Cinema Circle names March movies

Cinema Circle will feature “The Spy Next Door” and “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” in March. Both movies are showing at The Majestic, located at 1919 S. 14th St. in Union Gap.

In “The Spy Next Door,” rated PG, former CIA Spy Bob Ho  (Jackie Chan) is asked to baby-sit his girlfriend’s children and winds up having to protect them from secret agents after one the kids accidentally downloads a code. The special showing be begin at 11 a.m. March 11.

Also rated PG, “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is a live-action adaptation of Jeff Kinney’s illustrated novel about a wise-cracking junior high school student. The special matinee will begin at 11 a.m. March 25.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult; concessions are available for purchase. For reasons of safety and supervision, only preschool and younger children with their parents or guardians are admitted. Parents with older children are asked to choose a regular matinee time.

Cinema Circle presents special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is sponsored by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning program.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 509-965-7100 ext.1019.

Cinema Circle announces February films

Cinema Circle this month will feature “Extraordinary Measures” and “The Tooth Fairy.” Both movies are showing at The Majestic, located at 1919 S. 14th St. in Union Gap.

“Extraordinary Measures,” rated PG, will show at 11 a.m. Feb. 11. Brendan Fraser stars as a father who must make a choice between his successful corporate business career or helping to improve the health of his two youngest children.

Also rated PG, “The Tooth Fairy” features Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson as a rough-playing hockey player whose penalty sentence is a week of hard labor as a real-life tooth fairy for discouraging a young child’s dream. The special matinee will begin at 11 a.m. Feb. 25.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult; concessions are available for purchase. For reasons of safety and supervision, only preschool and younger children with their parents or guardians are admitted. Parents with older children are asked to choose a regular matinee time.

Cinema Circle presents special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is sponsored by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning program.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 509-965-7100 ext.1019.

‘Princess,’ ‘Alvin’ are latest Cinema Circle picks

In January, Cinema Circle will feature “The Princess and the Frog” and “Alvin and the Chipmunks 2: The Squeakquel.” Both movies are showing at The Majestic, located at 1919 S. 14th St. in Union Gap.

Especially for young children and their parents, “The Princess and the Frog” will show at 11 a.m. Jan. 14. Rated G, this animated Disney film puts a modern twist on the classic tale of a princess who kisses a frog.

Rated PG, “Alvin and the Chipmunks” meet The Chipettes in this sequel featuring Alvin, Simon and Theodore. The special matinee will begin at 11 a.m. Jan. 28.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. For reasons of safety and supervision, only preschool and younger children with their parents or guardians are admitted. Please choose a regular matinee time if you have older children.

Cinema Circle presents special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is sponsored by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning nonprofit.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 509-965-7100 ext.1019.

Capitol Kids adds ‘Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Especially for middle and high school students, Seattle Shakespeare Company will visit Yakima in April to perform “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as part of the Capitol Kids educational theater series.

The performance, open to school groups and parents with children, will be at 10 a.m. April 22 at the Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima.  Tickets are $5. To purchase, call Christina McCarthy at 853-8000.

In this 90-minute performance, two pairs of mixed up lovers find their way through the forest while the fairy queen’s heart is captured by an unlikely suitor. Utilizing seven actors and puppets, this production of Shakespeare’s most popular comedy muddles love and magic. A question-and-answer session will follow the show.

See ‘Fox’ at Cinema Circle

“Fantastic Mr. Fox” will be the star of Cinema Circle’s matinee this month.The special showing for parents and their preschool children will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 10 at Yakima Cinema, 1305 N. 16th Ave., Yakima.

Rated PG, “Fantastic Mr. Fox” is an animated film starring Mr. and Mrs. Fox (George Clooney and Meryl Streep) who live an idyllic home life with their son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) and their visiting young nephew. Mr. Fox decides he wants more excitement in his life and he slips back into his old ways as a chicken thief, endangering the whole animal community. The other animals have to band together to fight for their safety.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. For reasons of safety and supervision, only preschool and younger children with their parents or guardians are admitted. Please choose a regular matinee time if you have older children.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 469-9888.

Globetrotters coming to Yakima

Will “Amazing Race” teammates Big Easy and Flight Time make Yakima their next pit stop? Guess you’ll have to go to this show to find out:

The Harlem Globetrotters will put their world-famous spin on basketball at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Yakima Valley SunDome.

Tickets are $16-$60; parking is $6. Purchase tickets at the SunDome box office, 1301 S Fair Ave., Yakima; 248-7160.

Time for ‘Christmas Carol’ in Zillah

It’s time to get into the holiday spirit at Zillah High School where the Z Center State Theater Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol” opens Thursday.

Performed on a revolving stage, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through his journey into his past, present and future at an entertaining clip.

Show times are 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 19-21 at the ZHS auditorium, 1602 Second Ave., Zillah. Standard seating is $5 and premium seating is $7.50; seats are assigned with each ticket. To purchase tickets, call 829-5565 or visit zillahschools.org/drama.

‘Wonderland’ opens Thursday at Davis

The Davis High School Drama Department invites families to explore the curious world of “Alice in Wonderland,” opening Thursday at the Davis Auditorium.

Evening performances will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 19-21. Matinees will begin at 2 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21. Performances will be held in the Davis Auditorium, 212 S. Sixth Ave., Yakima.

Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.  Tickets are available at Inklings Bookshop in Chalet Place, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima; and Off the Record, 901 Summitview Ave., Yakima.

‘Astro Boy’ will play at Cinema Circle

Parents and their preschool-aged children can share a tub of popcorn and enjoy a morning at the movies on Nov. 12, when Cinema Circle will host a special screening of  “Astro Boy,” rated PG. This will be the only Cinema Circle movie in November because of the Thanksgiving holiday.

The special matinee starts at 11 a.m. Nov. 12 at The Majestic, located at 1919 S. 14th St. in Union Gap. Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. Concessions are available.

Cinema Circle presents special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is sponsored by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning nonprofit.

Set in the futuristic Metro City, “Astro Boy” is about a young robot with incredible powers who was created by a brilliant scientist (voiced by Nicholas Cage) to replace a lost son.  Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, X-ray vision, speed and the ability to fly. He will learn what it takes to be a real hero. The animé film is an adaptation of Osamu Tezuka’s famous story about a boy robot, first published in 1952.

For more information about Cinema Circle, contact Circle of Success at 469-9888.

Forecast: Cloudy (with a Chance of Meatballs)

Looks like it’s going to be a kind of crummy weekend, weather-wise. I just checked the forecast, which predicted daytime highs in the upper 50s and rain looming on Sunday.

To me, this sounds like a perfect excuse to go to the movies.

I’ll admit, I haven’t seen too many movies in the theater in the past six-and-a-half years (since my life “with kids” began). With no grandparents in town, paying for the babysitter (and the popcorn) turns a movie date into a plus-$50 splurge. Not too practical, you know?

My husband is still marveling at the time when, shortly after our son was born, we left the baby with grandma (we lived in Portland then) for a few hours and went downtown to see “Master and Commander” (his choice) and I fell asleep before the title credits ever ran. It’s a testimony to that new-mama exhaustion you’re probably all too familiar with. Actually, it was the best $9 nap I ever had.

Anyway, the good news about this weekend’s forecast is that a) my kids are finally old enough to go to the theater with us, and b) there are actually quite a few family movies to choose from this weekend. So, without further ado, here’s a look at this weekend’s G- and PG-rated lineup at Yakima Theatres, in alphabetical order:

ASTRO BOY (PG) | 12:45 p.m., 3:10 p.m., 6:50 p.m., 8:55 p.m. at The Majestic. Just released today, critics already are down on the animation of this anime film about a boy robot built by a government scientist (voiced by Nicholas Cage) to replace his lost son. Think Pinocchio-meets-Frankenstein with a good-natured hero? Though I suspect my son would like it, this isn’t not the kind of flick that fuels my jets. We’ll wait for the DVD.

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CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS (PG) | 12:30 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 6:35 p.m., 8:35 p.m. at The Majestic. Our family enjoys the imaginative picture book (written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett) that’s the basis for this animated 3D movie, so the initial previews piqued our interest. I checked the reviews at Rotten Tomatos, which seemed so appropriate for this foodie flick, and it looks like most viewers enjoy this movie even though it deviates substantially from the book’s plot. I just might bite.

FAME (PG) | 12:30 p.m., 2:55 p.m., 6:20 p.m., 8:45 p.m. at Yakima Cinema. Based on the reviews, this remake of the Oscar-winning 1980 film is a bomb… not to be confused with “the bomb.” In case you don’t remember, it’s the story of a multi-ethnic group of teens selected for New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts who push their talents to the limit to make it big in show biz. I somewhat shamefully admit this is the kind of story I loved as a tween/teenager. Thankfully, my kids are still too young to care. For those of you with older kids, however, it should be noted that the original movie (though all around better) is probably “sexier [and] grittier than you recall.”

MORE THAN A GAME (PG) | 12:10 p.m., 2:50 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 8:50 p.m. at Yakima Cinema. Most audiences are fans of this basketball documentary following the story of future NBA superstar LeBron James and his high school teammates in Akron, Ohio. The film has a positive message and should be appropriate for school-aged basketball buffs. There’s some mild language (“jerk and hell”) and a few references to drugs in the projects and “getting girls,” but clever parents should be able to spin these topics into a positive discussion with their kids.

NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS (PG) | 12:20 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 6:25 p.m., 8:30 p.m. at The Majestic. Tim Burton’s magical Halloweentown classic is being shown on the big screen in digital 3D. Although characters remove their heads and limbs, this seasonally appropriate stop-action animation pic is generally regarded as appropriate for kids age 7 and up. My 4-year-old daughter doesn’t like “bad guys,” so I suspect she wouldn’t like this movie. But for promise of popcorn and a Red Vine, she might be coerced to try…

TOY STORY & TOY STORY 2 (G) | 12 p.m., 3:35 p.m., 7:10 p.m. at The Majestic. This Disney-Pixar double feature promises to take viewers “to infinity and beyond” in digital 3D. Fun, for sure, since I enjoyed both these videos — never saw either in the theater — but haven’t seen them to the extent of, say, “Wiggly Wiggly Christmas” (my daughter’s favorite show of late). This one’s definitely a temptation (especially with the 2-for-1 pricing), but the realist in me is wondering whether my kiddos could sit through the two-hour, 53-minute presentation without visiting the Majestic’s teeny-tiny toilets in the family restroom too many times. Probably not.

WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE (PG) | 12:10 p.m., 2:25 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:40 p.m. at The Majestic. I actually named my son after Max, king of the Wild Things (which in 20/20 hindsight maybe wasn’t the wisest thing to do), so you can bet I’m going to see this movie. I’m just hoping I’ll like it. Or, at least, that the Spike Jonze adaptation won’t somehow ruin Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book for me (I’d eat it up, I love it so).  From what I’ve read, most folks seem to like the movie (moderately) although it can be a little too dark and intense for the preschool set that’s targeted by the picture book. Still, I’m guessing my wee wild things will be able to handle this one. So, I say, “Let the wild rumpus start!”

Have a great (cloudy) weekend!

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Wondering whether a movie is suitable for your family? Check out the online reviews at commonsensemedia.org. In addition to letting you know whether a film is any good, the site gives detailed recommendations for parents and lets you you know about every burp and (bleep) so you can make an informed decision.

Coming Soon

OCTOBER
“Robinson Crusoe” | Local kids are the stars of this Missoula Children’s Theatre musical production, sponsored by Allied Arts. Designed to develop life skills through participation in performing arts, MCT’s week-long workshop culminates with two public performances of “Robinson Crusoe.” It’s a fictional autobiography of the title character, an English castaway who spends 28 years on a remote tropical island.
Audition details: Open auditions for students in grades K-12 begin at 4 p.m. Oct. 19 at Allied Arts; approximately 50 children will be cast. First rehearsal begins immediately following auditions. Participants should be available for rehearsals from 3:30-8:30 p.m. Oct. 19-23 as well as the Oct. 24 performances.
Show details: Performances at 1 and 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at the Warehouse Theatre at Allied Arts, 5000 W. Lincoln Ave., Yakima. Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors. Purchase tickets at Allied Arts or call 966-0930.

Warren Miller’s “Dynasty” | An experience, a party, a phenomenon: Ski and snowboard lovers will get a thrill from attending this high-definition action sports film premiere. Narrated by skiing icon Jonny Mosley, this year’s film takes audiences on a breathtaking global tour of some of the world’s most impressive terrain. More information at warrenmiller.com.
Details: Shows at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Tickets: $16.50 general admission, all ages. Purchase at the Capitol box office or call 853-2787.

Disney On Ice: “Worlds of Fantasy” | Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew from “Cars” will race across the ice in this Disney spectacular that also features characters from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King” and Tinker Bell’s Pixie Hollow. The show’s special effects and high-speed stunts are strong enough to hook the attention of young boys (and dads), according to reviews we’ve read. Girls? As if there were any doubt, let’s just say there will be a Disney princess and “dazzling” display of gowns at the bonus pre-show starting one hour before show time.
Details: Performances at 7 p.m. Oct. 29; 7 p.m. Oct. 30; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Oct. 31; noon and 4 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Toyota Center, 7016 Grandridge Blvd., Kennewick. Ticket sales open Sept. 26: $45/$32/$20/$16. Purchase tickets at ticketmaster.com or Fred Meyer Home Electronics.

NOVEMBER

“A Christmas Carol” | Get into the holiday spirit with the Z Center State Theater Company’s production of “A Christmas Carol.” Performed on a revolving stage, this adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas story follows the miserly Ebenezer Scrooge through his journey into his past, present and future at an entertaining clip.
Details: Performances at 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 19-21 at the Zillah High School auditorium, 1602 Second Ave., Zillah. Standard seating is $5 and premium seating is $7.50; seats are assigned with each ticket. To purchase tickets, call 829-5565 or visit zillahschools.org/drama.

“Alice in Wonderland” | Explore the curious world of “Alice in Wonderland” at this theater production of the Davis High School drama department.
Details: Evening performances will be at 7 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 19-21. Matinees begin at 2 p.m. Nov. 14 and 21. Performances will be held in the Davis Auditorium, 212 S. Sixth Ave., Yakima. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children.  Tickets are available at Inklings Bookshop in Chalet Place, 5629 Summitview Ave., Yakima; and Off the Record, 901 Summitview Ave., Yakima.

DECEMBER
“Charlotte’s Web” | Especially for children, this Capitol Kids presentation is full of endearing animals, bravery, selfless love and the true meaning of friendship. A spider named Charlotte hatches a plan to save Wilbur, a pig, from being turned into pork chops. Most appropriate for students in grades K-5.
Details: Performances at 10 a.m. and noon Dec. 3 at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Open to school groups and parents with children. Tickets: $5. To purchase, call Christina McCarthy at 853-8000.

“The Nutcracker” | Soak up the holiday spirit at this kid-friendly classic, performed by the Eugene Ballet Company: A girl named Clara falls asleep under the tree on Christmas Eve with her new toy nutcracker in her arms. At the stroke of midnight, Clara awakes into an adventurous dream world in which her nutcracker comes to life, battles the invading Mouse King and then escorts her to a lavish festival.
Warm up with cocoa, caroling and a visit from Santa and live reindeer in front of the theater, beginning 90 minutes before show time.
Details: Performances at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Tickets: $40/$30/$20/$10; students and seniors receive a $5 discount. Ticket sales open Oct. 12. Purchase tickets at the Capitol box office, 853-2787.

FEBRUARY
“Annie” | In a cold NYC orphanage ruled by the nasty Ms. Hannigan, a boisterous 11-year-old orphan dreams of finding her real parents. Instead, Annie finds herself in the lap of luxury when she is chosen to spend the holidays in the home of billionaire Oliver Warbucks. Bet your bottom dollar, this show’s familiar tunes and Annie’s irrepressible outlook on life will appeal to children and adults alike.
Details: Part of the “Best of Broadway” series. Performances at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, 10 and 11 at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Ticket sales open Oct. 12: $60/$45/$30/$10. Purchase tickets at the Capitol Theatre box office, 853-2787.

MARCH
“Mad Science CSI: Live!” | When something runs afoul at the Max Spade Magic Show, audience members are recruited to help analyze mysterious gasses, launch experimental projectiles and help solve the crime. This madcap Capitol Kids show is most appropriate for students in grades 3-8.
Details: Performances at 10 a.m. and noon March 9 at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Open to school groups and parents with children. Tickets: $5. To purchase, call Christina McCarthy at 853-8000.

“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” | Performed in both spoken English and American Sign Language, this is the delicious tale of five lucky children who win a chance to tour Willy Wonka’s famous factory. One by one, the children disobey Mr. Wonka and are punished in the most hilarious ways. The lesson? Honesty really is the best policy. This Capitol Kids performance is most appropriate for students in grades K-6.
Details: Performances at 10 a.m. and noon March 18 at The Capitol Theatre, 19 S. Third St., Yakima. Open to school groups and parents with children. Tickets: $5. To purchase, call Christina McCarthy at 853-8000.

Cinema Circle will show ‘Steve’ and ‘Wild Things’

Cinema Circle’s October movies are full of laughter and adventure. The matinee movie program for parents of preschool children will show “All About Steve” on Oct. 8 and “Where the Wild Things Are” on Oct. 22. Both movies will start at 11 a.m. at The Majestic, located at 1919 S. 14th St., Union Gap.

“All About Steve,” rated PG-13, is a romantic-comedy starring Sandra Bullock as the eccentric crossword puzzle constructor Mary Horowitz who, after one blind date, falls for handsome cable-news cameraman Steve (Bradley Cooper) and follows him across the country hoping to convince him they belong together.

“Where the Wild Things Are,” rated PG, is fantasy-adventure adapted from Maurice Sendak’s classic children’s book and directed by Spike Jonze. Max, a disobedient little boy, is sent to bed without his supper and creates his own world — a forest inhabited by ferocious wild creatures that crown Max as their ruler.

Cinema Circle offers special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is presented by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning nonprofit.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. Concessions are available.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 469-9888.

Mommy movies start up Thursday

Cinema Circle, the matinee movie program for parents of young children, will open its sixth season on Thursday, Sept. 10. Cinema Circle offers special matinees on second and fourth Thursdays during the school year (except holidays) especially for adults accompanied by preschool-aged children. The program is presented by Yakima Theatres and Circle of Success, an early-learning nonprofit.

The first movie of Cinema Circle’s 2009-10 season will be “Aliens in the Attic.” This PG-rated thriller is about a group of kids who must protect their Maine vacation home from invading aliens. Cinema Circle’s special showing begins at 11 a.m. Sept. 10 at The Majestic, 1919 S. 14th St. (behind Toys R Us) in Union Gap. Doors open at 10:30 a.m.

The next movie is “Shorts,” showing at 11 a.m. Sept. 24, also at The Majestic. Rated PG, “Shorts” is a suspenseful comedy about a young boy’s discovery of a colorful, wish-granting rock. The discovery turns the town to chaos when jealous kids and prying adults try to capture the rock for their own.

Admission is $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult. Concessions are available.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 469-9888.

Allied Arts announces Outdoor Summer Cinema series

The lovers, the dreamers, and me.

The films for this year’s Outdoor Summer Cinema Series have been announced, and this year the family-friendly lineup includes a couple of movies for teens and older (and the nostalgic).

From a Jim Henson classic to Jack Black’s turn as a bumbling panda and even some forbidden PG-13 vampire love, the films will be shown on Fridays in Randall Park (1399 S. 48th Ave.), and on Sundays in Gilbert Park (5000 W. Lincoln Ave.), from July 19 through Aug. 16. There will also be one showing in Sarg Hubbard Park.

Presented by Allied Arts of Yakima Valley, the movies begin about 8:30 p.m.

Here’s the schedule:
• July 19. Gilbert Park: “The Muppet Movie.”
• July 24. Randall Park: “Radio.”
• July 26. Gilbert Park: “The Tale of Despereaux.”
• July 31. Randall Park: “Hairspray.”
• Aug. 2. Gilbert Park: “Twilight.”
• Aug. 8. Sarg Hubbard: “Kung Fu Panda.”
• Aug. 9. Gilbert Park: “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa.”
• Aug. 14. Randall Park: “Hotel for Dogs.”
• Aug. 16. Gilbert Park: “High School Musical 3: Senior Year.”

The midsummer movies are shown on a 16- by 20-foot inflatable screen with a theater-quality sound system. Audience members are encouraged to bring blankets or low-back chairs. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

Admission is a nonperishable food donation for the Northwest Harvest Food Bank. For more information, call 509-966-0930, www.alliedartsyakima.org.

— Kim Nowacki

Correction: Cinema Circle season ender on Tuesday

Cinema Circle, the matinee movie program for parents of young children, will wrap up Tuesday with a special showing of “Land of the Lost.” In the Playdate magazine calendar, the event is listed on the wrong date. Cinema Circle typically meets on Thursdays, but the final movie of the 2008-09 season will be shown Tuesday to accommodate the end of the school year.

“Land of the Lost,” starring Will Ferrell, will begin at 11 a.m. June 9 at the Yakima Cinema, 1305 N. 16th Ave. The movie is rated PG-13 for crude humor, sexual content and for language including a drug reference.

Cost: $6 adults, $4.50 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger is free with each paying adult.

Cinema Circle showings are open to parents or caregivers accompanied by a baby or preschooler.  The special matinees are held twice a month throughout the school year; Cinema Circle will resume on Sept. 10.

For more information, contact Circle of Success at 469-9888.

Dress up for ‘Museum’ contest

Cinema Circle will hold a children’s costume contest just before the May 28 screening of “Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian.”

Cinema Circle matinees are open to parents or caregivers accompanied by a baby or preschooler. “Museum” will begin at 11 a.m. May 28 at The Majestic, 1919 S. 14th St. (behind Toys R Us), Union Gap. Rated PG, the movie features Ben Stiller as the bumbling night security guard, Larry Daley, in a comedy fantasy where history comes to life.

Prior to this showing, Cinema Circle will sponsor a children’s costume contest from 10:30-11 a.m. A costume parade in the theatre will be at 10:50 a.m. and the costume winners will be announced at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded based on theme, color and originality. Children ages 0-5 are eligible to participate. Costume ideas from the movie include: Museum guard, Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Darth Vader, Ivan the Terrible, Sacagawea, General Custer, Al Capone, dinosaur or your favorite historic character.

Cost: $6 adults, $4.50 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger free with each paying adult. Families with older children are asked to attend a regular matinee.Circle of Success: 469-9888.

Seasons hosts family concert Sunday

The Seasons will host “Once Upon A Time: Stories in Music,” an all-ages performance full of creativity and surprises, at 7 p.m. May 17. The program is described as a magical journey through music and story featuring the music of composer Robert Schumann and readings from Grimm, Aesop and Oscar Wilde.

Performers are Anne Schilperoort, piano; Joseph Brooks, clarinet; Timothy Betts, viola; Ron Gray, narrator.

Tickets are $15. Box Office hours are 12-4 p.m. Call 453-188. The Seasons Performance Hall is located at 101 N. Naches Ave., Yakima.

Cinema Circle announces May flicks

Note: Children’s admission price has been changed to $5. 5/10/09

Cinema Circle, a movie program for parents of preschoolers, will host special screenings of “Earth” and “Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian” in May. Also, a children’s costume contest will be held at the “Museum” screening.

Both screenings are open to parents or caregivers accompanied by a baby or preschooler. Cost: $6 adults, $5 children ages 4-6; one child 3 and younger free with each paying adult. Families with older children are asked to attend a regular matinee. The Majestic, 1919 S. 14th St. (behind Toys R Us), Union Gap. Circle of Success: 469-9888.

11 a.m. May 14 — “Earth,” rated G, is a Disney nature film narrated by James Earl Jones. It tells the remarkable story of three animal families and their journey across the plant earth. The documentary captures action and intimate moments of the wildest creatures.

11 a.m. May 28 — “Night at the Museum 2: Battle of the Smithsonian,” rated PG, features Ben Stiller as the bumbling night security guard, Larry Daley, in a comedy fantasy where history comes to life.

Prior to this showing, Cinema Circle will sponsor a children’s costume contest from 10:30-11 a.m. A costume parade in the theatre will be at 10:50 a.m. and the costume winners will be announced at 11 a.m. Prizes will be awarded based on theme, color and originality. Children ages 0-5 are eligible to participate. Costume ideas from the movie include: Museum guard, Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, Darth Vader, Ivan the Terrible, Sacagawea, General Custer, Al Capone, dinosaur or your favorite historic character.

Free ‘Rumpelstiltskin’ show Friday

Missoula Children’s Theatre is back in Yakima this week, working with students at Franklin Middle School. A public performance of “Rumpelstiltskin” will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 8, in the Franklin gymnasium, corner of 19th Avenue and Tieton Drive, Yakima. Everyone is welcome; admission is free.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre touring company hosts residency workshops and performances where local kids are the stars of the show. The workshops are designed to develop life skills through participation in performing arts.

ZHS presents princess play

ONCE UPON A MATTRESS | In this musical comedy based on the Princess-and-the-Pea fairy tale, Princess Winnifred tries to pass the almost-fair tests of the manipulative queen in order to marry her prince.

Presented by Zillah High School’s Z Center Stage Theater Company, performances will be at 7 p.m. May 8-9 and 14-16. A family-friendly matinee will begin at 1:30 p.m. May 16. All shows are at the ZHS Performing Arts Center, 1602 Second Ave., Zillah.

Tickets are $5 and $7.50; to purchase, call ZHS at 829-5565 or visit zillahschools.org/drama.

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