Connecticut Travel

KidsPlay Children’s Museum will present the third annual KidsPlay Family Fun Fair on Sunday, February 19, 2017, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Warner Theatre and KidsPlay Children’s Museum. This event is all about family, community, and fun. A single $15 Family Ticket admits a household of up to 6 people. Advance sales are available at KidsPlay Children’s Museum, and tickets will be available the day of the event at both KidsPlay and the Warner Theatre.

The event includes three, live stage shows in the Carole and Ray Neag Studio:

At 12:00 pm, Two-time Grammy nominees, The Pop Ups, will bring their rock and roll puppet show to the stage. This high-energy journey transports audiences into a whimsical, educational world with dancing robots, A fire-stomping rhino, live-drawing, huge balloons, full scale puppets, even a costume party! This highly interactive show unfolds, propelled by award winning music, and dance beats that will catapult both young and old out of their seats! The Pop Ups have toured with Yo Gabba Gabba Live and continue to perform their rock and roll puppet musical live show to sold-out audiences across the U.S.

At 1:30 pm, Magician Peter James will bring magic and wonder to the stage. He has been amazing audiences for 30 years with his comedic style of magic that is appropriate for all ages. His performing career has been featured on stage and television. Peter is also an experienced teacher of magic.

At 3:00 pm, Mad Science takes to the stage with, “Science Behind Superheroes.” Discover the real science behind some of the most popular superhero powers! Children will explore the science of flight, how science can make things invisible, and how Spiderman might walk up walls, using fun, high-energy experiments.

For more information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, the 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and The Sound of Music, will play the Palace Theater in Waterbury February 24 – 26 for four performances, including two matinees. Tickets for CINDERELLA can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St.

Adding to the fun for families attending one of the matinee performances either on Saturday February 25 at 2:00pm or Sunday, February 26 at 1:00pm, the Palace is hosting Princess Parties beforehand to enhance the magical experience. The Palace Princess will be on hand to greet young audience members dressed for the ball and pose with them for selfies. A complimentary treat and beverage is also part of this pre-show activity which begins one hour before each matinee’s curtain time.

Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA has music by Richard Rodgers, lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, a new book by Douglas Carter Beane and original book by Oscar Hammerstein II. Originally directed by Mark Brokaw and choreographed by Josh Rhodes, the tour is directed by Gina Rattan and choreographed by Lee Wilkins. Music adaptation and arrangements are by David Chase and music supervision is by Greg Anthony Rassen. Orchestrations are by Bill Elliott and are adapted from the original Broadway orchestrations by Danny Troob.

Another fun promotion leading up to the show’s engagement entitled” If the Shoe Fits” allows all ticket buyers a chance to enter a drawing to win a Date Night gift package filled with some fabulous treats including: Drive a BMW for the weekend Courtesy of Hoffman BMW of Watertown
Dine in Style with an Entrees & Encores restaurant Gift Card –$75 value compliments of one of the theater’s Entrees & Encores partner restaurants Floral Bouquet – Compliments of Graham’s Florist Sweets for Your Sweetie – compliments of Hardcore Sweet Cupcake.

All ticket buyers (regardless of when or how you purchased your tickets) are eligible to be entered into a random drawing for the Cinderella Date Night Package.
To enter, participants with a valid ticket must come to the Palace Box Office to try on the “Glass Slipper” courtesy of Kathy Faber Designs, have picture taken trying on the shoe, post the photo on either Facebook or Instagram, and tag the Palace Theater. A random drawing will take place the week of February 20 and the winner of the Date Night gift package notified.

RODGERS + HAMMERSTEIN’S CINDERELLA, the 2013 Tony® Award-winning Broadway musical from the creators of The King & I and The Sound of Music, will play the Palace Theater in Waterbury February 24 – 26 for four performances, including two matinees. Tickets for CINDERELLA can be purchased online at www.palacetheaterct.org, by phone at 203-346-2000, or in person at the Box Office, 100 East Main St.

Adding to the fun for families attending one of the matinee performances either on Saturday February 25 at 2:00pm or Sunday, February 26 at 1:00pm, the Palace is hosting Princess Parties beforehand to enhance the magical experience. The Palace Princess will be on hand to greet young audience members dressed for the ball and pose with them for selfies. A complimentary treat and beverage is also part of this pre-show activity which begins one hour before each matinee’s curtain time.

With its fresh new take on the beloved tale of a young woman who is transformed from a chambermaid into a princess, this hilarious and romantic Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA combines the story’s classic elements – glass slippers, pumpkin, and a beautiful ball along with some surprising twists. More than just a pretty face with the right shoe size, this Cinderella is a contemporary figure living in a fairytale setting. She is a spirited young woman with savvy and soul who doesn’t let her rags or her gowns trip her up in her quest for kindness, compassion and forgiveness. She longs to escape the drudgery of her work at home and instead work to make the world a better place. She not only fights for her own dreams, but forces the prince to open his eyes to the world around him and realize his dreams too.

Another fun promotion leading up to the show’s engagement entitled” If the Shoe Fits” allows all ticket buyers a chance to enter a drawing to win a Date Night gift package filled with some fabulous treats including:

Drive a BMW for the weekend Courtesy of Hoffman BMW of Watertown
Dine in Style with an Entrees & Encores restaurant Gift Card –$75 value compliments of one of the theater’s Entrees & Encores partner restaurants
Floral Bouquet – Compliments of Graham’s Florist
Sweets for Your Sweetie – compliments of Hardcore Sweet Cupcake

All ticket buyers (regardless of when or how you purchased your tickets) are eligible to be entered into a random drawing for the Cinderella Date Night Package.

To enter, participants with a valid ticket must come to the Palace Box Office to try on the “Glass Slipper” courtesy of Kathy Faber Designs, have picture taken trying on the shoe, post the photo on either Facebook or Instagram, and tag the Palace Theater. A random drawing will take place the week of February 20 and the winner of the Date Night gift package notified.

Ever wonder what passes by your house when you are not around? Learn about the fascinating world of animal tracking when Flanders hosts Connecticut Conservation Ambassador Michael Grady who will lead a program on Saturday, February 18 at 12:30 PM.at Flanders Nature Center located in Woodbury on Flanders Road. Michael will introduce his talk in the Flanders Sugar House, located a quarter mile from the intersection of Church Hill and Flanders Road in Woodbury.

The group will then move outside to the trails of the Flanders Van Vleck Sanctuary where they will search for and identify tracks, signs and scat of the local wildlife. Please dress for the weather. The cost for the tracking workshop is $10 for members and $15 for non-members. Those interested may register online at http://www.flandersnaturecenter.org or call 203-263-3711, ext. 10, for more information.

About
Flanders Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust acquires, preserves and manages land; and uses the land to promote understanding and appreciation of nature, art and the environment. Founded by artist, farmer and environmentalist Natalie Van Vleck, Flanders provides a variety of environmental education programs year-round, designed to bring a deeper understanding of art, nature and farming to children, youth and adults in the Woodbury region and throughout Connecticut.

The Westport Historical Society has organized a new exhibition, “Westport School Days 1703-Present” in the Sheffer Gallery that will run through March 24, 2017.This exhibit highlights the evolution of formal education in Westport. The story begins with the 1650 Code of Connecticut which describes the educational requirements for the parishes in Connecticut. Beginning with the first formal teacher in Green’s Farms in 1703; the exhibit will chronicle what the eight public and several private schools of Westport were like.

There will be a progression map from 1858-2016 detailing each school’s earliest location and development. A brief history of the benefactors who initiated new schools, memorabilia, and early photos will also be displayed. Group photos of student classes from the late nineteenth century to the present day will also be highlighted.

This comprehensive exhibit will include lively tours of Westport’s own Adams Academy, on North Morningside Drive, which was built in 1830 as a private school, and shows you an actual one-room schoolhouse which exemplifies early education in our community. Westport Historical Society hopes this exhibit will bring back many fond memories, as well as focus on Westport’s growth as an exceptional center for learning.

The Sheffer Gallery is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 4 pm. Saturdays from Noon – 4 pm. There is no charge, however donations are always welcome.

Tired of the same old options for Valentine’s Day? Litchfield Jazz has the answer! This February, the Litchfield Performing Arts, organizers of the popular Litchfield Jazz Festival held every August has teamed up with the one of the the newest and hippest attractions in Northwest Connecticut, the Litchfield Hills Distillery for a special Valentine’s Day celebration on February 11 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The chic and comfortable Litchfield Hills Distillery sets the perfect scene for this romantic celebration where guests will enjoy a special Litchfield Distillery Signature Cocktail, hors d’oeuvres, dinner; and of course, great live jazz for listening and dancing. Take a tour of the distillery while enjoying top-shelf wines and get into the “spirit” with a select tasting of the products carefully crafted at Litchfield Hills Distillery. Ciesco Catering will prepare a delicious meal wrapped up with chocolates from the iconic Fascia’s Chocolates of Waterbury. What would Valentine’s be without roses? There will be one for each guest!

In addition to the music, food and spirits, there will also be a silent auction so don’t worry about shopping in advance. Do your gift giving on the spot! Couples, singles and friends are all welcome. This is an equal-opportunity great time to get in the Spirits of Love this Valentine’s Day with Litchfield Jazz.

Proceeds support music education and scholarships at the Litchfield Jazz Camp. 50% of your ticket purchase is tax deductible.
Tickets are sold online.