Best Upcoming Children's Shows In Baltimore

Summer vacation is upon us and many parents will be looking for shows and activities to keep children engaged. Baltimore offers a variety of venues that cater to culturally enriching not just the child, but the entire family. Here are just a few venues that feature special events for everyone in the family.
(Credit, Vickie Lawson)

(Credit, Vickie Lawson)

"The Sound of Music"
Charm City Players
Hannah More Arts Center at St. Timothy's School
8400 Greenspring Ave.
Stevenson, Md. 21153
(410) 472-4737
www.charmcityplayers.com

Date: Through Aug. 3, 2014

"The Sound of Music" is the story of the Von Trapp family as they encounter the unconventional nun Maria, who has been hired to be nanny to the young children. The relationship between Maria and the children eventually blossoms into one of love between Maria and her employer. The musical contains many favorite and well-known selections that are sure to have the audience singing along. The group performs at the Hannah More School on the campus of St. Timothy's School. Co-founders Stephen and Christina Napp indicate on the website their belief in "the power of the arts to change attitudes, shape futures and create a meaningful impact in the lives of participants and spectators."

Related: Best Baltimore Concert Guides For Kids

Source: cpmarts.org

Source: cpmarts.org

"Disney's High School Musical Jr."
Children's Playhouse of Maryland
CCBC Essex
7201 Rossville Blvd.
Baltimore, Md. 21237
(443) 840-2426
www.cpmarts.org

Date: Aug. 6-7, 2014

"High School Musical Jr." is the story of what happens when friends audition for a school musical. The plot revolves around the cliques that are formed and the alliances that are stretched to the limit. This production will feature all aspects of the performance from scenery to lighting to acting being handled by the children in the company. Children's Playhouse of Maryland, Inc. has been in existence since 2001 and was originally called The Young People's Players, part of the operation of F. Scott Black's Towson Dinner Theater. The dinner theater eventually closed and Diane Smith, the artistic director, recognizing a good thing, wanted to keep the students together. The group's name was changed to Children's Playhouse of Maryland and it became a nonprofit organization, which then operated from the Conference Center on the grounds of Sheppard Pratt. In 2004, CPM was offered and accepted a residency at the Community College of Baltimore County-Essex, where it resides today.

source:facebook.com/PumpkinTheatre

source:facebook.com/PumpkinTheatre

"Aladdin"
Pumpkin Theater
2905 Walnut Ave.
Owings Mills, Md. 21117
(410) 902-1814
www.pumpkintheatre.com

Date: Sept. 20-21, 27-28, 2014

"Aladdin" is the story, released by Disney, of the friendship that ensues between a poor thief and the runaway daughter of a sultan. The encounter takes the audience through ups and downs as the friendship blossoms and they work through trials together, complete with a magic carpet and a genie in a lamp. Established in 1967, this theater, located in Baltimore County, continues to offer engaging performances for children and adults. The 501(c)3 company, now in its 47th season, targets children of ages 3-10, but the performances are enjoyed by all, regardless of age. The upcoming summer offerings, held on the Har Sinai campus, will culminate in a performance at the conclusion of the camp. According to  employee, Stacie, the performance season runs from September through June with shows being held Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 20-28 for two weekends at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

Related: Best Small Theater Companies In Baltimore

Vickie Lawson is a freelance writer whose work can be found on Examiner.com.