Kiddin' Around: Opera on the Mall is cool for kids

The long: You've got a month before at least 6,000 fans descend on Independence Mall for Opera Philadelphia's big-screened rendition of "La Traviata." But you've got one day - tomorrow at 10 a.m. - until you oughta reserve free tickets for the always-at-capacity al fresco event.

The short: When opera meets picnic, kids come, too.

Bigger, better: The event's so popular, it's expanding past Market to Arch Street, with two more screens.

The demo: Best for school-aged on up, although, said Opera Philadelphia's Mike Bolton, "We've definitely had strollers."

The opera: Translated to "The Fallen Woman," "La Traviata" is a lush and tragic romance revolving around a young woman who parties, falls in loves, loses. Giuseppe Verdi wrote the music; Francesco Maria

Piave, the Italian libretto.

The big hit: You'll definitely recognize the "Brindisi," an Italian drinking song and operatic classic.

The deal: Initiative to bring venerated

theater-form to us regular folk began five years ago, and has only grown, thanks to easy access and polite, laid-back crowds.

Family fun: There are food trucks and a photo booth. Years past, organizers have given out glow sticks, temporary tattoos. Picnics, beach chairs encouraged.

Event prep: Online study guide at operaphila.org. A flash performance of the "Brindisi" in 2010 at Reading Terminal Market has 4 million-plus YouTube views.

Go early: Last year, people had staked out grassy spots by 5 p.m.

The basics: Free tickets available 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 2, 215-732-8400, operaphila.org. Event between 5th and 6th and Chestnut and Arch streets, 7 p.m. Oct. 3.