Two days of ‘Skippyjon Jones’ at The Capitol Theatre in May

With a name as popular as Skippyjon Jones, it’s no wonder the Capitol Kids show will be here for not just one, but two days this spring.

“Skippyjon Jones” is set for May 6 at 10 a.m. and noon, and May 15 at 10 a.m.

Just as the book series with the same name has captivated young and adult readers alike, this show should appeal especially to pre-K through 3rd grade students.

Cost for each ticket is $5. For more information, call 509-853-8000 or go to capitoltheatre.org/Capitolkids.cfm.

‘Sesame Street Live’ coming to SunDome April 24

For one day in April, Yakima will have a place called Sesame Street.

At least, that’s what the Yakima Valley SunDome will morph into Wednesday, April 24 as Sesame Street Live comes to town for two showings of “Can’t Stop Singing.”

The first show begins at 10:30 a.m., and the evening capper kicks off at 6:30 p.m.

Children ages 1 and up need a ticket. Tickets are on sale now, and start at $15 and $20 for general seating, or $28 for a Gold Circle seat.

If you want to buy premier tickets, you can purchase “Sunny Seats” for $54. The Sunny Seats Package comes with a VIP seat along with a chance at getting photos with two characters before the show. If you purchase Sunny Seat tickets, arrive about an hour early to make sure you get in line for photos, and bring your own camera.

No video recording is allowed.

Matinee discounts are available. School or daycare groups of 10 or more (for the general seating only) can buy tickets at $12 apiece for the 10:30 a.m. show. Other groups of 10 or more will receive a $3 discount on general admission prices.

Yakima Valley SunDome, 1301 South Fair Ave., Yakima; 509-248-7160. yakimasundome.com

“Cinderella” takes stage at West Valley Junior HIgh Mar. 7-9

You don’t need a fairy godmother to make this magical dream come true.

West Valley Junior High will perform Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Cinderella” Mar. 7-9.

Four performances are planned, with 7 p.m. showings Mar. 7-9 and a 2 p.m. matinee Mar. 9. Tickets are available for purchase: $7.50 for reserved premium seating, and $6.50 for reserved seating away from stage.

For more info or to purchase tickets, contact 509-972-5800, or visit http://www2.wvsd208.org/pages/West_Valley_School_District/News/Tickets_for_Rodgers_and_Hammer.

Pirates take over The Capitol Theatre stage December 12

Come December 12, pirates will be taking over The Capitol Theatre not once, but two times.

“How I Became a Pirate,” based on the award-winning book bearing the same name, will hit the stage at 10 a.m. and 12 noon.

The play, part of The Capitol Kids series, features an unassuming Little Jeremy who joins a pirate captain on board his ship. Jeremy experiences the pirate life, including bad manners, and realizes it’s fun at first until he gets troubled by their lack of love and compassion.

“How I Became a Pirate,” intended for grades K-4, addresses the idea that there is no place like home.

Tickets are $5 per person for the hour-long show. Call 509-853-8000 to reserve seats.

“Annie” begins its run Thanksgiving evening at Warehouse Theatre

So, you don’t want to shop but you also don’t want to just sit at home Thanksgiving evening?  There’s another option for you.

The musical “Annie” makes its debut at the Warehouse Theatre Thanksgiving evening at 7:30 p.m. The show is set to run Thursdays-Saturdays, Nov. 22-24, Nov. 29-Dec. 1, and Dec. 6-8. Each night the musical begins at 7:30 p.m., with an additional two matinee performances at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 and 8.

You’ll enjoy seeing the trials and tribulations of little orphan Annie on stage. Tickets are $18.50 for adults, and $16 for children, students and seniors.

The Warehouse Theatre Company is located at 5000 W. Lincoln Ave. in Yakima. Contact 509-966-0951 for tickets or additional information.

Laugh with the whole family … with Manic Thunder!

Laugh with the whole family

Now, you don’t have to leave your kids at home to see good, live comedy.

Manic Thunder Improv Comedy Troupe, which formed several years ago in Yakima, will now be offering additional comedy selections. Bring the kids for this one! On the first Saturday of each month, Manic Thunder is offering a brand new “1st Saturday Thunderstorm” program, including a family-friendly “Manic Matinee.”

The matinee starts at 5 p.m. and runs for one hour. The program, which includes plenty of audience interaction and participation, is intended for all ages. Now, the whole family can laugh — together! All performances are held in the upstairs media center/theatre in Glenwood Square, at 5110 Tieton Drive in Yakima.

Capitol Kids 2012-2013 season announced

The Capitol Theatre’s Capitol Kids program has offered educational, entertaining and interactive performances over the years, and this next season’s lineup is no exception.

First up is “Let’s Go Science Show,” set for 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Oct. 18. This show entices students from Kindergarten through 8^th grade to get excited about the world of science.

The second show is “How I Became a Pirate,” which comes to town Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Designed for grades K-4, this performance emphasizes the importance of home and family.

The third and final title is “Skippyjon Jones,” set for two dates next spring: May 6 at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. and May 15 at 10 a.m. Just as the book series with the same name has captivated young and adult readers alike, this show should appeal especially to pre-K through 3^rd grade students.

The cost for each ticket is $5. Call 509-853-8000 for more information or go to capitoltheatre.org/Capitolkids.cfm.

Theatre, anyone?

“All the world’s a stage!”

So says the character Jacques in Shakespeare’s play As You Like It.

With that in mind, if you can’t travel the world, then make the world come to life with theatre!

This summer there are several programs available for your kids to get in the stage spotlight.

Eisenhower High School will host its Eisenhower Summer Drama Camp June 18-22. The camp, which runs from 9 a.m.-noon each day, is intended for kids 6-13.

Participants will learn the ins and outs of the stage, including acting, dancing, singing, improvisation, props and costuming.

A “Grand Finale” show will be held at 11:30 a.m. on June 22, the last day of the camp.

The cost is $68 per child, which includes a daily snack and a camp T-shirt.

The drama unfolds at Ike’s Little Theatre, located at 702 S. 40^th Ave. in Yakima. Call 509-833-7676 for more info.

 

Allied Arts of Yakima Valley has prepared a lineup of theatre fun, too.

The organization is holding its “Theatre For Kids” program June-August. Each camp runs from 4-6 p.m. for kids 7-12. Cost: $80.

June 25-29: The film “The Artist” hits the stage.

July 9-13: Myths and storytelling on stage.

July 15-20: Murals come to life on stage.

Aug. 20-24: Puppets on stage.

Allied Arts will also resume its two-week Shakespeare Camp in August. Elementary and middle school students meet from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Aug. 13-17 & Aug. 20-24, and high school students meet from 1-4 p.m. Aug. 13-17 & Aug. 20-24. Cost: $150.

Fancy Nancy is coming to The Capitol Theatre May 1

The Capitol Theatre is starting off the month of May in a fancy way … with Fancy Nancy!

“Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books” will hit the stage twice on Tuesday, May 1, at 10 a.m. and noon.  The performance is intended for kids in preschool through 5th grade.   Theatre Works USA is bringing the production to town.

“Fancy Nancy” is part of Capitol Kids program. Tickets are $5 per person.  Call 509-853-8000 for tickets or info, or stop by The Capitol Theatre at 19 S. Third St. in Yakima. capitoltheatre.org

“Hamlet” coming to the Capitol April 16

The timeless gift of Shakespeare will be delivered this April as “Hamlet” hits the Capitol Theatre stage for one performance at 10 a.m. April 16.

The Seattle Shakespeare Company will put on the 90-minute play, and students will then host a Q&A afterward.

Young kiddos may not be ready for the heavy subject matter of “Hamlet,” but this version is intended to be accessible for young adults.

Tickets are $7 for all ages. For reservations and information, call 509-853-8000.

Books and Films for Parents-to-Be

Books and Films for Parents and Parents-To-Be

Books

Sure, there’s always What to Expect When You’re Expecting and the other titles in the series, but you might want to check out these reads for ideas, inspiration and a variety of perspectives (sometimes controversial) on topics from pregnancy to parenting.

Origins: How the Nine Months Before Birth Shape the Rest of Our Lives by Annie Murphy Paul.

Paul examines (mostly from a scientific perspective) just how important these early stages of life are and how they can affect many areas of development, from diet and nutrition to stress and other environmental factors.

Pregnancy Haiku: Three Short Lines for Your Nine Long Months by Eugenie Olson.

In honor of the haiku form (three lines with five syllables in the first, seven syllables in the second and five syllables in the third), here’s a haiku to describe the book:

Fun and creative,

Poetry allows a voice

For expecting moms.

NurtureShock: New Thinking About Children by Po Bronson and Ashley Merryman.

Oh, what a tangled web we weave when we consider contemporary parenting styles, and maybe we weave a greater web when we share our ideas with others. Bronson and Merryman aren’t shy about this topic, though, and in their book they argue that most of the techniques and beliefs that guide us as parents might be ineffective, misguided and even dangerous.

Hatched!: The Big Push from Pregnancy to Motherhood by Sloane Tanen.

A humorous take on pregnancy and parenting, as chickens take on such subjects as gestation, epidurals, labor, stretch marks and being a parent.

There’s Going to Be a Baby by John Burningham and Helen Oxenbury.

A great story by the acclaimed writing and illustrating married couple, and a great story to share with your children to help them get ready for a new sibling.

Indestructibles (series). These are for the little ones, not for you, Mom or Dad! (Unless your stress levels get too high …) For ages 0 and older, these amazing, inexpensive creations are waterproof, bite-proof, tear-proof and economic recession-proof (OK, just kidding on that last one).

Films

Babies (2010).

This documentary follows four families in different parts of the world as they raise their babies.

The Business of Being Born (2008).

The filmmakers of this documentary explore the possibilities that birthing is a profit-motive business, and explore alternative methods, such as home pregnancies.

Happiest Baby on the Block (2003).

This film (see also the book with the same title) features Dr. Harvey Karp’s techniques on calming babies, reducing crying and helping them sleep better and longer.

Twelve Films of Christmas

Yes, we have the Twelve Films of Christmas for the family … and more!  We have also included an additional list for grown-ups and some other holiday films.

The Twelve Films of Christmas

For the Family:

1.  A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965), 25 min, unrated (for all ages). This short but sweet Christmas classic, featuring all of your favorite Peanuts characters, sets the bar for other Christmas movies to match, and it even drives home the true Christmas message, thanks to Linus.

2.  A Christmas Story (1983), 94 min, rated PG. You can’t turn on TV on Christmas Eve without catching the 24-hour marathon run of this funny film.   Through  the likable protagonist, Ralphie, viewers can relive the nostalgia of Christmas as a youth. Many quotable lines and images linger because this movie, including “Fragile! Must be Italian.”

3.  It’s a Wonderful Life (1946), 130 min., no rating. With Jimmy Stewart in the lead role and a powerful story to back him up, it’s no wonder some have argued this film is not just one of the best Christmas films ever made, but one of the best all-around movies of all time.

4.  White Christmas (1954), 120 min., no rating. Many memorable Christmas tunes came from this film, which nicely blends flavorful characters, funny scenes and dialogue, and a touching tribute to the fellowship of humankind.

5.  Miracle on 34^th St. (1947), 96 min., no rating. The miracle stays alive and well with this original, heartwarming production about believing in magic and Santa Claus.

6.  Elf (2003), 97 min., rated PG. Will Ferrell left his mark on the Christmas film genre with this movie as the fun-loving, sometimes pesky elf, Buddy. Ferrell’s character can toss snowballs at lightning speed, perhaps because he was on a sugar high after downing a plate of spaghetti topped with M&Ms and chocolate syrup.

7.  Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964), 47 min., unrated. Who can forget Burl Ives’ unique voice as the narrator of this beloved story? Rudolph’s tale is brought to life with this milestone of stop-motion animation, which proved popular with other famous Christmas productions around this time.

8.  Muppet Christmas Carol (1992), 85 min., rated G. Who knows what Charles Dickens would have thought of this retelling of his famous novel. In any case, Michael Caine plays the perfect Scrooge to offset the Muppet characters, who step in to complete much of the rest of the cast.

9.  Home Alone (1990), 103 min., rated PG. A different Christmas film, brought by the creative forces of John Hughes and Chris Columbus, which combines family values, slapstick comedy, and other stylized antics. Now, if only Macaulay Culkin could have remained as the 8-year old Kevin McAllister.

10.  The Polar Express (2004), 100 min., rated PG. The children’s classic book is brought to CG life. Some might not favor the direction the filmmakers took to expand the story for cinematic purposes, but others may delight in the visual feast offered here. The smartest decision was casting Tom Hanks as several characters, including the train conductor and Santa Claus.

11.  The Santa Clause (1994), 97 min., rated PG. This one still marks the best of Tim Allen’s Christmas movie endeavors. While that might not be saying much by itself, his portrayal of a fill-in Santa Claus pleased moviegoers to make the movie a classic in its own right.

12.  How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966), 26 min., unrated. We’re not docking Jim Carrey’s unforgettable performance in the live action version of Dr. Seuss’ Christmas tale, but sometimes sticking closely to the original source, as with this animated retelling, proves to be a wiser choice.

For Grownups’ Eyes:

1.  National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989), 97 min., rated PG-13. There’s nothing like Christmas with the Griswold family, and it would be hard to find a funnier, timeless Christmas story to highlight dysfunctional families and holiday stress.

2.  Love, Actually (2003), 135 min., rated R. An all-star British cast leads viewers through an intersecting narrative that is sure to hit home with adult audiences, but be sure the kids are in bed when you view this one.

3.  Bad Santa (2003), 91 min., rated R. Yeah, we know; how could we recommend this? You might justify “Love, Actually,” but this title is an antidote to all of those saccharine, mind-numbing Christmas titles. This one is also rated R for a reason, and not all adults will find much merit here, so be warned!

4.  Scrooged (1988), 101 min., rated PG-13. Bill Murray offers a gem of a performance in this revisionist update of the Scrooge character.

5.  Die Hard (1988), 131 min., rated R. You might think we’re stretching for titles here, but this blockbuster film not only rejuvenated the action genre, but also it offers an alternative to the typical Christmas movie, you know, complete with German terrorists, broken glass, and quotable dialogue unfit for print.

6.  Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (1987), 93 min., rated R. This comedy, featuring Steve Martin and John Candy, might be a good kick-off to the holiday film season, since the plot takes place around Thanksgiving.

7.  Home for the Holidays (1995), 103 min., PG-13. OK, OK, this is another Thanksgiving movie. Don’t blame us; Christmas shopping starts earlier each year, so you might as well enjoy this comedy about dysfunctional families, featuring Holly Hunter and directed by Jodie Foster.