It's Showtime
These shows will have the whole family asking for an encore.
Staged productions of beloved stories bring magic to life for children. These four shows are running through late spring—some beyond.
Thomas and Friends Live! (Nationwide) Packed with music, dancing, and audience sing-alongs, this Thomas the Tank Engine spectacular is chugging across the country through July. Visit thomasandfriends.com/live for the full schedule.
Ramona Quimby (Minneapolis, MN) The quirky third-grader from the mind of Newbery Award–winning author Beverly Cleary has been entertaining us since the 1950s. See Ramona’s silly antics on stage at The Children’s Theatre Company from April 21 to June 7.
Disney’s Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular (Anaheim, CA) A live enactment of the cherished animated film takes place at Disney’s California Adventure Park. Entrance is free to park guests with paid admission. Runs year round, seven days a week.
Heidi (Bethesda, MD) Catch this classic at the Imagination Stage from April 4 to May 17. It’s about a cheery little girl who goes to live in the Swiss Alps with her grumpy grandfather. Unexpectedly, they become fast friends and splendid companions.
Le Petit Rouge (Portland, OR) Told in rhyming Creole dialect, this Cajun Red Riding Hood story by the Oregon Children’s Theatre takes you to a spicy fairy-tale world in the bayou. April 28 to May 17.
Goodnight Moon (Seattle, WA) When Little Bunny must say goodnight, his imagination wakes up. A beautiful production by the Seattle Children’s Theatre, based on the classic 1947 picture book by Margaret Wise Brown. April 9 to June 7.
Alice in Concert (Charlotte, NC) A unique twist on Lewis Carroll’s beloved stories, this production by the Children’s Theatre of Charlotte combines Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass with a whole lot of music and dance. Irresistibly delightful! April 17 to May 3.
The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle (Annapolis, MD) John Dolittle is no ordinary veterinarian—he talks to his patients! April 17 to 19 and 24 to 26 at the Children’s Theatre of Annapolis.
Raggedy Anne and Andy (Portland, ME) This 75th anniversary production about a gutsy little rag doll celebrates the very first show that ever ran at the Children’s Theatre of Maine. May 8 to 17.
Three Billy Goats Gruff (Houston, TX) Three hungry goats try to get past the grumpy troll under the bridge so they can eat the grass on the other side. Full of music and laughs. Produced by the Express Children’s Theatre. April 20 to May 30.
The Emperor’s New Clothes (Eugene, OR) The Rose Children’s Theatre infuses this funny fairy tale with charm. April 24 to 26 and May 1 to 2.
How I Became a Pirate (Milwaukee, WI) Young Jeremy Jacobs is thrilled when Captain Braid Beard invites him aboard, but he soon learns a life at sea may not be the life for him. April 17 to May 17 at the First Stage Children’s Theater.
Pinocchio (Birmingham, AL) Join this sweet puppet on his quest to become a real boy. Enjoy free cookies and autographs before the show, then a free art lesson in the lobby afterward! April 18 and 25 at the Birmingham Children’s Theatre.
The Wind in the Willows (Little Rock, AR) When Toad’s mansion is overtaken by a crafty gang of weasels, Ratty, Badger, and Mole must help him recover it. May 1 to 17 at the Arkansas Arts Center Children’s Theatre.
