2004-2005 - Saturday Morning at the National

FREE PERFORMANCES!
9:30 & 11:00 a.m., in the Helen Hayes Gallery

Seating is limited!! Tickets are Required, and are Distributed Without charge one Half-Hour Prior to Performance, on a First-Come First-Served policy.

Sponsored by Marriott

For a Program Schedule, Send a Self-Addressed, Stamped Envelope to "Saturday Morning," National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004. Recorded program information is also available at 202-783-3372.

September 18 - RED HAWK SPEAKS

Journey into the world of the First Americans as CHIEF RED HAWK takes us on an adventure into the hearts and spirits of those who walked this land before our ancestors set foot here. With drumming, music, humor and the wisdom of another culture, stories of plants and animals come alive, giving us a respect for nature and courage to challenge our fears of the unknown. Children help act out some of the stories. This presentation honors Natalie Forbes.

BARRYMORE EAGLE, the National Theatre mascot, will be present to open our season and pose with the kids before the show, so bring your cameras! This is ARTS ON FOOT DAY, so after the show, you can enjoy free family fun downtown with "open house" at many art galleries and theatres, plus food pavilions and music on outdoor stages, especially along the 7th Street arts corridor.

September 25 - PINOCCHIO

The lonely old carpenter, Geppetto, carves himself a son from wood and no sooner is the job done than the boy springs magically to life. THEATRE WEST VIRGINIA marionettes bring to life the timeless adventure of the puppet who yearns to be a real boy. This enduring, endearing children’s classic still amazes and delights!

October 2 - UNDER YOUR NOSE - EXPLORING THE OBVIOUS

The GOZA FAMILY PLAYERS, Mom, Dad and Son, make their home “on the road” 365 days a year, as they travel from coast to coast presenting multi-cultural folk tales. These ACT!VATED STORYTELLERS and vaudevillians combine dramatization, slapstick, mime, music, dance acrobatics, sign language and imaginative props made from recycled objects in a dynamic performance style uniquely their own. http://www.activated-storytellers.com/

October 16 - THE JUNGLE BOOK

Join young Mowgli as he learns the "Laws' of the Jungle" in this time-honored adventure as staged by THEATRE IV. With the help of friends like the panther Bagheera, and Baloo the lovable bear, Mowgli learns about friendship and survival. Cheer as Mowgli faces his fear and foils his nemesis the tiger Shere Khan. This musical version of Rudyard Kipling's classic will delight both the young and the young at heart.
http://www.theatreiv.org/

October 23 - REPTILE WORLD

Exotic creatures from all over the world star in one of our most amazing presentations. From MICHAEL SHWEDICK, kids learn thrilling, unforgettable and invaluable lessons about the ecology, themselves, and these beguiling animal friends. Adults will be fascinated too, by Michael’s ability to introduce alligators, snakes and other sometimes scary reptiles, without frightening even the youngest the children.

October 30 - SPENCER "SPINNY" JOHNSON

A two-time All-American basketball star renowned for high scores and trick-shot artistry, SPINNY is also an inspiring model for children. He dazzles with a dynamic display of digital dexterity, and invites the kids to participate! Behind the fast-action tricks and laughs are valuable lessons in respect, goal-setting, perseverance and positive thinking.

November 6 - RUMPLESTILTSKIN'S DAUGHTER

The traditional fairy tale in which straw is turned into gold comes to new life in this merry musical. A greedy king, the Queen Mother and the Duke are out-smarted by a clever young woman who redistributes the royal treasury to the poor peasants in the process. Songs, laughter, and a good moral enliven this presentation!
http://www.rumpelstiltskinsdaughter.com/

November 20 - THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE

Peter and Lucy have a magical adventure when they climb into a wardrobe, see a light shining in the darkness, and find themselves in the strange land of Narnia. They encounter the evil White Witch who enchants this place and the delightful lion, Aslan, Lord of the Wood. The presentation is by KALEIDOSCOPE THEATRE COMPANY. http://www.ktheatre.org

December 4 - SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS

This original musical adaptation of the classic Grimm's fairy tale as presented by THEATRE IV features lovable characters portrayed by live actors and wonderful puppets. Relive the timeless adventure as Snow White meets her woodland friends, takes the poisoned apple from the Evil Queen, receives a kiss from the Prince, and lives happily ever after.
http://www.theatreiv.org/

January 29 - THE MAGIC OF MIKE AND DONNA SNYDER

Sit back, smile, and see if you can figure out "how it is done," as the mystifying Snyder's work their enchanting magic. Mike is locked securely in a wooden crate and escapes in seconds! Donna climbs into a basket which is shot through with swords, yet she emerges unharmed! Children will enjoy illusions and surprises which must be seen to be believed! http://www.mikesnyderanddonna.com/

February 5 - FRITZ AND OSCAR'S HOOTENANNY

The mountain town of Tall Tale is known for bears who sit in chairs, chickens who wear mittens, and horses who drive Porsches! STEALING THUNDER THEATRE takes us there to meet Oscar, a guitar-playing moose, and Fritz, a sharp-talking owl. The adventure that follows will touch hearts, tickle funny bones, and exercise vocal chords as children sing along with the show.

February 12 - SWEET CHARIOT

Celebrate Black History Month with THEATRE IV's awesome but upbeat look back in time. The singer/actors tell us the true story of slavery with dazzling a cappella spirituals and actual words spoken by 70, 80 and 90 year-old former slaves who were interviewed in the1930s. Their first-hand accounts of joy, agony, and valiant efforts to escape to freedom honor the heritage of African Americans.
http://www.theatreiv.org/

February 26 - PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR: FROM DAWN TO SUNSET

"There are always people who will tell you what you can't do. Don't let them determine the limits of your dreams. Work hard, find friends to help you, and never give up hope, for where there is hope there is always dawn." These powerful words from the great African-American dialect poet of the turn of the century keynote this show. As Dunbar, BOB SMITH brings this great man and his works to life.

March 5 - THE PRO-KIDS SHOW

Magic, laughter, good will and inspiration take the stage as RALPH "THE GREAT" METZLER fools your young ones, while teaching them character-building lessons. This wildly funny and inspiring show pleases kids and adults alike, with comedy, original music, magic, storytelling, and a mischievous puppet named Rosco. www.prokidsdc.com

Our KIDS' KOLORING KONTEST begins today, so come pick up your entry blanks!

March 12 - DANZAMARINA!

To the click of heels and castanets, the whirl of multi-colored skirts, and the strum of the guitar, MICAELA MAR and her company transport us to the magical land of Spanish dance. Flamenco, folk dance, classical Spanish dance and dazzling costumes appeal to young and old alike. Dances are explained, and children have a chance to learn some of the steps.

March 19 - SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

Nina's diner may close, but her wacky friends, the chef, a regular customer and a first-day school teacher, brainstorm ways to save the run-down eatery. They find cheer in songs The Rockin’ Medley, Electricity, Dollars and Sense, and Good Eleven. THEATRE WEST VIRGINIA's musical features modern lyrics, witty banter, catchy melodies and upbeat dance routines. http://www.theatrewestvirginia.com/

April 2 - JACK AND THE BEANSTALK

This lively musical presented by THEATRE IV recounts the classic exploits of a young boy who trades the family cow for three magic beans. Tossed out the window by his disappointed mother, the beans grow into a giant beanstalk that leads to fabulous treasures, an ill-tempered giant and more adventures than you can shake a stalk at!
http://www.theatreiv.org/

April 9 - BLUES ALLEY YOUTH ORCHESTRA

Twenty young musicians from Frederick to Fredericksburg, ranging in age from 14 to 17 years, will delight you with their expertise on horns, percussion and vocals. Come hear contemporary favorites along with jazz standards by Count Basie, Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, Herbie Hancock and more! http://www.bluesalleymusicsociety.org/

BARRYMORE EAGLE will present the prizes today in our KIDS KOLORING KONTEST. Don't miss the special fun at our last show of the season!!

CAMERAS

You are encouraged to bring a camera to shows marked with our camera icon. You make take (non-flash) photos of the performances, and of your children enjoying, and often participating in, our shows! Children are also free to bring autograph books if they would like to get signatures from the performers.

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