BWW Jr Presents: SUMMER FLASH Part II!

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.....

1. The heat's a bear and so is the cast.....THE BERENSTAIN BEARS LIVE! in FAMILY MATTERS, THE MUSICAL!

Remember the Berenstain Bears books we all grew up with?  The delightful and educational series by Jan and Stan Berenstain is considered a classic, which is totally depressing to me since I'm older than the first published Berenstain book.  But putting that aside, I do have fond memories of the Mama, Papa, Brother and Sister Bear and all the lessons they learned in the colorful pages of the Berenstain Bears books. 

FAMILY MATTERS, which will play New York City all summer after a 35-week National Tour, is an adaptation of three of the most beloved books that make up the over 300-book collection.  The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers, The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food, and The Berenstain Bears' Trouble at School are woven together to teach and entertain, and will hopefully get your kids (and you) excited about revisiting this classic series....that's younger than me.....oy.

What: THE BERENSTAIN BEARS LIVE! in FAMILY MATTERS

When: Saturday, June 25 through Sunday, September 4.

Where: MMAC, 248 West 60th St. between Amsterdam and West End Avenues.

Who: Best for ages two to ten.

How: Visit the show's web site or call (866) 811-4111 for tickets.

2. Theatre's expensive.  See it for free!...THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

I'm especially excited for this one for three reasons: First, I loved THE WIZ.  Second, I'm obsessed with Natalie Toro and third, my son is from Colombia.  Let me explain:

Theatreworks USA, America's largest, professional, not-for-profit theatre for young audiences, presents a FREE summer production each year and this year, it's a  Latino version of "The Wizard of Oz" staring (among other talents) Ms. Natalie Toro.  YELLOW BRICK ROAD promises to examine the challenges that diverse kids face when they are expected to honor their cultural identities and traditions in the modern world.  It's something my family constantly struggles with being New York Jews with a little South American in the house, and I'm hoping this musical will bring some Latin heritage flavor to our day.  Unfortunately it's not really appropriate for my little guy because he's only three, but since there are so few "tween" aged musicals in town, I'm thrilled to see that this one appeals to the grade school set.  (Maybe my seven year old can help teach her brother to speak Spanish!)

What: THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD

When: Monday through Friday at 10:30 am and 1:00 PM, Sunday at 2:00 PM. Check the show's website for exceptions and holiday schedule.

Where: The Lucille Lortel Theatre, 121 Christopher St.

Who: Recommended for ages seven through 11! (We love that)

How: FREE tickets available first come, first serve. Visit the Lucille Lortel Theatre Box Office on the day of the performance you want to see, starting one hour before the show. Limit four tickets per person.

3. The city is a jungle.  Learn how to survive it with Robinson Crusoe in...LIFE ON A DESSERT ISLAND

Some kids go to camp to learn things like how to identify edible plants, how to make a shelter, use a bow and arrow and net a fish.  Or if your kids are like mine, they go to air conditioned camp with chlorinated pools and DVD showings on rainy days.  Kids like that might learn a thing or two from MR. Wilderness Survival himself, Robinson Crusoe, who comes to Central Park for his third summer in a row to entertain and teach kids about persevering alone.

With a message about respecting the environment and living in harmony with nature, this interactive play is open to the public for free.  Bring a blanket or folding chair and enjoy the park while taking in a FREE one-man show.

What: LIFE ON A DESERT ISLAND

When: This Saturday, June 25th at 5 PM

Where: Central Park, on the lawn outside Heckshire Playground. Click HERE for a map.

Who: It's right next door to my favorite playground in all of Central Park, so bring two adults and all the kids and anyone who can't sit still for the show can go to the playground!

How: Just show up.  Visit the show's website or call (646) 964-7007 for more info.