Friday 5: Upcoming Kid-Friendly Theater Productions

I'm not a huge fan of going to the movies (I'd rather curl up at home), but I LOVE going to the theater. I got the theater bug as a really little kid (my parents and sister can attest to that -- I think they still remember those Broadway soundtracks by heart). There's just something about the plush theater seats, the playbill, the curtain, the energy coming from the performers. I'm convinced Anne is going to be a theater fan, too, or else I'm going to do my best to take her to as many shows as possible in the hopes that it will stick.

Luckily we have so many chances to catch live performances in the HRVA area. Here are a few kid-friendly shows coming up around town in the next few months. Buy your tickets now and take the whole family!

1. The Witch of Pungo at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront: The Witch of Pungo is an musical production based on the life of Grace Sherwood, who was tried and convicted of being a witch back in the 1660s (she survived). Older kids will enjoy this (30-minute) outdoor performance on the VB Oceanfront that's become a summertime tradition. It's free, and runs through the end of August.

2. Jungle Book by Hurrah Players: The Hurrah Players always put on a great, professional show. This production has been adapted from the Disney movie (my favorite!), and runs August 22, 23, and 24.

3. Robin Hood by the Childrens Theater of Hampton Roads: We've been to a couple of shows put on by the Childrens Theater of Hampton Roads and enjoyed them so much! The actors do their best to keep the show entertaining for all ages (jokes parents will get, staging simple enough for the youngest showgoers) and to involve the audience as much as they can. Robin Hood will run in September in Suffolk and Virginia Beach.

4. The Sound of Music at Peninsula Theatre: This is a great show for beginner musical fans -- the score is familiar, the story is heart-warming, and the songs are amazingly catchy. The Sound of Music will run every weekend in August. For littler ones, don't miss The Reluctant Dragon in September.

5. Peter Pan at Smithfield Little Theatre: Is there any more magical theatre moment than watching Peter alight on the windowsill of the Darling children's nursery for the first time? Peter Pan was the first musical I ever went to, and I would love it if it's Anne's, too. Peter Pan will go on stage in October.

Are your kids little theater buffs? What was the first play that you remember seeing as a kid?

Have a great weekend!