Top Upcoming Children's Shows In South Florida

The summer is the season for concerts and music festivals for the adults but the little ones haven't been forgotten. Summer in South Florida is filled with plenty of activities for children including high-caliber shows at local theaters and performing arts centers. There are options suitable for toddlers and older children such as "Rapunzel" at the Broward Center for Performing Arts as well as shows that appeal to older children and preteens such as the "American Idol Live! Tour 2014." Ticket prices are suitable and groups may be organized for children to go with summer camps, field trips, et al.

"Pinocchio"
Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Mile Theatre
280 Miracle Mile
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(305) 444-9293
www.actorsplayhouse.org

Date: Through Aug. 2, 2014

Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Mile Theatre presents a children's musical theatre presentation throughout most of the summer. This summer's focus is an adaptation of "Pinocchio" based on Carlo Collodi's book from the late 1800s. Pinocchio embarks on a number of misadventures as his father Geppetto the Puppetmaker tries to keep him safe from harm. A July 26^th performance is specially designed so that the sounds, lights and other pertinent elements of the show are modified to be comfortable for children with autism and other sensory disorders to enjoy.

"Rapunzel"
Amaturo Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 S.W. 5th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 462-0222
www.browardcenter.org

Date: July 17-19, 2014 at 11:30 a.m.

A very special adaptation of "Rapunzel" is set to appear at the Amaturo Theater for three days of performances. The fairy tale will be recreated as never before from a book and lyrics by two of the creators of the hit show "Friends" as performed by the Young Professionals Touring Group. The classic story is modified to share themes with both parents and children on the joys and difficulties of growing up. There are a few shows each day and lap tickets for children under one year of age are available for sale as well.

"American Idol Live! Tour 2014"
Au-Rene Theater at Broward Center for the Performing Arts
201 S.W. 5th Ave.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
(954) 462-0222
www.browardcenter.org

Date: July 19, 2014 at 8 p.m.

The wildly popular singing competition reality show, "American Idol," returns for another summer tour. The 2104 tour will feature live performances by the Top Ten Finalists from Season 13 – Alex Preston, Caleb Johnson, C.J. Harris, Dexter Roberts, Jena Irene, Jessica Meuse, Majesty Rose, Malaya Watson, MK Nobilette and Sam Woolf. The performance offers a healthy range of ticket prices including club level tickets and various VIP packages that include such options as front row or meet-and-greet seats. One dollar of every purchased ticket will be donated to The Melanoma Research Alliance.

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"Disney's Mulan Jr."
Miami Children's Theater
11155 S.W. 112th St.
Miami, FL 33176
(305) 274-3595
www.miamichildrenstheater.com/2014-15-season

Date: July 12, 19, 2014 at 2 p.m.

Miami Children's Theater's Summer Special for 2014 is "Disney's Mulan Jr." The show's schedule includes several performances through July 25 including morning performances for field trips, summer camps and any guests who would prefer to enjoy the show earlier in the day. "Mulan Jr." is an exciting, action-filled stage version of Disney's hit film, "Mulan." It's a thrilling production with a large cast and wonderful music from the movie including "Honor To Us All" and "Reflection."

"Shrek The Musical"
Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre
2542B E. Sunrise Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
(954) 763-6882
www.flct.org

Date: July 11-20, 2014

The Galleria Mall is home to the Fort Lauderdale Children's Theatre, a seasoned theatre locale and source for theatre and art classes celebrating its 62nd season. July brings two back-to-back weekends of Friday-to-Sunday performances of "Shrek the Musical." "Shrek the Musical" is based on the book and the blockbuster DreamWorks film. The story is centered around a lovable ogre and a host of fairytale characters – Puss In Boots, Gingy (The Gingerbread Man), Humpty Dumpty and many more.

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Chanoa Chen is a Fashion Merchandiser, Freelance Writer and Blogger. Chanoa has contributed stories to top firms including QVC Insider Germany and regularly contributes to CBS Local Miami and Examiner.com. She may be reached via: bokilovellc@gmail.com.