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Broadway Now For The Whole Family

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By KEVIN WALKER

kwalker@tampatrib.com

Published: October 12, 2008

Getting kids into sports? Easy. Just go outside and play a game. Books? Hit the library. Music? There's a variety of music flowing out of your radio 24/7.

But theater? That's a bit more difficult. Few "high" cultural events are aimed at children, and those that are can be expensive.

The Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center is hoping to step into the gap, offering "Broadway Family Nights" for five musicals, each of which is considered a classic, having withstood the test of time and changing tastes. It starts Wednesday with "The Wizard of Oz," which is about ... well, come on. Everyone knows what "The Wizard of Oz" is about.

Here's the only catch: The ticket for the child (12 and younger) is free with the purchase of an adult ticket.

See, it's actually a good catch this time.

"When we looked at the lineup we have, it just seemed like an amazing opportunity to have a special program that offers these wonderful shows for families to enjoy together," said Judy Lisi, president of the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center. "Times are tough right now, and so we hope this offer will convince parents - maybe even some who wouldn't have come themselves - to bring their children to these shows."

Why expose children to culture? "I've been in the arts my whole life," said Lisi. "I've seen how the arts can uplift children, help them see beyond their immediate surroundings and realize that they are part of whole community, a larger world."

As is the case with most of the shows, there will be a question-and-answer session with the cast after the show on Wednesday. Adult ticket prices for the Broadway series vary between shows. For information, contact the box office at (813) 229-7827.

The other family nights are:

Nov. 5: "The Phantom of the Opera"

Dec. 10: "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang"

June 12: "Annie" (This is the only show without a scheduled post-show talk with the cast.)

June 19: "Stomp"

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