HEADLESS HORSEMAN and UGLY DUCKLING Set for Halloween at Symphony Space

The 2016-17 "Just Kidding" weekly performance series at Symphony Space launches this month with music, puppetry, theater and dance. Two upcoming events offer families a comfortable place to enjoy age-appropriate (and adult friendly) theatrical experiences.

On October 22 and 29, two touring companies present unusual puppetry designed to thrill young audiences and provide a way to enjoy the spooky season.

Symphony Space is located at 2537 Broadway, New York, NY 10025 (Upper West Side, at 95th Street). Advance tickets ($17 each) are available online now.

For a Just Kidding season overview, read performing Arts Director Darren Critz' featured post for MacaroniKid.

Saturday October 22 at 11 am and 2 pm:
Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers perform
"The Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow"

In a creatively comedic version of the classic Washington Irving tale, schoolteacher Ichabod Crane helps the Headless Horseman find a new head and a spookier image. Meanwhile, a jealous Brom Bones tries to run Ichabod out of town as they both vie for the affection of Katrina Van Tassel. Brothers Erik and Brian Torbeck and their sister Robin (Torbek) Erlandsen crafted this child-friendly production of an important work of American fiction. Created from their home base in Maine, this nationally touring show features 20 hand-crafted mouth and rod puppets, including shadow puppetry.

Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers have received three Citations of Excellence from UNIMA-USA, the highest national award in puppetry. American Profile notes, "children applaud, giggle and scream with delight" at these shows.

Saturday, October 29th at 11 am and 2 pm:
Lightwire Theater (featured on "America's Got Talent") performs
"The Ugly Duckling"

A Just Kidding favorite, Lightwire Theater just returned to the States from an eight-week tour in China. Created by two former Twyla Tharp dancers, the company has been featured on "America's Got Talent."The high-tech and dazzling production uses electroluminescent wire to create large, glow-in-the-dark 3D puppets and props. This beloved Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale comes to life as swirling shapes move, leap, and seemingly float across the stage, telling an age-old tale set to a soundtrack of classical and contemporary music. As the Los Angeles Times notes, Lightwire Theater brings to the stage "a wonderful hour of fantasy that combines ancient, wordless storytelling with modern technology and music.

Between the two performances, families may enjoy Halloween themed glow-in-the-dark crafts and goodies presented by Symphony Space partners at the Social Space activity area. Everyone is invited to come in costume.

Even more Just Kidding performances are planned for November, including a multilingual concert, cardboard puppetry, kid-powered dance and a highly interactive family quiz show. More details are available at this link.