As Long Islanders, we’re so lucky to have a great performing arts venue like the Tilles Center in our backyard.
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. Plus parking is free and my High School graduation was there!
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.

Kicking off their family programming season tomorrow (September 15th) 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.
Next on the calendar (October 27th) 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.*
Continuing into the new year (January 12th), 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.*
Next up (March 2nd) 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!
But that’s not all! For a full schedule of the 2018-2019 Season of Family Fun! Performances visit the Tilles Center’s website. I don’t want to spoil all the fun and 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.
To register for Family Workshops ($5 per person), please visit here or call 516.299.3100. 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!