The Segerstrom Center of the Arts has a variety of family shows planned throughout its 2024-2025 season.
“Early exposure to theater can foster a lifelong love and appreciation for the arts,” Carla Cruz, senior director of communications, said in encouraging childhood theater exposure so young people “learn about different cultures, histories and social issues.”
And by going to the theater children “learn to appreciate storytelling in all its forms,” she added.
Segerstrom Center’s children’s programs are split into two categories: Discovery aimed for those ages 4-8 and Explorers for those ages 7 and older.
The Discovery series productions “often feature simple narratives, vibrant visuals and interactive elements to captivate and educate early learners,” Cruz said.
“In contrast, the Explorer series productions,” she said, “often explore more complex themes and narratives, offering deeper emotional and intellectual engagement.”
When asked what’s an especially underrated show, Cruz had one recommendation in particular.
“I would particularly highlight ‘The Musicians of Bremen Live!’” she said of the show having its world premiere at the Segerstrom Center. “The Orange County community will be the first to experience it.”
The show, she said, “offers a fresh and vibrant adaptation of a classic Grimm’s Fairy Tale. It has a unique blend of storytelling and live music that will certainly captivate audiences.”
The Segerstrom Center’s family series features:
Discovery series
Oct. 12-13: “Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch”
This play is about an old man, Mr Hatch, who lives a boring life, consisting of working at the shoelace factory, eating his lunch alone, reading the paper, and going to sleep early. But one Valentine’s Day, he receives a candy-filled heart with a note saying that someone loves him. He must work with three washwomen to determine who sent him the note.
Nov. 23-24: “Journey To Oz”
In this play, a variation of the classic “Wizard of Oz”, Dorathy and her friends must fight the Wicked Witch of the West. But in an exciting twist, the audience takes on many of the story’s roles, including Dorathy and Munchkins.
Feb. 8-9: “The Musicians of Berman Live! “
In this play, a hen known as Ruffles, who has a loud voice, forms a music group alongside a mule, bobcat and coyote. They must travel from the desert to the city to achieve fame. This play is notable for being a Segerstrom world premiere and a co-production with Cahoots in Northern Ireland.
March 15-16: “Underneath A Magical Moon”
This take on the Peter Pan story centers around Wendy Darling, who enters the magical realm of Neverland through the power of imagination as she and her brothers remake the tale with household objects. Through her eyes, sleeping bags become mermaid’s tails, a garden rake becomes a crocodile tail, and an umbrella becomes a moon.
April 26-27: “The Gruffalo’s Child”
In this play, the titular character ignores her father’s warnings and goes into a forest to search for the “Big Bad Mouse,” the only thing that he fears. While in the forest, she encounters a group of animals, including a fox, a snake and an owl. But does the Big Bad Mouse exist? Watch this play and find out.
Explorer series
Nov. 1-2: “Jazzy Ash & the Leaping Lizards”
This show centers around Jazzy Ash, a prominent music educator, and her family’s history in New Orleans. Explore the history of jazz and hear stories of her family’s time in the city in this interactive show. Hear her play traditional African-American melodies, imagine a Mardi Gras parade, and sing along in a call-and response routine.
Feb. 18-23: “Annie”
“Annie” tells the tale of the titular orphan, who escapes from her cruel orphanage with the help of billionaire Oliver Warbucks, who adopts her. She teaches him idealism and eventually, the two develop a close bond. Meanwhile, the cruel orphanage owner Miss Hannigan, her original caregiver, attempts to get her back through trickery.
March 1-2: “The Magic City”
This play centers around a 9-year-old girl known as Philomena, who must adapt to her new stepfamily. After hiding in the attic from her annoying stepbrother, she builds a magic city, which comes to life the next day. Now she finds herself trapped in it. Will she break free and accept her new family?
Accessible performances
“Somebody Loves You Mr. Hatch,” “Underneath A Magical Moon” and “The Gruffalo’s Child” will feature sensory-friendly performances on Oct. 12, Mar. 15th, and April 26, respectively.
The performances will offer reduced stage lighting and sound levels, ambient lighting, and ability for patrons to freely roam the theater and use electronic devices. All of these performances will be at the Samueli Theater at 10 a.m.
Cruz champions inclusivity when discussing these shows.
“The goal is to create a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone,” she said. “By offering these performances, we strive to make the arts accessible and welcoming to all.”
Find out more about all of the productions, show times, get tickets and more at scfta.org.
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