Erin Leigh Peck - Page 3

Set in a big apartment building, Apt. 3 is the simple tale of two young brothers who hear saxophone music (in the book it's harmonica) coming from one of their neighbors. While searching for the source, they go on an aural journey, hearing diverse voices and sounds behind every door. Since there's not a lot of plot, director/choreographer Joanna Greer cleverly incorporates dance interludes that are meant to communicate what the boys are feeling: fear, adventure and excitement all rolled into one. It's a bit Dance Moms at times but it gives the ensemble a chance to show off their moves and enhances the slight story. The lighting design, full of dark blues, greens and black, is reminiscent of the book's rich illustrations.

I sometimes get intimidated when I'm asked to write about something truly extraordinary that has affected my child in a deep way. The last experience I had like this was when I brought my daughter to see Kinky Boots. The show changed how my daughter viewed the importance of accepting people for who they are, and it was a great opportunity for me to demonstrate how Mommy believes a person should behave towards others.

From April 19 through May 5th, three original productions for kids will be showcased in NYC as part of the The New York Children's Theater Festival at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater (10 West 64th Street at Central Park West). This is the second year for the Festival which provides a birthplace in NYC for new live children's entertainment from around the globe, and serves as a platform for writers and producers who are passionate about developing innovative theatrical experiences for children. Here's the low-down on this year's NYCTF productions:

A subway train has fallen off the map, and everyone is eager to see the conductor put it back where it belongs…well, almost everyone. When one adventurous girl boards the train with a plan of her own, just how far will the the conductor follow her to get the train back on track? Reimagine the world underground in this new performance for 2-5-year olds. Puppetry and projection combined with original music and innovative storytelling create new destinations for the New York City subways, extending beyond the limits of our city maps. Stand clear of the closing doors...

The show begins with a movie introducing us to Mario the Magician. The children listened quietly as we learned about Mario and how he found magic. When he came out onstage it was as if we were meeting an old friend. The brief movie gave us a moment to connect with Mario. We were sold and he did not disappoint. From the moment Mario the Magician came out on stage he had every single child's attention. His slapstick comedy routine was modern and edgy. Not at all corny which is something I have unfortunately come to expect at a children's performance. The adults seemed to enjoy the performance as much as the children. I know I did. I haven't laughed like that in a long time. It was brilliant.

The question gave me pause. It hadn't occurred to me until that moment that many of the parents in our community might be shocked to hear that my nine year old is asking these kinds of questions. But I wanted her to know that when we hide something, we imply that it's bad or shameful, and that makes people afraid, and fear makes people do mean things. I would never let my daughter see a play that was violent or scary, and am trying to raise her up to be a person who doesn't hurt other people. Someone that accepts people for who they are.

Two things we love here at BroadwayWorld Jr.: Broadway shows for families and the development of terrific new public schools in New York City. Here's your opportunity to be a part of both. The Hebrew Charter School Center (HCSC) is inviting fans of great family theater to a special benefit performance of Matilda on Sunday April 21st at 3:00 pm. All proceeds of the benefit will go to HCSC, which is working to develop high quality Hebrew language charter schools in the New York area and across the country.

Does anyone do fairy tales straight anymore? I don't think so-and that's a good thing. Even Disney threw out the old helpless princess saved by the handsome price routine over a decade ago. Still, no one has quite the same twisted take on childhood classics as author Jon Scieszka. He doesn't just reinvent fairy tales, he blows them to bits. In his world, the Ugly Duckling really is an ugly duckling, and she's totally okay with that, thank you very much.

Today, March 26th (5:30-7:pm), Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever, will interview the 19 year old author, Henry Hodges, who wrote 'How To Act Like a Kid,' at the Drama Book Shop. The interview will be followed by a Q&A with the audience followed by a book signing.

On Tuesday March 26th (5:30-7:pm), Tim Federle, author of Better Nate Than Ever, will interview the 19 year old author, Henry Hodges, who wrote 'How To Act Like a Kid,' at the Drama Book Shop. The interview will be followed by a Q&A with the audience followed by a book signing.

In this hour-long show, young Samuel is challenged by aspects of childhood (including what feels like a plethora of rules). This leads to a role-reversal with the over-extended Tooth Fairy when she appears one evening to collect his lost tooth. The switch-a-roo does not go as smoothly as predicted, sparking adventures and mishaps throughout New York City.

Three original productions will be showcased at the The New York Children's Theater Festival running Friday April 19 through Sunday May 5 at The Marjorie S. Deane Little Theater (10 West 64th Street at Central Park West). Tickets are $18 ($15 YMCA members) are available at Ovationtix (866-811-4111) and www.newyorkchildrenstheaterfestival.org.

Nineteen-year-old Henry Hodges has spent the last fifteen years either on stage or in front of a camera. From playing Chip in 'Beauty and the Beast' to Jeremy Potts in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang' and Michael Banks in 'Mary Poppins,' Henry has practically lived on Broadway for most of his young life.

Anyone who's been reading my column knows that my daughter HATES princesses. I don't blame her. The Disney merchandising machine has taken over most kids' lives to the point where it's often impossible to procure a toddler spoon or potty seat that doesn't have an Arielle or Sleeping Beauty theme. Either that or Dora. And I don't want to see either one of those chicks on my kid's potty seat. No offense.

Have you ever wondered what happens to your shadow while you sleep? Well, it turns out that some shadows are more mischievous than others. And soon after moving to his new home, Flash discovers that his shadow has moving plans of his own! In the middle of the night, Flash's shadow packs up a few belongings and goes in search of a new home on the moon. Will they ever reunite? Follow the playful adventures of Flash and his exciting quest to reunite with his shadow in this multimedia performance for the youngest of audiences (ages 2-5) and the young at heart.

Nate Foster has big dreams. His whole life, he's wanted to star in a Broadway show. (Heck, he'd settle for seeing a Broadway show.) But how is Nate supposed to make his dreams come true when he's stuck in Jankburg, Pennsylvania, where no one (except his best pal Libby) appreciates a good show tune? With Libby's help, Nate plans a daring overnight escape to New York. There's an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical, and Nate knows this could be the difference between small-town blues and big-time stardom.

During the weeks before Martin Luther King Day, my childrens' schools always bring attention to the life of Dr. King and the civil rights struggles that have existed and still exist around the world. I'm always appreciative of the effort, but every year I find myself wondering how much of the lessons hold any real meaning. As an adult living in New York in 2013, I find it difficult to truly appreciate Dr. King's teachings. What do I know about being denied my civil rights? I get outraged when the MTA raises the cost of a subway ride or when my child is locked out of a popular after school activity. How much understanding could my nine year old possibly have of the complex phsycological and sociological history of the African American experience?

It's been a while since I made a last-minute decision to see a Broadway show. Not only does having kids make most of your life a scheduled occurance, but the nature of my job here at BroadwayWorld involves contacting theatre marketing folks to let them know you're interested in covering something or responding to an invite before setting foot inside a theatre. In fact, I believe the last time I just checked out what was at TKTS was my senior year at NYU. I won't tell you what year it was but here's a hint: I saw Blood Brothers. Yup, been a while.

This was one tough weekend for parents across the nation. With lumps in our throats, we shut off the news and swallowed our feelings, putting on a happy face for our kids and trying our best to make them feel safe while the events in Newtown, Ct. had destabilized our whole sense of how the world is supposed to work. Being from the area, I never realized just how important a role my secure enclave of a hometown played in my overall sense of well-being. Now that such horrific danger has touched a place I once believed to be sheltered and impregnable, just minutes from my hometown, I, like many parents, have been left to wonder if I will ever be able to protect my children.

Feel your school is deserving of a little (or a lot) more attention? We do too! How about a 'BWW School in the Spotlight' promoting your program and productions? To be considered, all you need to do is upload photos, videos, cast lists or other content to your show listings. Each Friday, BroadwayWorld handpicks a school to showcase and runs a story on our main Broadway page and on the respective regional page. Submit your content now - Friday's only a few days away and we may just pick your school! For questions/concerns/suggestions, reach out to us at studentcenter@broadwayworld.com