"Adorable! This comic mystery cavorts through U.S. history with the exuberant literacy of ‘Schoolhouse Rock' and the gentle thrills and sleuthing instincts of ‘Scooby-Doo.' A history lesson kids can hum!"
–The Washington Post   Full Review
 
A world premiere Kennedy Center original production
and co-commission with the White House Historical Association
Written by Tom Isbell  
Songs by Mark Russell  
Directed by Gregg Henry  
 
Ever wonder what it's like for kids who've lived at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? In this special project with the White House Historical Association, the Kennedy Center stages an exciting new musical inspired by President Theodore Roosevelt and his family! In 1905, young Kermit, Ethel, and Archie Roosevelt stumble upon a real-life treasure map hidden in their library's copy of Treasure Island. Following clue after clue, the threesome untangles a decades-old mystery that leads them all over the White House, from the Red Room to the President's Office. But will their father's loyal valet or the new English governess foil their quest? This clever and comical production features songs by Washington satirist Mark Russell, whose PBS specials have led TV Guide to call him "the funniest man on television." For ages 9 and up.

CAST
JAMES OTIS: Michael J. Bobbitt
ARCHIE ROOSEVELT: Matthew Mcgloin
MRS. DUFFIT: Jennifer Mendenhall
THEODORE ROOSEVELT: Paul Morella
COUNT CASSINI: Richard Pelzman
ETHEL ROOSEVELT: Jenna Sokolowski
KERMIT ROOSEVELT: Alexander Strain

Calling all vampires, werewolves, mummies, and goblins! Get a head start on Halloween and come dressed in your spookiest costume for this "spirited" Sunday afternoon concert event. Emil de Cou and the NSO will be wearing their own trick-or-treat outfits as they perform music from Bride of Frankenstein, the Harry Potter films, King Kong, and more. It's guaranteed to be a ghoulish good time! For ages 7 and up.

Come Early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo"
Starting an hour before each Concert Hall performance, this event gives young concertgoers a chance to get up close and hands-on with the instruments they'll see played professionally on the stage--from violins, flutes, and clarinets to trumpets and percussion!

The Instrument "Petting Zoo" is a project of the Women's Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra.

Kids' Chats  
Following each of the 3 p.m. performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear engaging stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the concert artists.

11th Annual Multicultural Children's Book Festival
Saturday, November 4, 2006 from Noon to 5 p.m.
Free, no tickets required

See full festival information and schedule here

All children, parents, and educators are invited to the 11th annual free Multicultural Children's Book Festival on the Roof Level of the Kennedy Center. It's an opportunity to celebrate diverse cultures through books with renowned authors from around the world. Come and listen to celebrity book readings and participate in many fun activities and performances.

"Highly entertaining!" - The Washington Post

"A top-notch cast... funny, upbeat musical numbers. Endearingly goofy!" - The Washington Times
Full review

A world premiere Kennedy Center original production
Book and lyrics by Melanie Marnich  
Music and lyrics by Michael Friedman  
Directed by Nick Olcott

New teachers… new books… new faces! It's the very first day of second grade, and Lazlo S. Gasky is the new kid in school. He's your typical seven-year-old boy, but because he doesn't look or speak quite like the others, the teasing and taunting begin. When Ellie McSnelly realizes how tough Lazlo has it, she risks being ridiculed herself to spend an afternoon with him. After playing soccer, eating strudel, and making new friends, the two teach their classmates a valuable lesson--one that's not in their schoolbooks--about the need to give others a chance. Adapted from Katie Couric's popular children's book, this uplifting new musical proves that being yourself is the best way to be. For ages 5 and up.

An original Kennedy Center production
Music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley 
Adapted for the stage by Leslie Bricusse and TIM Mcdonald 
Based on the book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl 
Directed by Graham Whitehead 
 
Back by popular demand! In this "simply sweet" (The Washington Post) musical based on Roald Dahl's beloved children's novel, a boy named Charlie Bucket and four other Golden Ticket winners get the tour of a lifetime in a candy-maker's fantastical factory! Willy Wonka and his band of Oompa Loompas lead Charlie, the spoiled-rotten Veruca Salt, gluttonous Augustus Gloop, gum-chewing Violet Beauregarde, and television junkie Mike Teavee through a labyrinth of lemon drops, life lessons, and giggles galore. Featuring live actors, puppets, plenty of surprises, and many memorable songs--including "The Candy Man," "I Want It Now!", and "Pure Imagination"--Roald Dahl's Willy Wonka is a scrumptious treat for the entire family. For ages 5 and up.

Ever hear a violin gallop? Wonder why a lullaby sighs? Curious about how a bumblebee takes flight on wings of song? Then join husband-and-wife violin duo--Glenn Donnellan of the NSO and Jan Chong--as they use stories, sound effects, children's songs, and gems from the classical repertoire to make your imagination come alive! For ages 3 and up.

Come early for a new "Musical Playtime."
Starting a half hour before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy these new music and movement activities especially designed for small children. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.

Counting, probability, graphs, and fractions. Must be math class, right? Guess again--it's music! In this fast-paced multimedia program created by NSO cellist Yvonne Caruthers, you'll learn how math and music are alike as you listen to music by well-known classical composers along with exciting contemporary works. Get ready for music as you've never heard it before… you just may come away whistling some math! For ages 9 and up.

Performed by Marionetas De La Esquina
 
Facing a difficult family situation, young Emilio focuses on what he likes to do best: draw. When a cow that he's sketched magically comes to life, Emilio finds courage and some new friends to help him get through this challenging time. Mexico's renowned puppet theater company Marionetas de la Esquina uses colorful puppets, music, and humor to create this charming and hopeful story. For ages 5 and up.

Note: The Sat., January 13 performance at 1:30 p.m. is performed in Spanish.

Performance Plus^TM
FREE Post-Performance Discussion Following the Spanish-language performance on Jan. 13 at 1:30 p.m. Learn how the story of Emilio comes to life with puppets, storytelling, and more in this free post-performance discussion with members of Marionetas de la Esquina. This discussion will be in Spanish.

If you love animals and silly slapstick (and who doesn't!), then don't miss four NSO musicians as they perform a zany program that includes a newly commissioned work from acclaimed composer and playwright Susan Kander. Through vivid music from the traditional classic repertoire--and antic storytelling in the world premiere--the Kennedy String Quartet (Holly Hamilton and Jane Bowyer Stewart, violins; James Deighan, viola; and David Teie, cello) will inspire everyone to listen, laugh, and learn. For ages 4 and up.

Come early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo."
Starting one hour before each Kinderkonzert, these hands-on activities give kids a chance to get up close with the instruments they'll see played on the stage--from violins and harp to oboes and percussion. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.

Join two NSO principal musicians--violinist Marissa Regni and harpist Dotian Levalier--as they show how different sounds, melodies, rhythms, and instruments can be used to bring a story to life. Through such favorites as "The Waltzing Cat," "Ferdinand the Bull," "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star," and more, you'll use your imagination to see, hear, and feel the music. For ages 3 and up.

Come early for a new "Musical Playtime."
Starting a half hour before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy these new music and movement activities especially designed for small children. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.

What could a funny-looking gnome, an old Italian castle, and a ballet of baby chicks possibly have in common? They're all famous pictures turned into music by Modest Mussorgsky! More than 100 years ago, the famous Russian composer created Pictures at an Exhibition, inspired by paintings and drawings by one of his dearest friends. Now, Emil de Cou and the NSO help you re-create these pictures in your imagination by playing excerpts of Mussorgsky's work arranged for orchestra. Don't miss this unique concert experience that will have everyone in the family "seeing" music through the mind's eye. For ages 7 and up.

Come Early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo"
Starting an hour before each Concert Hall performance, this event gives young concertgoers a chance to get up close and hands-on with the instruments they'll see played professionally on the stage--from violins, flutes, and clarinets to trumpets and percussion!

The Instrument "Petting Zoo" is a project of the Women's Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra.

Kids' Chats  
Following each of the 3 p.m. performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear engaging stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the concert artists.

A world premiere Kennedy Center original production
Based on the children's book by Walter Dean Myers  
Adapted for the stage by Jerome Hairston  
Directed by Scot Reese  
 
Come listen to the Bluesman! His old fingers are beginning to fail him, but as a seasoned blues guitarist, he's still got a song in his heart and lots of stories to tell. Some are true to life, others are likely tall tales. But every last one is rooted in music--from Uncle John's deal with the devil… to riding the "blues train" up to Chicago… to learning how to capture lightning in a song. Along the way, you just may discover how the blues came to be, and why they're here to stay. Jerome Hairston--who also adapted Scholastic Media's Color Me Dark--brings to life the rich lyrics from Myers's book using drama, narration, and live music performed by a gifted blues trio. For ages 7 and up.

Iván Fischer's engaging concerts for children have been a major success in Europe--and now he brings them to America as the NSO's new principal guest conductor. In this special 50-minute chamber music performance in the intimate Family Theater, Iván Fischer introduces kids to the world of classical music through short, carefully selected works performed by NSO ensembles.

Conceived and performed by David Gonzalez
 
How might a tiny mouse help a giant lion? Could a talking flounder really be an enchanted prince? Why does the turtle have a checkered shell? You'll be dazzled by the answers in this physical, fast-paced, and funky show by master storyteller David Gonzalez. Funny voices, witty songs, fresh movement, live music by the Yak Yak Band, and plenty of audience participation come together for this delightful twist on Aesop's centuries-old moral tales. Hailed as "an engaging performer with a supple voice and a command of gestures" by the New York Times, Helen Hayes Award winner David Gonzalez has created one sold-out show after another, from Broadway to London. For ages 4 and up.

He gave the world "much ado about nothing"…and boy was that a lot! From his mischievous Puck to those star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare is the most famous playwright of all time. As part of the citywide Shakespeare in Washington festival, the NSO celebrates the genius of "The Bard" in this exciting concert for families. Leonard Slatkin conducts Pyramus and Thisbe, a world-premiere work inspired by Shakespeare's writings. With narration by two-time Tony Award–winning actor John Lithgow, it features music by acclaimed American composer Daniel Kellogg and a libretto by Tony winner Mark O'Donnell. As Shakespeare would say, "all the world's a stage"--so don't miss this very special Concert Hall experience! For ages 7 and up.

Come Early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo"
Starting an hour before each Concert Hall performance, this event gives young concertgoers a chance to get up close and hands-on with the instruments they'll see played professionally on the stage--from violins, flutes, and clarinets to trumpets and percussion!

The Instrument "Petting Zoo" is a project of the Women's Committee for the National Symphony Orchestra.

Kids' Chats  
Following each of the 3 p.m. performances, young audience members can ask questions and hear engaging stories in an up-close-and-personal talk with the concert artists.  

A child prodigy, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was composing and performing for European royalty when he was only six years old! Showing all the fun he must have had creating and playing his music, the Unlikely Trio (NSO musicians Carole Bean, flute; Dotian Levalier, harp; and William Wieglus, oboe) performs a wonderful array of Mozart's greatest works, including instrumental selections from his opera The Magic Flute. Be sure to look for a special surprise guest! For ages 4 and up.

Come early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo."
Starting one hour before each Kinderkonzert, these hands-on activities give kids a chance to get up close with the instruments they'll see played on the stage--from violins and harp to oboes and percussion. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.

A world premiere Kennedy Center original production
Created, choreographed, and directed by Debbie Allen  
 
Emmy winner and Kennedy Center favorite Debbie Allen is back with her latest music and dance creation: a lively interpretation of Alice in Wonderland from a modern-day boy's point of view! After falling asleep in the town's library, a young man named Alex embarks on a journey with characters from such fairy tales as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Lewis Carroll's classic story. Debbie Allen's imaginative productions for the Kennedy Center have played to sold-out audiences, from Brothers of the Knight inspired by "The Twelve Dancing Princesses"... to Pearl based on "Snow White"… to Pepito's Story, Dancing in the Wings, and Dreams. Don't miss your chance to see Debbie Allen work her magic once again with an energetic young cast of top local talent. For ages 9 and up.

Performed by DO JUMP!
 
Take one part mischievous comedy… add a splash of circus acrobatics… and stir in a whopping dollop of the unexpected… and what do you get? "EXTREMELY PHYSICAL THEATER" from this nationally renowned company! With its signature blend of aerial dance, humor, and original music, Portland, Oregon's DO JUMP! awakens the senses and inspires an incredible feeling of possibility and awe. The company returns to the Kennedy Center with its ever-evolving and self-titled show as seen on Broadway. The New York Times says the production is "highly creative. DO JUMP! furnishes fun in profusion!" For ages 7 and up.

Join two NSO principal musicians--violinist Marissa Regni and harpist Dotian Levalier--as well as Marissa's father Albert Regni on the saxophone, as they show how different sounds, melodies, rhythms, and instruments can be used to bring a story to life. Use your imagination to see, hear, and feel the music. For ages 3 and up.

Come early for a new "Musical Playtime."
Starting a half hour before each Teddy Bear Concert, enjoy these new music and movement activities especially designed for small children. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.

Back by popular demand! From fiddling to blues to classical, the spotlight is on the string instruments--the smallest and the largest--in this lively program presented by NSO violinist Glenn Donnellan and NSO bassist Rick Barber. For ages 4 and up.

Come early for the Musical Instrument "Petting Zoo."
Starting one hour before each Kinderkonzert, these hands-on activities give kids a chance to get up close with the instruments they'll see played on the stage--from violins and harp to oboes and percussion. A project of the Women's Committee for the NSO.