#bct Things to do in Birmingham with children @bjCC @bct123org

I don't know about you, but I am forever looking for something fun, cheap, easy, and especially local- to do with my kids. Usually when you think BJCC, that is; the Birmingham Jefferson Civic Center you think mostly adult themed activities, such as concerts or more recently, Paw Patrol visited there. But it would have been a little costly for the 5 of us to attend . At the tune of about 30 on average or more per ticket; it would've cost us over 150 to all go. I just don't usually have that kind of expendable funds. Like most, I live hand to mouth.
Although it would've been great to take them to that, you might not realize there are more things to do with kids at the BJCC. Today we attended a wee theatre showing that was around ten dollars per person.

This Saturday the 15th kicks off the public showing of the youth play of the Birmingham Children's Theater : Rumpelstilskin.
Showings : September 15th, 22nd & 29th @ 10:00 AM & 12:00 PM

My family got to attend a more private showing this morning, and we were blown away. Very ironically, my child's father and I had a discussion about this Brothers Grimm tale some years ago when I was pregnant  with our first child.
I remarked, "Rumplestilskin will take our first born!" To my amazement he replied "who?" He had never ever heard this fable before. Today I got to watch it with said baby our first born son, who is now 3 almost 4. So strange.



I immensely enjoyed this performance. Not only were the actors extremely impressive and immersed in their roles they handled the small children and didn't miss a beat with all the laughter and "shhhhhh" goings on.
Impressed I was, with the set, and the flow of the production- as well as the professionalism and southern hospitality of everyone I encountered on their staff.
Finding it was easy, parking was free. The theater was beautiful.

One of the nation's oldest and largest professional theatre companies for young audiences, Birmingham Children's Theatre produces high-quality, professional theatrical entertainment and curriculum-relevant arts education experiences for children and families. BCT is the second largest employer of professional theatre artists in Alabama, and is Alabama's only professional touring theatre company.

As mentioned - the public showing starts this Saturday, and you can call and purchase tickets, order them online or at the door.
This stage play was for the small children , but even still, my 13 year old took pleasure in watching it with her little sister, 8, and brother 3. I would recommend this showing for ages 3 to 9. Even still, I think I might have enjoyed it just as much, if not more, than the children did.

 I remember attending shows there when I was growing up and I was in school, which was a good 20+ years ago. I have also attended numerous shows through the years with my children on field trips but you do not have to wait for your school to plan a trip there. They likely won't.
   For some reason the schools do not visit the live theater as they used to. Schools don't seem to place much importance on out of the Classroom learning. Which to me, is very sad.  I know when I was growing up we took at least one to two field trips per season. But now they're lucky to attend one or two the entire year. Which I really do not understand, since the parents foot the bill for the trips anyhow.

I think we should all encourage our schools, teachers, and pTA members to attend and plan, not only more field trips, but more field trips to the theater . Our children deserve these memories that we had growing up there.

One show I remember attending was "The Diary of Anne Frank" with my dad- Greg Mason. I think I was finished with high school at that point but still wanted to attend. I think most locals forget that this is something we should immerse our  children in our culture through and get them out from behind their phone screens and tablets and game consoles and T.V.'s.

If you are anything like me, and by that- I mean ; old fashioned.. I'm sure that you agree.

If you're interested in attending a play geared for older children, I will be reviewing a private screening of Cassius Clay  (a.k.a. Muhammad Ali) next Tuesday the public showing for it will be:
September 29th, October 6th & 7th @ 2:30 PM
 It is recommended for ages 9 and up as it has some violent themes. (Boxing)

In conclusion, Rumpelstilskin was delightful. The actor playing the Kings page was my personal favorite because she was adorable. Also extremely talented, as was the King. The actors/actresses brought the characters to life in a way as to not lose interest of small children. More impressed was I, with the way the Rumplestilskin character through the actor was loveable yet pathetic.

Tanner McCracken - King Frederick

Katie Milligan - Sir Hugo

Zoe Wirt- Gretchen

Jesse Byron - Rumpelstiltskin

One part that sticks out in my mind is a line of the play was actually: "Rumpelstilskin, no one wants you around because/when you say hurtful/mean things and you make people feel bad." Which takes me directly to this past Saturday night in my own home...

This season's showings: Bct123.org/20182019-season
And please stay tuned for next Tuesday night when I post the review of Cassius Clay!

LOCATION

Birmingham Children's Theatre

2130 Richard Arrington Junior Boulevard North

Birmingham, AL 35203

Follow the BCT/BJCC on social media too!

@BJCC and @bct123org
Facebook.com/BJCCinBirmingham
Facebook.com/birminghamchildrenstheatre

Photographer credit for the following images: Tammy Stringfellow