2011-12 Children's Series: N.C. State's Center Stage

N.C. State's Center Stage Performing Arts Series brings several family-friendly performances this season.

Posted 12:23 a.m. Sep 13, 2011 — Updated 11:29 a.m. Sep 13, 2011

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

There are some great performance series for kids in the Triangle. Over the next few weeks, I'll be highlighting their schedules and then putting them all together on one page so you can refer to them throughout the year.

I'll start with N.C. State University's Center Stage Performing Arts Series. For more than three decades, the series has brought artists from around the world to N.C. State's campus. Each season, Center Stage offers jazz, dance, world music, drama and some shows designed specifically for kids.

I'll highlight those kid-specific shows in this post. But click here for the full series where you'll find other shows that might make for fun family-friendly evenings or date nights.

Here are the shows specifically designed for kids and families:

The Cashore Marionettes, 3 p.m., Feb. 18. Here's how the show is described: Simply magical. Unmatched in artistry, grace and refinement of movement, the enchanting Cashore Marionettes redefine the art of puppetry. A series of touching vignettes set to classical music explore a range of emotions and celebrate life. Marvels of engineering, The Cashore Marionettes are so well conceived and projected, the movement so convincing, the illusion so powerful, that the result is a compelling, unforgettable theatrical experience for all ages. An 8 p.m. show is designed for young adults and adults. Tickets are on sale now and $26 each.
Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny from the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, 3 p.m., Oct. 29. Two bedtime stories come to life on stage with these adaptations of Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd’s beloved classics. The acclaimed Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (last with us two seasons ago for The Very Hungry Caterpillar) brings its whimsical puppetry, dreamlike imagery, and original music to two best-loved childhood stories, infusing young audiences with a wonderful sense of security and peace, and providing an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. This is part of Center Stage's Kidstuff Series. Individual tickets go on sale Oct. 10.
Skippyjon Jones performed by New York-based Theatreworks USA, 3 p.m., Feb. 26. “Holy guacamole,” Skippyjon Jones exclaims. “My ears are too big for my head, my head is too big for my body. I am not a Siamese cat – I am a CHIHUAHUA!” He dons a mask, a cape, and an accent, and transforms into Skippito Friskito, the greatest canine sword fighter in old Mexico! Based on the book by Judy Schachner, Skippyjon Jones is an enchanting musical about unleashing your powerful imagination and following your dreams. Also part of Center Stage's Kidstuff Series. Individual tickets go on sale Oct. 10.

For more information and for tickets, click here (go to the "Buy Tickets" link on that page for ticket information). You can buy a series ticket now for both "Goodnight Moon" and "Skippyjon Jones" for $18.

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