten minutes without diverting the focus off of himself. I wonder what it was he was so afraid of the rest of us seeing?
 BWW JR: THE SISTER ACT SCHOOL CHALLENGE- Spread the Love Around
January 3, 2012
Remember last Spring when I took my daughter to see Sister Act? It was her very first Broadway show, and a perfect choice for a little Jewish girl who is terrified of guns on stage. She ended up loving every moment of it and I was able to proudly recommend it for kids ages ten and up.
 BWW JR: BIG APPLE CIRCUS DREAM BIG- An Afternoon of Firsts
December 30, 2011
I've never been to the circus. Can you believe it? I'm thirty (ahem) years old and have never seen a show under the big top, and neither have my kids. They also never tasted cotton candyuntil last Wednesday, that is, when we followed New York winter break tradition and caught the Big Apple Circus' latest show, "Dream Big".
 BWW JR: Help! I Have One Day to Buy Gifts for Theatre Lovers!
December 22, 2011
Why, why, why is it always the mom who has to do all of the gift-buying? I work. I take care of the kids. I produce spare hours by magic when the day is over and there's work left to be done. Why is it MY responsibility to make sure nobody thinks we are too rude to give gifts? Just when all this extra holiday responsibility is piled on my plate (shopping, holiday card mailing, end-of-year-tipping, packing, cooking and shopping, shopping, shopping!), that's when the kids are off school and all the babysitters in NYC go on vacation. I'm even late with this article! It was supposed to be in last week. But hopefully the rest of you are as late with your holiday shopping as I am and this information is coming just in time.
 BWW JR: THE FRESH BEAT BAND LIVE CONCERT TOUR- Beg, Borrow or Steal, Just Get Tickets!
December 20, 2011
Did you hear the news? The Fresh Beats are coming. You might be too late to grab a ticket, but if you want to see them live, RUN. Seriously. Or check ebay. Or get a job writing about family theatre. This thing is the hottest ticket since Barbara Streisand's final farewell tour. Both of them.
 BWW JR: The NYBG Holiday Train Show and Gingerbread Adventure- Chilly and Worth It
December 19, 2011
This past weekend my family observed our December tradition by visiting the Holiday Train Show at the New York Botanical Gardens. While it's not your typical "show", it is a grand experiment in theatricality and a wonder for any child, especially one interested in trains or design (future set designer anyone?). Natural materials such as bark, twigs, stems, fruits, seeds, and pinecones, are used to create more than 140 scaled, iconic buildings, including the original New Amsterdam Theatre and Radio City Music Hall. Amidst the twinkling glow of holiday lights that surround this enchanted model New York, more than a dozen model railway trains-from late-1800s American steam engines and streetcars to modern freight and high-speed passenger trains and trolleys-traverse nearly a quarter-mile of track across rustic bridges, along overhead trestles, through tunnels, and past waterfalls that cascade into flowing creeks. And yes, Thomas is there.
 BWW JR: Cathy Rigby is PETER PAN- She Never Grows Up...And I Want to Know Her Secret
December 16, 2011
When I heard that Madison Square Garden would be hosting a production of Peter Pan this month, I knew I had to bring my kids to see it. We've had an amazing year since I started covering family theatre for BroadwayWorld. My kids and I have seen a lot of great shows. But Peter Pan brings it all full circle for me, because long, long ago, in a time called the early 80's, Peter Pan was playing at the Lunt-Fontanne and it was the first Broadway show I ever saw. Back then, Peter was played by Sandy Duncan, one of the three iconic Peter Pans along with Mary Martin and of course Cathy Rigby.
 BWW JR: FRECKLEFACE STRAWBERRY THE MUSICAL- She's Ba-ack!
December 14, 2011
It's official. Julianne Moore's polka-dotted optimist is back in New York after a successful run at New World Stages. She's been gone since last Spring and we've missed her rosy cheeks and crimson curls. It's been a year since my daughter and I first saw the musical to which all other children's musicals would be compared. Click HERE to read about our experience with this funny, quirky story that carries a weighty message of anti-bullying and self-acceptance.
 BWW JR: Peter PANtomime at MMAC- KIds Love to Watch Kids
December 10, 2011
If you're looking for weekend plans, you still have time to catch the kids from SHUFFLES dance and musical theatre academy strut there stuf at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center. Peter PANtomime tells the classic Peter Pan story with a tap-dancing twist, and all the performers are kids. (All except three Broadway guest artist mentors including Liza Gennaro who directed me in my college production of ON THE TOWN and is the associate choreographer of Peter PANtomime). I brought my three-year-old last night and he was captivated. Just the fact that he sat still for an hour impressed me, but more impressive were a few of the young Broadway stars-to-be on the stage. I guess that's what you get when you attend a New York City dance recital. Some of the kids here are the real deal! It's a long way from my strip-mall dance studio in Connecticut, that's for sure.
 BWW JR: ANGELINA BALLERINA THE VERY MERRY HOLIDAY MUSICAL Opening Performance Photos
December 7, 2011
On the heels of the popular and well received launch of the original production ANGELINA BALLERINA THE MUSICAL last fall, Vital Theatre Company and HIT Entertainment continue their collaboration with an all-new live musical production. In ANGELINA BALLERINATM THE VERY MERRY HOLIDAY MUSICAL, Angelina and her friends are planning an absolutely positively spectacular holiday dance pageant; the best in all of Mouseland! When a mix-up prevents the pageant from going on, Angelina and her friends must use their creativity to save the show. By working together, Angelina, Alice, Gracie, AZ, Marco and Angelina's little sister Polly discover the true spirit of the holidays. It's not about things you receive, but the holiday cheer you share. With dancing, singing and festivities, this heart-warming musical is perfect for the holiday season!
 BWW JR: Freckleface Strawberry and Peter PANtomime
December 2, 2011
On December 10th, an old favorite and an exciting new addition to the New York family theatre scene will be giving something back. Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, the new Off-Broadway destination for family theatre, will be donating all proceeds from the 3 PM performance of Freckleface Strawberry and the 5 PM performance of the new show Peter PANtomime to Save the Children. It's a great way to take advantage of some terrific family theatre while supporting an important cause this holiday season.
 BWW JR: MARY POPPINS- Practically Perfect
November 29, 2011
About three years ago, when my daughter was five, she was invited to join a classmate and the classmate's grandmother on a Grandmother/Granddaughter day at the theatre. This lovely woman had graciously paid for Orchestra seats to The Lion King for her grandchild and my daughter. Full price orchestra seats. You can see where this is goingten minutes into the first act, my daughter got scared and all three of them ended up watching the show from the monitors in the Lobby. For the price of three orchestra seats.
 BWW JR: A Tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre
November 28, 2011
Last weekend the folks at Disney Theatrical set me and my daughter up for a real treat. My eight-year-old, her friend and I along with other bloggers and columnists were all invited on a special preview tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre, home to Broadway's Mary Poppins. This was more than a backstage tour (which ps, you can get if you toss $150 into the BCEFA holiday collection bucket from now until December 4thif you are lucky enough to be seeing Mary Poppins this week, consider taking advantage of this special treat in return for supporting a terrific cause).
 BWW JR: ANGELINA BALLERINA THE VERY MERRY HOLIDAY MUSICAL- Time to Get Your Holiday On
November 16, 2011
Last week marked the official, one-year anniversary of BroadwayWorld Jr. I took a moment to look back on the first few shows I took my kids to see last year. My daughter, then six, was young enough to enjoy children's theatre designed for actual children and my son, then two, was too young to enjoy anything. Now I find my theatre-going family is moving on to the next stage. Later this week, my almost-eight-year-old and I will catch a preview of Lysistrata Jones, and my little guy is over the moon excited to see more shows with Mommy.
 BWW JR: The Amazing Max and the Box of Interesting Things
November 15, 2011
Last week marked the official, one-year anniversary of BroadwayWorld Jr. I took a moment to look back on the first few shows I took my kids to see last year. My daughter, then six, was young enough to enjoy children's theatre designed for actual children and my son, then two, was too young to enjoy anything. Now I find my theatre-going family is moving on to the next stage. Later this week, my almost-eight-year-old and I will catch a preview of Lysistrata Jones, and my little guy is over the moon excited to see more shows with Mommy.
 BWW JR: GODSPELL- Pop Culture Meets Ancient Parable
October 31, 2011
Godspell is best when it wears its heart on its sleeve. That's not necessarily a comment on this most recent revival of Steven Shwartz's classic theatricalized telling of the Gospel According to Matthew, it's what's written into the soul of the script. With all the permission you are given to explore, create and improvise while doing a production of Godspell, this material shines brightest when it's left alone and allowed to breathe. Strong singers, a company of connected actors moving as one and those gorgeous, Steven Shwartz songs are what can make moments memorable for an audience of Godspell. When those moments happen (and they do happen in this production, most notably at the top of Act II and during my favorite song, 'Day by Day'), you understand why this once progressive and experimental musical has become a classic. Often funny, intentionally self-aware and full of enough shtick to entertain even the sulkiest tween, Godspell sells itself best when it stops trying to....well...sell itself.
 MamaDrama Reports: QUEEN OF THE MIST-A Life of Her Own Design
October 26, 2011
MamaDrama on BroadwayWorld is a new initiative that's perfect for theatre-loving parents. MamaDrama reports are here to help you decide what's worth the cost of the sitter! The shows covered by MamaDrama have been especially selected for you, the discerning yet busy parent who craves great theatre but can't afford to waste time or money. When you visit the MamaDrama page here on BroadwayWorld.com, you'll see blog posts from top parent bloggers, letting you know the real deal on great theatre....without the drama.
 BWW JR: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
October 24, 2011
There are two things I'll say right from the start about Off-Broadway Family Theatre's production of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe now playing at St. Luke's Theatre: It's one of the best pieces of family theatre I've seen since I started this column almost a year ago, and five minutes in my daughter whispered in my ear, 'I really hate this.'
 SPIDER-MAN Announces Halloween Costume Ticket Giveaway!
October 21, 2011
SPIDER-MAN Turn Off The Dark (Michael Cohl and Jeremiah J. Harris, Producers) has announced an exciting ticket giveaway in celebration of Halloween! At both the 1:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. performance on Wednesday, October 26th, the first 100 people at the box office one hour prior to curtain can get one child's ticket free with the purchase of one full price adult ticket when the child (age 4-15) is wearing a full Spider-Man costume. All children in costume at the matinee performance will also be invited to meet Spider-Man and take a photo with him immediately following the performance!
 BWW JR: NEWSIES- A History Lesson with Choreography
October 10, 2011
The first Broadway Show my parents ever took me to see was Peter Pan. I remember this fluttery feeling in my stomach as the orchestra started to play the overture, and a few years later I was surprised to experience that same feeling as I waited off stage to make my entrance during a summer camp production of 'Charlotte's Web' (I played the Narrator). Of course I soon grew up, got training and also got critical and even though I still love performing in and attending shows, it's rare that I feel the butterflies. But last week, at Paper Mill Playhouse's production of Newsie's the Musical, I could feel them....and they were fluttering around inside my seven-year-old daughter's tummy as she sat beside me!
 BWW JR: UNCLE PIRATE- Eye Patches Are Optional
September 28, 2011
This past weekend, my family welcomed a new era of family theatre reporting: My daughter, almost eight, is officially too old for 'Baby Shows' and my son, age three, is ready to sit in a chair for more than 47 seconds. I have a feeling that my kids will be taking turns helping Mommy with her writing job, but this past weekend we found something that was good for for all of us: The Vital Theatre Company's production of Uncle Pirate.
 MamaDrama NY Reports: MOTHERHOOD OUT LOUD
September 26, 2011
This month, Broadwayworld Jr. and I are proud to be a part of a new initiative that's perfect for the theatre-loving parents who read this column. It's called MamaDrama NY, and it's here to remind us that even though we love taking our kids to the theatre, the best stuff out there is usually just for adults and most of us would like a little help from fellow theatre-loving parents when deciding what's worth the cost of the sitter! The shows covered by MamaDrama NY have been especially selected for you, the discerning yet busy parent who craves great theatre but can't afford to waste time or money. When you visit the MamaDrama NY page here on BroadwayWorld.com, you'll see blog posts from top parent bloggers, letting you know the real deal on great theatre....without the drama.
 BWW JR: Introducing MAMADRAMA NY!
September 26, 2011
Last week, at the end of BoradwayWorld Jr.'s 'Fall Flash' article which highlighted the best family theatre options for fall, I added on a just for parents' recommendation for those of us who make it a priority to see theatre that's worth the cost of the sitter. A lot of you liked this, and that's why it gives me great pleasure to announce a new partnership between BroadwayWorld and MAMADRAMA NY.
 BWW JR: FALL FLASH!
September 20, 2011
With all the chaos of getting two kids back to school, making the transition from summer to cool weather and preparing for the upcoming High Holidays, it's been hard to get my kids to the theatre. This weekend we'll be back on the family theatre circuit, checking out the return of UNCLE PIRATE at Vital Theatre Company. Until then, here's a sneak peak at what fall in New York has to offer your junior theatre fan:
 The Berenstain Bears LIVE! Launches New Healthy Eating Initiative
September 20, 2011
The Berenstain Bears LIVE! and sponsors NY Metro Parents, Manhattan Movement and Arts Center and Theatermania partner to bring Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move' to Bear Country, featuring a FREE performance of The Berenstain Bears LIVE! The first 100 families who download our 'Let's Move in Bear Country' pledge found at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com/LetsMove will be awarded two tickets to the event, which includes a pre-show Healthy Snacktime, a FREE performance, a post-show dance lesson, and face painting and photos with the Bears. 'Let's Move in Bear Country' takes place on Sunday, September 25th at 3:30pm at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center.
 BWW JR: ANNIE Casting- Shine Like the Chrysler Building!
September 6, 2011
Arielle Tepper Madover isn't just a Tony award winning Broadway producer, she's also a mom. Like all of us, she puts a lot of value on her kids' emotional development, and she recognizes how important self-esteem is, especially for young girls. That's why when Madover decided to bring Annie, the first musical she'd ever seen as a child, back to Broadway, she got to work at reinventing the casting process for child actors, putting the experience of auditioning and a sense of accomplishment ahead of competition and fear of rejection.
 BWW JR: CATCH IT IF YOU CAN!
August 22, 2011
The Broadway production of Catch Me If You Can will be closing on September 4th after almost six months at the Neil Simon Theatre. If you've been putting it off, now is your last chance to catch it (if you can.....OK, I'm gonna stop doing that now). The show, which-is-based-on-the-film-which-is-based-on-the real life story of legendary con artist Frank Abagnale Jr., is not a children's show and not your typical family musical, but I jumped at the chance to see it when I was invited to a special blogger night last week. I'm glad a went, because I do think that this is a great show for older kids and that should be good news to families who will get a chance to see the tour which is set to launch next year.
 BWW JR: SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK- Scary Cool
August 8, 2011
For the past several months, I've been getting a lot of emails from all of you asking if your child is the right age to see Spiderman. I haven't answered because I saw the old version, before they did a complete overhaul of the script, score, structure and pretty much everything else. The new version features a plot that is much easier for kids to follow. Luckily, my favorite character THE LIZARD is still there. He kind of looks like Barney's cousin which gives me such joy because I think I'm going to dress my dog up like him for Halloween. I just need a tiny lab coat.
 BWW JR: Story Pirates- It's Like SNL for Kids!
July 25, 2011
How often are you silly? If you have little kids (which pretty much all of you reading this article do), you probably spend a lot of time trying to be silly or trying to make your kids laugh at how silly you are. But I'm talking about that crazy, jittery, 'take on the world' feeling of pure silliness that you get from riding a scooter or swimming at night or seeing a really, really, really funny show.
.jpg) BWW JR: Winnie the Pooh!
July 11, 2011
Kickin' it Old School in the 100 Acre Woods
My daughter is seven years old, and she suddenly seems to be maturing at rocket speed. I swear she was a child when I put her to sleep last night, but when she woke up she had become....(Oh God)....A TWEEN.
 BWW JR: The Berenstain Bears Live! Family Matters the Musical
June 29, 2011
MAMA (BEAR) KNOWS BEST
They may be bears. They may live in a tree. Their children may walk to school by themselves. But one thing about the Berenstain Bears Live is accurate and holds water in the modern world: The Mom is ALWAYS right.
 Equality Moments - How the Broadway Community Connected
June 26, 2011
At 10:32 pm last Friday night, the news began to leak. Cell phones began buzzing backstage across the Great White Way and during the curtain calls of some shows like Priscilla Queen of the Desert and The Normal Heart, cast members shared the historic news with exuberant audiences: the New York State Senate had voted 33 to 29 in favor of marriage equality. New York had just become the sixth state in the nation to legalize gay marriage.
 BWW Jr Presents: SUMMER FLASH Part II!
June 22, 2011
The Best Bets for Kids and Family Theatre this Summer (again)
Last week I shared some of my favorite summer offerings for Kids and Families looking for a little relaxation, entertainment and (yes thank you) air conditioning. We called it Summer Flash, and it was so popular that I'm back for part two. (Ok, I got complaints about not including some shows). But no worries! There's room in the BroadwayWorld Jr. sandbox for everyone to play! So here we go.....
 BROADWAYWORLD Jr PRESENTS: SUMMER FLASH!
June 9, 2011
The Best Bets for Kids and Family Theatre this Summer
Is it just me, or is everyone a bit on edge? School is ending, schedules are changing, nannies are quitting and those of us who aren't spending the summer on the beach are wondering what in the world we are going to do with the kids and if it will be air-conditioned. Here are a few suggestions to keep everyone cool and entertained.
 BWW JR: Broadway Moms Part IV: Lauren Kennedy
May 23, 2011
Lauren Kennedy: Timing is Everything
While Actress and Super Mom Lauren Kennedy does her part to always see the silver lining in any situation, it does seem as though the stars tend to align for this Broadway veteran. After doing plenty of long running Broadway shows (Les Mis, Sunset Boulevard and Side Show, to name a few), Parenthood struck at a convenient career moment. I wanted to find out how Lauren makes it all come together so smoothly.
 BWW JR: WONDERLAND- Perfect for Tea (and Birthday) Parties
May 9, 2011
When I found out I'd be covering Wonderland for BroadwayWorld, I wasn't sure if I should bring my seven-year-old daughter. As most of you know by now, the whole premise of this column is a mom (me) bringing her kids to the theatre and reporting back to you about the experience. But that doesn't mean I'm going to subject my kid to something she's not prepared for, and in this case, the decision was not obvious to me.
 BWW JR: SISTER ACT
April 27, 2011
Recently, I had the pleasure of taking my seven-year-old daughter to her very first Broadway show. (I don't count the time was so graciously invited by a friend's grandmother to enjoy full-price, orchestra seats to Lion King and ended up watching from the monitors in the lobby after running out of the theatre in fear. She was only four.) After months of eagerly co-piloting her mother through the New York children's theatre scene, it was finally time to break into the majors. What better first Broadway show could there be for a nice Jewish girl and her mother than Sister Act the musical!
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