Live Theater for Our Littlest Patrons!

The shows are presented by the country’s leading theatrical touring troops for kids, with stories that are typically based on popular storybooks or other familiar themes. “In many cases, seeing an SDS show is a young person’s first exposure to live theater,” says Music Hall Programming Coordinator Chris Curtis. “They may be familiar with television, but few have had the chance to see stories performed on stage, particularly something geared to their age group that is musical and colorful. This really is a magical experience for them.”

The 20th Annual School Days Series kicks off its top-caliber affordable (only $6!) matinees on Tuesday, October 21 with a back-by-popular-demand performance of Emmy and Tony Award-nominee John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean—a magical, musical undersea adventure for kids ages 3 and up. Presented by the Brad Simon Organization, it is jam-packed with original music, and is a blast from the first big splash to the last wave goodbye. Showtimes are 9:30 am and 11:30 am in the Historic Theater on Chestnut Street. For more information, go to http://www.themusichall.org/calendar/event/john_tartaglias_imaginocean.

All SDS shows are educational as well as entertaining—they are tagged to curriculum topics such as science, language arts, social issues, etc., and many have accompanying study guides. “The guides are designed to prepare the kids and get them excited about their upcoming field trip to see the performance,” says Chris Curtis. Teachers or family members can find available study guides on individual show pages at http://www.themusichall.org, as well as links to a detailed season brochure and to a bus information guide. But while school groups are welcomed, shows are also open to everyone. “No reservation—or attendee—is too small,” says Chris. Click here for links to this season’s 2014-2015 SDS performances.  For reservations, contact Kate Mitchell at the SDS Box Office; 603-433-3100 x 4013.