Symphony Space, a performing arts venue on the Upper West Side, has kicked off a series of new shows for the 2018-2019 season. The series, entitled Just Kidding, aims to bring music and theater to children and will run October 6 to March 30.
Highlights include rock band Michael & the Rockness Monsters, performing on October 6, as well as first-time Symphony Space performers Boogalo Familia, who will bring audience members on an interactive journey through Spanish Harlem during a performance on March 2.
Puppetry will be another theme throughout the series. The Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia will perform Rainbow Fish, based on a popular children’s book, on October 20. The visually appealing show will be performed entirely in the dark using black lights to tell the tale of a beautiful fish who is both admired and resented by others in his underwater world.
All Just Kidding performances take place on Saturdays at either 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. According to Darren Critz, the center’s director of performing arts programs, the shows are designed to provide theater to children and families on a regular basis.
“In general as parents, we sometimes think schools will bring kids on field trips and that’s where they get their art experience from, and it feels sometimes we’re in an environment that feels like art is for a special occasion,” says Critz. “And while that’s important, the idea of Just Kidding and the shows every weekend, it’s something we can incorporate into our lives frequently.”
Symphony Space’s mission is to connect art, ideas and community through programs and a commitment to literacy and education through the arts. The center celebrated its 40th anniversary on January 7 of this year.
Information about the center, Just Kidding and upcoming shows is available on the website.
