From Disney classics to popular children’s stories to a Mexican folktale designed for babies and preschoolers, theaters across metro Atlanta are presenting a wide variety of productions over the coming months. Here’s a look at some of the family-friendly shows that will soon open:
‘A Bucket of Blessings’ at Alliance Theatre
In this world premiere show for the very young (newborn-5 years old), “A Bucket of Blessings” is a charming retelling of a classic Indian folktale that promises to engage the senses and inspire the imagination. Near a majestic mountain in a vast jungle with many mango trees, it has not rained for weeks and weeks. And then Monkey remembers a story his mama used to tell him, a story about how peacocks can make it rain by dancing. Youngsters and their caregivers are encouraged to join Monkey on his journey and together, you can discover if this magical story is true. Based on the book by Surishtha and Kabir Sehgal, and directed by Rosemary Newcott, this show is filled with traditional Indian music and dancing.
Jan. 12-Feb. 14. Various times (check website for details). Free, children 5 and under; $5, children 6-17; $10, adults. Black Box Theatre, Theatre for the Very Young, Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, www.alliancetheatre.org/production/bucket-blessings.
‘Beauty and the Beast’ at Fox Theatre
“Disney’s Beauty and the Beast,” the smash hit Broadway musical, returns. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song.
Feb. 2-7. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday; 8 p.m. Friday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $33.50-$128.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.broadwayinatlanta.com.
‘Fancy Nancy: The Musical’ at Synchronicity Theatre
Based on the books by Jane O’Connor with illustrations by Robin Preiss Glasser, Fancy Nancy can’t wait to star as a mermaid in her school’s ballet production. See what happens in this delightful story-turned-musical when Nancy is stuck playing a tree. Can Nancy bring her fancy even when playing a boring tree? The inside scoop show (2 p.m. March 6) performance means free ice cream sundaes after the show.
Feb. 19-March 19. 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays; 7:30 p.m. Fridays; 1 and 4 p.m. Saturdays; 2 and 5 p.m. Sundays. No performance on March 20. $15-$30. Synchronicity Theatre at Peachtree Pointe, 1545 Peachtree St., Atlanta. 404-484-8636, www.synchrotheatre.com/season/fancy-nancy-the-musical.
‘We Are in a Play’ at Cobb Energy Centre
In Mo Willems’ beloved, award-winning, best-selling children’s books, Elephant Gerald and Piggie are best friends. And in “We Are in a Play,” Elephant Gerald and Piggie sing and dance their way through a fun-filled musical and wrestle with fundamental questions like, Should you share your ice cream? And how can two friends play with one toy?
10:15 a.m. and noon Jan. 28. $9. To reserve tickets, go to: http://artsbridgega.org/field-trip/elephant-piggies-we-are-in-a-play/. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. 770-916-2800, www.cobbenergycentre.com.
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‘The Sound of Music’ at Fox Theatre
A brand-new production of “The Sound of Music,” directed by three-time Tony Award-winning director Jack O’Brien, is coming to the Fox Theatre. The spirited, romantic and beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp family will once again thrill audiences with “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” and “Edelweiss” among other classics.
March 1-6. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Friday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Thursday; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. $33.50-$108.50. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 1-855-285-8499, www.broadwayinatlanta.com.
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‘Into the Woods’ at Aurora Theatre
When an evil witch curses a baker and his wife for stealing her “magic” beans, they must seek out special ingredients for her special potion in order for her to lift the curse on the wife’s fertility. Along their enchanting journey into the woods, they encounter Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood and other fictional favorites, as they too come face to face with the consequences of their own desires and wishes. In this modern musical twist of intertwined Brothers Grimm fairy tales, American composer Stephen Sondheim answers the question “What happens after happily ever after?”
March 10-April 17. 8 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays; 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $30-$65. Aurora Theatre, 128 E. Pike St., Lawrenceville. 678-226-6222, www.auroratheatre.com.
‘The Lizard & El Sol’ at Alliance Theatre
An interactive adventure based on a famous Mexican folktale about a time when El Sol (the Sun) disappeared from the sky. Directed by Rosemary Newcott and developed for the very young (newborn-5 years old), young ones and their caregivers will help the tenacious Lizard find the sleepy El Sol and finally coax him out of his hiding place. Colorful puppets and bright Mexican-inspired music and dance will lead everyone along in this tropical tale.
March 8-April 3. Free, children 5 and under; $5, children 6-17; $10, adults. Various times (check website for details). Black Box Theatre, Theatre for the Very Young, Alliance Theatre, 1280 Peachtree St. N.E., Atlanta. 404-733-5000, http://alliancetheatre.org/production/the-lizard-el-sol-0.
‘Shrek the Musical JR.’ at Jerry’s Habima Theatre
Jerry’s Habima Theatre, Georgia’s only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals featuring actors with special needs, will celebrate its 23rd season with “Shrek the Musical JR.” Jerry’s Habima Theatre is also a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA).
Feb. 25-March 6. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, Feb. 27, March 2, March 3, March 5; 3 and 7 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 6. $10-$35. Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody. 678-812-4002, www.atlantajcc.org/boxoffice.
To read about more children’s productions across metro Atlanta including “Space” at the Center for Puppetry Arts, go to www.myajc.com.
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