Long Islanders, is so lucky to have a great performing arts venue like the Tilles Center in our backyard.

Broadway, Baby!

Not only is the Tilles Center the only theater on Long Island that hosts nationally touring Broadway productions – like Rocktopia, Spamalot, Finding Neverland, and more – but they also host a wide variety of world-renowned artists in music – like Diana Ross – and dance – like DIAVOLO. But even better – parking is free and my High School graduation was there!

Family Theater

But from my perspective, the BEST part of their 2018-2019 Season is their fantastic calendar of family programs including Family Fun! Performances and Family Workshops.

The Mint Chip Mama Family Fun! Performances at The Tilles Center! — Photo: Jeremy Daniel

Rosie Revere, Engineer

Kicking off their family programming season tomorrow (September 15^th) is Rosie Revere, Engineer, a fun new musical spotlighting STEM curriculum and based on the books Rosie Revere, Engineer, Iggy Peck, Architect and Ada Twist, Scientist by Andrea Beaty. Recommended for ages 5-10.

The Rainbow Fish

Next on the calendar (October 27^th) is the stage adaptation of the beloved book The Rainbow Fish. With innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia perfectly evolves the book into live theater. Recommended for ages 3-7.

*Before the show, the Tilles Center invites families to explore the story through craft-making at a sensory friendly family workshop.*

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Continuing into the new year (January 12^th), the The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other E. Carle Favorites takes the stage. Using black light and fanciful puppets, the Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia weaves the stories of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, The Little Cloud, and The Mixed Up Chameleon together to create a magical presentation on stage. Recommended for ages 3-7.

*Before the show, the Tilles Center invites families to explore the story through puppet-making at a sensory friendly family workshop.*

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure

Next up (March 2^nd) is Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure – an immersive experience that invites you to jump in and explore unknown ocean depths where prehistoric marine reptiles lived eons ago. I have to admit – this show looks AMAZING. Erth uses actors, technology, puppets, science and imagination to create an amazing visual experience connecting young audiences to the real science of paleontology. I cannot wait for this show! Recommended for ages 5 and up. And by “up” they clearly mean 40.

*Before the show, the Tilles Center invites families to learn about Comb Jellies, Angler Fish, Kronosaurus and more in an interactive, fascinating family workshop. Families can also try out Bunraku puppetry the 400-year old Japanese art form used in the show!

Additional Family Fun! Performances

But that’s not all! For a full schedule of the 2018-2019 Season of Family Fun! Performances visit the Tilles Center’s website. Of course, I don’t want to spoil all the fun but there are some BIG names I left out on purpose – because I love cliff-hangers!

To purchase tickets for Tilles Center performances, please visit here.

Family Workshops

To register for Family Workshops ($5 per person), please visit here or call 516.299.3100. In addition to the shows, Family Workshops provide unique opportunities for families to play and explore the arts together. Storytelling, puppet-making, music and role-playing are some of the activities offered, depending on the type of show being performed that day.

I’ll see you at the theater!

Published by Stacey Wallenstein

Stacey Gish Wallenstein created The Mint Chip Mama blog in 2013 to share her love and passion for giving children meaningful life experiences and helping moms like her navigate the challenges and benefits of raising children in the New York metropolitan area. Before becoming a full-time mom in 2010, Stacey spent the better part of the preceding decade as a high-end customer relationship management (CRM) professional for some of the most well-known brands in the hotel, luxury, fashion, and beauty industries, such as Harrah’s Entertainment, Chanel and Christian Dior, Inc. She managed customer loyalty programs for thousands of clients around the country and created social media strategies for a span of industries including healthcare services, restaurants, consumer packaged goods, specialty foods, local attractions and retail locations. After 13 wonderful years in Manhattan (the last three of which spent as a city mom), Stacey and her husband moved to Long Island in 2014, where they now reside with their three children (11, 8, and 5). There, she is a founding member of her local Parenting Center, which provides classes and coordinates events designed to educate and inform parents while fostering an environment of support and friendship within the community. Stacey is also an active PTA member ((including a former & current PTA president) as well as a Girl Scout troop leader. Her musings on motherhood, Manhattan, the suburbs, and more can be found here and on Facebook at The Mint Chip Mama. A graduate of the University of Michigan, Stacey has been active in the New York area alumni organization for nearly twenty years, serving as a board member on the school’s University of Michigan Alumni Club of New York City. She also holds a Masters in Psychology from The New School in New York City. For more updates, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest. View more posts