June 1—Blue Sky Puppet Theatre “Bananas!”

Dr. Broccoli is holding a musical talent show on healthy living, and the Blue Sky Puppets are determined to win the grand prize! Accompanied by a snappy score, the puppets sing songs about nutrition and exercise backed up by a dancing chorus of bananas, Band-Aids and basketballs. Kids vote for the contest winner and join in singing the grand finale!

June 8—Happenstance Theatre “Pinot & Augustine”

Hilarity reigns under the Big Top where the family-friendly circus clowns Pinot and Augustine star in a show jam-packed with physical comedy. Bursting with melodic surprises from the ridiculous to the sublime, our clowns perform their own unique compositions with musical saws and an extra-special inflatable cushion!

June 15—Christian Fleetwood and Clara Barton

The talented actors of the Maryland Historical Society tell the brave story of Sgt. Maj. Christian Fleetwood, a newspaper editor and musician who was the first African American awarded the Medal of Honor. Kids will also learn of the courageous work of Clara Barton, a determined woman who founded the American Red Cross and brought hope to Civil War soldiers.

June 22—Grandma’s Cautionary Tales

Storyteller Debra Mims entertains the kids with delightful, interactive tales handed down through the generations of her family. Her stories are a mix of folk and “cautionary” legends derived from Caribbean literature—each filled with its own message and a valuable lesson.

June 29—¡Mucha Música! A Musical Journey with Cantaré

Cantaré, recipient of the 2006 Parent’s Choice Award for their CD Al Agua Pato, invites the kids to sing and dance their way on a tour of European and African culture that shaped Latin American music. Kids will be fascinated at the rhythms these performers find in their unusual musical instruments made from a donkey jaw, goat toenail rattle, and an armadillo shell guitar!

July 13—Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe

Ancient Chinese dances are magically recreated by the amazing performers of the Fairfax Chinese Dance Troupe. Children of all ages will be mesmerized by the colorful costumes and dynamic dance patterns in this fascinating cultural exploration of China.

July 20—Bright Star Theatre “Greece Lighting!”

Two zany Greek experts lead young audiences on a hilarious tour through ancient history, from the naming of Athens to the birth of Democracy. This hysterical fast-paced introduction to all things Ancient Greek explores the Olympics, Greek myths, inventions, food and more!

July 27—Molly Moore’s Midsummer Night’s Dream

Molly takes the kids on a wild adventure full of magic spells, mischievous fairies and mistaken love in her zany adaptation of Shakespeare’s 400-year-old script. Under Molly’s expert guidance, kids take key roles in this beloved play set in an enchanted forest. Adults will recognize Molly from her stage appearances at The Folger Theatre, Ford’s Theatre and The Studio Theatre.

Saturday Morning at the National has been sponsored exclusively since its inception by Marriott International, Inc., and the J. Willard and Alice S. Marriott Foundation. The National Theatre is a not-for-profit 501.c.3. organization

The performances are best appreciated by children four years and older.