The Tilles Center is the only theater on Long Island that hosts nationally touring Broadway productions. In addition, they also host a wide variety of world-renowned artists in music. Furthermore and even better – parking is free and my High School graduation was there!

Family Theater

Moreover, 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

Firstly, kicking off their family programming season (September 15^th) is Rosie Revere, Engineer (recommended for ages 5-10). This is 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.

The Rainbow Fish

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

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

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Thirdly, and continuing into the new year (January 12^th), the The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other E. Carle Favorites takes the stage (recommended for ages 3-7). 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.

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

Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure

Finally, March 2^nd is Erth’s Prehistoric Aquarium Adventure (recommended for ages 5+). This show’s immersive experience 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!

*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!

Most importantly, to purchase tickets for Tilles Center performances, please visit here.

Family Workshops

Check out their great pre-show Family Workshops ($5 per person) by calling 516.299.3100. To sum up, Family Workshops provide unique opportunities for families to play and explore the arts together. Furthermore, these activities include storytelling, puppet-making, music and role-playing depending on the type of show being performed that day.

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 (12, 9, and 6). 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. Please check out The Mint Chip Mama in the Press: The New York Post, Psychology Today, NY Metro Parents, New York Family, Parents Magazine, Newsday, News 12, NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt: Kids, NerdWallet, Big Apple Kids Guide, and more! The Mint Chip Mama was also nominated as "The Best Blog On Long Island" for 2022 & 2023, one of the Top 20 New York Mom Blogs & Websites, and one of the Top 100 Mom Lifestyle Blogs on the web! For more updates, follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and Pinterest. View more posts