Fall Preview: Fantastic Family Theater, Dance & Live Events

Whether you’re looking for a family night out at the circus, or a fresh take on Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute,” this fall’s line-up of productions and live events has something certain to capture the whole family’s imagination.

“The Butterfly Girl,” The Vital Theatre, Through November 16: Come to the Vital Theatre to see the story of a young girl’s discovery of her passion for butterflies and her own metamorphosis in the fun and silly musical. Recommended for ages 2-7; $30 and up, Saturdays & Sundays at 11 am & 1pm; holiday performance October 13. 2162 Broadway, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org

“Hansel and Gretel’s Halloween Adventure,” The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, October 1-November 1: Embark on Get in the Halloween spirit early this year! This puppet performance finds the sibling duo confronted by monsters, mermaids, vampires, pirates, and other terrifying characters. Set in NYC on a spooky All Hallows’ Eve night, this holiday tale just screams Halloween! Recommended for ages 3-9. $7 for kids and $10 for adults (ages 13 and up); times  vary. Central Park at 81st Street and Central Park West, 212–988–9093, cityparksfoundation.org

Catch the Big Apple Circus’s latest show, METAMORPHOSIS.

“METAMORPHOSIS,” The Big Apple Circus, October 17-January 11, 2015: No one sits more than 50 feet away from the stage at the Big Apple Circus’s new fall show. Witness the magic of  flying trapeze artists, quick-change conjurors, and contortionists from up close at this dazzling production. $25-150; times vary. West 62 St & Amsterdam Avenue, 212-268-2500, bigapplecircus.org

National Dance Institute Celebration Team at Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theater, October 18: More than 70 performers, all under 18, will perform pieces based on Chinese music and dance in this dance spectacular for children of all ages. $14-$26, 2pm; 155 West 65th Street, 212-769-7406, symphonyspace.org

“Hatched,” Presented By Treehouse Shakers, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, October 25: This interactive tale of a newborn chick emerging from her shell and discovering the world is told through live music, dance, and puppetry. Perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, the show encourages little ones to get in touch with their feelings and forge a connection to the community of those around them. $15 (free for children under 2 if sitting with an adult); October 25, 1:30 pm. 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1460, tribecapac.org

“The Magic Flute,” The New Victory Theater, November 1-9: Come to the New Victory Theater for a fresh take on Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute,” by South Africa’s Isango Ensemble. Marimba and percussion orchestras refresh Mozart’s arias, as the ensemble fuses South African myths to this beloved fairytale. $15 and up; times vary. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org 

Disney On Ice Presents “Frozen,”  Barclays Center, November 11-16: Catch this Academy Award-winning tale live in Brooklyn! Sing and dance along to the movie’s hit songs, including “Let It Go,” as you follow the story of royal sisters Elsa and Anna on a journey to discover the power of true love. $25 and up; times vary; 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, barclayscenter.com

 “The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess,” Making Books Sing, November 15-December 7: Harvey is a happy kid who doesn’t need much beyond his family and imagination. When he’s accidentally sent to Pink Mountain Island in an imaginary box, he meets a Princess whose family has a lot to learn about fun and togetherness. This upbeat musical gets to the meaning of true happiness. Recommended for ages 3-8. $25-$45; Times vary. 311 West 43rd Street at Eighth Avenue, 646-250-1178,  makingbookssing.org

“Four Seasons: A Spinning Planet,” The Little Orchestra Society, New York City Center, November 22: Ancient animal fables from around the world are brought to life in this production from the Little Orchestra Society, choreographed by Karole Armitage, who fuses ballet and modern dance into stunning theatrical production reminiscent of “Cirque du Soleil.”  $18 and up, 11am & 1pm. 131 West 55th Street, 212-581-1212, nycitycenter.org

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Steps on Broadway Youth Programs

<p class="m_6201101365486487057m_1751229968981391907gmail-m-6447730382188674378msonospacing" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For 40 years, the Youth Programs at the internationally celebrated Steps on Broadway have nurtured young dancers, ages 18 months to 18 years.  Whether seeking a fun dance experience or comprehensive pre-professional training, there is a program suited for everyone.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, theater dance, hip hop, contemporary, modern, pointe and more.  Taught by a faculty of internationally-recognized concert, ballet, Broadway and celebrated guest artists, every student is encouraged to discover their artistic uniqueness, deepen their passion for the art form, while growing as dancers and individuals. </span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Classes are offered throughout the academic year and summer.</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">First Steps (ages 18 mos – 5 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Kids & Teens (ages 6-18 yrs)</span><u></u><u></u></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 10pt; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background: white;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #5a5a5a;">Pre-Professional Program (ages 7-18 yrs, by audition only)</span></p>

Play On! Studios

<p>Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games!</p> <p>Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun!</p> <p>Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show!</p> <p>During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we’ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us.</p> <p> </p>

WICKED Broadway

<p>There’s no place like Oz—and there’s no show like WICKED. Are you ready to experience the original Broadway blockbuster?</p>