New York Children's Theater Festival Begins 4/19

In addition to the three exciting family productions to be showcased at the The New York Children's Theater Festival April 19 through May 5 (Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater, 10 West 64th Street at Central Park West), many special free activities will be available at the theater before and after performances for ticket holders. In addition, the festival will celebrate with a free kick-off event at Books of Wonder (18 West 18th St.). Tickets are $18 ($15 YMCA members) available at newyorkchildrenstheaterfestival.org and through Ovationtix (866-811-4111).

The Festival is also offering Premium Seating ($25) which guarantees seats in the first three rows and includes a Goodie Bag with crayons, bookmarks, candy, and much more.

Sunday April 14, 12 Noon to 1:00 PM
FREE! Open to the public! The New York Children's Theater Festival at Books of Wonder (18 W.18th Street, NYC), featuring performances of scenes from all three festival shows and a special guest appearance by Tony Award nominee, Emmy Award nominee, and Drama Desk Award nominee John Tartaglia (Avenue Q; Beauty and the Beast; Shrek the Musical; John Tartaglia's ImaginOcean; Disney's Johnny and the Sprites)! Get a preview and meet the stars!

Friday April 19, 5:30 PM
For all ticket holders, there will be free crafts, face painting, a special silly performer and free refreshments to celebrate the start of the festival, immediately following the 5:30 PM performance of The Tale of Jamie Freel: a Faerie Story.

Saturday April 20, 12:15 PM
Immediately following the 11:00 AM performance and right before the 1:00 PM performance of The Tale of Jamie Freel: a Faerie Story, there will be a free Theater workshop with Wingspan Arts, and face painting for all ticket holders!

Sunday April 21, 1:15 PM
For all ticket holders, starting at 1:15 PM, free face painting will be offered. At 1:45 PM there will be an Amazing Max Magic Pre-Show, all before the 2:00 PM final performance of The Tale of Jamie Freel: a Faerie Story.

Saturday April 27 11:00 AM
Prior to both the 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM performances of Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin Eater!, ticket holders will be treated to a very special pre-show performance from Rosie's Theater Kids.

Immediately following the 11 AM show, and before the 1:00 PM performances, there will be a special appearance and short story reading by children author/illustrator Melanie Hope Greenberg from 12:15 to 12:45 PM, as well as face painting.

Sunday April 28, 1:00 PM
From 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, face painting will be available to ticket holders. At 1:15, the fun continues with a Dance Laugh Learn Workshop, before the 2:00 PM final performance of Cheater, Cheater, Pumpkin, Eater!

Saturday May 4, 11:00 AM
Prior to both the 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM performances of Molly Bloom Lately, face painting will be available, and ticket holders will be treated to a very special pre-show performance from Rosie's Theater Kids.

Sunday May 5, 1:00 PM
For all ticket holders, before the 2:00 PM final performance of the festival, from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM, face painting will be available, and at 1:15, there will be a special Michael Karas Juggling Workshop.