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The Jungle Book at Encore Stage & Studio
From left to right: Bagheera (Gia Jackson), Baloo (Kyra Radomsky), Mowgli (Ryely Rogers), Kaa (Tara Hall), King Monkey (Declan Roberts). Photo by Aileen Pangan.
The Jungle Book is a classic that my oldest daughter Clara and I have enjoyed reading and watching on screen together many times. When I saw that the show would be playing at Encore, I knew she would be excited to go see it live at the theater. It’s always inspiring for her to see other children performing on stage. Encore’s adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book is creative, entertaining and makes for a fun family outing to the theatre.
Mowgli is taught the ways of the jungle by a bear named Baloo and Bagheera, a panther, and Kaa the snake. When father wolf becomes too old to rule his animal kingdom, an angry Tiger named Shere Khan who has been out to get Mowgli since he was a young boy, tries to name himself the new king. Mowgli, with the help of the nearby villagers and a treasure given to him from ancient ruins, must stop the tiger from becoming the new king, and help restore order in the jungle again.
The wolf pack teaches Mowgli the way of the Jungle. From left to right: Wolf 1 (Sam Regardie), Wolf 4 (Riley Dennis), Wolf 2 (Caroline Raymond) and Wolf 3 (Kylen Davis). Photo by Larry McClemons
The set was simple but effective with tall trees, vines, and boulders to create the jungle scene. The costumes were creative and interpretive. We thought the kids all did a great job delivering their lines and providing humor throughout the performance. The show was a bit shorter than Encore’s previous productions (about 1 hour 15 minutes with an intermission). So I would recommend this for ages 4+. Go see it this weekend for a nice air conditioned break from the heat. There are four performances remaining:
Friday, June 9th 7:30pm
Saturday, June 10th 11am and 3pm
Sunday, June 11th 3pm
Tickets may be purchased online or at the door.
Tips for your visit:
•Ticket prices: $15 adults, $12 children, students, seniors, and military.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.
Also, Encore Stage & Studio announced their 2017/2018 season last weekend. They have some great shows lined up. I’m especially looking forward to Disney’s The Lion King Jr. and James and the Giant Peach!
A Sidewalk Stroll by Encore Stage & Studio
A Sidewalk Stroll is Encore’s second play in their new preschool series. I took my girls to a performance this weekend and they loved it! The show stars “professional artists who bring park adventures and friendly animals to life, all while teaching your little one about navigating through life’s surprises.”
At this show, the audience members sit on the floor, right in front of the actors. It really keep the kids engaged and feel as though they are a part of the performance too. The play is only about 20 minutes long, so it’s perfect for the tiniest of theatre goers. After the show, the actors invite the children up on stage to interact with them and play with their props. My girls especially loved this part! It’s not often they get the chance to do this at other children’s theaters!
Grab your friends and head to the show for a fun little play date! There is even a playground right outside the church where the performances are held.
Remaining performances:
Friday, May 19, 2017 at 10:30am
Saturday, May 20, 2017 at 10:30 & 11:45am
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at 4:00pm
Friday, May 26, 2017 at 10:30 & 11:45am
Location:
All performances are held at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church (4000 Lorcom Ln Arlington, VA 22207)
Tickets:
$10 general admission. Includes all box office fees. Purchase tickets online here.
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POSTED IN: A Sidewalk Stroll, Children's Theatre, DC Activities for kids, DC children's theater, DC children's theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, fall kids activity, Northern Virginia
POSTED IN: A Sidewalk Stroll, Children's Theatre, DC Activities for kids, DC children's theater, DC children's theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, fall kids activity, Northern Virginia
Snow White – Encore Stage & Studio
Encore Stage & Studio
125 S Old Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22204
www.encorestageva.org
Encore Stage & Studio’s productions have been on our family calendar regularly over the past year. We always look forward to the shows as they are consistently fun and entertaining. The best part is that my daughter gets to watch other kids perform and that seems to really captivate her attention. They also include many of the classic fairy tales in their schedule which are perfect for small children. This past weekend we saw the musical adaptation of Snow White come alive on the Encore stage.
Snow White is a beautiful young princess who lives with her jealous stepmother, the Queen. When the Queen discovers that Snow White is truly “the fairest of them all,” she devises a plan to continue her reign permanently. After being banished to the woods, Snow White happens upon seven new friends that give her a place to call home.
The Queen (Nadya Steare) asks the Magic Mirror (Ella McHugh) who is the fairest of them all. Photo courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons
The seven dwarves welcomes Snow White! Photo courtesy of Encore by Aileen Pangan.
Snow White (Zoe Rocchio) and the Prince (James Brady). Photo courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons.
The cast included 22 young students who put on a very impressive performance!
After the show, we attended Snow White’s Winter Ball where we were able to talk to the cast members, enjoy treats, and make a couple of fun crafts.
Aren’t the seven dwarfs just adorable? They sang a very catchy song called “Work, Work, Work” during the show that my daughter is still singing at home now!
The Vixen was another favorite character of Clara’s.
The caramel apple station was a big hit!
At the craft stations the kids decorated magic mirrors, crowns, and dwarf masks.
The Snow White’s Winter Ball was only held after the 11am performance last Saturday but you still have several opportunities to catch a show next weekend:
Friday, January 15, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Sunday, January 17, 2016 at 3 p.m.
Up next, Encore Stage & Studio will be presenting Treasure Island, February 27 – March 6.
Good to Know:
•Ticket prices: $15 adults, $10 children, students, seniors, and military.
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.
Hansel and Gretel – Encore Stage & Studio
Encore Stage & Studio
125 S Old Glebe Road
Arlington, Virginia 22204
www.encorestageva.org
We have attended several shows at Encore Stage & Studio and are always very entertained by their productions. My daughter was so excited she began asking a few days in advance if it was time to go see Hansel and Gretel. One reason she loves Encore’s shows is because the cast is made up of a group of passionate young performers ages 9-18. I read the classic fairy tale story to my daughter before attending the performance so she would understand the storyline:
Deep in a German forest awaits the Gingerbread Witch and her hobgoblin henchmen ready to transform children into tasty treats. Siblings Hansel, Gretel and friends go into the woods and find themselves in the path of the witch. To return home to their parents, this brother and sister duo will have to use their smarts to outwit the evil Witch.
The stage was transformed into a forest with a wonderful gingerbread house and an oven that actually emitted smoke. The costume designer did a great job with creating an ensemble of fairy tale characters that were all easily recognizable.
“Frick (Grace Gent) and the Gingerbread Witch (Jessica Layton) prepare gingerbread cookies. Photo by Larry McClemons”
“The Gingerbread Witch (Jessica Layton) welcomes the children to her gingerbread home. Photo by Larry McClemons”
“Hansel and Gretel meet a family of trolls in the Black Forest.” (From left to right: Miranda Tonsetic, Nick Boone, Kelly McArdle)
After the shows, the cast gathers in the lobby to sign autographs and take pictures. My daughter always looks forward to this part and decides which character she wants to get her picture taken with before we even exit the auditorium! This time it was Hansel and Gretel’s mother played by Izabella Porter, Gretel played by Lynn Loftus, and the Gingerbread Witch played by Jessica Layton.
Treat your kids to a showing of Hansel and Gretel! You’ll have a great time! There are four performances remaining:
Friday, November 13th 7:30pm
Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 11am and 3pm
Sunday, November 15, 2015 at 3pm
Good to Know:
•Ticket prices: $15 adults, $10 children, students, seniors, and military.
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.
1 Comment
POSTED IN: Arlington, Children's Theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, Hansel and Gretel, Theatre for Kids, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, VA
POSTED IN: Arlington, Children's Theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, Hansel and Gretel, Theatre for Kids, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, VA
Alice in Wonderland – Encore Stage & Studio
Encore Stage & Studio
125 S Old Glebe Rd
Arlington, VA 22204
www.encorestageva.org
We attended our third Encore Stage & Studio show on Sunday and like the previous two performances, we were thoroughly entertained. But before the performance of Alice in Wonderland began, we first attended the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. This was a special event held only before the final performance.
To enter the party, we had to go through the rabbit hole, just like how the story begins. This was such a cute idea and Clara got a kick out of crawling through the tunnel.
Then we had the chance to meet Alice along with other characters and join them at the table for tea.
The hat making station was Clara’s favorite part. There were various types of hats to decorate with stickers, feathers, jewels, pom-poms, and ribbon.
There was a curious version of croquet being played by the children, with flamingo mallets and hedgehogs as the balls. We also enjoyed tea treats and drinks appropriately labeled “Eat Me” and “Drink Me”. The tea party was a really fun event and got us in the spirit of wonder before the show started.
We took our seats in the theater and before the show started I read the storyline to Clara:
When curious Alice falls down, down, down the rabbit hole, she discovers the magical world of Wonderland where cats can talk and cards play croquet. But, Alice is sure to miss her birthday party if she can’t convince the Queen of Hearts to let her go! With the help of the Cheshire Cat, the Mad Hatter, and a whole cast of wacky companions, Alice must unleash the full power of her imagination to find her way home.
The stage was transformed into a bright and fanciful wonderland with cut-outs of flowers, stuffed toadstools, and a house of cards.
courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons
The cast included over thirty young actors and there was so much talent in this group! You can tell they have a passion for acting. My daughter especially loves watching other children perform. She has really enjoyed the act-it-out classes at her preschool and watching Encore’s performances is inspiring her to want to perform on stage.
courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons
courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons
Encore’s performance of Alice in Wonderland has come to an end but I highly recommend attending one of their upcoming shows; you will not be disappointed! Up next is Shrek, showing July 17-26.
Good to Know:
•Ticket prices: $12 adults ($15 for Shrek), $10 children, students, seniors, and military ($12 for Shrek).
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.
No Comments
POSTED IN: Alice in Wonderland, Arlington, Children's Activity Northern Virginia, Children's Theater, Children's Theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, for kids, Madhatter's Tea Party, Theatre by kids, VA
POSTED IN: Alice in Wonderland, Arlington, Children's Activity Northern Virginia, Children's Theater, Children's Theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, for kids, Madhatter's Tea Party, Theatre by kids, VA
The Three Musketeers – Encore Stage & Studio
Encore Stage & Studio
125 S. Old Glebe Road
Arlington, VA 22204
www.encorestageva.org
If you haven’t taken your children to an Encore Stage & Studio production yet, you should add it to your entertainment must-do list! The Three Musketeers was the second Encore show my daughter Clara and I have had the pleasure of watching. What I love about Encore’s productions is that the actors are all children. It seems to really capture my daughter’s attention to watch other children perform on stage. In The Three Musketeers ensemble there were over 25 talented young actors.
The story was fun and entertaining with a twist on the classic Alexandre Dumas adventure: In 17th century France, a poor young nobleman named D’Artagnan leaves home to join the famous Musketeers of the Guard – defenders of the King and masters of the rapier! On his journey, D’Artagnan befriends three famous Musketeers: Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. As the foursome roams the countryside, they encounter a dastardly plot to kidnap the King’s favorite dog…and realize they’ll need the help of three swashbuckling ladies to save the day.
courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons
The script included plenty of humor that had both my daughter and I laughing throughout the show. The stage set and costumes were creative and well done. Some of our favorite parts of the show were the sword fighting scenes and the toy poodle, Piper! He definitely thrilled the audience!

courtesy of Encore by Larry McClemons
Clara was particularly fond of Milady de Winter so she was super excited to pose for a photo with her after the performance!
We are looking forward to attending Encore’s upcoming performances this summer: Alice in Wonderland, June 5-14 and Shrek, July 17-26.
Good to Know:
•Ticket prices: $12 adults ($15 for Shrek), $10 children, students, seniors, and military ($12 for Shrek).
•The shows last approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.
•Concessions can be purchased and enjoyed in the lobby before the show and during intermission.
•There is free and ample parking at the Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, where all Encore productions are located.
•Encore offers a birthday party package.
•Encore also offers a variety of classes and camps.
No Comments
POSTED IN: Arlington, Children's Theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, for kids, The Three Musketeers, Theatre by kids, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, VA, Virginia
POSTED IN: Arlington, Children's Theatre, Encore Stage & Studio, for kids, The Three Musketeers, Theatre by kids, Thomas Jefferson Community Theatre, VA, Virginia