Moms Talk: Live theater experiences

It’s that time of week once again for a little Mom Talk. Patch takes the chance to inform our readers: moms, dads, grandparents and family friends alike, to inform you each week of something new.

This week, we take a question from a reader in Norristown.

Dear Patch:

   I want my kids to have a little bit of culture in their lives. I don’t think they are quite ready for a Broadway show, but I’d love to work more live theater into their routine.

   Do you know of any good spots in Montgomery County to have them experience that? I feel like a trip downtown might be too much, and at their ages (6 and 10), I am not sure what levels would be best.

   Any suggestions?

Sincerely,

Janet M., of Norristown

Thanks, Janet, for the question. There are a number of great alternatives in the area for some theater. No matter their age, there are shows to take kids to in and around Montgomery County. It is a great way to entertain them in a new way and introduce the arts into their lives.

 In the Perkiomen Valley, there is Playcrafters of Skippack, and its 2011 season will kick off March 31 with “The Musical Comedy Murders of the 1940s.” Other upcoming shows for this community theater include “Cabaret,” “Real Estate,” “Rabbit Hole” and “The (Female) Odd Couple.”

. Perkiomen Valley Middle School East students will perform “The Wizard Oz” tonight, and Middle School West thespians will present “Aladdin Jr.” March 11 and 12. Perkiomen Valley High School will get in on the act starting April 1 with “The Pajama Game.”

In Abington, there is Storybook Musical Theatre. The group has a varied schedule, bringing a touch of the musical theater world into children’s lives. The group’s mission is to bring “cultural enrichment and entertainment of children and their families by introducing to and developing a life-long appreciation for musical theater through original adaptations of folk tales and children’s literature,” according to the organization’s website.

The group performs at both the Mitchell Performing Arts Center in Bryn Athyn and at the Bluett Theatre at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia.

For more on the schedule, which offers a number of productions each year, visit the site.

Another great local resource is the Keswick Theatre. This location has shows for all ages, but great choices like the upcoming “Bunny Party” staring Nick favorites Max and Ruby on Sunday, April 30 appeal to the youngest in the family, while a show like Sunday, Feb. 27’s Clay Aiken may appeal to the tweens.

On March 6, the Keswick will play host to The Peking Acrobats at 3 p.m. with 20 “mind-bending acrobats, contortionists, jugglers and more” to entertain those of all ages, according to the Theatre’s website.

The Norristown-based Theatre Horizon is another great place to bring the arts into your children’s lives. Besides various shows scheduled seasonally throughout the year, many of which are great for all ages, the location also provides summer camps to teach children more about performing arts.

The organization also sponsors an afterschool drama program, in addition to an autism program.

There are plenty of arts, especially for children, right in our own county. Check out the resources above by clicking on the blue links.

If you think we’ve missed one, please add it here in the comments section! We’d love your feedback about additional arts programs in the area.

Do you have a different question for our Mom’s Q and A? Please feel free to post it here in the comments, too. Maybe you’ll see your answers next week.