Category Archives: Parent Reviews Picks and Previews

Parent Review: G2K Cinderella at Lubbock Community Theatre

Fol-De-Rol & Fiddle-Dee-Dee…Cinderella is a must-see! Catch this charming, family-friendly musical through July 17th.

It’s Possible! Hannah Flournoy as Cinderella exclaims to her Fairy Godmother played by Kayla Rushing.

The summer 2016 Lubbock Community Theatre production of G2K Cinderella is a joyful journey for area children and families! It’s the perfect opportunity to expose children, both performers and observers, to the theatre by inviting them into the magical and inspiring world of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The G2K show is especially designed for youth performers as part of their Getting to Know (G2K) series of R&H musicals.

It features the beautiful, fun songs and characters from the full production, but is more condensed. Many parents and grandparents will enjoy humming along with the songs that we remember from the televised Hallmark Hall of Fame series. You’ll find that this version of Cinderella, in addition to being the classic dreams-come-true message, is based on the power of positivity and kindness… yes, according to our favorite Fairy Godmother, regardless of what roadblocks arise, “It’s Possible!”

As we watched the show, it was hard to remember that all the performers were local kids, some in the LCT’s Theatre for Youth classes, but many who have never been on stage before!

Cinderella’s mice waiting patiently to turn magically into horses. Played by Emma Johnston, Kaori Gonzales, Neveah Arnold, Savannah Roberson and Faith Zint.

Cinderella and her Prince are truly charming and sweet, and we may have snort-laughed more than once with the wicked Stepsisters and Stepmother!

Stepsisters’ Lament by Lorena Lopez and Allaina Capili

The Fairy Godmother is magical, and funny, and sassy. Thanks to the hijinks from the King and Queen and all the other characters, the kids in the audience laughed and enjoyed every move and every joke, and were especially spellbound when Cinderella magically transforms on stage.

Also watch for the adorable little mice and fairies, townspeople and ballroom guests.

Prepare to be impressed by the calibre of musical talent in this group… and the expressions and comedic timing are also amazing from all the cast, who range in age from pre-school to high school.

Parent Pointers

The Prince is Giving a Ball! Josh Frendenberg as the Herald proclaims to the Townspeople

In case you haven’t seen it before, the musical is quite different from the Disney movie, so parents may want to prepare children who could be expecting the songs and characters from the animated version. There is no “Bippity Boppity Boo” but the new-to-them songs including “Fol-De-Rol and Fiddle-Dee-Dee” will leave them spellbound and humming!

The show only lasts about an hour and a half (which includes an intermission) so it’s a very manageable amount of time to hold the attention of most kids. Another feature that is helpful for parents is the size of the theatre: It only holds about 50-60 seats so it is more sensory-friendly for most kids. However the small size of the theatre means if you are interested in going, you need to grab tickets quickly. Sell-outs are frequent!

Cinderella Tea with LCT Cast Members. Offered Sundays after matinee performances. (Tickets Sold Separately).

Another fun event offered is a special Cinderella Tea after each Sunday matinee. Princes and Princesses can dress as their favorite character and have tea with stars from the show. It’s a separate event from the show (tickets are sold separately for $10) with space only for 40 royal guests, so, again, better go online for tickets asap if your child is interested. The Tea event may be a nice option if you think your child might not be quite ready for a full theatre production experience.

Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show

If you have access to one of the televised productions featuring Julie Andrews (1957) or Lesley Ann Warren (1965) or Brandy (1997), then consider a family preview to see the show and become familiar with the catchy songs. Also consider reading the non-Disney story of Cinderella at the library or bookstore.

Just the Facts!

When: Thurs., Friday & Saturday July 7-9 at 7:30pm, Sunday July 10 at 2pm and again
Thurs., Friday & Saturday July 14-16 at 7:30pm, Sunday July 17 at 2pm.
Special Tea with Cinderella event after Sunday performances from 4:30-5:30pm. (Limited to 40 seats. Tickets Sold Separately).

Where: Lubbock Community Theatre at 4232 Boston Ave, Lubbock.

How: Tickets available through their website online, or by calling 806-749-2416 for info.
Prices are $15 for adults and $10 for children 10 and under.
Sunday Tea with Cinderella tickets are $10 each.

Length: Lasts 1 hour and 20 minutes with a 15 minute intermission included.

Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Credits: Music by Richard Rodgers – Book and Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II.
Directed by Heather May.
Music Direction by Tom Laney.

Crew:
Stage Manager – Alex Saulnier McKinin
Set Design – Heather May, Madeline St Claire
Set Crew – Madeline St Claire, Kayla Rushing, Emily Nixon
Light Design – RT Todd
Sound Design – Tom Laney
Board Operator – Robin Armstrong
Costumes – Patti Campbell, Mitzi Flournoy
Props – April Langehennig
Choreography – Alex Saulnier McKinin
Hair and Make-up – Alex Saulnier McKinin, Cast

Cast:
Cinderella – Hannah Flournoy
Godmother – Kayla Rushing
Stepmother – Sierra Roberson
Stepsister Portia – Lorena Lopez
Stepsister Joy – Allaina Capili
Prince – Reis Smith
Herald – Josh Fredenberg
Chef – Ben Mitchell
King – Cordell Little
Queen – Erin Ewings

Supporting Roles:
Neveah Arnold – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Shirah Arnold – Townsperson
Ayrthon Capili – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Cara Copeland – Royal Staff
Kaori Gonzales – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse
Kysiah Gonzalez – Townsperson
Sophie Haney - Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Alex Haynes – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Jonna Hollis - Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Olivia Ireland – Townsperson, Magic Fairy
Emma Johnston – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse, Ballroom Scene
Elizabeth Logan – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Ben Mitchell – Ballroom Scene
Walter Parsons – Townsperson
Aubree Pointer – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene, Royal Staff
Jaryn Reed – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Savannah Roberson – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse, Royal Staff
Brenna Ryan – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Melanie Westmoreland – Townsperson, Royal Staff
Jencie Wright – Townsperson, Ballroom Scene
Faith Zint – Townsperson, Mouse/Horse

Planning to go? Let us know how you like the show! Write your reviews below.

Photos provided by Lubbock Community Theatre. Images from LCT’s 2016 production of G2K Cinderella.

Parent Review: Seussical from Moonlight Musicals

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Catch a Family Funtastical Show Under the Stars! Friday & Saturday performances through June 25th. Performances added Thurs June 30th & Friday July 1st!

Cat in the Hat – Daniel Hogan. Photo credit: Gypsy Artist Design and Photography.

Continuing our series featuring parent reviews & tips on local events and activities, our contributor Rebekah (a.k.a. Hub City Mom) shares her experience at the kickoff performance of Moonlight Musicals’ Summer Series: Seussical! Great review and super tips! (Perhaps the perfect Fathers Day gift?) Got an idea for a scoop? Share it with us and we’ll check it out! Interested in writing a review? Contact us and let’s blog!

by Rebekah Gillespie

The 2016 summer series at Lubbock Moonlight Musicals kicked off recently with a fantastic performance of “Seussical.” This whimsical production of Dr. Seuss’s inspiring stories is fun, amusing and very entertaining. The entire family will love “Seussical”! We took our three-year old son to the performance, and he was captivated by it. This was his first theatrical experience, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. We all enjoyed the vibrant colors of the costumes and set as well as the remarkable singing and dancing.

“Seussical” follows the story of Horton the Elephant, citizens of the jungle and his friends from Whoville. Other key characters include Jojo, Gertrutde, Mayzie and Sour Kangaroo. My son’s favorite character is the Cat in the Hat who narrates the production. Thing 1 and Thing 2 make frequent apperances that leave the audience chuckling, and even the Grinch makes a special appearance. The incredibly hard work put into this production is evident throughout the entire performance making “Seussical” remarkably spectactular and memorable. The expressive song lyrics and upbeat music will leave you singing for days.

This was our first Moonlight Musical experience in the amphitheatre, and the outdoor atmosphere is peaceful and serene. The summer evenings in Lubbock are very enjoyable making Lubbock Moonlight Musicals a great venue for outdoor entertainment. We also enjoyed bringing our son because it was a more casual environment than traditional productions at the civic center’s auditorium. Our son was able to sit, stand and lay down during the performance without being bothersome. The casual atmosphere at the amphitheatre makes it a great environment for small children who, like my child, have trouble staying still.

In addition, I love that patrons are allowed to bring coolers and lawn chairs to the performance. We were able to have a picnic as a family and eat snacks throughout the performance without spending a small fortune on refreshments. Be sure to bring some cash for the concession stand because Bahama Buck’s is selling their pre-packaged Sno Blasts, which are delicious! Also, freshly popped popcorn is always enjoyable at any performance.

Parent Pointers: Here are a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable.

First, arrive early to the amphitheatre because seats are first come first serve unless previously reserved for a group. The gates open at 7 p.m. with the performance starting promptly at eight o’clock. Fortunately, every seat has a clear view of the stage making it impossible to have a bad seat. General admission is labeled in green tape; orange tape is premium admission.

The center section of the amphitheatre as well as the first two rows of the side sections are premium seating. I would recommend premium seating if you want a center stage view and the opportunity to interact with some of the cast during the performance. There is a difference in ticket pricing for adults and children in the premium section and is important to be aware of those differences when purchasing tickets. I found that general admission worked great for our three year old because he didn’t sit still long enough to have paid for a premium seat. When he is older, I will invest in premium seating.

Secondly, be sure to bring a blanket and lawn chairs otherwise you will be sitting on the grass for two and a half hours. You can also bring a cooler and snacks to enjoy during the performance.

Since it is outdoors, mosquito repellent is must and beware of a few bees flying around the trash cans. You may also want to bring a light jacket if you get cold easily. Occasionally, the wind is blowing and will give you a chill. Binoculars are another item you may want to bring especially if you are arriving closer to the performance time. Remember that everything you bring in the amphitheater you have to haul back to your car. The amphitheatre is wheel chair accessible making it possible to bring strollers and wagons for smaller children.

Lastly, the cast will be available for pictures after the performance so bring a camera with a great flash. There is not enough lighting to get a good picture without a flash since the performance ends after dark.

My son was excited to meet the Cat in the Hat, but he was very uncertain about having his picture taken with him. Younger children might be intimidated by the characters in their costumes up close so be prepared to have someone take the picture of you and your child with the cast member. This will save time and avoid tears. As you can see, I ended up in the picture with my son still unsure about the Cat.

Preparing for the show:

It’s always fun to read Dr. Seuss, and I would highly recommend reading Horton Hears a Who to your child prior to seeing “Seussical.” In addition, there is also an animated movie about Horton that your child will love that can be watched pre or post show. These activities are enjoyable and will also help younger children better follow the performance.

Also, talking with your child about theater etiquette is another important way to prepare for “Seussical” or any performance. Lubbock Moonlight Musicals has a great page on theatre etiquette and gives patrons an idea of what is expected and permissible.

Lastly, a great talking point for your family is to discuss the function of a live orchestra. I loved seeing the orchestra at the amphitheater and the opportunity to explain to my son their purpose. Often times the orchestra is stationed in the orchestra pit which is hidden from the audience’s view. Some other questions my son asked that are worth discussing are: “What is the theater?”, “Why are they wearing costumes?”, “What are the [stage] lights for?”, and “Who is that person?”.

Just the Facts!

When: Friday and Saturday 6/10 & 6/11, 6/17 & 6/18, 6/24 & 6/25, and just added: Thursday 6/30 & Friday 7/1. Gates open at 7 P.M. with performance starting at 8 P.M.

Where: Moonlight Musicals Amphitheatre at 413 East Broadway Lubbock, TX 79403.

How: Tickets are available at Select-a-Seat, online, or by calling 806-770-2000. Prices Range from $20-$28 for adults and $7-$15 for children. *For General admission child age is 5-9 years and Premium admission child age is 0-9 years.

Length: Lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Planning to go? Let us know how you like the show! Write your reviews below.

Rebekah is a blogger and mom of 2 who has recently embraced Lubbock and the Hub City area as her home. You can reach her by leaving a response on this blog article. Find her at HubCityMom.com

For more photos and full article, hop on over to Rebekah’s blog.

Photos by Rebekah Gillespie (unless noted). Images from Lubbock Moonlight Musicals 2016 production of Seussical.

Financial Responsibility: Childs play?

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We are always looking for great tips to share with local parents that help make our journey a little easier together! That’s why we are proud to sponsor local consignment events like Just Between Friends and Cradles to Crayons that are so helpful for local families! Here’s a great article on the financial benefits that these events offer our kids from Just Between Friends.

Why Raising A Financially Responsible Child is Important
and How To Start

Young adults today have opportunities to get into more financial trouble than previous generations. Take, for instance, the sky-rocketing percentages of college students receiving financial aid. A recent study showed that 60 percent of students obtaining a secondary education have taken out student loans to pay for tuition and living expenses. Outstanding student loans totaled over $1.2 trillion in 2015.

Credit card debt owed by U.S. Consumers has reached a staggering $712 billion. This means the average person has around $15,355 in credit card debt alone.

A contributing factor is, no doubt, income growth has been outpaced by the rise in cost of living expenses over the past 12 years. However, it is no surprise that over-spending habits and materialism have continued to expand America’s growing debt problems more than ever before.

There has never been a time when educating children on financial responsibility has been more important. Promoting work ethic and entrepreneurship, and teaching children healthy spending habits when they’re young will help ensure they become financially responsible adults.

And Just Between Friends of Lubbock, TX, a local bi-annual consignment sales event, offers a good venue for parents to start their children’s financial education experience.

“Every aspect of JBF promotes financial responsibility,” says Courtney Kattner, event coordinator for Lubbock JBF. “Consigning your children’s outgrown, un-used items is a great way to start teaching them the importance of getting the full value out of material goods purchased at retail prices and encourages entrepreneurship.”

Lubbock JBF consignors priced, tagged, and dropped off over 35,000 of their own items to the previous Back-to-School 2015 sale in August. Earning up to 70% of their gross sold items, the average consignor check was $409. Kattner, who also participates as a JBF consignor, says she makes enough money selling her own children’s items to purchase the majority of what they need for the next season without spending any additional money.

And the financial value gained by participating in consignment sales events don’t stop there. “Shopping for needed items at consignment sales before buying them from retail stores teaches families to use their financial resources wisely,” states Kattner. “I have been buying about 95% of my kids’ wardrobe at Lubbock JBF for the last 6 years. Because of JBF, I am financially able to provide my kids with almost everything they need, in brands they love, without creating financial stress for my family.”

Effective teaching of financial responsibility includes showing children how to live within your means. And living within your means, is finding a way to meet your needs without spending more than you get paid. If this financial value is not instilled in a child, you end up raising an overactive consumer or someone who is constantly competing with the Joneses. Consignment shopping shows children they can spend less money on what they need, creating more available money for items they want, while staying within their spending limits.

Most consignment sales events, including Lubbock Just Between Friends, give a higher percentage to consignors who volunteer to help work the sale, promoting the idea that work ethic increases higher wages.

“Even the idea of earning a higher percentage in exchange for volunteer hours during the sale promotes solid financial values,” Kattner says. “When you volunteer and work a 4-hour shift during a Lubbock JBF sale, you earn a higher percent of your gross sold items, increasing the return on your initial investment.”

Showing your children the lesson that a little bit of work and time can have large-scale payoffs in the end is a virtue that will help lead them down the path of financial stability for years to come.

The bottom line is this: the best way to raise financially responsible children is to show them a good example. If your financial situation isn’t up to par, you can’t expect your children to pick up responsible spending habits. The good news is it’s never too late to start heading down the path of being a good financial steward. Baby steps lead to walking, then eventually running. And when it comes to your financial stability, running down the right path for as long as possible earns you huge rewards later in life for yourself and your children. Being a good financial role model could quite possibly end up being the greatest lesson you teach your children.

From Just Between Friends – Lubbock

To participate as a consignor or shopper, or to find out more details about the upcoming sale, Lubbock Just Between Friends Spring 2016 Consignment Sale happening March 9 – 12 at the Lubbock Memorial Civic Center, visit their website at http://lubbock.jbfsale.com.

Parent Review: The Little Mermaid from Moonlight Broadway

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Catch a Family Gem Under the Sea! Weekend performances through Sunday February 21.

Crystal Sharadin as Ariel in the Lubbock Moonlight Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Moonlight Musicals Facebook.

We all know, as parents, that the very best information we receive comes from other parents! So to help spread the word on some of our favorite local events and activities, we’re kicking off a new segment on LubbockForKids.com that features the best reviews from area parents! Got an idea for a scoop? Share it with us and we’ll check it out! Interested in writing a review? Contact us and let’s blog! And this month’s review from our newest blog contributor Rebekah features one of our favorite local events (and the perfect Valentine treat for families!)… the latest performance from Moonlight Musicals’ Moonlight Broadway series: The Little Mermaid.

Jeron Robinson as Flounder in the Lubbock Moonlight Broadway production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Moonlight Musicals Facebook

by Rebekah Gillespie

Are you looking for a magical experience full of wonder and excitement? Lubbock Moonlight Musicals is presenting Disney’s The Little Mermaid February 12-14, 19-21. This production is delightful entertainment for the entire family. The vibrant colors of the set and the exquisite costumes captivate the audience as well as the outstanding performance by the cast. This is the perfect venue for little girls to dress up in their favorite princess costumes or even as Princess Ariel. The cast is even available after the show to take pictures with the entire family.

Annie Nichols as Ursula in Lubbock Moonlight Broadway's production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Facebook.

Ann Marie Nichols as Ursula in Lubbock Moonlight Broadway’s production of The Little Mermaid. Photo from Moonlight Musicals Facebook.

Parent Pointers

It is important to mention to arrive extra early if you have tickets at will call or are purchasing tickets the day of the performance. Also, if you have higher seats you may want to bring binoculars or opera glasses to get a closer look at the action on stage. However, they are not necessarily needed because every seat in the theater has a clear view of the stage. I would also recommend selecting seats that are near the isle if you are bringing little children who may need frequent bathroom breaks during the performance. The production is approximately two to three hours long with an intermission but smaller children may get restless. You can get ticket information as well as upcoming productions by visiting the Lubbock Moonlight Musicals website. Whether you are a season ticket holder or a first time attendee, you will not be disappointed by the this production. Reserve your tickets today and experience life under the sea with Lubbock Moonlight Musical’s The Little Mermaid.

Photo by Rebekah Gillespie

Just the Facts!

When: Friday & Saturday 2/12 & 2/13 at 7:30pm, Sunday 2/14 at 2pm then Friday 2/19 at 7:30pm and Saturday & Sunday 2/20 & 2/21 at 2pm.
Where: Lubbock Memorial Civic Center Theatre at 1501 Mac Davis Lane, Lubbock.
How: Tickets available at Select-A-Seat locations, online, or by calling 806-770-2000. Prices range from $25-$35 for children 2-12 years of age and $25-$65 for adults.
Length: Lasts approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes with a 20 minute intermission.
Age: Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Planning to go? Let us know how you like the show! Write your reviews below.

Rebekah is a blogger and mom of 2 who has recently embraced Lubbock and the Hub City area as her home. You can reach her by leaving a response on this blog article. Find her at HubCityMom.com

Golly gee! It's "Annie" at the City Bank Auditorium!

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Catch America’s little sweetheart {just in time for Valentine’s Day!} in the original Broadway musical version through Saturday.

Gilgamesh Taggett as Oliver Warbucks and Issie Swickle as Annie in “I Don’t Need Anything But You.” Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

From the comic strip in 1924, to the Broadway musical introduced in 1997, and on the movie screen in 1982…. Annie has become a part of our lives. We all remember the songs and the adorable little girl with red curls and best friend Sandy the Dog! We’ve been inspired by her spirit, and now we have the chance to share that experience with our own children. Celebrity Attractions with Civic Lubbock Inc. is bringing the Tony Award-winning production to Lubbock’s City Bank Auditorium through Saturday.

Come on… you know you’re already humming “It’s the Hard Knock Life,” or “Tomorrow!” The performance is full of children (amazingly talented children!) and a sweet puppy who will capture the attention and hearts of kids of all ages. Seeing other children on stage is inspirational for our kids who are interested in the arts and the perfect opportunity to encourage appreciation of the arts in each child. This is a full, Broadway production receiving rave reviews across the country!

Parent Pointers

In case you haven’t seen it before, the musical is quite different from the movie – a few new songs and no helicopter scene to name a few – so parents may want prepare children who may be expecting to see a re-enactment of the movie. Another reminder for parents to be aware of is the context of the movie. It takes place during the Great Depression and centers around a child whose parents have died and is being supervised by questionable adults who make poor decisions and mistreat the children. A bit of history of that time period may help some kids better understand the plot and parents may want to be prepared for any concerns they may have relating to how the children were treated at the orphanage.

(l to r) Isabel Wallach as Duffy, Lilly Mae Stewart as Molly, LillyBea Ireland as Tessie, Issie Swickle as Annie, Angelina Carballo as July, Sydney Shuck as Kate and Adia Dant as Pepper in “It’s The Hard Knock Life.” Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show

To get the family humming and ready to see the show, watch the 1982 movie Annie… always perfect for a family movie night! Another fun idea is to checkout the ANNIE the Musical website and their social media … your kids can see what the touring kids are up to and how they have fun and practice between shows. It’s also full of fun trivia. By the time you see the show, they’ll feel like family! And keep an eye out for Ms. Pugh… she is played by Theresa Rowley from Amarillo!

Issie Swickle as Annie and Sunny as Sandy in “Tomorrow.” Photo Credit: Joan Marcus.

Just the Facts!

When: Friday January 29 at 7:30pm, Saturday January 30 at 2pm and at 7:30pm.
Where: City Bank Auditorium at 2720 Drive of Champions, Texas Tech Campus, Lubbock.
How: Tickets available at Select-A-Seat locations, online, or by calling 806-775-2242. Prices range from $30-$65.
Length: Lasts 2 hours and 20 minutes with a 20 minute intermission.
Age: Recommended for ages 5 and up.
Why: To enjoy a great family outing and experience Broadway on the South Plains!

Planning to go? Let us know how you like the show! Write your reviews below.

Fol-De-Rol & Fiddle-Dee-Dee…Cinderella is a must-see! Catch this charming, family-friendly musical through July 17th.

Parent Pointers

Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show

Just the Facts!

Catch a Family Funtastical Show Under the Stars! Friday & Saturday performances through June 25th. Performances added Thurs June 30th & Friday July 1st!

Parent Pointers: Here are a few tips to make your experience more enjoyable.

Preparing for the show:

Just the Facts!

Why Raising A Financially Responsible Child is Important and How To Start

Catch a Family Gem Under the Sea! Weekend performances through Sunday February 21.

Parent Pointers

Just the Facts!

Catch America’s little sweetheart {just in time for Valentine’s Day!} in the original Broadway musical version through Saturday.

Parent Pointers

Fun Ways to Prepare for the Show

Just the Facts!

Why Raising A Financially Responsible Child is Important
and How To Start