American Place Theatre

Esperanza Cordero and her family didn't always live on Mango Street. She can't remember all the houses they’ve moved from, but as a teenage Mexican-American girl growing up in a run-down section of Chicago, she definitely doesn't want to be there now. Told through a series of eloquent vignettes, this one-person play, based on Sandra Cisneros's "deeply moving" (The New York Times) coming-of-age novel, follows Esperanza as she observes the alternately heartbreaking and joyous moments of her childhood: a cold rice sandwich, a mean-spirited boy, a beautiful sky, a friend in trouble. As the poet inside her begins to emerge, Esperanza dreams of a home of her own—far, far away from Mango Street. Adapted and directed by Elise Theron, The House on Mango Street is part of American Place Theatre's Literature to Life® series.

Recommended for ages nine and up.

P. O'Connor Puppets

Forget everything you thought you knew about the golden-haired girl locked away in a tower! Acclaimed puppeteer Pamella O'Connor's enchanting rendering of the familiar Grimm Brothers fairy tale takes inspiration from Europe's flowering rapunzel plant, known to survive in the most challenging situations. Just like her leafy namesake, Rapunzel the girl learns to endure a difficult test when a fairy steals her away from her parents to a fortress high in the sky. Through a unique combination of remarkably detailed Sicilian-style marionettes and Indonesian shadow puppets, Rapunzel will leave all ages spellbound as it explores themes of unconditional love, selfish desires, and the importance of relying on yourself.

Recommended for ages five and up.

Written by Norman Allen
Directed by Gregg Henry

Sword-wielding Arthur is a boy who would be king, in a race against time to reveal his true identity. Joystick-wielding Agnes is a sprightly computer whiz, keen on networks, equations, and video games. In this world-premiere twist on the legend of King Arthur, the wise Merlin transports Agnes back in time to the Dark Ages, to aid Arthur in his quest to become England's rightful ruler. Across a frozen landscape of castles, mazes, and perils at every turn, "right over might" prevails as Agnes and Arthur balance reason with emotion to discover the importance of family, the source of compassion, and the things in life worth fighting for.

Recommended for ages nine and up.

Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley
Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and Tim McDonald
Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

The search for a Golden Ticket is on! In this fun-filled, world-premiere stage musical based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel, a sweet-natured boy named Charlie Bucket and four other Golden Ticket winners get the tour of a lifetime in a mysterious candy-maker's fantastical factory! Willy Wonka and his band of Oompa Loompas lead Charlie, the spoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, and television junkie Mike Teavee through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons, and giggles galore. Featuring live actors, puppets, plenty of surprises, and many memorable songs—including "The Candy Man," "I Want It Now!", and "Pure Imagination"—Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka is a scrumptious musical theater treat for the entire family.

Recommended for ages five and up.

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Tickets regularly $14

Theatre Terra

Little Max is about to move to a new neighborhood, but he doesn't want to budge. He's scared to start a new school and make new friends. But have no fear—FROG is here! In this adorable, life-sized puppet musical based on Max Velthuijs's FROG storybooks, Max learns to conquer his worries with the help of his wise amphibian companion plus Duck, Hare, Pig, and Rat. Mixing songs, poetry, and humor with themes of love and sorrow, Theatre Terra's FROG and His Friends is an "inventive and charming" (The New York Times) production that recently won the coveted Dutch Theater Award for Best New Musical, beating out all adult theater entries.

Recommended for ages five and up.

PLEASE NOTE: All special ticket offers for Kennedy Center productions are subject to availability, are not valid in combination with any other offer, and are not valid on previously purchased tickets.

Conceived and written by Ken Ludwig
Music and lyrics by Don Schlitz

The Kennedy Center's rollicking musical adaptation of Mark Twain's coming-of-age masterpiece is back by popular demand, for one week only! This spirited version stays true to Twain's original tale, set in the bustling riverside town of St. Petersburg, Missouri, circa 1840. In one thrilling hour, Tom Sawyer matches wits with his stern Aunt Polly, falls in love with the beautiful Becky Thatcher, and he and Becky set off for adventure with that mischievous renegade Huckleberry Finn. Clever song and dance numbers bring to life the gang's many classic escapades—from Tom tricking his friends into whitewashing a fence to getting lost in a cave with the sinister Injun Joe. You won’t want to miss this "fast-moving and bright" (The Washington Post) production, which gloriously captures the essence of youth and the American rural experience.

Recommended for ages seven and up.

Hudson Vagabond Puppets

Ferdinand the Bull doesn't like to fight. Snorting, kicking, and butting heads with other bulls just isn't his thing. He'd rather sit quietly under the shade of a cork tree, soak in the beautiful Spanish countryside, and smell the flowers all day. So what's a peace-loving bull to do when he's captured and forced to charge at the matador in the bullfights of Madrid? This beautifully crafted, narrated ballet brings to life Munro Leaf's best-selling children's story featuring masked dancers, larger-than-life puppets, mechanical figures, and colorful scenery that reflects the original book's enchanting illustrations.

Recommended for ages five and up.

Step to the music—again! In the return of this unique collaboration between young U.S. and European artists and South Africa's Soweto Dance Theatre, you'll enjoy the high-energy dance form of stepping as it has developed in America, and discover how it relates to other cultural traditions. "By turns a kind of drill team, a tap company, and interpretive modern dance group, Step Afrika! is always visually and musically exciting" (The Washington Post).

Recommended for ages seven and up.

Hobey Ford

Travel from deepest Africa to the sweeping plains of the American West to the Great Wall of China with award-winning puppeteer Hobey Ford, a Kennedy Center favorite. Weaving a magical blend of storytelling, music, and puppetry, Ford spins tales from four different corners of the globe: Little Grandmother Spider Woman, a Cherokee creation myth; a West African "trickster" tale; a Chinese dragon story; and a unique retelling of Aesop's fable The Ant and the Grasshopper. The recipient of three Jim Henson Foundation grants, Hobey Ford and his World Tales will delight children of all cultures and ages.

Recommended for ages four and up.

American Place Theatre

From American Place Theatre's Literature to Life® series comes this powerful stage adaptation of Claude Brown's semi-autobiographical novel, which chronicles the author's experiences as an African-American youth growing up on the streets of 1930s Harlem. Surrounded by poverty and hardship, a young boy named Sonny resorts to stealing and other crimes in order to survive. After one too many run-ins with the law, Sonny is sent to an all-boys' reform school, where he immerses himself in African culture, learns to love literature, and eventually puts his rough childhood behind. Through a mixture of humor, heartbreak, and revelation, Manchild in the Promised Land promises to inspire as the story of one young man's personal triumph against all odds.

Includes mature themes and content. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Amazing athleticism...rousing music...a rainbow of costumes... exhilarating dance! Named after a xylophone-like instrument from West Africa, Balafon has emerged as one of the Washington area’s premier African dance ensembles. Led by Artistic Director Kadiatou Conte, the company brings to the stage an exquisite celebration of traditional West African song, music, and dance.

Recommended for ages 4 and up.

The Kennedy Center and the Shakespeare Theatre present a production especially created for young and family audiences of AS YOU LIKE IT by William Shakespeare

Join the adventure of two best friends, Rosalind and Celia, as they run away from the Duke's palace to start a new life in the forest. All the world's a stage in this fun, one-hour adaptation of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, complete with feuding fathers, battling brothers, love at first sight, and, of course, mistaken identities. Visit the mythical forest of Arden, a place where runaways escape to find happiness, only to realize that happiness is found within.

Recommended for ages 11 and up.

TheatreworksUSA

A cuddly stuffed animal becomes the stuff dreams are made of in this delightful jazz-inspired musical based on Don Freeman's irresistible picture book. Though Lisa has just moved with her family to a city of millions, no one wants to play with her. Then one day in a department store she meets Corduroy, a lonesome teddy bear with big, brown eyes and an even bigger heart. The two become instant companions, but there's one slight problem: his green overalls are missing a button, and Mama won't buy Lisa an imperfect toy. So while Corduroy anxiously searches for a new button, Lisa searches for a way to bring him home. Don’t miss this poignant and jazzy musical adventure, perfect for anyone who has ever wanted a friend!

Recommended for ages four and up.

Smythe and Saucier

How small can a circus be? No smaller—or funnier—than the two-man slapstick squad of Smythe and Saucier! While Circo Comedia may be light on performers, it's big on belly-busting laughs, acrobatic tricks, and daredevil stunts. Unpredictable thrills are the signature style of this explosive duo from Montreal. In the tradition of the Quebec Circus, master equilibrist Saucier performs his death-defying feats from dizzying heights, while Smythe, catastrophic clown eccentric, gets carried away by his own folly. Step right up to this deliriously comical and irreverent performance that takes circus clowning to a whole new level of fun.

Recommended for ages 4 and up.

A Kennedy Center world premiere
Adapted for the stage by Debbie Allen

Since the day she was born, all Sassy has wanted to do is dance. But her too-long legs, too-large feet, and too-big mouth always seem to get in the way of her ballerina dreams. When a famous director auditions her class for an international dance festival in Washington, D.C., Sassy aims to get his attention any way she can. Though her sky-high leaps and bright, yellow leotard fail at first to win him over, Sassy keeps her heart set on dancing and her head above the rest - and with the support of her family, finally has the chance to make her mark. Written, directed, and choreographed by Emmy winner Debbie Allen, whose many sold-out Kennedy Center productions include Brothers of the Knight, Pepito's Story, and Pearl, this uplifting world premiere based on Allen's children's book will feature some of the Washington area's most gifted young performers.

Recommended for ages 5 and up.

David Walburn

Travel along with explorers Lewis and Clark as they journey more than 8,000 miles westward across wild America in search of the fabled Northwest Passage to the ocean. In this fascinating musical presentation, folk musician and multimedia artist David Walburn combines original songs and storytelling with historical paintings and scenic photographs taken along the famous trail to create an exhilarating portrait of a bold and heroic adventure. Experience Lewis and Clark's journey up the mighty river, feel the chill of their difficult passage over the mountains, share the challenges of the expedition members, and celebrate their success of reaching the Oregon shore. History has never sounded so good!

Recommended for ages seven and up.

Theater Triebwerk

Set sail for a whale of a tale with young sailor Ishmael, first mate Starbuck, and Captain Ahab as they voyage across the seven seas in search of the legendary white whale Moby Dick! Herman Melville's epic saga makes a splash at the Kennedy Center in this inventive production from Germany's award-winning Theater Triebwerk. Three gifted actors use their bodies, ever-switching hats, and a variety of musical instruments to create excitement and suspense. See how a double bass and cello personify everything from the creaking of the oars, to the moaning of the hull, to the elusive whale himself! Brimming over with music, wit, and imagination, Moby Dick has been hailed by the New York Times as "a luminous and engrossing" theatrical event.

Recommended for ages 11 and up.