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Art&Seek Jr: 4 Cool End-Of-Summer Plays

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Art&Seek Jr. is one mom‘s quest to find activities to end the seemingly endless chorus of the “I’m Bored Blues” while having fun herself. Impossible you say? Check back on Tuesdays for kid-friendly events that are fun for adults, too.

Yes, the temperatures will be soaring again this week, or as I like to say, it’s gonna be hotter than two goats in a pepper patch. This might just be the perfect week for you and the littles to slip into an icy cold theater with big comfy seats and enjoy a good play.

Here are a few exceptional theater picks that are super cool.

You can’t go wrong with a a good princess story, and Artisan Center Theater has hit a home run with Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale. Kids will love the characters, including the evil Lady ZaZa (who’s on the edge of glory) and a witty spell-bound dragon who’s lost his poof. Adults will love the twist on the classic tale and the prince searching for a purpose in life and his hair-dresser friend, searching for the perfect head of hair. You can catch Rapunzel letting down her hair this weekend through Sept. 5, but be forewarned, shows sell out FAST, so get your tickets now.

Fairy tale stories collide in  Garland Civic Theatre's production of "Into the Woods." Photo: Celeste Rogers

Fairy tale stories collide in Garland Civic Theatre’s production of “Into the Woods.” Photo: Celeste Rogers

For another theatrical spin on the Brothers Grimm check out Garland Civic Theatre’s production of Into the Woods. The musical weaves the stories of Cinderella, the baker and his wife and Jack together as they journey through the woods to get their wishes granted. In addition to the catchy musical numbers, the play is a great cautionary tale. It illustrates that getting what you want isn’t always a good thing. You can see the fairy tale gang Fridays and Saturdays through Aug. 15 at Garland’s Granville Arts Theater.

Leapin’ Lizards! The red-headed orphan with the sunny outlook is back in Annie Jr. In this “junior” version the show, the actors are made up of kids from the Wylie Acting Group for Children. It’s a show by kids, for kids and it’s the perfect introduction for theater newbies. You and the tinies can sing along to all the favorites, like “It’s a Hard-Knock Life,” “I Think I’m Gonna Like It Here,” and of course, the anthem of optimist’s everywhere — “Tomorrow.” The ticket’s prices are going to make you happy too because they’re just $10 for an adult and $7 for a child. See it at the WAG for Children building weekends through Aug. 15.

The cast of "The (out)Siders Project." Photo: Cry Havoc Theater Company

The cast of “The (out)Siders Project.” Photo: Cry Havoc Theater Company

Fans of S.E. Hinton’s, The Outsiders, won’t want to miss Cry Havoc Theater Company’s production of The (out)siders Project. This new work is inspired by the classic novel, but is set in present-day Dallas and incorporates physical theater and original music. It takes key story elements from the novel, but gives it a modern direction with social media and contemporary issues. To make it feel even more authentic, dialogue has been generated from student essays and first person testimony of former teen gang members. Performances this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at at the Latino Cultural Center.  Tickets are $6 for students under 18 and $11 for adults. Recommended for kids ages 12 and over due to language and depictions of violence.

Therese Powell is an Art&Seek calendar coordinator and KERA-TV producer. She spends most of her free time seeking out adventures for her 10-year-old daughter, Rose. Tell us about your ideas for kid adventures by leaving a comment. Or e-mail Therese at tpowell@kera.org.