Annenberg Center presents 26th Philadelphia Int'l Children's Festival 4/27-5/1

Known for its perfect blend of hands-on performing arts experiences and outright fun, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts presents the 26th Annual Philadelphia International Children's Festival, Tuesday, April 27 - Saturday, May 1, 2010. This year, families can enjoy a variety of performances perfect for the young (and young at heart) including a live-action, musical version of The Little Engine That Could, a comical, puppet version of The Man Who Planted Trees, the explosive hip-hop and break-dance moves of STREET BEAT and a musical, sing-along journey through African American history with Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir. In addition, families can participate in a variety of fun and interactive activities such as crafts, face painting, jugglers and more in the Children's Festival FUN ZONE on the Annenberg Center Outdoor Plaza. Tickets are only $10! For more information about programming or ticket prices, please visit the event website at AnnenbergCenter.org/tickets/childfest.php.

Founded in 1985 by Catherine Marshall, the Philadelphia International Children's Festival was the first of its kind in the country, aiming to provide Philadelphia area families with an easy and affordable way to experience the artistry of international performance and visual arts. Attracting more than 15,000 children and their families each year, the eagerly anticipated springtime tradition also aims to build the arts and culture audiences of the future.

This year's Children's Festival encompasses five days filled with inexpensive and creative indoor live performances and movies (no single performance exceeds $10), as well as FREE interactive outdoor arts, crafts and activities for children (and parents!) of all ages. Families can save by purchasing a Children's Festival Fun Pass and enjoy three main stage shows, access to the Children's Festival Fun Zone and a lunch for only $25!

2010 International Children's Festival Main Stage Performances

Omaha Theater Company presents The Little Engine That Could

Watty Piper's famous tale of the power of positive thinking has been adapted for children's theater by the Omaha Theater Company, one of the largest professional children theater companies in the nation. The company's interactive production features giant trains, life-sized toys including the Clown, the Teddy Bear, the Toy Monkey, the Red Dress Doll and the Blue Dress Doll, and many delightful songs. During the performance, the audience plays a major role in helping the Little Engine make it over the mountain as they chant the famous phrase, "I think I can, I think I can!" "Children will light up as they become a part of the optimistic magic unfolding on stage, while adults will reminisce about the days when they, too, were told the story of the Little Engine and be inspired all over again," said Omaha Theater Artistic Director James Larson. Recommended for ages 4 and up.

STREET BEAT

It's STOMP meets Blue Man Group when the LA-based ensemble STREET BEAT delivers an explosion of urban percussion that's accented by high-energy dance acrobatics and staged within a landscape of everyday-objects-turned-instruments, smattered graffiti, and bursts of theatrical lighting. This 10-member ensemble of drummers, musicians, and dancers led by Danish-born founder Ben Hansen perform what critics have called "... an urbanized journey through percussion," which brings the raw rhythmic originality of many popular street-style performances together in a dynamic and thrilling stage production." Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Puppet State Theatre Company of Scotland presents The Man Who Planted Trees

Jean Giono's environmental fable The Man Who Planted Trees has been transformed into a magical, comical and multi-sensory puppetry adaptation by the award-winning Puppet State Theatre Company of Scotland. The Man Who Planted Trees that tells the inspiring story of a French shepherd who sets out with his dog to plant a forest, acorn by acorn, transforming a barren landscape into a thriving oasis. Both a touching tale and a hilarious puppet show, The Man Who Planted Trees reminds us that it only takes the determination of one person to make a positive change in the world. Recommended for ages 7 and up.

Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir

Join Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir and embark on an illuminating journey of African American history, perfect for the whole family. Sing along to spirituals, work songs, and field shouts as this energetic group traces the music inspired by the difficult journey from slavery to freedom. Learn to dance the Ranky Tanky and try your hand at authentic African percussion instruments in this interactive foot-stomping, hand-clapping performance! Recommend for ages 5 and up.

Children's Festival FUN ZONE

Free for all ticket holders, the Children's Festival FUN ZONE located on the Annenberg Center's Outdoor Plaza features a host of engaging and hands-on activities for the whole family including crafts, face painting, jugglers, musicians and more. This year, the Phillie Phanatic makes a special appearance on Saturday, May 1 at 12:00 PM. Tickets are also available for the FUN ZONE for $10 per family. Highlights include:

Joseph Tayoun, master percussionist, and special guests

Join Lebanese-American master percussionist Joseph Tayoun and friends as he shares the tradition and music of Middle Eastern rhythms and techniques.

Give and Take Jugglers

People of all ages will marvel at the skills of these jugglers as they get the audience involved with amazing tricks and comedy. Performers combine antique calliope, traditions from vaudeville, circus arts, theater, and live music to create a lively and wholesome show that feels fresh and contemporary

Hoop-La! (Funtown Productions)

This is hula hooping like you've never seen! Join the fun as impressive hula hoop performers show off their tricks and learn a few of your own.

CAPA Caravan Theater

This interactive company uses creative dramatics and multi-cultural storytelling to entertain and to encourage students to remember to cooperate and respect everyone in our school communities.

Alex and the Kaleidoscope Band

Alex Mitnick performs with a full band including drums, percussion, bass, singing and leading dances for the children. Concerts are lively and engaging and include musical influences from Africa and South America and fun sing-a-longs; great for all ages and parents.

Philadelphia School of Circus Arts

Ever dreamed of joining the circus? See if you have what it takes with demonstrations and workshops complete with juggling, plate-spinning, tumbling, unicycles and more, from the accomplished artists of the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.

ASCAB Capoiera

Watch as performers appear to defy gravity as they jump, flip, spin and cartwheel through the air in a live performance of the unique Brazilian art form, Capoiera, which infuses dance, music, gymnastics, self-defense and the Portuguese language.

Children's Film Festival

New this year, the Festival will also feature a special Children's Film Festival on Saturday, May 1. The Film Festival is presented in partnership with the Québec Government Office in New York. An official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival, The Blue Butterfly by Lea Pool and starring Academy Award® winner William Hurt, tells the story of a 10-year-old boy whose dream is to catch the most beautiful butterfly on Earth, the mythic and elusive Blue Morpho. This is "no ordinary film" says the Montreal Gazette. White Tuft: The Little Beaver is an adventure film starring a mischievous young beaver with an odd little clump of white fur on his head. Canadian director Philippe Calderon cast real animals in this family-friendly saga that follows the little beaver as his life gets turned upside down when a flood rushes in and destroys his family's home. Screening of The Blue Butterfly will take place in Annenberg Center's Bruce Montgomery Theatre at 1:00 PM. White Tuft will be played in the Montgomery Theatre at 3:00 PM. Admission is FREE for all Children's Festival ticket holders.

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