BWW JR: Galli Theatre's FROG PRINCE

The Galli theatre, now housed at the National Comedy Theatre on West 36th St., is on to something when it comes to casual, accessible children's theatre.  This is bare bones, interactive, early childhood performance that dips into the rich archive of Grimm's Brothers' fairy tales.  Perfect for the preschool set, their revolving repertoire of improvisational performance stresses audience participation and stays away from sensory overload.  The volume is at a comfortable level, the content is simplified and frosted with a contemporary slant, and the expectations are reasonable: In other words, this is a great place to expose your preschooler to his or her first theatrical experience.

During a brief introduction, a Galli Theatre spokesperson asked parents not to hush their children if they shout out during the performance.  Children were encouraged to participate, even interrupt, and about half of the two through six year olds I observed happily jumped on stage when invited to join the action.  Of course, this means that much of the performance is improvisational and based on a bare bones script with a few rehearsed musical interludes. 

Based on the works of German playwright Johannes Galli, the Galli Theatre is the US outpost of this popular European phenomenon.  In addition to a revolving repertoire of traditional fairy tales best enjoyed by kids ages 2 through 6, the non profit organization also does outreach work and has a full schedule of acting classes for both kids and adults.  Upcoming performances for 2011 include Cinderella and Snow White.

Get to the point, Mom!

• A non-profit children's theatre company which stages a different, interactive fairy tale each month.
• Best enjoyed by children ages 2 though 6.
• Simple, casual, improvisational theatre.
• For more information, visit their web site www.GalliTheatreNY.com