Puppets, live music, magic, and cartoons are coming to the Coolidge this fall as part of our children’s programming, taking place every weekend from mid-October through December.
In addition to our weekly Kids’ Shows, which will feature performances by beloved acts such as Vanessa Trien, puppetry from The Tanglewood Marionettes, and classic films like E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial and The Muppet Christmas Carol, we are delighted to announce two offerings from our Science on Screen, Jr. series, a STEM-focused edu-tainment initiative aimed at kids aged 5 to 10.
Science on Screen, Jr. is an offshoot of the Coolidge’s popular Science on Screen series, which pairs expert-led discussions of scientific topics with screenings of feature and documentary films—for example, matching the science fiction film Arrival with a presentation on interstellar travel and the search for extraterrestrial life. This series will follow the same model, but with film and topic combinations selected to spark the scientific curiosity of elementary schoolers.
The Fall 2019 line-up for Coolidge kids’ films and events is as follows:
The BJ Hickman Magic Show
Sunday, October 20 at 10:30am
The BJ Hickman Magic Show is family entertainment, with fun, audience participation, magic, and silliness galore. New England-based magician BJ Hickman has performed shows nationwide, in locations ranging from the Hampton Beach Children's Festival in New Hampshire to Hollywood's Magic Castle in California. Get ready for fun, laughter, and amazing magic!
Recommended for ages 3+.
Film: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Saturday, October 26 at 10:30am
Oscar-winning director Steven Spielberg’s heartwarming masterpiece is one of the brightest stars in motion picture history. Filled with unparalleled magic and imagination, E.T. follows the moving story of a lost little alien who befriends 10-year-old Elliott (Henry Thomas). Experience all the mystery and fun of their unforgettable adventure in the beloved movie that astonished audiences around the world.
Recommended for ages 8+.
Tanglewood Marionettes presents The Dragon King
Saturday, November 2 at 10:30am
A terrible drought has overtaken the land, and all the world has turned brown and lifeless. The Dragon King is ruler of the waters, and the people are beginning to wonder why he has not brought the precious rains in such a very long time. An underwater fantasy based on Chinese folklore, Tanglewood Marionettes’ latest production tells the tale of a wise Grandmother who journeys to the bottom of the sea to seek the Dragon King, and the answers to why he has forsaken the land above. With colorful sea creatures, an exciting adventure, and all the visual splendor that audiences have come to expect from a Tanglewood Marionettes production, The Dragon King is a heart-warming tale that will thrill young and old alike.
Recommended for ages 3+.
Magic by Bonaparté
Sunday, November 10 at 10:30am
A sure bet to make you laugh. Clear Channel Radio has hailed Bonaparte as the “World’s Hottest Kids Magician.” Bonaparté’s award-winning family magic concert includes astounding magic, hilarious comedy, and oodles of audience participation. Plus, the show features the dramatic magical appearance of ‘Fluffy’ the adorable, fuzzy bunny and ‘Snow’ the beautiful, fluttering white dove. The kids will shout and laugh with glee as Bonaparté draws them into his whimsical world of magic!
Recommended for ages 3+.
Science on Screen, Jr.: Babe
Saturday, November 16 at 10:30am
Academy Award winner and Best Picture nominee, Babe is the inspirational story of a shy Yorkshire piglet who doesn't quite know his place in the world. But when Farmer Hoggett wins him at the county fair, Babe discovers that he can be anything he wants to be - even an award-winning sheepdog! With the help of a delightful assortment of barnyard friends, the heroic little pig is headed for the challenge of his life in this endearing and fun-filled tale the whole family will love. Before the film, a local scientist will discuss how animals communicate and interact. Speaker to be announced soon.
Recommended for ages 6+.
Magic by Scott Jameson
Sunday, November 17 at 10:30am
Join magician and juggler Scott Jameson at the Coolidge for an extraordinary performance that will have you laughing out loud and perched on the very edge of your seat. Umbrellas will be plucked from thin air, a drawing will come to life, basketballs will be spun and juggled, and a member of the audience will unlock telekinetic abilities.
Recommended for ages 2+.
Mike the Bubble Man
Saturday, November 23 at 10:30am
Mike the Bubble Man brings magic and science to the stage with this interactive show about BUBBLES! Through music, choreography, and comedy, bubbles — in all different shapes and sizes — come alive, sparking imagination and wonder. A love for bubbles is never outgrown, especially when there's a chance to see the world from inside of one!
Recommended for ages 2+.
Film: An American Tail
Sunday, December 1 at 10:30am
From director Don Bluth and creator David Kirschner, this critically acclaimed full-length animated triumph chronicles the wide-eyed adventures of a courageous little mouse named Fievel. Journeying by ship from Russia to turn-of-the-century America, Fievel is lost at sea during a ferocious storm. Washing ashore in New York Harbor, Fievel braves the perils and wonders of a strange new world in a thrilling quest to find his family. Featuring the voices of Dom DeLuise, Madeline Kahn and Christopher Plummer, it's a rousing, heartwarming animated adventure for the entire family!
Recommended for ages 6+.
Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys
Sunday, December 8 at 10:30am
Boston's Parents' Choice Award-winning band, Vanessa Trien and the Jumping Monkeys, returns for their highly anticipated, annual Coolidge Corner Theatre show, which is known to be a lively, sold-out neighborhood party! Their original songs and audience-participatory approach to their shows, mixed with infectious folk-pop-world sounds and Vanessa's warmth and humor on stage are a recipe for a perfect musical morning out with the family.
Recommended for ages 2+.
Matt Heaton & The Outside Toys
Saturday, December 14 at 10:30am
Warm up the cocoa. Break out the candy canes. Dust off the Rudolph-singing pipes. Matt Heaton and the Outside Toys are coming to town! Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny is a dance-filled, laugh-laced party for the whole family. With his band the Outside Toys, Heaton performs hits from his holiday album “Snow Day!” (Because nothing says holidays like fiddle drenched honky-tonk numbers, retro hi fi guitar stylings, and a rock solid rhythm section.)
Recommended for ages 2+.
Science on Screen, Jr.: Sherlock Jr
Sunday, December 15 at 10:30am
Buster Keaton plays a movie projectionist who daydreams himself into the movies he is showing and merges with the figures and the backgrounds on the screen. While dreaming he is Conan Doyle's master detective, he snoops out brilliant discoveries. Before the film, a local scientist will discuss optical illusions and film special effects.
Recommended for ages 7+.
Film: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday & Sunday, December 21 & 22 at 10:30am
The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge as told by everyone's favorite band of Muppets! 'Tis the season for love, laughter, and one of the most cherished stories of all time! Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and all the hilarious Muppets in this merry, magical version of Charles Dickens's classic tale. Academy Award winner Michael Caine gives a performance that's anything but "bah, humbug!" as greedy, penny-pinching Ebenezer Scrooge. One fateful Christmas Eve, Scrooge is visited by the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. Together with kind, humble Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) and his family, the Spirits open Scrooge's eyes and his heart to the true meaning of Christmas.
All weekend Kids’ Shows last for roughly one hour unless otherwise indicated. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the box office.
