Earlier this month, we checked out Vikings: Beyond the Legend exhibit, which showcases the story of the explorers who set sail from Scandinavia centuries ago.

The Franklin Institute reveals how Vikings were skilled craftspeople, successful merchants, and farmers with vast reach across western Europe and beyond. The Institute brings the Viking Age to life through artifacts, multimedia, and interactive elements.   

The kids and I thought the best part of the exhibit was the Roskilde 6, the longest Viking warship ever discovered, which stands at 122-feet-long. A quarter of the original ship remains intact including most of the hull and inner timber. The Roskilde 6 was built to carry 100 warriors and their weapons almost 1,000 years ago.

We learned that Vikings are known for their legendary longships. These large ships made it possible for warriors and merchants to travel long distances quickly. This led to trade along the European coast and beyond, and conquests as distant as the Middle East and Asia.

Another highlight of the exhibit is the Jelling Stone. Considered by many historians to be Denmark’s official birth certificate, the Jelling Stone is a key landmark in Viking history. One of the earliest depictions of Christ in Scandinavia, the stone was the official declaration confirming Denmark as a Christian nation. The stone was carved at the order of King Harald Bluetooth around the year 965 CE.

We also learned about the day-to-day life of the Vikings, where most individuals spent their time on the farm making a living through agriculture. Typically, there were six to seven farms in a village; each farm would be part of the family’s longhouse. This house’s wooden structure resembled their longships. Longhouses spanned from 50 to 250 feet in length. With elongated fireplaces in their homes, these houses allowed for cooking and keeping warm in the frigid Scandinavian winters.

Vikings: Beyond the Legend only runs through March 3rd, so plan your visit soon. https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/vikings-beyond-legend

Purchase your tickets at fi.edu or call 215-448-1200.  

Image: The Franklin Institute

Audiences of all ages will love the frighteningly fun Walnut Street Theatre for Kids’ (WST for Kids’) production of R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium! On Sunday, we were happy to see one of America’s most popular children’s book series and its delightful thrills come to life on the historic Walnut stage.

R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium is based on the beloved book series from R. L. Stine and investigates the strange happenings during rehearsals of Brooke and Zeke’s school play. Is it a practical joke or is the school’s theater really haunted? We followed the two on a silly and (only a little) spooky musical mystery.

R.L. Stine is one of the best-selling children’s authors in history. In July 1992, Scholastic introduced his Goosebumps book series with Welcome to Dead House. Over 25 years later, Goosebumps is now one of the best-selling children’s series of all time—with more than 400 million copies in print in 32 languages. The series’ success was recognized locally in 2002 when R.L. Stine received the Philadelphia Free Library’s first ever “Champion of Reading” award.

As the series grew in popularity, Goosebumps has been adapted into a television series and three feature length films, one of which starred actor, comedian, and musician Jack Black. The famed series received a new musical adaptation in 2016 when Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium was created as a stage musical with book and lyrics written by John Maclay and orchestrations and music written by Danny Abosch.

Ms. Walker, the energetic drama teacher, is played by Anne Bragg, a 2016-17 Walnut acting apprentice. Previous Walnut credits include Skippyjon Jones and Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Jared Calhoun, a 2015-16 Walnut acting apprentice, returns to play the role of Brian. Goosebumps marks Jared’s eighth WST for Kids’ show including Ivy + Bean, StinkyKids, Junie B. Jones, Skippyjon Jones, Freckleface Strawberry, and two productions of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.

Joining Anne and Jared are four performers making their Walnut debut in R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium. Playing the intelligent teen and hopeful star, Brooke, is Leah Senseney who was last seen in Media Theatre’s production of The Wizard of Oz. Zeke, a jokester teen with a love for theatre, is played by Elias Rivera who recently performed in Candlelight Theatre’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone. Tina, the experienced drama student, is played by Chelsey Jean who was last cast in Gateway Playhouse’s production of Little Women. Lastly, friend and drama student, Emile, is played by Tristan Horan, who built a love for children’s theatre at Upper Darby Summer Stage.  

R.L. Stine’s GOOSEBUMPS: Phantom of the Auditorium is live on stage at the Walnut February 2 to 10 and is sponsored by the Mutual Fire Foundation. Media partner for this production is Courier-Post. WST for Kids’ season sponsor is Sharon and Scott Rankin. 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. Actors from left to right are Jared Calhoun, Leah Senseney and Elias Rivera.

It’s time for families and friends to come together and enjoy Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale, A CHRISTMAS CAROL, live on stage. Walnut Street Theatre (WST) for Kids’ heartwarming hour-long musical adaptation of Dickens’ classic novel runs through December 23.

I had the pleasure of watching a performance last weekend with family. Audiences are transported to 1840’s London, where they meet Ebenezer Scrooge, a bitter old man who greets holiday cheer with a “Bah, Humbug.” However, on one unforgettable Christmas Eve, he is visited by three ghostly spirits determined to change old Scrooge’s ways forever. Traveling through his past, present, and possible future, Scrooge is awakened to the magic of Christmas and truly learns what the holiday season is all about: family, generosity and love.

Filled with joy, laughter, and whimsical spirits, WST for Kids’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL stands not only as a Walnut favorite, but also as a Philadelphia tradition. Now in its 19th year, the production has been updated with a fresh new set designed by Brian Froonjian to ensure the scenery provides a new experience for audiences.

This year’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL production is directed and written by Walnut veteran Bill Van Horn, who recently directed Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville, A Sherlock Holmes Mystery and last season’s production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL. He has also appeared on stage in Baskerville, and numerous other Walnut productions, including: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Story, Mary Poppins, Elf, and Fiddler on the Roof.

Benjamin Lovell, a Philadelphia actor who has previously performed at the Walnut, The Arden, and the National Tour of Beauty and the Beast, plays the role of the “bah-humbugging” old man, Ebenezer Scrooge. He is joined by Oliver Shevlin, a second-grader and Devon, PA resident, who will make his Walnut and acting debut as Tiny Tim.

Joining Lovell and Shevlin on the stage are Michael Fuchs, Nate Golden, Ella Hampton, Fionnaula Meister, Hannah Fink, Eli Lynn, Aanand Shah, and Liam Mulshine all of Philadelphia, PA; Rachel DeMasi of Sewell, NJ; Sammi Deutsch of Wyndmoor, PA; and Charles Lamonaca of Folsom, PA; Catherine Purcell of Norristown, PA; and Christian Tuffy of Huntingdon Valley, PA. Current Walnut acting apprentices Blake Lowry, Kahlil Wyatt, Taylor Mitchell, and Katie Raulerson complete the cast.

For students, Walnut Street Theatre’s Education Department helps to transform Dickens’ powerful and magical story into a memorable educational experience. In addition to giving students the opportunity to see the novel they’ve read spring to life right before their eyes, the Walnut provides teachers with free online study guides to spark meaningful conversation about the show before students enter the theatre. Exploring the content of the story in the classroom not only further engages students but also adds excitement to the experience of seeing the familiar characters and period fashion and hearing the bright holiday music of A CHRISTMAS CAROL on stage.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL has remaining family matinee performances on December 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, and 21 at 10:30am. For tickets and information, please call 215-574-3550 or 800-982-2787. Tickets can also be purchased at the Walnut ticket office, online at Ticketmaster, or by visiting the Walnut’s website at walnutstreettheatre.org.

Image: Photo courtesy of the Walnut Street Theatre.

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.

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.

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

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.