Fall Preview: Fantastic Family Theater, Dance & Live Events

Whether you’re looking for a family night out at the circus, or a fresh take on Mozart’s opera “The Magic Flute,” this fall’s line-up of productions and live events has something certain to capture the whole family’s imagination.

“The Butterfly Girl,” The Vital Theatre, Through November 16: Come to the Vital Theatre to see the story of a young girl’s discovery of her passion for butterflies and her own metamorphosis in the fun and silly musical. Recommended for ages 2-7; $30 and up, Saturdays & Sundays at 11 am & 1pm; holiday performance October 13. 2162 Broadway, 212-579-0528, vitaltheatre.org

“Hansel and Gretel’s Halloween Adventure,” The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, October 1-November 1: Embark on Get in the Halloween spirit early this year! This puppet performance finds the sibling duo confronted by monsters, mermaids, vampires, pirates, and other terrifying characters. Set in NYC on a spooky All Hallows’ Eve night, this holiday tale just screams Halloween! Recommended for ages 3-9. $7 for kids and $10 for adults (ages 13 and up); times  vary. Central Park at 81st Street and Central Park West, 212–988–9093, cityparksfoundation.org

Catch the Big Apple Circus’s latest show, METAMORPHOSIS.

“METAMORPHOSIS,” The Big Apple Circus, October 17-January 11, 2015: No one sits more than 50 feet away from the stage at the Big Apple Circus’s new fall show. Witness the magic of  flying trapeze artists, quick-change conjurors, and contortionists from up close at this dazzling production. $25-150; times vary. West 62 St & Amsterdam Avenue, 212-268-2500, bigapplecircus.org

National Dance Institute Celebration Team at Symphony Space, Peter Jay Sharp Theater, October 18: More than 70 performers, all under 18, will perform pieces based on Chinese music and dance in this dance spectacular for children of all ages. $14-$26, 2pm; 155 West 65th Street, 212-769-7406, symphonyspace.org

“Hatched,” Presented By Treehouse Shakers, BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center, October 25: This interactive tale of a newborn chick emerging from her shell and discovering the world is told through live music, dance, and puppetry. Perfect for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, the show encourages little ones to get in touch with their feelings and forge a connection to the community of those around them. $15 (free for children under 2 if sitting with an adult); October 25, 1:30 pm. 199 Chambers Street, 212-220-1460, tribecapac.org

“The Magic Flute,” The New Victory Theater, November 1-9: Come to the New Victory Theater for a fresh take on Mozart’s opera, “The Magic Flute,” by South Africa’s Isango Ensemble. Marimba and percussion orchestras refresh Mozart’s arias, as the ensemble fuses South African myths to this beloved fairytale. $15 and up; times vary. 209 West 42nd Street, 646-223-3010, newvictory.org 

Disney On Ice Presents “Frozen,”  Barclays Center, November 11-16: Catch this Academy Award-winning tale live in Brooklyn! Sing and dance along to the movie’s hit songs, including “Let It Go,” as you follow the story of royal sisters Elsa and Anna on a journey to discover the power of true love. $25 and up; times vary; 620 Atlantic Ave, Brooklyn, barclayscenter.com

 “The Amazing Adventures of Harvey and the Princess,” Making Books Sing, November 15-December 7: Harvey is a happy kid who doesn’t need much beyond his family and imagination. When he’s accidentally sent to Pink Mountain Island in an imaginary box, he meets a Princess whose family has a lot to learn about fun and togetherness. This upbeat musical gets to the meaning of true happiness. Recommended for ages 3-8. $25-$45; Times vary. 311 West 43rd Street at Eighth Avenue, 646-250-1178,  makingbookssing.org

“Four Seasons: A Spinning Planet,” The Little Orchestra Society, New York City Center, November 22: Ancient animal fables from around the world are brought to life in this production from the Little Orchestra Society, choreographed by Karole Armitage, who fuses ballet and modern dance into stunning theatrical production reminiscent of “Cirque du Soleil.”  $18 and up, 11am & 1pm. 131 West 55th Street, 212-581-1212, nycitycenter.org

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Chickenshed NYC

<p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed is an inclusive theatre company that began in the UK in 1974. Chickenshed NYC is a young organization bringing that same ethos and unique methodology to the USA. Chickenshed’s mission is to create entertaining and outstanding theatre that celebrates diversity and inspires positive change.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed's model of Inclusive Theatre is based in the belief that everyone can flourish when everyone is included. At Chickenshed everyone is welcome, everyone is valued, and together we produce remarkable theatre. We want to break down barriers between people to create a world without labels and where differences no longer divide. At Chickenshed, support is given to those who need it, and given by those who can . We believe that creative activities, self-expression and performance should be available to anyone who has the desire, no matter their background or circumstances. We know that when everyone has the opportunity to shine, amazing things happen.</p> <p style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1.3em; margin-top: 0px; caret-color: #515151; color: #515151; font-family: nimbus-sans, sans-serif;">Chickenshed NYC provides programming for little ones, children and youth through semester-long activities and performances.</p>

USC Gymnastics & Baseball Training Facility

<p><span style="font-size: 10pt; font-family: Arial;" data-sheets-value="{" data-sheets-userformat="{">We offer sports activities, after school programs, birthday parties & private lessons for kids ages 3–13 years! Our gymnastics classes are a great way to keep your child active and healthy. We strive to empower and challenge children through the sport of gymnastics.</span></p>

Treehouse Shakers

<div>Treehouse Shakers’ Branching OUT After-School program is for ages 12-14. This awarded program is for young people who identify as LGBTQIA+, or are seeking to become better allies. Branching OUT centers on discovering and exploring one’s story and identity through an intentionally artist-led format. During our community-based program, young people will explore and reflect on their own story to create a larger, more meaningful experience, while gaining self-empowerment and gathering with like-minded peers. Through the guidance of our awarded teaching artists, young people will create narratives that will be turned into podcasts, dances, songs or poetry. </div> <div> </div> <div>Young people have the opportunity to learn new art forms, work with professional artists, while building a meaningful community.</div>