Annenberg Center Live Announces 2017 PHILADELPHIA CHILDREN'S FESTIVAL

Annenberg Center Live closes its season May 18-20 with its annual Philadelphia Children's Festival, featuring artists from around the country and Philadelphia to showcase professional dance, music, theatre, circus and more for children of all ages. This year, the festival partners with local arts organizations both on stage and for interactive activities in the free, outdoor PlazaMania, which also includes face painting and balloon animals. Tickets cost $5-$14 and there is a three-show $30 Festival Pass available on Saturday only. All tickets include access to PlazaMania. Tickets are available online at AnnenbergCenter.org or by phone at 215.898.3900. The Annenberg Center is located at 3680 Walnut Street.

2017 Philadelphia Children's Festival Performances

Mexico Beyond Mariachi
Trekking the Heartbeat of a Culture
Thursday, May 18 at 10 AM and 12:30 PM
Ages 5-12

Travel to the heart of Mexico! Experience our southern neighbor's vibrant culture with a music and dance-filled journey through the country's history. Professional musicians and dancers tell of Mexico's rich past and present which continues to influence America and the world. It's Mexico Beyond Mariachi, and beyond your expectations.

BOOM!
Thursday, May 18 at 10 AM and 12:30 PM
Saturday, May 20 at 2 PM
Ages 7+

Commedia dell'arte plus circus equals BOOM! Performers Peter Sweet and David Poznanter breathe new life into the ancient art of masked theatre, creating six unique characters that tell funny yet poignant stories all while flying, rolling and balancing across the stage. It's a unique circus performance with an infusion of hilarious audience interaction and the spark of live theatre.

Bird Stories
Jawanza Kobie
Thursday, May 18 at 10 AM
Friday, May 19 at 10 AM
Ages 7-12

Can a skunk and a woodpecker be friends? Composer Jawanza Kobie and his band perform original music and are joined by narrator/playwright Deb Margolin to create a cast of animal characters that learn acceptance and tolerance. An excellent introduction to the genre of jazz, Bird Stories celebrates music while teaching how we can all get along despite our differences.

Teen Voices of the City Ensemble
Thursday, May 18 at 12:30 PM
Ages 13+

We shine a spotlight on our most powerful resource: our youth. Teen Voices of the City Ensemble (T-VOCE) performs songs, dances and spoken word pieces that reflect everyday life, and is as a testament to the power of the arts to change your perspective. The ensemble includes teens from all over the region, and is a collaboration between Art Sanctuary, Opera Philadelphia, Esperanza Academy Charter School and Play On, Philly!

Peter Rabbit Tales
Enchantment Theatre Company
Friday, May 19 at 10 AM and 12:30 PM
Saturday, May 20 at 10 AM
Ages 3+

Using whimsical costumes and gorgeous scenery, the magical world of Beatrix Potter's beloved stories comes to life. A grown-up Peter and friends remember their youthful adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden and work to save their children from a badger. Combining three of the famous Peter Rabbit tales, this captivating show by Philadelphia's Enchantment Theatre Company reminds us all that we are never too young to make a difference.

Philadanco D/2 Company
Friday, May 19 at 10 AM and 12:30 PM
Saturday, May 20 at 11:30 AM
All Ages

See Philadelphia's brightest dance stars! Philadanco, our city's renowned company dedicated to presenting African-American dance traditions, presents D/2, their apprentice ensemble of younger dancers aged 15-23. This electrifying performance will showcase four modern dance works and include a Q&A session with the dancers and Philadanco's Artistic Director.

Mister G
Saturday, May 20 at 10 AM and 1 PM
Ages 3+

¿Quieres bailar? Meet Mister G, recent Latin Grammy Award winner and children's music superstar. Packed with folk, reggae, rock, bluegrass and funky bossa nova grooves, this former teacher's critically acclaimed, multicultural music is a hit with kids and parents alike. Get ready to dance in your seats!

Frozen Sing-A-Long
Saturday, May 20 at 2:30 PM

Join Anna and Elsa for a special sing-along version of Disney's coolest hit, Frozen! Be part of the adventure and sing your heart out as Anna, Kristoff and Olaf find Elsa and work to end her icy spell. And don't forget to dress up in your finest Frozen garb for a costume contest - it'll be the first time in forever you'll have this much fun in a movie theater!

About Annenberg Center Live

Annenberg Center Live is dedicated to the advancement of a diverse and thriving cultural community through the pursuit of excellence, innovation and intellectual engagement in the performing arts. Affirming its core belief in the power of the arts to transform lives, the Annenberg Center embraces creative expression from the past and the present, of local and global origin, to expand the worlds of all who participate. As a destination and a resource, the Annenberg Center connects and engages artists, audiences, the University of Pennsylvania and the regional community through shared experiences in its high quality venues.

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