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 and The Tanglewood Marionettes and classic films like Kiki’s Delivery Service 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—most recently, for example, matching the cult classic Office Space with a presentation about the pitfalls of technology for personal productivity. The new series will follow the same model, but with film and topic combinations selected to spark the scientific curiosity of elementary schoolers.
The Fall 2018 line-up for Coolidge kids’ films and events is as follows:
Magic by Scott Jameson
Saturday, October 13 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+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Gustafer Yellowgold’s Show
Sunday, October 21 at 10:30am
Two-time Grammy® nominated illustrator and songwriter Morgan Taylor presents Gustafer Yellowgold. A multi-media performance of live music, animated illustrations and storytelling the New York Times calls “a cross between Yellow Submarine and Dr. Seuss.”
Recommended for ages 2+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Film: Kiki’s Delivery Service
Saturday, October 27 at 10:30am
Hayao Miyazaki’s classic tale of a young witch finding her place in the world. Kiki is an enterprising young girl who must follow tradition to become a full-fledged witch. Venturing out with only her black cat, Jiji, Kiki flies off for the adventure of a lifetime. Landing in a far-off city, she sets up a high-flying delivery service and begins a wonderful experience of independence and responsibility as she finds her place in the world. Dubbed in English. 103 minutes.
Recommended for ages 5+. Tickets: $9 adults / $7 children
Tanglewood Marionettes presents The Fairy Circus
Saturday, November 3 at 10:30am
Featuring over twenty beautifully hand-crafted marionettes, The Fairy Circus is a showcase for turn-of-the-century-style trick puppetry. The puppets will dance, play instruments, juggle, contort, transform, and fly through the air with the greatest of ease, all to the best-loved music of favorite composers. This title is perfect for younger children and family audiences.
Recommended for ages 3+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Science on Screen Jr.: Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
Sunday, November 4 at 10:30am
For thousands of years, people have used selective breeding to get more of what we want from our food plants and animals: larger harvests, better taste, longer shelf-life. Today's genetic engineering techniques promise bigger results... and bring new worries. At this event, kids will learn about how the food they eat is engineered, and discuss whether the potential benefits of GMOs are worth the risks. Wallace and his loyal dog, Gromit, set out to uncover the mystery behind the garden sabotage that plagues their village and threatens the annual giant-vegetable growing contest. Speaker to be announced soon. 85 minutes.
Recommended for ages 7+. Tickets: $5 adults / $5 children
Magic by Bonaparté
Saturday, 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+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Vanessa Trien & The Jumping Monkeys
Sunday, November 18 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+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Film: The Brave Little Toaster
Saturday, November 24 at 10:30am
Five electrical appliances suddenly feel dumped when their young master mysteriously disappears! The dejected toaster rounds up the vacuum cleaner, electric blanket, and bedside lamp and radio, and together, they set off for the big city in search of their beloved owner. 90 minutes.
Recommended for ages 5+. Tickets: $9 adults / $7 children
Science on Screen Jr.: The Land Before Time
Saturday, December 1 at 10:30am
For 30 years, The Land Before Time has been inspiring young dinosaur lovers...and misinforming them about their favorite prehistoric reptiles. Before this screening of the dino-classic, a local expert will share some fascinating facts about the real animals behind Littlefoot, Cera, and their friends. After an earthquake, an orphaned brontosaurus teams up with other young dinosaurs in order to reunite with their families in a plentiful valley. 80 minutes.
Recommended for ages 6+. Tickets: $5 adults / $5 children
The BJ Hickman Magic Show
Sunday, December 2 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+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Mike the Bubble Man
Sunday, December 9 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+. Tickets: $13 adults / $10 children
Matt Heaton & The Outside Toys
Sunday, December 16 at 10:30am
Matt Heaton’s Holiday Hootenanny! Join Matt Heaton & the Outside Toys for the release of his new album! Featuring songs for the season both old and new, all delivered with Matt’s blend of wry humor and stellar musicianship. Backed by the Outside Toys, it’ll be a morning of singing and dancing guaranteed to please even the Scroogiest among us.
Recommended for ages 2+. Tickets $13 adults / $10 children
Film: The Muppet Christmas Carol
Saturday, December 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' 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. 85 minutes.
Recommended for ages 4+. Tickets: $9 adults / $7 children
All weekend Kids’ Shows last for roughly one hour unless otherwise indicated. Tickets may be purchased in advance at coolidge.org or at the Coolidge Corner Theatre box office.
