SLEEPING BEAUTY, THE GRUFFALO and More Set for 2017-18 Kids 'N Family Series at SOPAC
By: BWW News Desk Jul. 13, 2017
The South Orange Performing Arts Center has announced the return of its Kids 'N Family series for the 2017-2018 season.
Jam-packed with performances of tales old and new, this season will entrance children of all ages and give them a performance experience they will remember for years to come.
October 21: Sleeping Beauty
The tale of a beautiful princess, an enchantment and a handsome prince comes to life on stage. King Humphrey and Queen Bea are so delighted at the birth of their daughter, Aurora, that they throw the biggest party the kingdom has ever seen! When they forget to invite the land's most powerful sorceress, Vestra, their happiness soon turns to grief. A spell is cast that puts Aurora to sleep, until the magic of true love revives her, and the entire kingdom comes back to life. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. $20. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
November 18: Snow White
Snow White takes refuge in the forest in the house of seven dwarfs to hide from her stepmother, the wicked Queen. The Queen is jealous because she wants to be known as "the fairest in the land," and Snow White's beauty surpasses her own. One day while the dwarfs are at their mine, the Queen arrives at the cottage disguised as an old peddler woman and persuades Snow White to bite into a poisoned apple. Only true loves kiss can break the spell and bring Snow White back to life. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. $18. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
December 8-9: American Repertory Ballet's Nutcracker
American Repertory Ballet (ARB) brings the beloved classic, The Nutcracker, to the stage with Tchaikovsky's magnificent score, stunning new sets, thrilling choreography, and a cast of over 100 performers. Directed by ARB Artistic Director Douglas Martin, ARB's professional company will be joined by students from Princeton Ballet School to tell the story of a young girl and how a mysterious gift brings about enchanted dreams and fantastical scenes. Whether it's your first time, an annual tradition, or a once-in-a-lifetime experience, ARB's Nutcracker is a perfect holiday treat for your entire family. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. December 8 at 7PM, December 9 at 2PM and 7PM. Children $25, Adults $30. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
January 12: Mark Nizer 4D...the only live 3D show in the world!
The phrase "Nothing Less Than Brilliant" (Performance Magazine) has been used to describe the outrageous comedic antics and expertly crafted juggling feats of Mark Nizer. Whether juggling laser beams at 1000 rpms, or five ping pong balls being thrown 20 feet in the air using only his mouth; or juggling a burning propane tank, a running electric carving knife and a 16-pound bowling ball all at once, you'll discover for yourself that Mark Nizer is truly one of the greatest entertainment comedians and jugglers performing today. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. $20. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
February 10: Stinky Cheese Man & Other Fairly Stupid Tales
Once again Jack finds himself up the wrong beanstalk...in order to hold the Giant at bay, he distracts him with familiar fairy tales that have a unique twist! Jack spins old tales with new treatments such as the tortoise racing a hair-growing hare, Little Red Running Shorts, Cinderumplestiltskin, and a couple of princesses who kiss frogs and sleep on peas. Joined by a very smelly hero made of cheese, and a bread-obsessed Red Hen, this is a performance you and your kids will love! South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. Children $18, Adults $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
March 24: Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Your favorite childhood storybooks comes to life with bunny banter, whimiscal puppetry, and dream-like imagery. Goodnight Moon is a clebration of nighttime rituals remiscent of being a child while The Runaway Bunny dreams up a tale of leaving home, evoking a reassuring response from his loving mom. South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. Children $20, Adults $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
April 7: Treasure Island
Treasure Island conjures up a thrilling tale of adventure on the high seas in this fun-filled yarn of piracy and buried treasure. Jim Hawkins, cabin boy on the sailing ship "Hispaniola," is drawn into this action-packed story full of unsavory characters, including the infamous Long John Silver, who leads a scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle. The greedy mutineers fight each other for treasure as friendships come unraveled, and new alliances are formed. Good ultimately triumphs, but not without lots of twists and turns! South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. $20. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
May 18: The Gruffalo
Based off of the much loved picture book by JuliaDonaldson and Axel Scheffler, Tall Stories' The Gruffalo is an enchanting production that is a perfect combination of songs, laughter, physical theater! Join Mouse on a daring adventure through the deep dark wood in search of hazelnuts, meeting the cunning Fox, the eccentric old Owl and the party mad Snake on the way. Will the story of the fabled Gruffalo save Mouse from ending up as dinner for these wily woodland creatures? Armed with only a nut map and a little courage, Mouse must outwit them all, and after all, there's no such thing as a Gruffalo - is there? South Orange Performing Arts Center, One SOPAC Way, South Orange. 2 p.m. Children $20, Adults $25. (973) 313-2787. www.SOPACnow.org
Since 2006, SOPAC has been serving as a premier performing arts center in the region. SOPAC offers innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences in an intimate, inviting environment. The premier arts center hosts a variety of live performances, community events and education programs for all ages. To further expand its offerings, SOPAC has a partnership with the Juilliard School of Music to present Juilliard @ SOPAC-a series featuring upcoming musicians from the acclaimed conservatory. SOPAC is home for Seton Hall University Arts Council's performances, including Classical Concert Series, Jazz 'N the Hall performances and Seton Hall University Theatre productions. SOPAC also presents performances by its theater company in-residence, American Theater Group. For more information, visit SOPACnow.org.
Videos
