We are so lucky here in Austin to have so many opportunities for our kids to see such high-quality art, music and theatre. I really enjoy opportunities to get out and take in a performance, and I’m happy to say that my son and husband are also both usually game to join me.
I was excited to have the chance to check out ZACH Theater’s current show, The Three Little Pigs, which runs on Saturdays and Sundays through April 25th. I was curious to see how ZACH would remake this classic. I knew there would be music, that the same writers brought Honk and Broadway’s Mary Poppins to the stage and that there would be a petting zoo. What I was wondering was:
- How do you recreate such a classic? Even the youngest guests know the story, so how do you keep the audience’s attention?
- If the play is best for ages 3 and up, would my 8-year-old son be bored?
- Would the performance appeal to adults, as well as kids?
We made our way down to ZACH on Opening Night, which proved to be a chilly and rainy evening — perfect conditions to spend indoors. Despite the weather, both my son and I were thrilled to spend time at the petting zoo set up by Fry’s Fun Farm.
If you’d like to take a turn petting little pigs and other adorable animals, Fry’s will be set up on the People’s Plaza (the open area between ZACH’s buildings) from noon until 2pm (except March 13-22). Just make sure to bring $4 (cash only) per child.
We settled into our seats and checked out the program, which doubles as an Enrichment Guide for the families and the 20,000 students who see each show that is part of ZACH’s 2014-2015 Theatre for Families series. I learned that the names of the three little pigs (“Cha”, “Siu” and “Bao”) in the production were inspired be Asian art, architecture and street fashion. Even the costumes were designed to mimic J-Pop, popular culture in Japan.
The show started, and I tried to slyly watch my kid’s reaction. As with most kids (and adults) in the audience, he was captivated by Russel Taylor’s Wolf. The audience heartily cheered the end of each song and cackled with laughter at the Wolf’s antics. The music was engaging and catchy, and I found myself humming the tunes as we were exiting the theatre. The adults in the audience were clearly having as much fun as the kids.
So, thankfully, all of my concerns were moot. The only person who was not entirely pleased was a young girl who screeched a bit when the Wolf came through the audience. I noticed the ushers come over during intermission to make sure she was feeling better, which I thought was nice.
In case this is helpful to know, the show was over in an hour, including a 15 minute intermission. As always, I left impressed with the caliber of the performance and the talent of the cast. We’re looking forward to the next production!
The Three Little Pigs
February 27-April 28
Kleberg Stage • For Grades Pre-K and up
Tickets are $15 for youth and $20 for adults and are available online, by phone at 512-476-0541 x1, or in person at the ZACH Theatre Box Office, in the Topfer Theatre, 202 South Lamar Blvd. (on the corner of Riverside Drive and South Lamar Blvd.) Monday through Saturday, noon– 7 p.m.
Performances are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on Sundays through April 25, 2015.
There will be a special Autism-Friendly Performance on Saturday, March 7 at 2 p.m.
Gather a group of 20 or more and save! Call ZACH’s Group Sales Associate at 512-476-0594 x245 or e-mail groupsales@zachtheatre.org to get a group discount.
Giveaway: Would you like to win a Family Four Pack of tickets to see The Three Little Pigs? Leave a comment or fill out the form below for your chance to win a family four pack of tickets valid for any performance date and time. Approximate retail value is $70.
Official Rules: No purchase necessary. All entries must be received between 2pm CST on Wednesday, March 4, 2015 and midnight CST on Wednesday, March 11, 2015. One entry per household. Must be at least 18 years old to enter. To enter, complete the form below or leave a comment indicating which show you would like to attend. The number of eligible entries received determine the odds of winning. The winner will be selected using Random.org, notified by email on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 and given 24 hours to respond. If no response is received within the 24 hours, a new winner will be chosen. The prize is non-transferable and there is no cash value. The winner is responsible for paying any taxes related to the prize. By leaving a comment or filling out the form below, you agree to the terms and conditions stated above and also release LiveMom from any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, misdelivery or acceptance of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory. Void where prohibited by law.
My (almost) 4 year old is what is sometimes called a “spirited” boy and I recently took him to see Pancho Rabbitt and the Coyote at the Scottish Rite Childrens Theater. I was afraid we’d end up leaving part way through but he really enjoyed it and we had a great experience. I would love to expose him to more live theater. It’s such a great alternative to movies and so enriching.