The Dirty Sock Funtime Band at the Jewish Museum
On March 20, families can celebrate Purim at the Jewish Museum with the annual rockin’ performance from the Dirty Sock Funtime Band, a New York City-based multinational kids band that is a frequent guest on both Noggin and Nick, Jr. At the concert, kids can enjoy carnival-like klezmer rock and dance in costume to the fun jam “ClownaHagila.” Concerts begin at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and are appropriate for children ages 3 and up. 1109 Fifth Avenue, 212-4233200; thejewishmuseum.org.
Poppy Seed Purim at the Kaufman Center
The Kaufman Center’s Poppy Seed Players have taught lessons and traditions of Jewish culture to children for 21 seasons! On March 20th, families can enjoy a musical re-enactment of Purim with the fun-filled production “A Poppy Seed Purim,” a light-hearted re-telling of the Biblical story of how Queen Esther saved the Jews of Shushan complete with vibrant characters, humor and a catchy melodic score. Merkin Concert Hall, 129 West 67th Street, 212-501-3303; kaufman-center.org.
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar And Other Eric Carle Favorites” at the Skirball Center
As part of its Big Red Chair family series, the Skirball Center at NYU presents a theatrical reimagining of three of Eric Carle’s beloved children’s stories, including the tale about the famously hungry caterpillar who eats his way through an assortment of treats before his metamorphosis into a butterfly. The performance will take place on April 2nd at 10 a.m. and is appropriate for children ages 2 and up. 566 LaGuardia Place, skirballcenter.nyu.edu.
“Room on the Broom” at BMCC Tribeca
BMCC Tribeca offers a wide variety of family-friendly theatrical programming. On April 16th, the Performing Arts Center showcases a musical adaptation of the bestselling book “Room on the Broom” by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. The performance will tell the story of a witch and her cat and the characters they meet throughout their journey—and whether or not the duo will have enough room on their broom to save everyone from a hungry dragon. 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1459; tribecapac.org.
“World Passport Workshop: Tip Your Hat Off to Seuss!” at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum Oh, the places you’ll go! Celebrate the magic of Dr. Seuss at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum’s special celebration of the beloved author’s birthday on March 5th and 6th. In this workshop, children can explore the ways Dr. Seuss used words to stretch his readers’ imaginations, hear their favorite Seuss stories, make a Seuss-inspired hat and even compose their own Seussical poems. 145 Brooklyn Avenue, 718-735-4400; brooklynkids.org.
“Up, Up And Away With The Woodwinds” At The Little Orchestra Society
The Little Orchestra Society’s popular Lolipops kids concerts invite families to discover new musical genres in a relaxed and fun-filled setting. On April 2nd and 3rd, families can check out “Up, Up And Away with the Woodwinds,” a musical adventure that lets children experience the musical culture of China, Holland, Africa and Brazil and introduce them to composers like Mozart and Tchaikovsky. Performances are intended for children ages 3 to 5 and take place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. and on Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The Kaye Playhouse, Hunter College, 68th Street between Park and Lexington Avenues, 212-971-9500; littleorchestra.org.
Barnyard Easter Egg Hunt at the Queens County Farm Museum
The city’s only working historical farm, the Queens County Farm Museum hosts frequent events and workshops for kids of all ages throughout the year. On April 23rd, families can hop over to the annual Barnyard Easter Egg Hunt, where kids can do the “bunny hop,” participate in an egg toss, visit with the farm animals, take a hay ride and much more. 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, 718-3473276; queensfarm.org. —Amanda Ferris, Katie Garton, Tiffanie Green, Rachael Horowitz and Amy Spiro www.newyorkfamily.com
clockwise from top: New Victory Theater, photo by Patrick Baldwin; Queens County Farm Museum; Kids Week at the Intrepid; Skirball Center, photo by Carol Pratt.
January 2011 | New York Family
87