Neighborhood Notes

Central Portland offers an impressive variety of theater for kids of all ages, and adults who are young at heart. Here are some of the kid-friendly shows taking place in March and April.

The big event is certainly Cirque du Soleil. The Corteo show has pitched the Grand Chapiteau down on the waterfront and dazzles their first crowds on March 1st. Jake is excited to go, as parades, carnivals and processions all sound fun. He’s not certain about clowns, but we think it will all work out. There’s no minimum or maximum recommended age for this show, so common sense and your child’s ability to focus should probably prevail. Based on previous experience, the streetcar is your best transportation option.

Starting April 4th, Blue Monkey Theater Co. takes a dark turn with Columbinus, a docudrama about the shootings at Columbine High School. The show includes a variety of first hand sources such as interviews, journals and police records. The topic is challenging, and children under the age of 13 will be admitted only with a parent or guardian. The shows are at the West End Theater at SW 12th and Taylor right off the streetcar line.

Northwest Children’s Theater and School brings lighthearted fun to the stage on March 22nd with a children’s favorite, ‘Go, Dog. Go’. Original music, as well as dogs that dance and drive, seem promising for the younger set. Recommended ages are 4 and older. Note to grandparents, on March 22nd you can receive $2 off tickets when attending with your grandkids. The theater is a short walk across the freeway at NW 18th and Everett.

Tears of Joy Theater offers their adaptation of Stellaluna to all ages starting April 4th. The puppeteers, and the puppets, are spellbinding, and we can’t wait to see the story of the little lost fruit bat brought to life. These shows are at the Winningstadt Theater, and we recommend arriving early so kids can take a look a the puppets and story boards in the lobby. Streetcar is a great way to get to these shows.

Theater and kids just seem to go together, perhaps due to active imaginations, costumes and the willing suspension of disbelief. Many local theater groups offer classes for a wide variety of ages, or special shows and previews for kids. So many ways to nurture a budding thespian in your life.