The 15th annual Philadelphia Live Arts Festival and Philly Fringe returns Sept. 2-18 with contemporary and cutting-edge productions. Out of the hundreds of shows presented, a handful are family-friendly. Here are four of the best shows for kids.
Run Grunt Sing: An Open Air Theatric
Presented by OMBELICO Mask Ensemble
at Liberty Lands Park
Sept. 2-11
Free
More info and tickets >>
Pack a picnic and make it a playdate in the park at one of these free shows. The ensemble presents a modern version of the centuries-old Italian theater form Commedia dell’arte. Expect masked actors, lots of laughs and live music in three languages.
The Green Fairy Cabaret
Presented by and performed at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts
Sept. 10
$15-$20
More info and tickets >>
Modeled after the early 1900s circus in Paris, The Green Fairy features aerial and acrobatic feats, juggling and clowns. Bring the kids to the daytime show on Sat., Sept. 10; other shows on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings are geared towards adults.
Paris Wheels and the Ready Maids present: Not the Henri Rousseau that Some of You Know
Presented by Sebastienne Mundheim/White Box Theatre
at The Crane Arts Center, Old School: White Space
Sept. 10-11, 13-14, 17-18
$10-$15
More info and tickets >>
If you missed this French adventure at the Kimmel Center’s Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts back in April, here’s another chance to see it. Handcrafted puppets, movement, music and storytelling depict Paris in 1910 through the eyes of artist Henri Rousseau. The show runs 35 min., followed by a 40-min. workshop.
Traces
Presented by 7 Fingers
at the Merriam Theater
Sept. 15-18
$20-$45
More info and tickets >>
This high-energy, urban acrobatics show performed by the circus troupe 7 Fingers (as seen on NBC’s America’s Got Talent over the summer) combines daring stunts with contemporary dance and music.
A video preview of Traces:
For more info on the festival, visit the Live Arts/Philly Fringe website.
Stephanie Halinski is calendar editor of MetroKids.
