Here’s when I know a production is worth recommending: one of my children talks about it well after the performance is over. We went to see the new theatrical production of Angela Ballerina The Musical 3 weeks ago and my daughter still asks when we can go back…and she’s a 2 year old with the memory of a fly!
Vital Theater, also known for the childrens’ hit Pinkalicious, have scored another home run for kids with Angela Ballerina The Musical. Angelina, a dance-loving mouse, is the protagonist of a series of books by British writer, Katherine Holabird. Many of the stories are borne out of the ideals of learning social behavior, striving to be the best you can be (with grace) and being a good friend. PBS created an Angelina Ballerina series that has brought a large American audience into Angelina’s world.
Vital Theater has taken its plot from one of the PBS episodes. Excitable Angelina is thrilled that her dance idol, Serena Silvertail, will be a visiting artist at her dance school, Camembert Academy. Angelina dreams of how she will perform for the famous dancer but misses her deadline for signing up to do so. As Angelina tries to find a performance slot, her friends practice their own recitals and encourage Angela to join them by learning a new style of dance. It’s a tale of adapting to challenging situations, looking to your friends for support and finding happiness in your situation. It’s a common moral, but well presented by this talented cast. The actors’ singing is excellent and each actor represents their respective animated character well. The sets are simple and effectively create Angelina’s home and school.
When we went, the show was sold out, so the lobby/gift area was packed with children pouring over the available merchandise, downing mini pink cupcakes and clutching pink mouse ears and books. Tip: bring an Angelina book with you (I’ll tell you why shortly).
We brought both my son (age 4) and daughter (age 2) and they both loved it. Their favorite part was watching the characters come alive on the stage. My daughter couldn’t believe her eyes and my son was interested in how Angelina would rectify her dilemma. My husband and I? It’s a production for children as there isn’t much to captivate the adults. However, the production is short, 1 hour, and we both easily sat through it as did both our children. My husband, who is a musician, appreciated the quality of the voices and I loved watching my children totally in awe. I have no doubt one of us will take my daughter again.
Tips: Children are invited to come on stage and dance after the production, it’s a short dance so make your way to the aisles as soon as the play is over so your child can get on stage. After the play, the actors greet the children and sign books as their characters. It’s a wonderful experience for the children, so bring your own book for the autographs or you will pay an additional $5 for a book from the gift table…or you could always use your program! If you are looking for a bite to eat: there are a few diners close by that are family friendly: across the street is yummy Niko’s and we went south 1 block to Viand Coffee Shop and enjoyed our burgers and tuna melts.
Details: Performances run through January 2, 2011. Tickets are available here. Tickets range from $29.95 to $49.95, although when I checked some dates in November and December only premium seats were left. The production must be doing well!
Vital Theater is located at:
The McGinn/Cazale Theatre
2162 Broadway, 4th floor at 76th Street
New York, NY 10024
Office Phone: 212.579.0528
Office Fax: 212.579.0646