Kids To Do: Enchantment Theatre Company gets an exclusive Beatrix Potter celebration
It may seem a bit, ah, unseasonal to be thinking of bunnies right now. But Beatrix Potter has her 150th birthday in 2016 (July 28, mark your calendar). In honor of the sesquicentennial, the Potter estate has tapped the Enchantment Theatre Company as the only authorized presenter of Peter Rabbit Tales, a stage adaptation of the author's beloved work running Saturday through Dec. 30.
It may seem a bit, ah, unseasonal to be thinking of bunnies right now. But Beatrix Potter has her 150th birthday in 2016 (July 28, mark your calendar). In honor of the sesquicentennial, the Potter estate has tapped the Enchantment Theatre Company as the only authorized presenter of Peter Rabbit Tales, a stage adaptation of the author's beloved work running Saturday through Dec. 30.
Beyond being one of the great children's book writers and illustrators, Potter was a fascinating character herself. Raised by governesses, mostly away from the company of other children, she developed a love for animals and nature. As a young adult, she became adept at mycology, the study of fungi _ her identifying drawings and watercolors are still used by contemporary scientists, though her 19th century research was rejected due to Victorian mores.
When she turned her knowledge of animals into children's tales featuring her pets, she found enduring fame. (She also became one of the first merchandisers, patenting everything from dolls to games to toys to plates based on her characters.)
Enchantment's production, using masks and puppets, combines three tales, with a grown-up Peter, cousin Benjamin, and sister Flopsy recalling their adventures in Mr. McGregor's garden and undertaking a quest to rescue Benjamin and Flopsy's children from the bad badger, Tommy Brock.
2 p.m Saturdays to Wednesdays through Dec.30 at at the Arts Bank, Broad and South Streets. Tickets: $29; $25 seniors and students; $16 ages 12 and under.
God bless us, every one
Still, `tis the season. The Walnut Street Theatre for Kids' hourlong musical version of A Christmas Carol finishes its run this weekend.
10:30 a.m. Friday, 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St. Tickets: $14 to $16 Information: 215-574-3550.
World beat
Singer and guitarist Baris Kaya, the frontman for Philly's own Turkish folk-rock combo Barakka, performs an interactive family workshop on the traditional songs of his homeland. Dancing and singing along encouraged. Eglenmek!
1 p.m. Saturday at International House, 3701 Chestnut St. Tickets: $5; ages under 2 free. Information: 215-387-5125, ext. 2. or
E-mail children's events to mharrington@phillynews.com.