Who’s ready to kick off the long weekend and the week off from school? This weekend there are some great things happening around town. “Brazil! Brazil!” is still going strong at the New Victory Theater and is obviously a hit as so many performances have been sold out. There’s also the Super Sabado Canaval, the Opening Day Gala for “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical,” and the Half Moon Sword Ale taking place. And let’s not forget Kids Week at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum that kicks off this weekend and leads into the week off from school. Oh man, I hope you’re as excited as we are! Don’t forget to check out our calendar and music listings for more events. We also have a lovely post about things to do during mid-winter recess!Have a great long weekend!
ONGOING
Friday, February 17th — Sunday, February 19th: various times
Supertall!
The Skyscraper Museum’s exhibition SUPERTALL! presents a survey of superlative skyscrapers worldwide, featuring projects that have been completed since 2001, are under construction, or are expected to top out by 2016. This recent generation of giants, generally 100 stories or higher, represents a new paradigm of slender mixed-use towers that explore innovative approaches in structural engineering, curtain wall and construction technologies, energy efficiency and sustainability, and ideas of vertical communities.
Details: The Skyscraper Museum 39 Battery Place, New York, NY 10280 Hours: Noon – 6 PM, Wednesday – Sunday Admission: $5; $2.50 for Students and Seniors Office tel: 212 945-6324 Fax: 212 732-3039 Hours and directions: 212 968-1961
Sunday, February 19th — Monday, March 26th: various times
“Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical” at Manhattan’s Children Theatre
Who doesn’t LOVE Mo Willems’ Trixie and her beloved Knuffle Bunny?! I know my son and I can’t get enough of that series! the musical adaptation features Trixie, Daddy and Knuffle Bunny. The trio takes a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat, but the adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes “somebunny” got left behind…
NOTE: Please see below for specific details on the special Gala Opening that will take place on Saturday, February 18th!
Details: 380 Broadway, 4th Floor, NYC. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $40. Contact 212.226.4085 or visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 17th — February 26th: various times
“Brazil! Brazil!” at The New Victory Theater
If you’ve never been to Brazil, the new show “Brazil! Brazil!” at The New Victory Theater, is supposed to be the next best thing. With a blend of music, capoeira, acrobatics, live samba and soccer-inspired street dance, the show combines the musical elements of Rio Carnaval with the culture of Brazil. Brazil’s National Freestyle Football Champion, Arturo, is a featured performer and he will be showing off his sweet soccer moves with a team of singers, dancers and musicians. Between the soccer footwork, gymnast’s flips and dancers’ sizzling steps, the energy of the show will even get your feet moving!
Details: Brazil! Brazil! The New Victory Theater 209 West 42nd Street February 10 through February 26, 2012
Ticket Information: Tickets for Brazil! Brazil! cost $25, $18, $12 and $9 for Members and $38, $28, $18 and $14 for Non-members based on seat locations. Theater-goers who buy tickets for three or more New Vic shows qualify for free Membership benefits, including up to 35-percent savings. ONLINE at NewVictory.org BY PHONE at 646-223-3010; Sunday – Wednesday, 11 am-5 pm; Thursday – Saturday, 11 am-7 pm IN PERSON at The New Victory Theater Box Office (209 West 42nd Street); Sunday & Monday 11 am-5 pm; Tuesday-Saturday 12 pm-7 pm*indicates Talk-back following the performance. # indicates signed performances.
Saturday, February 18th — Sunday, February 26th at 2pm
Princess and the Pea at the Galli Theater
I hope you have your metro cards ready because you’ll want to head into the city for this. Trust me! This cheerful remake of the Grimm tale tells the story of a prince who treks across the land in search of his princess. But since so many of his suitors are dishonest impostors, he develops a system called the Royal Princess Pea Test to find a true princess.Throughout the show young audience members will be invited to engage with the performers, and an acting workshop follows Saturday performances.
Details: Ages 3 and up. 347 West 36th Street between 8th and 9th Avenues. Tickets: $20/adults, $15/children, seniors. Telephone: 212.731.0668. Visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 17th — June 30th: various times
Magic! The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things
Magician Max Darwin makes objects appear out of thin air, as the laws of physics are defied, and miracles are performed inches from spectators’ faces. This isn’t a show that you ask, “How did he do that?” It’s not that Max doesn’t do great tricks, he does. It’s that the show is so focused on the hijinks of Hamlet the mind-reading pig and the silliness of coins appearing out of every bodily orifice, that the audience doesn’t have time to focus on the head-scratching things Max performs. The magic is just the sideshow to a very entertaining and engaging performance. Our full review is here.
Details: The Amazing Max and The Box of Interesting Things, in an open-ended Off-Broadway run. Manhattan Movement & Arts Center 248 W. 60th Street, NYC (between Amsterdam and West End Avenues)
Performances: Saturdays and Sundays at 4:30pm.
Tickets: The Amazing Max is performed at the MMAC Theater located in the Magic Carpet Rides (VIP seating) $49.50, regular general admission tickets $29.50. Tickets are available at www.telecharge.com or by phone at 212-239-6200 or 800-432-7250.
Friday, February 17th – Sunday, February 26th: various times
The Berenstain Bears LIVE!
We are so excited about the “beary” good show that will be held at the Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre! In The Berenstain Bears LIVE! in Family Matters, our favorite Bear Country citizens come to life on the Off-Broadway stage. In addition to teaching life lessons during the show, there will be a mini dance party and face painting afterwards. It’s going to be “bear”mazing! We have all seen it a couple of times and it’s super cute for the kids.
Details: Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre. 10 West 64th Street and Central Park West. Tickets start at $34.95. 866.811.4111.
Friday, February 17th – Saturday March 31st from 10am – 5pm
Secrets of Circles Exhibit at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
There’s no doubt about it, circles are everywhere! The “Secrets of Circles” exhibit at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum features 18 different interactive activities that explore the nature of this simple, but amazing shape. From building mechanical contraptions to using a compass to draw awesome glow-in-the-dark circles, this fun exhibit provides a great way for math and science to come to life. This is going to be a crowd-pleaser, for sure, and will definitely give new meaning to “the wheels on the bus go round and round.”
Details: Brooklyn Children’s Museum 45 Brooklyn Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11213 718-735-4400 www.brooklynkids.org.
Saturday, February 17th — Sunday, July 8th: various times
“Ship-Shape: Nautical Scale Models” at the Intrepid Sea, Air, and Space Museum
Get excited! This new exhibition examines the detailed process of building model ships. It consists of dozens of artifacts, including model ships, vintage toy ships, a variety of antique model kit boxes, a mock-up of a modeler’s workbench that shows the building of a model ship being made in progress, and illustrations that shows how models are constructed. Among the highlights of the exhibit are models of the Battleship New Jersey, which served during WWII, the Korean War and Vietnam, and USS Constitution, the oldest commissioned vessel afloat in the world. The model USS New Jersey measures 112” W x 25” H x 15” D and the model USS Constitution measures 57” W x 43”H x 22” D. If you’ve got a child who is fascinated with ships, it doesn’t get more thorough than this, folks.
Details: FREE with Museum admission. Pier 86 (46th Street and 12th Avenue) in NYC. Admissions: $24/adults, $12 children 3-6 years old/FREE children under 3. Visit the Museum’s website for more information.
FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH
Friday, February 17th from 2:00pm — 3:00pm
Baby Boogie at the Prospect Park YMCA
Are you a new parent?! Then this class may just be perfect for you. Listen closely and you’ll hear the class calling your name. Not only will you have time to meet other parents here, but the class also includes games for babies, singing, and dancing. Jackpot!
Details: 357 Ninth Street. Ideal for parents with babies up to 13 months. $12/visit. Telephone: 718.768.7100.Visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 17th from 4:30pm — 5:30pm
Animal Haven’s Caring Kids Program
Where are our animal lovers? Or parents of animal-loving children? You’ll want to check out this FREE event that introduces children and young teens to basic animal care and teaches them about existing issues in animal welfare. Through exciting lesson plans and interactive activities with cats and dogs at the shelter, participants learn the importance of treating animals humanely. They will not only make an impact on the lives of the animals they encounter, but it can certainly be a significant experience for them as well.
Details: 251 Centre Street. Ages 5-12. FREE for all, but RSVP is required. Contact KendraM@ah-nyc.org or visit the website for more information.
Friday, February 17th at 6:15pm
Family Movie Night at The Moxie Spot
Still stumped on how to enjoy Family Friday Nights after a long week? Head on over to The Moxie Spot, a family-friendly restaurant and play space for a fun Friday night film screening. Kids will eat for free when you purchase an entrée from the dinner special after 5:30pm. Now that what we call “family friendly.”
Details: The short feature begins at 6:15pm. The longer feature begins at 6:45pm. 81-83 Atlantic Avenue (at Hicks Street). 718.923.9710
SATURDAY FEBRUARY 18TH
Saturday, February 18th from 10:00am — 5:00pm
Kids Week 2012: Ringling Brothers Circus Performance at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
This event is definitely going to be a hit! I wish I didn’t have a schedule conflict, otherwise my son and I won’t certainly be the first ones there! The Ringling Brothers (yay!!!) will kick off the annual “Kids Week” at The Intrepid and at 1pm and 3pm there will be performers to dazzle audience members with their daring and unique routines that also teach children about scientific principles including gravity, balance and momentum. Kids can also enjoy the Circus Zone – where they can learn to juggle and spin plates – throughout the day.
Details: 46th Street at 12th Avenue, NYC. FREE for all with Museum admission. All ages welcomed. Contact 212.245.0072 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th from 10:30am — 11:30am
Story Time with Carol and Friends
Carroll Garden folks, weekly story time has never been so good! The Friends of Carroll Garden Library present, “Story Time with Carol and Friends” so head on over to join in on the educational fun.
Details: All ages welcomed. FREE for all. 396 Clinton Street. For more information, contact:friendscglibrary@gmail.com or visit their website.
Saturday, February 18h at 11am
Kids Story Time at Greenlight Bookstore
Grab the kiddies and head to Saturday Story Time, which typically features authors and illustrators of picture books and/or neighborhood performers reading stories. At times, there may even be crafts! A totally entertaining Saturday morning? We think so!
Details: Geared towards kids ages 3 – 8 years. Open to the public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Phone: 718. 246. 0200. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18h at 11:30 am
Play Lab Workshop: Marvelous Mardi Gras!
It is time for Mardi Gras! Explore this festive holiday as you learn its cultural significance and create a colorful mask to take home. For 2 1/2 to 5 yr olds
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Telephone: 718. 735. 4400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18h at 1 pm, 2 pm
A Celebration of Black History Month with Calvin Booker and Friends
Take a musical journey though Black History from traditional African Rhythms to Blues, Jazz and Hip Hop. Calvin Booker teaches the steps that will have everyone dancing though history!For all ages.
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Telephone: 718. 735. 4400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th from 11:00am — 12:30pm
Just Kidding Presents the Okee Dokee Brothers at Symphony Space
This Minnesota duo (Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander) is known for their high energy original songs. Together they remind children (and adults too!) of their intrinsic ability to discover, imagine, and create through music. With witty lyrics, off-the-wall humor, strong musicianship, and a unique folk/bluegrass style, prepare for a hoe-down without leaving the city. If you see this performance, hilarity will ensue.
Details: 2537 Broadway, NYC. Recommended for ages 3-9. Tickets: $20/adults, $13/kids. Contact boxoffice@symphonyspace.org or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th starting at 11:00am
Super Sabado: Carnaval! at El Museo del Barrio
Brooklynites, grab your family and get ready to celebrate this jubilant Brazilian tradition with music, costumes, dance demonstrations, and fun art making for all ages. The list of events are endless so be sure to visit the website to plan your day. Or you can just go with the flow once you get there!
Details: 1230 Fifth Avenue (at 104th Street), NYC. FREE for all. Recommended for all ages. Contact 212.831.7272 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Puss in Boots at Puppetworks, Inc
If your child is a fan of the movie, then they will love this too! Now is the chance for them to find out what happens to this little kitten when he is given a pair of boots that turns out to be… wait for it… magical! This adorable tale will leave your child feeling enchanted, to asy the least.
Details: 338 6th Aevnue at 4th Street. Tickets: $7/child, $8/adult. Registration is suggested. Call 718.965.3391 or email puppetworks@verizon.net to reserve your tickets!
Saturday, February 18th at 1:00pm
Urban Stages Presents Musical Tales with Atiba at The Central Library
Still looking for a way to celebrate Black Heritage Month?! Head to the Central Library! Storyteller and musician Atiba Wilson will share a collection of his favorite African folktales with audience members. It’ll be a great cultural and learning experience.
Details: 10 Grand Army Plaza. FREE for all. All ages welcomed. Contact 718.230.2100 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th at 1:00pm
Mardi Gras Party at Bryant Park
Mardi Gras has never been so much fun! Grab your entire family (even the babies) and head to Bryant Park to celebrate to celebrate with mask-making, dancing, music and a magic show! Don’t miss the parade with beads, chocolate coins and warm apple cider (and remember to wear your purple, gold and green!). While you’re here, be sure to take a spin on the merry-go-round. Traditional New Orleans music will be performed by Dr. Zsa’s Zydeco Band.
Details: Bryant Park, NYC. FREE for all. All ages welcomed. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th from 1pm — 3pm
Arts and Recreation at the Audubon Center
Naturalists at the Prospect Park Audubon Center will lead structured, fun and engaging arts activities combined with active play that will have kids up and moving like an animal or pretending to be a bat. Cool, right. Yeah… we thought so too!
Details: Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park. Entrance near Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th at 1:30pm
Junior Engineer: Dig It! at The New York Transit Museum
If you’ve got a little digger on your hands, then you’d want to take them to this event. The museum will be handing out shovels and will work together with kids to dig up artifacts from the Museum’s pretend excavation site. The kids will have a blast!
Details: Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE with Museum admission. Contact 718.694.1600 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th at 2:00pm
Knuffle Bunny Opening Day Gala at The Manhattan’s Children’s Theatre
Who doesn’t LOVE Mo Willems’ Trixie and her beloved Knuffle Bunny?! I know my son and I can’t get enough of that series! To celebrate Knuffle Bunny’s arrival at the Manhattan Children’s Theatre, they’re having a party! Join them at the 2 p.m. performance on February 18th to help them open this much anticipated show in red carpet style! Woohoo! There will be door prizes for the adults, gifts for all the kids and chances to win your very own Knuffle Bunny! Then, you can hang out with the cast after the show for an interactive conversation and an autograph session, cake and treats, a craft for kids to do and other great surprises! Get excited!
Details: 380 Broadway, 4th Floor, NYC. All ages welcomed. Tickets: $40. Contact 212.226.4085 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
HandiWork: Tasks and Crafts from the Past at Lefferts Historic House
An afternoon of crafts? Sign me up! And if you and your children are anything like me, you’d want to check out this FREE event as well where kids will engage in arts, crafts, and games… just like they did in 19-Century Brooklyn. How’s that for a Saturday afternoon?
Details: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Willink Entrance (near intersection of Ocean Avenue and Empire BLVD. FREE for children under 16 years old. $3 suggested donation for adults on the weekends. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th at 2:30pm
Art Works at The Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Visit the Totally Tots area with your little ones to see what’s in store for that budding Picasso!
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. 718. 735.4400. Ages 5 and under.
Saturday, February 18th at 3:00pm
President’s Day Storytime at The Scholastic Store
Do you know who’s stepping on who’s foot on the $2 bill?! Do you even remember the $2 bill?! Head on over to The Scholastic Store to find out the answer to this piece of trivia and more during this presidential storytime. A witty new book called Those Rebels, John and Tom paints a new picture of our country’s second and third presidents. After the reading, imagine your own presidential term and design your own self-portrait paper money.
Details: 557 Broadway, NYC. FREE for all. All ages welcomed. Call 212.343.6166 or visit the website for more information.
Saturday, February 18th: various times
27th Annual Half Moon New York Sword Ale
I think this event will be really cool and is certainly worth checking out. That is, if you like fun things. It will feature 12 teams in a weekend of performances in public spaces around the city. The festival, which Half Moon first organized in 1986, was the first event in North America to focus on English-style sword dancing. Sounds fun, right?
Schedule for Manhattan and Brooklyn Locations:
9:30am — All Teams — Staten Island Ferry Terminal, Whitehall Terminal at 1 Whitehall Street at South St.
1:00pm — Jefferson Market Public Library, 425 6th Avenue at 10th St.
1:00pm — South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street (between Front and South Streets)
1:30pm — Dana Discovery Center, 110th St (5th Ave/Lenox Ave) in Central Park
1:30pm — George Bruce Branch Library, 518 West 125th St. at Amsterdam Avenue
3:00pm — Brooklyn Heights Library, 280 Cadman Plaza West at Tillary St., Brooklyn
3:00pm — Dana Discovery Center, 110th St. (5th Ave/Lenox Ave) in Central Park
3:00pm — Dwyer Cultural Center, 258 St. Nicholas Avenue (near 123rd St.)
3:00pm — Museum of the City of New York, 1220 5th Avenue at 103rd St.
3:00pm — South Street Seaport Museum, 12 Fulton Street (between Front and South Streets)
Details: All performances are free, but there is an admissions charge to enter the museums. Contact halfmoonsword@gmail.com or visit the website for more information.
SUNDAY FEBRUARY 19TH
Sunday, February 19th from 10:00am — 5:00pm
Kids Week 2012: Ringling Brothers Circus Performance at The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum
This event is definitely going to be a hit! I wish I didn’t have a schedule conflict, otherwise my son and I won’t certainly be the first ones there! The Ringling Brothers (yay!!!) will kick off the annual “Kids Week” at The Intrepid and at 1pm and 3pm there will be performers to dazzle audience members with their daring and unique routines that also teach children about scientific principles including gravity, balance and momentum. Kids can also enjoy the Circus Zone – where they can learn to juggle and spin plates – throughout the day.
Details: 46th Street at 12th Avenue, NYC. FREE for all with Museum admission. All ages welcomed. Contact 212.245.0072 or visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th at 11am
Baby Stories and Singalongs at Greenlight Bookstore
Babies and toddlers under 3 years old will be highly entertained with stories, songs, and interactive play as the children’s performers Miss Nina, Jon Samson, and Vered take turns keeping them busy.
Details: Geared toward ages 3 years and under. Open to public, but on a first come, first served basis. 686 Fulton Street (at South Portland). Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th at 11am SOLD OUT
JUMPIN’ JUNIPER Presents Spellbound Theatre Wink at the Brooklyn Arts Exchange
Oh man, get ready for an interactive hour of theater with the classic story of Wynken, Blynken and Nod told through shadow puppetry.During the performance, a well-equipped playroom will be available in conjunction so that children and caregivers can take a break and return to the show at any time. The playroom will remain open until 1:00 pm.
Details : 421 5th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. All are welcomed. $7/person, FREE for children 2 and under. Call 718.832.0018, email info@bax.org, or visit the website for more information or to purchase tickets.
Saturday, February 18h at 11:30 am
Play Lab Workshop: Marvelous Mardi Gras!
It is time for Mardi Gras! Explore this festive holiday as you learn its cultural significance and create a colorful mask to take home. For 2 1/2 to 5 yr olds
Details: 145 Brooklyn Avenue. Telephone: 718. 735. 4400. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th at 12:30pm and 2:30pm
Puss in Boots at Puppetworks, Inc
If your child is a fan of the movie, then they will love this too! Now is the chance for them to find out what happens to this little kitten when he is given a pair of boots that turns out to be… wait for it… magical! This adorable tale will leave your child feeling enchanted, to asy the least.
Details: 338 6th Aevnue at 4th Street. Tickets: $7/child, $8/adult. Registration is suggested. Call 718.965.3391 or email puppetworks@verizon.net to reserve your tickets!
Sunday, February 19th from 1pm — 3pm
Arts and Recreation at the Audubon Center
Naturalists at the Prospect Park Audubon Center will lead structured, fun and engaging arts activities combined with active play that will have kids up and moving like an animal or pretending to be a bat. Cool, right. Yeah… we thought so too!
Details: Audubon Center at the Boathouse, Prospect Park. Entrance near Lincoln Road and Ocean Avenue. FREE for all. Telephone: 718.287.3400. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th at 1:30pm
Junior Engineer: Dig It! at The New York Transit Museum
If you’ve got a little digger on your hands, then you’d want to take them to this event. The museum will be handing out shovels and will work together with kids to dig up artifacts from the Museum’s pretend excavation site. The kids will have a blast!
Details: Corner of Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street. Recommended for ages 4 and up. FREE with Museum admission. Contact 718.694.1600 or visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th from 2:30pm — 3:30pm
HandiWork: Tasks and Crafts from the Past at Lefferts Historic House
An afternoon of crafts? Sign me up! And if you and your children are anything like me, you’d want to check out this FREE event as well where kids will engage in arts, crafts, and games… just like they did in 19-Century Brooklyn. How’s that for a Saturday afternoon?
Details: Lefferts Historic House in Prospect Park. Willink Entrance (near intersection of Ocean Avenue and Empire BLVD. FREE for children under 16 years old. $3 suggested donation for adults on the weekends. Telephone: 718.789.2822. Visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th from 6:00pm — 9:00pm
Family Bingo Night at The Moxie Spot
What a lovely way to end the weekend! Eat, drink, play, and win big! (Well, hopefully.) There will be little prizes for the little kids, who, by the way, can eat for FREE with the purchase of any dinner entree or dinner special. Yum!
Details: 81 Atlantic Avenue. Ages 4 and up. Contact 718.923.9710 or visit the website for more information.
Sunday, February 19th: various times
27th Annual Half Moon New York Sword Ale
I think this event will be really cool and is certainly worth checking out. That is, if you like fun things. It will feature 12 teams in a weekend of performances in public spaces around the city. The festival, which Half Moon first organized in 1986, was the first event in North America to focus on English-style sword dancing. Sounds fun, right?
Schedule for Brooklyn Locations:
12:30pm — Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew, 520 Clinton Avenue (between Fulton St. and Atlantic Avenue)
12:30pm — First Unitarian Church of Brooklyn, Pierrepont and Monroe Streets
12:30pm — Old First Reformed Church, 126 7th Avenue (between Carroll and Presidents Street)
1:00pm — St. John’s Episcopal Church, 139 St. Johns Place (between 6th and 7th Avenue)
2:30pm — All Teams — The Brooklyn Museum (auditorium), 200 Eastern Parkway
Details: All performances are free, but there is an admissions charge to enter the museums. Contact halfmoonsword@gmail.com or visit the website for more information.