Symphony Space Announces 2018-19 Just Kidding Season Of Performances For Families

Families who share live performances together create a yearbook full of memories. The newly announced Just Kidding performing arts series at Symphony Space offers a "Grade A" roster of diverse extracurricular activities designed for young people and their grownups.

Each weekend features something new and different for NYC families. Just Kidding has become the go-to series for independent family-friendly puppet theater, and The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's production of "Rainbow Fish" is just one example of a New York City premiere this season. Back by popular demand, family music luminaries Justin Roberts, ELIZABETH MITCHELL, and The Okee Dokee Brothers return to delight kids and parents alike. The National Dance Institute (NDI) Celebration Team will present their annual kid-powered dance extravaganza in October, and intergalactic adventure is afoot during the Jedi Academy in March. Tickets to all shows this season are available online and by calling the box office at (212) 864-5400.

Just Kidding launches on Saturday, October 6 at 11 am with Michael & the Rockness Monsters, who offer a heavy dose of silliness at every performance. At this exclusive NYC event, Michael and his rock band will debut songs from their album Monster's Ball, and kids are invited to come in costume for the musical masquerade party. Their award-winning music will "inspire the next generation of music lovers" (New York Family).

Next up, on Saturday, October 13 at 11 am and 2 pm, the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre explodes with a curious mix of science, live music, and sketch comedy. It's the new "Wow in the World Pop Up Party," a live and interactive spin on NPR's wildly popular science podcast for kids. The show features a live performance by twice GRAMMY-nominated band The Pop Ups, along with short interactive games and foley-infused comedy skits presented by host Mindy Thomas.

Nearly every Saturday this fall, Just Kidding performances offer something for every member of the family, from puppetry to engaging music and kid-powered dance, presented on the two Symphony Space stages - the Peter Jay Sharp Theatre and the Leonard Nimoy Thalia:

October 20 at 11 am and 2 pm: Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia: "The Rainbow Fish": A NYC premiere of this thrilling and colorful glow-in-the-dark puppetry adaptation of a children's classic tale.

October 27 at 2 pm: National Dance Institute: The Celebration Team: kids dancing for kids in Just Kidding's annual high-energy show, a joy-filled dance celebration of the cultures, creatures, and cities that thrive at the river's edge.

November 3 at 11 am and 2 pm: Justin Roberts and the Not Ready for Naptime Players: Power pop at its best from this GRAMMY nominated Symphony Space favorite.

November 10 at 11 am and 2 pm: Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers: "The Legend of the Banana Kid" -- A wild west show of puppets, outlaws and bananas.

November 17 at 11 am: Moona Luna: Catchy and lively music in English y español.

December 1 at 11 am: Lucy Kalantari and the Jazz Cats: a musical morning of upbeat goodness, straight from the bygone era.

December 8 at 11 am: ELIZABETH MITCHELL: mesmerizing renditions of classic songs by Woody Guthrie, Bob Marley, The Velvet Underground and more, presented by this Smithsonian Folkways artist and guests.

The full lineup is scheduled through March 2019; check the complete schedule and order tickets online at www.symphonyspace.org/family. Unless otherwise noted, tickets for each show are $17, $14 for members.

Each weekend, Just Kidding attracts hundreds of families from near and far for one of the most exciting, high-value performing arts options available anywhere. Time Out New York Kids calls Just Kidding "the best concert series for kids" with "a jam-packed bill of family programming." New York Family recommends the "excellent programming for children," and Mommy Nearest calls these performances "amazing." In reviewing a Just Kidding performance, the New York City Dads Group reviewer notes, "As a parent, it's a big relief to know that whatever show we're going to see there, whether planned or at the last minute, is going to be of high quality and capable of producing long lasting happy memories."

Since its founding in the late 1970s, Symphony Space has gained international acclaim for presenting an eclectic mix of live performance from various artistic disciplines, including music, theater, comedy, dance, and film. Just Kidding's family performance program also offers a similar range of unique and fun-filled options, drawing the very best performers from around the nation.

"I'm struck by what an amazing 'class of 2018-19' we're presenting this season," says Darren Critz, Director of Performing Arts Programs. "It's filled with the 'best in class' and 'most talented' actors, dancers, clowns, scientists and musicians I've ever seen. We want our audiences to say hello to us in the theater, sign our yearbook, and enjoy the best year EVER! These shows are clearly '2 good 2 B 4-gotten'."

Symphony Space is conveniently located at 2537 Broadway (at 95th St.), across from the 96th Street 1,2,3 subway station. Just Kidding is made possible thanks to the generous support of The Shubert Foundation, the Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller Fund, The Achelis & Bodman Foundation, the William H. Donner Foundation, the Consolidated Edison Company of New York, The Fan Fox & Leslie R. Samuels Foundation, The Scherman Foundation, the Joseph and Joan Cullman Foundation for the Arts, Susan Bay Nimoy, and The Jim Henson Foundation. Symphony Space thanks their generous supporters, including the Board of Directors, Producers Circle, and members, who make these programs possible with their annual support.

For more information about Just Kidding and other performances, literary events and educational programs at Symphony Space, please visit www.symphonyspace.org.