If you, like us, use The Berenstain Bears books for helping familiarize your child to a situation or new experience, you will enjoy seeing them come to life in a fun musical experience this summer in NYC. The Berenstain Bears LIVE ! in Family Matters, the Musical includes storylines from three of the Berenstein series, with the themes of don’t eat junkfood, don’t talk to strangers, and staying on the right track in school. The lessons are classic ones but the beauty of the musical is that they are woven into one play. Call it the one-two-three punch of parenting, if you will!
We took a 3 year old and a 1 year old to the musical, so a few of the lessons were lost on my younger children. However, when I listened to many of the older children in attendance, many of them not only understood the lessons but were digesting them. The Off- Broadway show is playing at Manhattan Movement and Arts Center, a beautiful and VERY family friendly space with a nicely sized theater for a childrens’ musical. It was a family friendly atmosphere where babies could cry and move without anyone batting an eye (though there wasn’t too much of that). The characters’ costumes were reminiscent of the books and the original songs were well-considered and entertaining. A wonderful treat post-show is that your children can get their nose painted, get autographs, and a have a picture taken with the Berenstain Bear characters.
The exterior of the MMAC
My daughter with the very attentive cast
Ticket prices:
The tickets are in 3 price ranges: $34.95 (Rear Section), $49.95 (Front Section), and a $59.95 package for Very Important Bears (V.I.B’s). The V.I.B. package includes bear ears and sitting up front in a “grassy knoll” area, which my 3 year old loved. Tickets can be purchased at www.BerenstainBearsLive.com or by phone at (866) 811-4111
Performance Schedule:
NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 30th, 2011
Performance Schedule: Saturdays at 2PM and 4:30PM; Sundays at 2PM
Running Time is 55 minutes. For video, photos and more information please visit www.BerenstainBearsLive.com
The ears we got as part of the VIB package
Details:
MMAC Theatre
248 W. 60th Street
Btwn Amsterdam
and West End Ave
(866) 811-4111
Disclosure: the reviewer received 4 tickets free in order to review the show.
*****Review by Fort Greene mom and writer, Christine Maas. Thanks Christine!