BWW JR: The Berenstain Bears Live! Family Matters the Musical

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.

Based on three of the most beloved books in Stan and Jan Berenstain's classic series of children's books, Trouble at School, Too Much Junkfood and Learn About Strangers, Family Matters the Musical is at once entertaining and educational....for the right age group. The Berenstain Bears books always have a lesson to teach, and the creators of this show have found a way to seamlessly connect the three stories into a fluid, family drama for preschoolers.

Brother Bear has gotten sick and has to miss school. Overtaken by his own hubris, he thinks he can juggle everything including extra homework and winning soccer games. He's so focussed on holding the top spot in class and on the field that he doesn't bother to do the work and comes up short. Mother Bear is there, standing on the sidelines supporting her son yet letting Brother fall with a slight glimpse of "I Told You So" in her eyes. Ah, so familiar.

Sister Bear is getting too comfy with strangers, saying "hello" to every passer-by and striking up conversations without adult supervision. Again, Mother Bear is there to help explain the difference between being friendly and walking into the danger zone. This time I think Mother Bear needs to get off her furry tush and drive her kids to school but I guess the show takes place in another time and another place...

The delightfully imperfect Father Bear, who tells tales of warning to his children that might be a bit too scary, has an addiction to junk food. When Mother Bear tries to implement a healthy snack policy in the treehouse, Father Bear sneaks around behind his family's back to satisfy his cravings.

This is where I think the show is best for younger kids. While any parent would love to bring their kids to a show that teaches about the importance of eating healthy foods, the song "Fluff On Your Tummy" is about getting fat. It will probably fly over the heads of kids under five, but for older kids learning about good eating habits, this scene puts the emphasis on appearance rather than health and well being. For little kids, "fat" is an observation, not a judgement. I'd hate to see a show with good intentions deliver the wrong message to seven and eight year old little girls who's bellies naturally stick out.

But aside from that moment, the lessons the Berenstain Bears have to teach are timely and treasured. Work hard in school, use caution around strangers, eat healthy foods and above all, Mom is ALWAYS right.

GET TO THE POINT, MOM!

• Good for two through eight year olds but a scene about being too fat makes it best for preschoolers who are too young to develop a complex.