Kimmel Center Announces 2017-18 FAMILY DISCOVERY SERIES

The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts is delighted to announce family programming featured during the upcoming 2017-18 season. This year's Family Discovery Series will include returning favorites, never-before-seen new productions, the best of touring Broadway's family-friendly performances, one-of-a-kind dance parties, out of this world adventures, and more! Packages for 2017-18 Family Series performances listed below go on sale July 18.

"Introducing the arts to children is one of the Kimmel Center's most gratifying opportunities," said Anne Ewers, President and CEO of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. "This season offers high-energy, educational, and engaging shows that will both foster the children's love for performing arts and create amazing memories for parents and kid alike."

A listing of 2017-18 season programming on sale July 18, 2017 can be found below. Packages can be purchased by calling 215-893-1950, online at kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. More information at kimmelcenter.org.

Family Series Includes:

PJ MASKS
Merriam Theater
September 22 - September 23, 2017

PJ Masks Live is a super-heroic, brand new live show, featuring the heroic trio from your favorite series: The PJ MASKS! Watch Catboy, Owlette, and Gekko as they try to save the day from their sneaky villains -Romeo, Night Ninja, and Luna Girl! Fluttering Feathers! Leaping Lizards! What a CAT-­tastrophe! You've NEVER seen the PJ Masks like this before - leaping, flipping, and climbing - live on stage! Complete with your favorite music and brand new songs you've never heard before! Don't sleep through it, watch the PJ Masks save the day, live on stage!

STOMP
Merriam Theater
December 26 - December 31, 2017
Stomp is an explosive, inventive, witty, utterly unique, and unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments to fill the stage with magnificent rhythms - matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage, cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps - you name it. This international percussion sensation has garnered armfuls of awards and rave reviews, appearing on numerous national TV shows, and year after year putting on electrifying shows for audiences worldwide. As the Boston Globe says, "If you haven't seen Stomp, GO! If you have seen it, take someone and share the pleasure!"

DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD LIVE: KING FOR A DAY!
Merriam Theater
January 5 - January 6, 2018
Daniel and friends hop aboard Trolley and take the audience on an exploration of the vibrant world of their Neighborhood of Make-Believe, sharing stories of friendship, helping others, and celebrating new experiences. The live theatrical production of Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood will warm the hearts of every generation as they embark on a journey filled with singing, dancing, laughter, and 'grr-ific' surprises.

THE JOHNNY SHORTCAKE SHOW (WORLD PREMIERE)
SEI Innovation Studio
January 27 - January 28, 2018

Suppose your nose was where your elbows goes... Would you call them smell-bows? Johnny Shortcake would! The Johnny Shortcake Show is a magical journey that feels like a funky dance party, featuring unforgettable songs for young and old alike, and starring Philadelphia's premier soul crooner Johnny Showcase. The Johnny Shortcake Show was commissioned by The Kimmel Center specifically for children in the Philadelphia region.

MR. POPPER'S PENGUINS
Merriam Theater
February 10, 2018

Painter and decorator by day, Mr. Popper spends his time dreaming of Antarctic adventures. He is astounded when one day a packing crate arrives on his doorstep and a penguin waddles out! With original songs and performing penguin puppets, this delightful, action packed musical adaptation of Richard and Florence Atwater's popular book (also made into a Hollywood film starring Jim Carrey) is the perfect family treat!

WILD KRATTS LIVE!
Merriam Theater
April 22, 2018
Wild Kratts Live! was created for the stage by the minds of Martin Kratt and Chris Kratt, creators of the Emmy Award-winning Zoboomafoo, Kratts' Creatures, and Be the Creature. The Kratts brothers' national tour has drawn tens of thousands of creature-crazy kids and their families together to experience this interactive, nature-themed spectacular. The national tour, in association with the Kratt Brothers Creature Hero Society, together with the kids, has successfully protected critical wildlife habitats through the creation of nature reserves.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC
Merriam Theater
April 24 - April 29, 2018
A brand new production of The Sound of Music is coming to Philadelphia. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award winning Best Score, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," "Edelweiss," and the title song. The Sound of Music features music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, book by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse, suggested by "The Trapp Family Singers" by Maria Augusta Trapp.

PAW PATROL LIVE! "THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE"

Merriam Theater

May 4 - May 6, 2018

X barks the spot in the new tour PAW Patrol Live! "The Great Pirate Adventure"! It's Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap'n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. When they do, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map! The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway's celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first! The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup ... Tracker!

Tickets

Tickets are available starting July 18. Packages can be purchased by calling 215-893-1950, online at kimmelcenter.org, or at the Kimmel Center Box Office. More information at kimmelcenter.org.

Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts

Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, The Kimmel Center's mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages and serves a broad audience through diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel Center campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music (owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the University of the Arts' Merriam Theater. The Kimmel Center is also home to eight Resident Companies: The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Philadelphia, The Pennsylvania Ballet, The Philly Pops, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Curtis Institute of Music. TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of the Kimmel Center's 2016-2017 Season. American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org.

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