Children's
Our Children’s Series runs every Saturday at 2pm, October thru May. Tickets are $4 for films and $5 for live performances unless otherwise noted. We’ve finished booking all the events for our Children’s Summer Series — happening on Tuesday mornings at 10:30am in July and August. Scroll all the way down the page for information on these shows.
History of the Delta Blues
Tickets: $10 adults; $8 kids and members. All ages. Running time: 120 min.
- Sat, May 24, 2:00 pm
The creators of the Mississippi Delta blues during the 1920’s , 30’s and 40’s invented a musical style that is enjoyed around the world. The Curtis Blues show recreates this fascinating period in our cultural history. The audience discovers the roots of rock and hip hop by listening to Curtis play the harmonica, guitar, bass drum and cymbals. The historical link between modern music and the blues is made clear, and this era of musical history will be remembered long after the performance. Curtis has been performing authentic Delta Blues for 35 years. Click here to visit Curtis' website.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for kids and members of the Colonial. Tickets can be purchased at the Colonial box office with cash or check or, to use a credit card, please go to Click & Pledge.
The Wizard of Oz
Directed by Victor Fleming. US. 1939. Ages 6+. Running time: 101 min.
Sponsored by Bayada Nurses
- Sat, May 31, 2:00 pm
Winner of two Academy Awards, The Wizard of Oz is an American classic. Starring Judy Garland, Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger and Jack Haley. A perfect score by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg, highly imaginative sets and brilliant characterizations make this adaptation of the Frank Baum story a musical fantasy of the highest caliber. Audiences of all ages have been enchanted with The Wizard of Oz since it’s first release and, undoubtedly, always will be!
Chinese Dragon Workshop
Workshop fee: $75.
- Mon, Jun 23 to Fri, Jun 27
Twenty students, ages 7 - 9, are invited to work with Hua Hua Zhang, a conceptual artist, puppet designer, choreographer and performer for two hours per day for five days to explore Chinese culture, folk art and shadow puppet theatre. Students will study the mythology of Chinese dragons and their origin, and then will create dragons in different media and styles. Students will draw their own dragons, design dragon puppets, and learn a Dragon Dance. They will also use their puppets to perform a short story on small shadow screen.
The workshop will culminate in a free performance of their show on Saturday, June 28 at 2pm open to family, friends and the public.
Jun 23 – 27, 1:30pm – 3:30pm. Space is limited to 20 students. Workshop fee is $75 per student. You can register online at Click & Pledge. More »
Shadow Mask Workshop
Workshop fee: $100.
- Mon, Jun 23 to Fri, Jun 27
The Colonial is thrilled to announce that they will once again host a week-long workshop in the art of shadow mask theatre this June. Twenty-five students, ages 10 - 14, are invited to work with Hua Hua Zhang, a conceptual artist, puppet designer, choreographer and performer for three hours per day for five days to explore contemporary shadow mask theater. They will adapt the Chinese novel Journey to the West to create a show called Monkey King’s First Adventure to be performed in front of an audience at the end of the week. Throughout the week students will learn about Chinese literature, culture, language and writing. They will design their own shadow masks and create scenery using two overhead projectors. Students will learn to perform with their masks on a large shadow screen.
The workshop will culminate in a free performance of Monkey King’s First Adventure on Saturday, June 28 at 2pm open to family, friends and the public.
Jun 23 – 27, 9am – 12pm. Space is limited to 25 students. Workshop fee is $100 per student. You can register online at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: The Cat’s Pajamas
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Jul 8, 10:30 am
The Cat’s Pajamas makes very cool music for kids, bringing a musical comedy twist to rock for kids. With dance, puppets, props and costumes and a great band backing their signature 3-part harmony, The Cat’s Pajamas is a nationally lauded kick-in-the-pants! With 3 award-winning CDs and a live concert DVD, the band has been featured on WXPN’s Kid’s Corner and children's radio shows across the country. More »
Children’s Summer Series: Balloon Freak John Cassidy
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Jul 15, 10:30 am
John Cassidy is an eccentric comedian whose bizarre antics have earned him widespread acclaim as one of the most original and unique performers today. He has also made numerous television appearances having appeared on such popular shows as Live with Regis and Kelly, NBC's Today Show and Martha Stewart Living and regularly plays Los Angeles, Las Vegas, New York City and his native Philadelphia. John also holds several Guinness World Records for speed in balloon sculpting. You can learn more about john and check out some amazing photos on his website, www.johncassidy.com.
Best for ages 4+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: Kristin Pedemonti
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Jul 22, 10:30 am
Kristin Pedemonti, Professional Storyteller and Literacy Advocate, combines theatre with storytelling to create multicultural, dramatic, entertaining and educational performances for children and adults. Ms. Pedemonti divides her time between Pennsylvania and Belize, Central America where she started Literacy Outreach Belize in January, 2006. To date Ms. Pedemonti has donated FREE storytelling and story writing programs in Belize, Central America for 28,000 children and 500 teachers and has distributed nearly 2,000 books collected in PA book drives. To learn more about her work or to book a program visit www.storytellerkp.com.
"Kristin is a breath of fresh air. She brightens the room with her energy. The children simply love her." Rose Bradley Carribean Center for Excellence in Teacher Training
Best for ages 4+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: Silly Rockabilly
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Jul 29, 10:30 am
Silly Rockabilly is a live concert for kids featuring the delightful and historic music of the
earliest Rock'n'Roll. We don't quite know why, but kids all seem to know "Blue Suede Shoes", "Rock Around the Clock", and "You Ain't Nothin' But a Hound Dog"! This special performance by The Rivers Rockabilly Trio will feature these songs and many others with lots of sing-along, clap-along fun and surprises! The Rivers have developed a great reputation for their upbeat performances and authentic repertoire. If you've ever seen one of their family concerts, you know that the kids come right down in front of the stage to bop with the beat! SILLY ROCKABILLY is a concert designed for kids, but Mom, Dad, Grandma, and Grandpa will probably be singing right along, too!
Best for ages 4+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: Hooray for Bugs!
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Aug 5, 10:30 am
Artist Victoria O’Neill returns to the Colonial with Hooray for Bugs, a delightful, highly engaging, 100% interactive theatrical storytelling event using beautiful handmade costumes, props and percussion instruments. EVERYBODY PARTICIPATES! Children choose the characters they want to portray such as Garden Fairies, Stink Bugs, Caterpillars, Butterflies, Dragonflies, and Fire Ants. Then all the critters in the garden work together to make it rain. A sweet, colorful, sparkling tale about unity and cooperation well-suited for preschoolers and kindergarteners. For more information visit www.ArtyPantz.com. Space is limited so please call 610-917-1228 to reserve your spot!
Best for ages 2+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: The Great Holtzie
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Aug 12, 10:30 am
Recognized as Philadelphia's only real comedian for children, The Great Holtzie has a simple explanation for his success. "I know how to make kids laugh!" he says. From the absurd to classic slapstick, The Great Holtzie's jokes captivate everyone, from preschoolers to parents. Whether he is arguing with a See n’ Say or taking a bite out of a “worm burger,” his hysterical routine keeps even the most active children glued to their seats. His hip and fresh form of children’s entertainment never condescends and always leaves the audience wanting more. In a recent article in the Philadelphia City Paper, Holtzie was described as the "anti-Mister Rogers." His act is a combo of prop comedy, Steve Martin and Don Rickles with a dash of Dangerfield, for the 3-to-10 set.
Best for ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: Jack and the Beanstalk
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Aug 19, 10:30 am
Come join Kimberlie and Shoshi of Sidetracked Theater for a delightful production of Jack and the Beanstalk! The people of Pleasant Village are dealing with a troublesome Ogre living in a castle in the clouds overhead. The ogre takes great delight in making the villagers miserable. Jack sells the family cow for a bag of bean seeds. The seeds grow a huge beanstalk that climbs to the Ogre's castle, and the adventure begins!
Best for ages 3+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.
Children’s Summer Series: Craig Collis
Tickets: $5.
- Tue, Aug 26, 10:30 am
A fun and creative magic show, Craig's performance is filled with comedy and is like no other show you have seen. His unusual approach is to perform original magic completely in mime. From the smallest space to the largest stage, Craig creates an unforgettable theater experience. Craig has performed at the Winter Olympics, Lincoln Center and at thousands of schools throughout the region. Craig not only has full and varied background in performing but also in education. He was a math teacher before becoming a full-time, professional magician.
"I wanted to officially thank you for an attention-holding, amazing and magical performance. What an extraordinary job you did in entertaining our large audience." -Longwood Gardens
Best for ages 4+. Tickets can be purchased at Click & Pledge.