The Alden Sets 2016-17 McLean Kids Performance Series with THE GIVER and More

The Alden in McLean's 2016-2017 McLean Kids Performance Series includes an eclectic mix of performances designed for the enjoyment and entertainment budgets of families with young children.

World-class performers, such as the Grammy Award-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, the acclaimed Puppet State Theatre of Scotland and Dallas Children's Theater, the largest professional family theater in the Southwest, are scheduled to appear.

The Alden is located inside the McLean Community Center, at 1234 Ingleside Avenue.

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McLean Kids Performance Series:
Schedule is subject to change

Grey Seal Puppets
"A Tangle of Tales"
Saturday, Sept. 17, 2 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 4+. Three favorite folk tales from around the world come to life with a touch of the familiar and a taste of the new. Using a variety of puppet styles, "The Frog Prince" from Germany, "Three Billy Goats Gruff" from Scandinavia and "The Three Little Pigs" from England are each told with refreshing wit and wisdom. In between each of the tales there is a whole menagerie of zany characters to see and enjoy.

Tap Kids
Saturday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m.
$20/$15 MCC tax district residents

Featuring an extraordinary cast of eight young tap dancers, "Schooldayz" tells the story of how the arrival of a new kid disrupts the equilibrium of a group of teenagers during their last months of high school. The story is told in amazing, high-energy tap routines that will leave you breathless and astonished!

Puppet State Theatre of Scotland
"The Man Who Planted Trees"
Saturday, Oct. 15, 2 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 5+. Hear the wind, feel the rain, smell the lavender and laugh with Dog. In this ecologically inspired tale, a French shepherd sets out to plant a forest and transform a barren wasteland acorn by acorn. Their uplifting and unforgettable story shows us the difference one man (and his dog!) can make to the world. Returning for its first full North American tour since 2012.

The Okee Dokee Brothers
Sunday, Nov. 6, 1 & 4 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 4+. Grammy Award-winning folk and roots music for families. Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have been exploring the outdoors together since they were kids, and have translated these adventures into song. Their extended canoe trip down the Mississippi River inspired their Grammy Award-winning album "Can You Canoe?" and their trek along the Appalachian Trail was the subject of their follow up release, "Through the Woods." Their latest album, "Saddle Up," is a joyous adventure through the American West. With songs written by campfire and harmonies born on the water, the natural world is at the heart of their Americana folk music.

Dallas Children's Theater
"Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters"
Saturday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 5+. When a great African king desires a wife, only the most perfect maidens in the land are invited to meet him. Mufaro's pride and joy, his two daughters of very different dispositions, embark on the long journey to be presented to the king. Along the way, they encounter a number of mysterious situations that unknowingly test their courage, kindness and strength of spirit. Combining authentic African drumming, powerful choreography and thrilling original music, the splendor of Zimbabwe and the African continent comes to life in this musical adaptation of the award-winning Cinderella tale!

Vital Theatre
"Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas"
Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 & 4 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 4+. What could be fancier than Christmas? This year, Nancy is especially excited. She has enough money to buy a brand-new sparkly Christmas-tree topper. But when things don't turn out the way Nancy planned, will Christmas still be splendiferous? Vital Theatre from New York City presents this fun and splendiferous story based on The New York Times' best-selling picture book by Jane O'Connor and illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser.

Barter Theatre
"The Ugly Duckling"
Saturday, Jan. 14, 1 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 4+. It's hard being different. When a strange egg shows up in Mama Duck's nest and hatches, a very ugly duckling is born. After many failed attempts to "fit in," the ugly duckling sets out on a journey to find his true place in the world. He soon realizes that he must learn to love himself before he can discover who he really is. Come early to enjoy the duck petting zoo before the show!

Barter Theatre
"The Giver"
Saturday, Jan. 14, 4 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 9+. Jonas' world is under control and safe. There is no war or fear or pain. There are also no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. But when Jonas turns 12, he is chosen for special training from The Giver-to receive and keep the memories of the community. Now Jonas will learn the truth about life-and the hypocrisy of his safe world. Through this astonishing and moving adaptation, discover what it means to grow up, to grow wise; and to take control of your own destiny.

The Amazing Max
Saturday, Feb. 4, 2 p.m.
$15/$10 MCC tax district residents

For ages 5+. Don't miss this wonderfully delightful magic show. Max Darwin combines magic and comedy, making objects appear and disappear and generally defying the laws of physics inches from theatergoer's faces. This high-energy, interactive and all-around silly show is appropriate for audiences of all ages, but we recommend it for ages five and older.

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Tickets are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit: www.aldentheatre.org or call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711.

Built in 1975, the 383-seat Robert Ames Alden Theatre, "The Alden," is a cultural resource for the citizens of McLean and the Washington Metropolitan area that presents a full professional season of interdisciplinary and high-quality performances, lectures and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Alden is ADA-compliant and will make arrangements for accommodations. To request this information in an alternate format, call 703-790-0123, TTY: 711, or visit: www.aldentheatre.org.

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