CULTURE KIDS

There is no doubt life with kids can be packed with drama. What what would live be without it? But if you are looking for drama of a different kind for the family, there is no shortage of choices in Toronto. There are the sweet sounds of the symphony, or the eloquent prose of an actor? It’s all about bringing culture to kids, and to Mom and Dad too. We have found just a few creative choices to enjoy the sights and sounds of culture in Toronto.

Lorraine Kimsa Theatre for Young People

Formerly know as the Young Peoples Theatre. Shawn McCarthy, with LKTYP, says learning is at the centre of everything the theatre does. Programs and productions are designed for young people from ages 3 to 18 years.

The Emperor’s New Threads is a new take on an old classic. It is a lively puppet and mask production based on Hans Christian Anderson's classic The Emperor's New Clothes. It runs from March 15 until March 27. Check out http://www.lktyp.ca/

Solar Stage Children’s Theatre

If you are looking for unique productions tailored to children then check out this theatre. Favorite stories (even some that you have read more than once or twice at bedtime), like The Adventures of Jillian Jigs, make up a very family-friendly lineup. The theatre is a small, intimate spot. It only seats 100 people. The best part for little theatre-goers is the cushioned areas down front near the stage. There are two locations, one in North York (100 Madison Avenue, just north of Sheppard Avenue on the west side of Yonge Street) and one in Bloor Village (The Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor St. W).

Munsch Mischief, a play adaptation based on the stories by Robert Munsch, is playing at the North York location. It is sure to be a hit if you and your kids are fans of Robert Munsch (honestly who isn’t. I think we all have a favorite Munsch story, or two). The show runs every weekend in March.

Robin Hood runs for only two days March 28 & 29. You can also catch Princess and the Pea every weekend in April.

The theatre in Bloor Village also has a great lineup of shows, including The Adventures of Jillian Jiggs. There are two showings each day until March 22. http://www.solarstage.on.ca/


The Toronto Symphony Orchestra

I was pleasantly surprised to find out the Toronto Symphony Orchestra has concerts for kids. Let's face it, kids aren't the quietest bunch but the tso has concerts just for the budding musician. The Young Peoples Concert series includes 5 one hour concerts on Saturday afternoons at Roy Thomson Hall.

There are only a few concerts left in this year’s lineup. The Melodic Life will play April 4 and you can catch Symphony and Dance May 2.

The 09/10 season, which gets underway in the fall, has 5 new concerts for kids, including The Listener (October 17) featuring the Magic Circle Mime Company, and a musical telling of Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes in Jack and the Beanstalk (November 14). Be sure to check out http://www.tso.ca/ for all the details.

Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre

I will be honest this theatre caught my attention first because of its name. It just sounds fun. It is also one for you west-end folks. Shows are staged at the Burnhamthorpe Library Theatre, in Mississauga, but Katherine Grainger, from Cow Over Moon Children’s Theatre, says they are still looking to firm up theatre locations in other areas, like Jane and Finch and maybe even in the east end.

Grainger says every show is different because audience participation is the key, the cast does not use a script. This years productions are still being finalized Check the theatres’ website for more on upcoming productions http://www.cowovermoon.ca/