Theatre Raleigh's Family Series opens this week with show, announcement

“The Family Series has turned out to be the most unexpected and exciting part of our programming," said Theatre Raleigh’s Producing Artistic Director Lauren Kennedy Brady. "To watch the children riveted and laughing through these 50-minute adaptations is the most rewarding part of my job. The kids come out after the performance excited to meet the actors, take pictures with the cast and friends in our photo booth and ask when they can come back to see another show!”  

The play still includes fairies and love and woodland mischief, but it's such a fast-paced and funny twist on the classic story that it's a great way to introduce kids to the Bard. All ages are welcome, but  Theatre Raleigh recommends this show for fifth graders and up. I took a first grader and a fourth grader last year, and they were completely riveted the entire time. Last year, more than 2,000 kids and their families saw "A Midsummer Night's Dream." It will run from Friday through March 18 on select days.

Following "A Midsummer Night's Dream," Theatre Raleigh also will premiere a brand new show - "Adventure Road: A Story of Huck & Tom." That show will run April 13 to April 29. It's a new interpretation of Mark Twain’s beloved books and "takes young people on a thrilling adventure along the Mississippi while raising important questions about honesty, loyalty, and the consequences of racism," according to the description. This one is recommended for third graders and up (though all ages are welcome). It also runs 50 minutes.

Both shows take place at Kennedy Theatre at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts in downtown Raleigh. The black box theater is a great way for kids, especially those new to live theater, to experience it. Because the space is so small and intimate, kids often become part of the action.

Finally, Theatre Raleigh's Family Series will return in October with another student-oriented production. The show title is still under wraps, according to a press release, but as soon as it’s out, look for information on auditions and other ways to get involved.