Beltway Bambinos

(re) discover Washington DC through the eyes of your children

Weekend Picks in and around Washington, DC

The Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum is hosting a Garden Party from 11am-4pm both Saturday & Sunday to celebrate the warmer weather, and to highlight one of our exhibitions, Beautiful Blooms: Flowering Plants on Stamps. The exhibition’s focus is on stamp art that features flowers and diverse elements of a garden, such as birds and flowering trees. The artwork on display represents some of the most attractive pieces in the renowned Postmaster General’s Collection, and we are excited to feature the exhibition as part of this educational, fun and inviting program.

Balloonacy at Imagination Stage is on it’s final weekend of performances. Shows are Saturday & Sunday.

Helpful information on the Cherry Blossoms can be found here.

Royal Adventure Days at B&O Railroad Museum allows you to spend the day with some of your favorite princesses and fairy tale characters. Explore 5 royal kingdoms where you interact or make crafts with royalty. Saturday, April 7, 10am – 3pm, Sunday, April 8, 11am – 3pm. Train Ride: Saturday at 11:30am, 12:30pm & 2pm. Sunday at 12pm & 2:30pm.

USA Science & Engineering Festival will be at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday 10 am- 6 pm and Sunday 10 am- 4 pm. This is the Nation’s largest celebration of STEM. With over 3,000 hands-on exhibits, stage shows & scientists. Free 2-day expo!

Saturday-

9:30am AND 11:15am: Theatreworks USA: Dragons Love Tacos and Other Stories
The National Theatre is thrilled to welcome Theatreworks USA’s newest musical revue of beloved contemporary children’s books! Dragons love all sorts of tacos – except spicy ones! When a boy throws his new dragon friends a spicy salsa taco party, red-hot trouble ensues. FREE

10:00am-12:00pm: Open Studio: Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival! at Freer|Sackler
Celebrate the National Cherry Blossom Festival with the Freer|Sackler! Take a family-friendly tour and learn about nature in Japanese art (10:30 am). Then, continue to explore the Freer for pop-up art-making activities and artist demonstrations inspired by the spring season. All ages welcome with adult companions.

10:15am: Strathmore Children’s Art Talk & Tour at the Mansion
Young art lovers can get behind the brushstrokes and into the head, heart, and history of the artists with these kid-friendly Saturday tours. Children take part in an educational guided tour of the current exhibitions followed by a hands-on art activity. Ages 7 & up. Accompanying adults are free. Reservations required.

10:30am-11:15am: Saturday Song Circle at Imagination Stage
You and your child are invited to a fun, interactive musical experience! An Early Childhood Teaching Artist explores a popular children’s book with your family through song and musical instruments, and you will receive a list of all the songs to practice at home. The Little Engine That Could is the featured story.

11:30am-3:00pm: Jazz Family Day at SAAM
Come and jam at SAAM during Jazz Appreciation Month! SAAM celebrates jazz’s influence on artists with activities and performances. Improvise with your own jazz-themed crafts, complete a swinging scavenger hunt, and bop to jazz performances throughout the day.

1:00pm-9:30pm: Petalpalooza
Join us for live music, games, fireworks, free product giveaways, and more. There are also lots of great restaurants along The Wharf where you can pop inside and grab a bite to eat. We’re looking forward to a fun-filled Saturday and can’t wait to see you there! To remain aware of updates, check back here or follow us on Facebook: CherryBlossomFestival and Twitter: @CherryBlossFest.

Sunday-

11:00am-11:45am: Sunday Fun-Day at Imagination Stage
We invite you and your child to bring your favorite stories to life through dramatic play activities, music, movement, and visual art. Each session you leave with a special take-home item we used or created that day, as well as a Parent Pack to extend the experience at home. From Head to Toe is the featured story.

2:00pm AND 6:00pm: Bubble Guppies Live at National Theatre
Get the ultimate fan experience with the Meet and Greet Package. Package features premium show seating and a pre-show Meet and Greet with two Bubble Guppies Live friends – Gil and Molly! Meet and Greet packages will include a separate Meet and Greet ticket, which you’ll receive with your show tickets. Each adult and child (age 1 and up) in a group must purchase a Meet and Greet Package. All Meet and Greets start one hour before show time and last 20 minutes.**Everyone entering the theater must have a ticket.

Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

What: Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure at Imagination Stage

When: June 21-August 13, 2017

Where: 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814


Why: Alice follows the White Rabbit into Wonderland where all of the familiar characters have been transformed into live guitar-toting Rock ‘n’ Roll musicians! She takes advice from a Zen Caterpillar and a wise Cheshire Cat. She has tea with the unwelcoming Mad Hatter, and argues with the childish Tweedledee and Tweedledum. When the vicious diva Red Queen tries to destroy her, Alice fights back only to find herself in a battle of the bands with the Jabberwocky, a many-headed monster who embodies all her fears and insecurities. Alice ultimately outperforms him on keyboard and drums; she is crowned at last, and returns home, a stronger and happier girl. The writers have successfully translated Carroll’s irrational Wonderland to our own times and added lyrics and a beat that will make you want to twist and shout!

You won’t stop smiling and tapping your feet while you follow Alice through the rabbit hole that is quite literally a rock and roll stage. The characters are amazing and so talented when it comes to acting and being musicians. Each one plays multiple instruments while also having a speaking part in the play– at times it feels like we were at a concert. It’s truly an avant-garde twist on the classic everyone adores. The costumes of the characters are creative and captivating with a bit of edge. Our favorite part which left us laughing out loud was when the Red Queen makes her appearance. The instruments used in this rock and roll musical were endless. Best for Ages 5+. 90 minutes with no intermission.

Book and lyrics by Rachel Rockwell. Music and lyrics by Michael Mahler. Based on the classics by Lewis Carroll. Directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer.

Tickets: $20-$35

Learn more about theatre productions, classes, and weekend workshops at Imagination Stage.

Early Childhood Theatre: Paper Dreams at Imagination Stage (ends this weekend)

The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in our Reeve Theatre. Learn more below about theatre productions, classes, and weekend workshops at Imagination Stage.

What: Paper Dreams
In a brand-new collaboration with Mons Dansa Dance Company Barcelona, Spain, we bring to life our first DANCE performance based show, perfect for ages 1-5 that explores the many facets of creativity. A fun, interactive production that tells the story of two delightful creatures who live inside a wastepaper basket. Can our greatest mistake actually turn out to be the next greatest innovative idea? Try the Activity Guide! En Español!

When: March 11-April 9, 2017

Where: Imagination Stage: 4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Who: Written and directed by Claudia Moreso, Mons Dansa Dance Company Barcelona, Spain
with the US remount directed by Kathryn Chase Bryer

Tickets: $14.00

Spring Break Camp Guide 2017

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If you aren’t hopping on a plane this Spring Break to relax by the waves or shred on a mountain, get those little ones in a fun camp. In addition to the list, check local Parks and Recreation websites as most of them have Spring Break Camps.

 

Maryland:

Road Trip with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break?  Join us for a four day camp designed to take you on a culinary tour of the US.  Each day will focus on a different region.  Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 9:00am-12:00pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.

Baking with L’Academie de Cusine- April 10-13, 2017
(5021 Wilson Lane, Bethesda, MD 20814)
Looking for something new to do during Spring Break?  Join us for a four day baking boot camp.   Each day will focus on a aspect of baking and you will make many sweet treats.  Chef Sherri brings the fun of Summer Camp, just a few months earlier. Camp is from 1:30pm-4:30pm and open to kids and teens aged 9-14 years old.

Basketball Camp with Skills and Scrimmages– April 10-13, 2017
(Pyle Middle School- 6311 Wilson Ln. Bethesda, MD 20817)
This outstanding skills and development camp is focused on fundamentals, sportsmanship, teamwork, equal play and fun is presented by Former Delaware State University Standout Sheridan Price and other former Division 1 basketball players. Boys and Girls will develop their skills with top notch instruction, drills, and scrimmages. For Grades 1st-8th.
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

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What: The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at Imagination Stage

When: October 8, 2016 – October 30, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
Have you ever loved a special doll or stuffed toy? If you have, this is the story for you! Abilene adores her china rabbit doll, Edward Tulane. But, Edward is spoiled and ungrateful until fate takes him on an emotional roller-coaster of an adventure through the 20th century. He is lost overboard on an ocean liner, fished up by a kindly villager, dumped in a heap of garbage, rescued by a hobo and his dog, turned into a scarecrow, and adopted by a little boy who gives him as a gift to his sickly sister. Little by little, Edward discovers goodness and humility. Inspired by the constellations, he learns to keep an open heart. Kate DiCamillo’s award-winning book translates beautifully to the stage. And, as in all good stories, even our reluctant hero finds a happy ending!

Edward’s journey takes him through a series of misfortunes. I had read Kate DiCamillo’s novel years ago and found it to be a touching and intriguing story. Taking my son to the play however meant he was exposed to some of life’s uglier issues. While some of the tough situations and conversations went over his head, the plays ending brings a smile to everyone’s face. According to the little girl sitting behind us, “every play ends with a happy ending.” I’d advise taking children 6+ as Imagination Stage recommends.

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Details:
Running time is roughly 90 minutes with an intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $15.00-$30.00.

Inside Out– an interactive theatre experience at Imagination Stage

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What: Inside Out at Imagination Stage

When: June 25, 2016 – July 31, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
The My First Imagination Stage theatre series offers intimate, interactive performances designed for the very young in our Reeve Theatre.

It’s bedtime! But instead of getting ready, two children use their imaginations to turn their room into a wonderland of mess! While playing dress-up,  a  glove becomes a dancing fish, a shirt becomes a fantastic creature, and a sock dance rocks the closet. In this interactive show, discover the joy of  turning things inside out!

My 19 month old and 5 year old were involved and entranced throughout the entire show. It is the perfect show and series to bring the younger audience. You sit on the floor and children are encouraged to participate. This particular show allows kids to sort, match, count and follow directions in a friendly way. At the end, the audience is encouraged to play with the clothing and hang out on the stage. 5 stars for this show! We all want to go back and see it again!

Details:
Running time is roughly 45 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $14.00.

Recommended for children 1-5.

The Little Mermaid at Imagination Stage

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(Photo credit: Margot Schulman)

What: The Little Mermaid at Imagination Stage

When: June 22, 2016 – August 14, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage  – 4908 Auburn Avenue  Bethesda, MD 20814

Why:
In this faithful re-telling of the Hans Christian Andersen original (not your well-known Disney production), the Little Mermaid falls in love with a human Prince, and longs to join him in his world above the waves. Despite the warnings of her Mer-family, the Little Mermaid seeks out the Enchantress who trades her pair of legs for the mermaid’s beautiful singing voice. A follow-up to the highly acclaimed The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (2012), this collaboration between Imagination Stage and The Washington Ballet features dance, puppets, music, and singing in a highly theatrical and epic style of performance. A highlight for us was the fantastic ballerinas and peaceful, serene music that went along with the play. My five-year old was entertained throughout the show. It is not your typical Disney Little Mermaid therefore he was wondering what was next and constantly seeing new things and hearing different songs he wasn’t used to.

 

 

Details:
Running time is roughly 90 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets are $10.00-$35.00 each with group and field trip rates available.

Recommended for children 4+.

Looking for Roberto Clemente at Imagination Stage

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What: Looking for Roberto Clemente

When: April 13, 2016- May 22, 2016

Where: Imagination Stage
4908 Auburn Avenue Bethesda, Maryland 20814

Why: Sam and Charlie are best friends and baseball fanatics in Pittsburgh, PA, in the year 1972. Puerto Rican superstar Roberto Clemente is the hero of the Pittsburgh Pirates, having led the team to victory after years of losing. When a mysterious fly ball transforms Sam into a Little League Superstar pitcher, he is invited onto the most prestigious Little League team in town, while Charlie is rejected for being a girl. Charlie forms her own team with the less athletic kids and her new friend Tommy, a boy with a disability. Sam and Charlie ultimately discover what it truly means to be a “hero” when their final game coincides with Clemente’s fateful decision to deliver supplies to earthquake victims in Nicaragua.

My baseball fanatic son liked watching the characters play “ball” and he enjoyed the backdrop which sometimes used old baseball clips. The show sparked a conversation between my five year old and myself on the topic of including others. The director casts a man who in real life has a disability dreaming of wanting to play ball. It brought an authentic feel to the play and allowed my son to learn about the importance of inclusion. The play did get a bit somber and left the younger audience sad as we learned about the disappearance of Mr. Clemente. However, the end of the play brought the characters all together.

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Details:
Running time is 75 minutes with one intermission.

Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets range from $12-$35 each with group and field trip rates available.

Looking for Roberto Clemente is recommended for ages 5+.

(Photo credit: Margot Schulman)

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