MATILDA THE MUSICAL at the Walnut Street Theatre Wows Audience of All Ages

Walnut Street Theatre continues its landmark 210th season with Roald Dahl’s MATILDA THE MUSICAL. Directed by Linda Goodrich, with choreography by Michelle Gaudette, MATILDA THE MUSICAL opens on November 14th and runs through January 6th on the Walnut’s Mainstage.

I had the opportunity to see a preview on Friday with my children. Based on the Roald Dahl novel, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of the courageous little girl with an unbounded imagination who proves that despite the odds, you can do anything you put your mind to—and change your destiny.

Fortunately, you don’t have to travel to New York City to watch amazing theater. In 2013, MATILDA THE MUSICAL opened on Broadway at the Shubert Theatre and was nominated for 11 Tony Awards®. The musical has since gone on national and international tours and has opened productions in the Philippines, Australia, New Zealand, Toronto, and Korea.

The 1988 children’s novel of Matilda recently celebrated its 30th birthday. Written by genius British writer Roald Dahl (James and the Giant Peach, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), it received critical acclaim and in 2016 became Dahl’s top-selling book.

The young Matilda stole the show! The title role of Matilda will be shared by Ellie Biron of Philadelphia, PA and Jemma Bleu Greenbaum of Elkins Park, PA. Biron returns to the Walnut after her performance as Molly in last season’s production of Annie. Greenbaum makes her Walnut debut with this production.

Other notable characters are headmistress Miss Trunchbull and kindergarten teacher Miss Honey. Ian Merrill Peakes will play the hulking Miss Trunchbull. This show marks Peakes’ 10th at the Walnut (Harvey, Ideal Husband, Baskervilles, Of Mice and Men) and 127th professional production. Laura Giknis returns to the Walnut as the kind-hearted kindergarten teacher, Miss Honey, having recently performed as Sophie in last season’s Mamma Mia.

It was entertaining to watch the youngest members of the cast, who are all local to the Philadelphia area and students of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre. Playing Matilda’s classmates and fellow “revolting children” are Alanna Stein (Annie) of Voorhees, NJ; Myra’Cal West (Annie) of Burlington, NJ; Miranda Zeno (Annie) of Mickleton, NJ; Naomi Serrano (Annie) of Marlton, NJ; Sean O’Neill (Christmas Carol) of Wallingford, PA; and Melania Zalipsky (Annie) of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Making their Walnut debuts in the children’s ensemble will be Eva Burkholder of Pottstown, PA; Nicky Intrieri of Haddon Heights, NJ; Veronica James of Voorhees, NJ; JoJo Schlecht of Wilmington, DE; Akiva Schostak of Cherry Hill, NJ; Maren Schriver of Meadowbrook, PA; Eddie Sims of West Chester, PA; Matthew Goodrich of Hammonton, NJ; Jonas Hinsdale of Princeton Junction, NJ; Caleb Rosenfeld of Wynnewood, PA; Sloan Avery Salvatore of Wenonah, NJ; Charlotte W. Taylor of Wallingford, PA; and Peter Gomez and Kate Bove of Cherry Hill, NJ.

MATILDA THE MUSICAL runs through January 6. This production is sponsored by Stradley Ronon. Media Partners are 6ABC and Metro Philadelphia. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Image: Photo courtesy of the Walnut Street Theatre.

Back to School Advice for Parents

Philly students at public and charter schools returned to school before Labor Day this year. Back to school is not only an adjustment for most students; it’s also a transition time for city parents, too.

How do you oversee your kids’ homework and weekly schedule of activities? I asked two city parents how they manage this in addition to their work schedule.

Laura, a working mom of three living in Fishtown, agrees that adjusting to the back to school mayhem is sometimes just as difficult for parents, as it is for the kids. One thing she has learned from experience is to slowly get back into a routine, in an attempt to minimize the chaos. “My kids prefer to finish their homework as soon as possible, in order to relax and wind down in the evenings. This works well, as I prepare dinner while they get their homework out of the way,” says Laura. “We all sit in the kitchen together so that they can ask questions while I cook. By the time they are finished their homework, it is time to eat.”

Laura says they make it a priority to eat together as a family as often as possible. This is when the five squeeze in a majority of their “together” time. It is not an easy task, as they have to forego some activities, events, etc., but to them, it is crucial, so they just make it happen.

This leads to a second piece of advice, which is to limit extracurricular activities. Laura has three highly active children whose desires to participate in different activities, clubs and sports changes all the time. “We signed up for cheerleading and my daughter suddenly developed a strong desire to also take up sewing. I learned early in the game, that it is wise to limit the amount of activities they are each allowed to participate in to one per child per school year,” says Laura.

In families with multiple children, it is almost impossible to fit more than three activities into the weekly routine. Laura thinks there is just not enough time. More importantly, kids need down time and moms need their sanity.

Limit your children’s activities to what is manageable

I agree that you have to limit your children’s activities as there is only so much time in a day and week. My youngest loves gymnastics yet now that she is on a year-long travel team, she does not have time to participate in both sports.

It’s also important to have some support system in your neighborhood especially if your family is not local. Over the summer, I asked two local moms to pick up my kids from summer camp so I could travel north to visit a family member who was in the hospital. Since I’ve known these two moms for years now, I could trust my kids with them until my husband could pick them up. This eased my stress given my relative’s health condition and not being nearby to help.

One thing is for certain – you can’t be in two places at once. So this year, when my kids have two games at the same time, I am confident I can text another parent to drive them to and from the game if need be. Utilize carpools when possible. I’ve had a weekly carpool with another Mom for four years now. I drop her daughter at CCD and she drives my oldest home. Over the course of a year, this saves a tremendous amount of time. For working parents, especially those who are self-employed, time is money.

Establish a routine and stick with it

Tricia is a working mom with two kids in the Bella Vista area. It’s often tough for her to stay on top of all their activities as well as her own obligations. In order to maintain some semblance of order in her household, here are some tasks that she does to help:

Night before:
– School bags are packed
– Uniforms/outfits are picked out
– Any part of lunches that can be prepped ahead of time are
– Showers

Daily:
– Tricia has a write on/wipe off calendar and assigns a different color marker for each family member. All activities and appointments are written on this board.
– School bags and lunch boxes go in the same place after school.
– Papers she has to sign/read are placed on her placemat on the dinner table.
– Homework is to be completed before dinner unless an activity has them out of the house.
– No TV or toys in the morning until each kid is completely ready for school.
– They set timers for the kids to know when they need to leave.
– The crock pot/instant pot is a huge help with meals.

Weekly:
– School uniform laundry is done once a week to ensure we have enough for the week.
– They have enough uniform components to get them through the week without having to do laundry more than once.
– Meals are tentatively planned over the weekend and food shopping occurs on Sunday nights – completed by Dad.
– One food shop for perishables one day a week occurs as well.
– One night a week they do “fend for yourself” for dinner– either leftovers or something quick (smoothies, grilled cheese, cheese and crackers, mac and cheese).

Since Tricia is the keeper of the appointments, laundry person, meal planner and prep person and organizer, she finds that she has to have a routine and stick with it. “Regardless of my craziness, I try to keep the kids on the schedule regarding dinner, reading and bed time. To stream line our bedtime routine both kids go up at the same time,” she adds. “My little guy gets stories while my older daughter gets herself and her uniform ready. Once my little guy is in bed I read to my older; once we are finished she reads to herself while I get lunches and my own work stuff ready. Then it’s off to bed for her. I try to get as much stuff checked off our list the evening before.”

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Experience a “Whole New World” at Walnut Street Theatre for Kids’ ALADDIN, JR. Production

Kids of all ages will be enchanted by the WST for Kids’ production of Disney’s ALADDIN, JR. Based on the classic 1992 Disney movie, and updated to include Alan Menken’s new songs written for the 2014 Broadway production, this hour-long musical will be performed LIVE at Walnut Street Theatre through Sunday, September 30, 2018.

I had the pleasure of watching the production yesterday with my children and friends. Disney’s Aladdin, Jr. is filled with magic and thrills we enjoyed. When street urchin Aladdin falls for the strong-willed Princess Jasmine, he gets help from a fun-loving Genie to outsmart the wicked Jafar and win her hand. Get on your flying carpet and join us on a soaring musical adventure!

The 1992 animated musical film Aladdin is based on the Arabian folktale of the same name from One Thousand and One Nights. It was conceived by Lyricist Howard Ashman (Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast) who worked with Composer Alan Menken (Little Mermaid, Tangled, Beauty and the Beast) and Lyricist Tim Rice (Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, Chess).

Jesse Bernstein returns to the Walnut to direct Disney’s ALADDIN, JR. Bernstein recently directed the Walnut’s Independence Studio on 3 production of It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play, and WST for Kid’s productions of Ivy + Bean and Honk! Jr.

Bringing the iconic and magical locations to life – from the mysterious majesty of the Cave of Wonders to the magnificence of the Sultan’s Palace, is a creative team led by Scenic Designer Laura Revelt. Revelt was the shop management apprentice for the 2016-17 Season and has designed sets for the Walnut’s Education and Outreach shows for the past three years.

The actors portraying the princess, villains, and heroes of Agraba are local to the tristate area, and members of the Walnut Street Theatre School. Immanuel Rimmer of Wyncote, PA will take the stage as the title role of Aladdin with Domenica Passio of Philadelphia, PA playing the strong-willed Princess Jasmine. Melina Cruz of Philadelphia, PA will portray the all-powerful Genie with McKenna Rulan of Williamstown, NJ as the dastardly Jafar.

The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids Series is celebrated for its commitment to encouraging parents (and grandparents) to read with their kids. Families can read together and discover a whole new level of imagination when they see the shows live onstage. The Walnut takes pride in bringing families together and beginning a creative conversation through reading and the arts.

Disney’s ALADDIN, JR. is an ideal outing for all kids with weekend matinee performances September 22 – 23 and September 29 – 30. The media sponsor is Courier Post. Tickets are $15 – $18 with group discounts available for groups of ten or more. For tickets and information, please call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets can also be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by visiting the Walnut’s website at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org.

Image: Photo courtesy of the Walnut Street Theatre.

The Franklin Institute’s Game Masters celebrates 40 years of gaming

Last month, I visited the Game Masters exhibit with my kids and some friends. Showcasing the work of over 30 innovative game designers, Game Masters takes visitors on an interactive journey inside their favorite video games—from the classic arcade era through today’s web and console games.

Featuring more than 100 playable games, rare concept artwork, and revealing interviews, guests follow the remarkable transformations that video games have undergone and learn how popular characters—from Sonic to the Sims—came to life.

The games are grouped into categories: Arcade Heroes like Donkey Kong and Pac-Man, Game Changers (LEGO Batman 3, LEGO Harry Potter) and Indies including Minecraft.

I enjoyed seeing two classic games in the exhibit. If you grew up in the 80s, you’ll fondly remember Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Pac-Man, released by Midway in 1980, created a new genre: the maze chase game. In designer Toru Iwatani’s Pac-Man, players steer the iconic yellow figure through the maze to eat Pac-Dots while trying to avoid deadly ghosts.

One of the first platform games, Donkey Kong was a 1981 release from Nintendo, a franchise that’s still strong today. Mario is one of the most popular game characters of all time. In Donkey Kong, the great ape is the bad guy, squaring off against Mario.

Dance Central 3 was a highlight for my kids and their friends. They were able to sing along to smash hits while following a character’s dance moves on the screen in front of them.

Game Masters runs through September 3rd, so plan your visit this summer. https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/game-masters

Use promo code GMMOMMY to receive $5 off on adult, daytime admission to Game Masters: The Exhibition, for up to 4 people. Purchase your tickets at fi.edu or call 215-448-1200. Expires August 19, 2018.

Image: The Franklin Institute

IVY + BEAN Takes Kids on a Wacky Adventure

Get ready for a musical adventure with WST for Kids production of Ivy + Bean at Walnut Street Theatre. The two unlikely best friends capture the hearts of kids of all ages in an hour-long musical about the adventures that can be discovered with the power of friendship. On Saturday, I watched Ivy + Bean with my children and some of their friends.

Ivy + Bean is based on series of novels of the same name by Anne Barrows and illustrated by Sophie Blackall. Ivy and Bean could not be more different, and when these two get together the adventures are endless. In this lively musical, they form an unlikely friendship when Bean decides to get revenge on her bossy, older sister, but they really discover that their differences are what make their friendship so exciting.

WST for Kids brings families together through reading and the arts. Parents and grandparents can read the books together with their favorite kids, then watch them come to life on stage at the Walnut.

The cast of Ivy + Bean are members of The Theatre School at Walnut Street Theatre. Playing the bookish and imaginative Ivy is Mary Kate Foley. Foley is a recent graduate of Temple University and recently toured around Delaware County with the Walnut Education Department’s production of A Philly Fairytale. Her wild and goofy counterpart, Bean, is played by Amanda Spivack. Spivack returns to the Walnut after most recently being seen in Saturday Night Fever.

Ivy + Bean is live on stage at the Walnut only through June 10. Media partners for this production are Courier-Post and Mix 106.1, and the production is sponsored by PWC. For tickets and information, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online 24/7 by visiting www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster.

Image: Mary Kate Foley and Amanda Spivack in Ivy + Bean. Photo courtesy of the Walnut Street Theatre.

The 2018 Philly Flower Show Offered Indoor Break from Nor-easters

Last weekend, I visited the Philly Flower Show at the city’s convention center with family. It was a welcome respite from the recent storms that brought snow and power losses to our area. 250,000 visitors attended this year’s show, an impressive number given the recent storms. The theme was Wonders of Water, produced by the PA Horticultural Society.

The show highlighted plants that usually are found in wetter, warmer climates, with a focus on water conservation. Entering the rainforest garden was a sight to behold—water lilies, palm trees and purple and red blossoms from New Guinea wowed the large crowd.

Adjacent to the rainforest exhibit, Windows on the Watershed offered a “day in the life” of the Delaware River Watershed, a chance to learn how plants contribute to water quality. Walking through this exhibit, we saw how organisms cleanse and sustain the watershed; water is filtered by plants, animals and the ground.

Windows on the Watershed, essentially the same process as the rainforest, revealed similar ecological lessons.

The Philadelphia Cactus and Succulent Society exhibit explained to visitors that cacti and succulents survive much better without being watered. In this exhibit, we learned that cacti and succulents are self-sufficient in the proper soil or container.

This year’s show was a good chance to experience what it might be like to have water in your own yard. The Stoney Bank exhibit featured a pond, arbor wall and seating. Visitors looked through a water wall out at this show.

Some exhibits had impressive water displays, including a serenity space and the Laurel-Brook Gardens.

Next year’s theme is Flower Power, focusing on the role flowers play in bringing people together in healing and peace. If you live in the Philly area, this annual show is a must-see for inspiration and creative flower ideas.

STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL explores friendship and learning from mistakes

On Saturday, I had the pleasure of taking my kids and some of their friends to Walnut Street Theatre for Kids’ production of STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL. The children’s book is performed on stage in a fun story about friendship and learning from our mistakes. Featuring Britt and her friends from the series, STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL offers family-friendly matinee times at Walnut Street Theatre.

My kids were very excited to attend this performance, as it was their first time to “America’s oldest theatre,” founded in 1809. The children and their friends were entertained throughout the hour-long show—the colorful set and costumes, catchy tunes and plotline kept them tuned in.

The show ends with a positive message as the StinkyKids work hard to make the right choices and decide to donate to charity. Their motto: “Always be a leader of good” is sure to resonate with the young audience.

STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL is based on children’s books by Britt Menzies. When ‘StinkyKid’ Britt wakes up with a wad of gum in her hair, she knows she’s in trouble. Her friends are depending on her parents to take them to Captain Happy’s Jumpy-Fun-Super-Bouncy Indoor Palace; she knows this sticky situation could keep them from going and ruin the day. Britt enlists the help of her friends and mayhem ensues. However, they all learn from their mistakes and, along the way, discover the true value of friendship.

The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids series encourages families to read together and see the books come to life onstage. Thousands of local students attend WST for Kids performances and experience live theatre for the first time as part of school trips to the Walnut.

STINKYKIDS: THE MUSICAL is live at the Walnut through February 11. Media partners for this production are Courier-Post and Mix 106.1. For tickets, call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets are also available online at www.WalnutStreetTheatre.org or Ticketmaster. Use code SKIDS for $15 tickets anywhere in the house.

Image: Walnut Street Theatre

The Franklin Institute’s latest exhibit explores a historic archaeological discovery

Terracotta Warriors explores the science and technology used to build, bury, and excavate the Terracotta Army

The Franklin Institute has a new exhibit that is worth viewing this winter—the only east coast engagement of a two-city exhibit tour. Earlier this month, I took my kids and a friend to check it out.

In 1974, a farmer in China was digging a well when he struck upon fragments of terracotta. Buried beneath the land were thousands of life-sized statues, constructed over 2,000 years ago—guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor.

Since this discovery, archaeologists have excavated and researched these warriors—uncovering the secrets beneath our feet since 210 BCE. Questions remain about the elaborate tomb, calling scientists to continue to explore.

Ten terracotta figures from the burial complex will appear in the exhibit: a general, an armored officer, a kneeling archer, a standing archer, an armored soldier, a cavalryman, a saddled horse, a charioteer, a civil official, and a kneeling musician.

Over 170 other artifacts from the pre-Qin, Qin, and Han dynasties accompany the figures. These include weapons, jade pieces, bronze bells, ceremonial vessels, gold ornaments, coins, architectural pieces, and ornate bronze chariot replicas.

Incorporating multimedia and interactive elements, Terracotta Warriors tells the story of how a young prince conquered enemies, formed the empire of China, advanced its civilization, and prepared a burial site for his eternal reign.

Terracotta Warriors runs through March 4th, so plan your visit this Winter. https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/terracotta-warriors

Image: The Franklin Institute

Mirror Maze exhibit at the Franklin Institute explores numbers in nature

Explore math patterns in nature at the Mirror Maze exhibit

The Franklin Institute has a new educational exhibit that is worth exploring this summer—Mirror Maze, an interactive exhibit that introduces patterns and how math surrounds us everywhere. The highlight of the exhibit is a 1,700 square foot maze of mirrors that will challenge you and your children to reach the exit.

We learned that patterns are the result of nature’s forces and processes. From the rings of Saturn to sunflower seeds, patterns are present everywhere in nature. #partner

My kids both enjoy math, so numbers in nature was of interest to them. They learned of math patterns present—the spiral of seashell, ridges of mountains, and the Universe’s structure. Understanding patterns reveals why our bodies and buildings, for example, are shaped the way they are and why they function as they do.

The exhibit explores fractal patterns that are rough, irregular and jagged. The kids and their friend were curious to learn about this. As a tree grows, each branch divides into smaller limbs. Observing a mountain’s jagged peaks reveals each peak is like the whole range, just smaller. Fractal patterns reveal the simplicity that lies beneath the complexity of nature. Fascinating!

The kids were intrigued by the interactive displays, especially “musical reflection” where they could hear symmetry and “playing with proportion” where they plucked long and short strings to hear that one sounds twice as high as the other.

I found it interesting to look at the branching pattern in your eye. By looking through an eyepiece, tiny dots that are red blood cells at the back of your eye are visible. When you blink, spidery black lines appear, shadows of capillaries that bring blood to your eye lens.

A Mirror Maze runs through September 4th, so plan your visit this summer! https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/mirror-maze-numbers-nature

Summer savings through Groupon coupons

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

Groupon coupons is a popular site for families to save on activities, restaurants and consumer goods. As a family of four, we look to save money where we can. It’s exciting when you can find a sale for a much-need product for the home or your children.

My husband and I have used Groupon coupons at some restaurants in the past, but not yet for household items. Since we need some items at Home Depot, we are going to review this link before we go to the store: Groupon.

I’ve always been impressed with the deals at Walmart. Our local Walmart in Philly is always crowded with parents and kids. Walmart is a great store to find birthday party gifts and school supplies. You can’t beat Walmart prices on baby necessities like car seats, strollers and high chairs.

Check out this link and you will find over 100 coupons available at Walmart, either in-store or online: https://www.groupon.com/coupons/stores/walmart.com.

Groupon has 4^th of July sales through “star spangled” merchants including Home Depot, Target, Kohl’s, JCPenney and Levi’s.

Have you browsed the Groupon coupons site yet? You will be surprised at the deals you can find.

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