Announcing Kean Stage Family Programming At Kean University

From staged productions to kid-friendly films, to arts and crafts and themed viewing parties, Kean Stage is offering fun and exciting events that are sure to please the little ones in your family. On Saturday, December 16 at noon, at Kean University's STEM Building Auditorium (1075 Morris Ave. in Union, N.J.), children and their parents are invited to don their favorite holiday pajamas for a special viewing of the film The Polar Express, the story of a doubting 8-year-old boy who is whisked to the North Pole on a magical train for a meeting with Santa.

Click, Clack, Moo, a musical based on the Caldecott Medal-winning book by Doreen Cronin, will be an inclusive, sensory-friendly performance at Kean University's Wilkins Theatre (1000 Morris Ave. in Union, N.J.) on Saturday, January 27, at 11 a.m. Farmer Brown has a problem when his cows discover an old typewriter in the barn and they start protesting their working conditions. All day long he hears, "Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo. Click, clack, moo." Before long, the cows are leaving him notes, such as "Dear Farmer Brown, The barn is very cold at night. We'd like some electric blankets. Sincerely, The Cows." The musical is a hilarious and "moo-ving" show about compromise that will have kids and adults laughing in their seats.

This special performance will offer a comfortable setting for guests with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other sensory, social and cognitive disabilities. Patrons will be encouraged to get up and walk, jump, sing and dance; lights will be kept on, although dimmed, throughout the show. The sound levels will be consistent and at a lower volume and a quiet room will be available for those who become overwhelmed or need a break.

"We are working alongside Kean University's Department of Special Education students to create this inclusive event for all members of the community," said Steve Cochran, manager of Kean Stage. "We know the arts can make an impact on lives and, at the same time, create memories for all involved."

Following the performance, children will will work on arts and crafts to create cow masks and special glow-in-the-dark bracelets. Guests will enjoy milk and cookies and the opportunity to "milk" a pretend cow in the lobby.

On Saturday, February 10, at 3 p.m., Kean Stage will present a special Valentine's Day screening of Disney's 2017 live-action film Beauty and the Beast at Kean University's STEM Building Auditorium. Kids can bring mommy and daddy to the movies and "Be Our Guest" for family fun and activities. The event includes refreshments and a valentine craft station.

Guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Wizard of Oz character for the stage show Journey to Oz on Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at Kean's Wilkins Theatre. In this interactive show, children will become part of the story of The Marvelous Land of Oz--singing, dancing, creating sound effects and acting along with the cast of this beloved tale. Audience members will take on the roles of Munchkins and other characters, including flying monkeys! This production is also available in Kean's On School Time series, Friday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m.

Tickets and gift certificates for Kean Stage Family Events are available at the Kean Stage Box Office in Wilkins Theatre, Kean University, 1000 Morris Avenue, Union, N.J., by phone at 908-737-7469 or online at www.keanstage.com. Our films will be shown at Kean University's STEM Building Auditorium, 1075 Morris Avenue in Union, and our live stage shows are performed at Wilkins Theatre,1000 Morris Avenue in Union.

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