I was so thrilled when I received an invitation from Culture Mom Media to see Peter and the Starcatcher since it’s a show I’ve been wanting to see for a long time (it’s the winner of 5 Tony Awards and has recently moved from Broadway to Off-Broadway). Brilliantly written, directed, acted and produced, this adult prequel to Peter Pan, is the ultimate theatre treat from beginning to end. As an actress, it’s no secret that I’m a theatre snob, but the reality is there is just not that much great theatre around anymore. Starcatcher is a refreshing exception, proving again, that sometimes the best theatre is the simplest and the most under produced.

Peter and the Starcatcher is an adventure on the high seas based on the book by the same name by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. A no named orphan boy (soon to be “Peter” and ultimately “Peter Pan”) meets a new friend, Molly. Together, along with their two orphan friends (“The Lost Boys”), they fight to prevail over pirates (including “Captain Black Stache”) in hopes of keeping their treasure safe. The story manages to answer many questions leading up to the Peter Pan story we all know and love like how Neverland got it’s name, how Captain Hook lost his hand, why the crocodile ticks, etc. and it’s fun to hear the audible “Oh”’s throughout the audience as these discoveries are made.

The show is nothing short of brilliant. Armed with an amazing script, witty puns, best of the biz actors, and creative direction, Peter and the Starcatcher does not have any week spots. The lack of sets, props and costumes actually adds to the charm and ingenuity of the production. Best of all, the show is hysterically funny. The kind of wail out loud funny for two hours. My husband and I were literally poking each other dying with laughter for the entire length of the show. The funniest of funny was positively “Black Stache” who even manages to crack up the other actors at various times throughout the show.

Peter and the Starcatcher is definitely an adult show so it’s the perfect opportunity for a date night! In fact, go to dinner after – you’ll actually talk about something other than the kids. Promise! The theatre is the perfect intimate setting and they even serve you “adult” drinks in your seats! We can’t wait to see it again. An absolutely enchanting, inspiring, and hysterically funny evening at the theatre.

Peter and the Starcatcher
New World Stages
340 West 50th Street
Tickets: $72.50-$92.50

Disclosure: Tickets to the event were provided for purpose of this review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

Buddy is the clever story of a young man who, after growing up among the elves on the North Pole, realizes he has different heritage and sets out to find his true parents in New York City. He has many adventures locating his family and adapting to life in the big city, and he eventually helps usher in the christmas spirit. Terrific costumes and really great music helped show off a truly fun holiday story that was brought to life by a vibrant cast. The casting was spot on and the musical numbers were fantastic. Buddy was perfect, he had us laughing out loud!

This was our four-year-old’s first evening show. He was enthralled from start to finish and now sleeps with a Buddy doll every night. The story’s themes also shined through with some cozy moments for the family to share. The snow fall at the end was magical (see picture below). This is a terrific night out for the family to enjoy this holiday season! Thanks to The Moms and Sierra Mist for an unforgettable night out with the family!

Elf The Musical
Al Hirschfeld Theatre
302 West 45th Street

Disclosure: Tickets to the event were provided for purpose of this review. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

We set off in our car for NJ on a hot Sunday afternoon. As we approached the field station we knew this was going to be a unique adventure. As our three year old, Caleb, would gladly tell you, how often do you get to romp around in a “dinosaur zoo” in the “wild” with “real live dinosaurs”?!? Even though he expressed to us many times that dinosaurs are “extinct”, he kept saying that these were “real live dinosaurs” and no wonder – these life size robotic reincarnations of dinosaurs are so lifelike – watch a video here. It is so fun walking around the park exploring each dinosaur and learning about who they were and how they lived. Our son loved being a “paleontologist” and not only enjoyed his time there but learned so much. We especially enjoyed the “T-Rex Feeding Frenzy” where you watch a dinosaur feeding and a little show as well as the Fossil Excavation. It was VERY hot on the day that we went so I recommend bringing along plenty of sunscreen. Also, there is a lovely picnic area where you can rest in the shade and have some lunch. There are a few food options there but you can also bring your own! As you walk along the path visiting the dinosaurs there are several stations along the way where you can stop. There was a fun lego station with individual logo tables which was a big hit for us.

Our nine month old son enjoyed it almost as much as the three year old! He was fascinated by the dinosaurs and especially loved to hear them roar. He also really loved the show. I would say the only tough part was getting through the gift shop on the way out. The boys wanted to take everything home!

FIELD STATION: DINOSAURS is a great half day adventure for the family as it can be covered in a couple of hours. It was a thrilling day out with the family and I highly recommend it (especially if you and/or your kids are dinosaur lovers)! Check out some pics from our day out!

Open every day from 10am-6pm

Box office admission
Children (ages 3-12) $20.00
Adults $25.00
Seniors (65 years) $20.00
Ages 2 and under Free
Box office ticket prices do not include 7% sales tax.

Or buy ticket here for reduced prices
Children (ages 3-12) $17.50
Adults $20.00
Seniors (65 years) $17.50
Ages 2 and under Free
Ticket prices do not include a $1.00 per ticket processing fee and 7% sales tax.

Field Station: Dinosaurs is located at:
Laurel Hill Park
One Dinosaur Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Just minutes from NYC by car, train, or bus.
Parking is $10

Disclosure: Tickets to the event were provided by MamaDrama. All opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

For the whole family: The New York Children’s Theater Festival!

Go Green!
Prince Charming’s Quest for Love and Ecology in NYC
Friday April 20, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Saturday April 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Scheme of the Super Bullies
Friday April 27, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Saturday April 28, 2012 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

The Velveteen Rabbit
Friday May 4, 2012 at 5:30 PM
Saturday May 5, 2012 at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM

Marjorie S. Dean Little Theatre at the West Side Y
10 W. 64th Street and Central Park West
$18 per person ($15 for YMCA Members)
All Festival Tickets Available Through Ovationtix.
Call 866.811.4111 or click here.

Welcome to 21st century Godspell, filled with audience participation, references to Charlie Sheen, Steve Jobs, Lindsay Lohan and Donald Trump, and wine served on stage during intermission. Set in the Circle in the Square Theatre, an intimate theatre in the round, this modern day production of Stephen Schwartz’s classic musical, veers from the original. While the story itself remains the same, many of the songs and much of the dialogue have been modernized. The actors take the stage with cell phones in hand, break into rap and beat box, pull audience members on stage to play charades and pictionary, refer to current events and pop culture, and even do the electric slide while singing “Day By Day”. At one point, a character says, “It’s your father. He wants you to add him on Facebook.”

There are no traditional sets. The story is told on a stage that is mostly bare, a trap door to a pool of water beneath, a ladder, and some other sparse props. Four guitarists are placed around the stage in the midst of the audience, a drum set is placed in the back row, and a piano is built into the stage. The focus here is on the energetic and talented cast; Hunter Parrish (Showtime’s “Weeds”, Spring Awakening), Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (“Hannah Montana”, “Camp Rock”) and Telly Leung (“Glee”, Wicked, Rent). In addition to being strong singers, the nontraditional cast engages in some innovative maneuvers, at one point creating a person out of pieces of newspaper and at another ripping paper to simulate the sound of tap shoes. The direction by first time Broadway director Daniel Goldstein is sharp, witty, and fresh.

This is indeed a refreshing twist on the show we all know and love. Treat yourself to a fun night out. You know you deserve it.

Godspell
Circle in the Square, 1633 Broadway @ 50th St.
Click here for tickets
Ticket Discount Code: GSMDR79
$79.50 / $89.50 (Sat Eves)
Certain black out dates apply
Valid through 12/23/11
For more blog posts on Broadway’s Godspell visit MamaDrama.

The other night, I attended a show… IN A GYM. This was not one of my kids’ shows, but rather an exquisite bare bones production of a new Michael John LaChiusa musical that whisks you away to another world. Queen of the Mist is the true story of Anne Edson Taylor who, in 1901, attempts to jump down Niagra Falls in a barrel. Tony Award nominee, Mary Testa, literally leaves you speechless as Anne Edson Taylor. In her mind blowing tour de force, she is perfection in this role. As Anne says, “I am a phenomenon.” And she is. Mary Testa is supported by a larger than life cast and a brilliant vehicle of dense music, lyrics and direction.

The audience becomes completely invested in Queen of the Mist from two sets of bleachers opposite each other, just feet away from the action. There is a small orchestra down one end behind a screen, and the set consists of little more than an old piano on wheels, a bath tub, and pieces of wood on wheels (which they use to “row down the river”). The strong ensemble cast of Broadway vets each convincingly transform into multiple roles throughout the show. The brilliant music by Michael John LaChiusa, of The Wild Party Fame, is rich and sophisticated. A real treat after so many empty rock musicals of late. And the direction, by Jack Cummings III, ties it all together seamlessly.

Thank you MamaDrama for inviting me and thank you
Transport Group for commissioning this brilliant piece. I might just have to see it again.

Treat yourself to date night in the gym. You will laugh and cry and are guaranteed to talk about something other than the kids the whole way home.

Queen of the Mist
The Gym at Judson Memorial Church
243 Thompson Street at Washington Square South
General admission tickets start at $58;
Premium reserved seating tickets start at $65
For tickets and information: www.transportgroup.org or phone 866-811-4111
DISCOUNT CODE: $10 off with code TGMAMA

For more blog posts on Broadway’s Godspell visit MamaDrama.

Sign Up Right Now: It’s first come, first serve. The first 100 people write in and mention iKidNY will receive a special voucher for 2 adults to be used either Saturday or Sunday. (Children are free)

Send your email to NewParentsExpo@manhattanmedia.com

Required Info: Name, address, and email address, and how you heard about the offer. Just say “iKidNY.”

Most importantly, ENJOY THE EXPO.

You can read all about the event at NewParentsExpo.com, but if you want to cut to chase here are the highlights:

* Happy Infants & Toddlers: The beloved Dr. Harvey Karp (author of “The Happiest Baby on the Block”) will be giving the keynote address each day, elaborating on his methods for raising happy babies (and getting them to sleep) and happy toddlers (and getting them to listen to you)!

* Incredible Speakers: Beyond Dr. Karp, Dr. Bob Sears, Liz Lange, Ali Wing (of giggle), Rosie Pope, Cool Mom Picks and other parenting and pregnancy luminaries will be speaking on everything from having a healthy child and a healthy home, to stylish but practical family shopping, to getting along as a new family.

* The Goods: Over 100 Exhibitors and the best brands and services and stores and experts for pregnancy, baby and toddler.

* The Attractions: Stroller Test Track (if you don’t have one) & Stroller Tune-up (if you do) * Special Lectures for New Dads (invaluable) * Child Play Area

* The Prizes: Big Prizes: $1,500 Nursery Gift from giggle! World Class Spa Getaway! * Full Package From Classic Kids Photography! Plus, strollers, high-chairs… the works……

* The Answers: Sleep! Feeding! Child Gear & Furnishings! Early Enrichment! Preschool! There’s a special area devoted just for your questions.

Sounds great, right? But don’t forget to REGISTER NOW for your free vouchers. Email NewParentsExpo@manhattanmedia.com, and mention iKidNY. And note: if you’re one of the families who happens not to be in time for the voucher, write in anyway and they’ll send you a special discount code for the event.

Enjoy and please say hello – I’ll be at the Expo too, of course!

Lara

Whitney Family Programs and Desert Island present a comic book fair featuring some of the most up and coming independent illustrators in New York City. In conjunction with the exhibition Lyonel Feininger: At the Edge of the World, featuring Lyonel Feininger’s pioneering comic strips in the Chicago Sunday Tribune, contemporary comic artists will be displaying and selling their work – prints, zines, buttons, and more! Kids and families can explore Feininger’s comics through drawing activities in the galleries, and each participant will receive limited edition prints by each artist to compile their own comic book.

This event will feature work by Partyka Collective (Shawn Cheng, Matt Weigle, John Mejias, and Sean McCarthy), Estrella Vega, Jen Tong, Tom Toye, Chris Patch, Jungyeon Roh, Sto, Chris Uphues and Noah Lyon.

No registration required; just drop in!

MiniMunchers and Britax are bringing you an AMAZING event on October 17th at 10:30am.

For a LIMITED number of moms & dads, we will be exploring the famed Chelsea Market with babies in tow. Delicious foods explored on the tour will include Amy’s Bread, Sarabeth’s Bakery, The Lobster Place, Buon Italia and MORE! The best part of is – Britax will GIVE each mom a FREEBRAND NEW Britax baby carrier to carry your Mini Muncher in (32 lbs and under, we suggest tops 8 mths!)

The tour will last 1.5 hours and is only $30!

Email Carla@MiniMunchers.comto reserve your spot.

Registration is EXTREMELY limited

Like to cook? Enter a recipe contest sponsored by our friends at New York Family, Minimunchers, and Sprout Foods and win some really great prizes! You can enter either a children’s or an adult recipe to qualify. See below for a list of amazing prizes.

Deadline for submission: April 25th at noon
Click HERE to enter

Prizes:

Grand Prize Winner:
- The Grand Prize winner will get the opportunity for heirloom photographer Sarah Sloboda to document the one adult and child preparing and enjoying the winning recipe. Sarah will also provide the winner with a 20-page book from the contest as a keepsake.
- A month supply of Sprout Organic Baby Food, and an autographed book from Tyler Florence (value $200)
- A Britax B-ReadyTM Stroller (value $500)
- TasteBuds Apron & Chef Hat ($80 value), and $50 credit to any Taste Buds cooking class
- Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Set ($109 value), including PP Baby Food Storage Cubes, Stainless Steel Food Jar, Insulated Food Jar Bag, Organic Bib 3 pack, Silicone Spoon 2 pack, Compressed Wipe 10pk+Refill)

1st Place Winner:
- Brunch for Four (2 kids 2 adults) at Klee Brasserie ($75 value) in Manhattan.
- 3 cases of Sprout(12 pouches each), 2 Sprout hats and 2 Sprout T-shirts
- TasteBuds Apron & Chef Hat, $20 credit to any Taste Buds cooking class
- Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Set ($56 value), including PP Baby Food Storage Cubes, Insulated Food Jar Bag

Three Runners-up:
- T-shirt from SwitchittZ, a new line of fun interactive kids tees, which come with interchangeable patches that allow your child to have fun & create their own scenes.
- 1 case of Sprout(12 pouches each), Sprout hat and Sprout T-shirt
- $20 credit to any TasteBuds cooking class
- Green Sprouts Sprout Ware Set ($30 value), includes Divided Plate & Bowl 2pk, Toddler Fork & Spoon Set, Infant Spoon Set, Snack Cup 4pk, and Cup with Travel Lid 3pk

Image credit: CHILDREN COOKING PATTY WITH MOM – Dreamstime.com