Performing Arts Guide-Family

Oct 8 at 10:15 am & 11:45 am JUNIE B. JONES Hurray, hurray! Junie B. Jones is finally graduating from kindergarten and is ready for first grade, at last! Follow her adventures as she writes everything down in her “top-secret personal beeswax” journal in this charming musical based on the books by Barbara Park. Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, 276-6750, www.thcenter.org

Oct 15- 16 SUPER SCIENTIFIC CIRCUS Mr. Fish and Trent the Mime prove that science can be fun using amazing circus skills involving boomerangs, bubbles, bull whips and magic to introduce the principles of friction, inertia, centripetal force, aerodynamics, sonic booms and ultraviolet light. Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Oct 24 at 3 pm SYMPHONIC SPOOKTACULAR Alien Encounter It’s a close encounter of the friendly kind when an alien drops in to visit the Jacksonville Symphony and leads kids through a concert that explains how the different instruments in an orchestra work and how they interact. Wear your costume! Pre-concert activities at 2 pm. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Oct 26 at 10:15 am PIGEON PARTY Mo Willem’s Pigeon is back and ready to party! Squeezing all the fun of the first three Pigeon books into one raucous production, this lively show for children is full of fun, feathers, laughter and excitement and features original music and lots of audience participation. Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, 276-6750, www.thcenter.org

Oct 27- Mar 18 ALICE IN WONDERLAND Join Alice, the Mad Hatter, White Rabbit and many more beloved characters in this adaptation of Lewis Carroll’s classic story. This show is perfect for pre-k and elementary school age children, and includes audience participation! Alhambra, 641-1212,www.alhambradinnertheatre.com

Oct 27 at 10:30 am & 7 pm YO GABBA GABBA! Live! The one-of-a-kind event includes music, animation, games, singing, dancing and offers audience members of all ages the opportunity to witness their favorite characters come to life with the magic words, “Yo Gabba Gabba!” Legendary rapper Biz Markie will teach kids how to beat box with Biz’s Beat of the Day. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Oct 29 & Feb 11 SWINGIN’ TO THE BEAT This fun, interactive and informative presentation by one of the top award-winning collegiate jazz bands and vocalists in the country will have kids boppin’ in their seats and swinging to the beat of America’s original art form- Jazz! UNF’s Lazzara Performance Hall, 620-1898, www.unf.edu/fineartscenter/Performances/School_Matinees.aspx

Nov 5 at 10 am & Noon LET FREEDOM RING From the arrival of the Pilgrims in 1620 to the era of industrialization at the turn of the 20th Century, this riveting true story is about ordinary people who accomplish extraordinary goals. The show brings history to life in a way that even the youngest of viewers can grasp and consider. Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Nov 5- 6 WINGS OF COURAGE Eugene Bullard’s story would be unbelievable if it were not all true. Who was this remarkable African-American? He went on to fame as a bandleader in Paris during the 1920s and was a spy against the Nazis. UNF’s Lazzara Performance Hall, 620-1898, www.madrivertheater.org/Wings_of_Courage.html

Dec 2- 12 RADIO CITY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Starring the Rockettes Fill your heart with Christmas as the world-famous Radio City Rockettes bring their eye-high kicks and a cast and crew of over 100 to town in the breathtaking Radio City Christmas Spectacular! Parents enjoy the flawless precision of the Rockettes and children thrill as Santa takes them on a magical ride to his workshop at the North Pole. Brilliantly grand and genuinely moving, the Radio City Christmas Spectacular creates family memories that last a lifetime! Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, 632-3373, www.artistseriesjax.org

Dec 5 at 3 pm THE POLAR EXPRESS The tale of a boy who still believes makes every child hope to hear the ringing of Santa’s bells. As images from the book are projected onto the stage, the words of this Caldecott Medal-winner come to life through the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, chorus and narrator. Pre-concert activities at 2 pm. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Dec 17 at 7:30 pm CLAY COUNTY CHRISTMAS The Thrasher-Horne Center once again assembles Clay County arts groups and ensembles for its premier holiday presentation of music, song and pageantry. Continuing this annual holiday tradition, Clay County Christmas will feature festive performances by the Clay County Community Band, the Celebration Choir of First Baptist Church of Orange Park, Diane Combs directing the Orange Park United Methodist Church Inspirations and others. Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park, 276-6750, www.thcenter.org

Jan 9- 10 GOLDEN DRAGON ACROBATS Golden Dragon Acrobats represent the best of a time-honored tradition that began more than twenty-five centuries ago. The Golden Dragons are recognized throughout the United States and abroad as the premiere Chinese acrobatic touring company of today. Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Jan 13- 14 TOYING WITH SCIENCE Garry Krinsky’s show is explores the scientific principles of gravity, leverage, fulcrums and simple machines. Combining circus skills, mime, original music and audience involvement, Garry and his audience investigate basic scientific information and delve into the imaginations of scientists who explore our world. UNF’s Lazzara Performance Hall, 620-1898, www.garrykrinsky.com

Jan 21- Feb13 WILLY WONKA Charlie finds the Golden Ticket and gets to go on a musical journey of Willy Wonka’s whimsical chocolate factory. Orange Park Community Theater, 276-2599, www.opct.org

Jan 23 at 3 pm THE TWINS AND THE MONSTER Young twins Azizi and Aziza work together to outwit a gruesome monster and bring peace to their village. Based on a traditional African folk tale, the young audience is swept away to a faraway land of dark forests, vast plains and spooky swamps. Pre-concert activities at 2 pm. Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org

Jan 25 at 10 am & Noon ANNE OF GREEN GABLES The classic tale of a young orphan girl whose dauntless spirit transforms her adoptive family is brought to life in this production of L. M. Montgomery’s beloved novel. This original musical delights young audiences with its celebration of the power of imagination and the importance of love and trust. Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Jan 28 at 10 am & Noon CRAYON COURT Through the use of crayons, the first items children use to express themselves artistically, this play brings to life colorful characters for a three dimensional tale. The story is set in a whimsical kingdom where the combination of art, color and music become the educational tools of the theme. Different types of puppetry and theatrical effects are used to portray the crayons’ personalities in living pictures. Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Feb 15- 20 CIRQUE DREAMS ILLUMINATION Marvel as 27 world-class artists illuminate objects, balance on wires, leap structures and redefine flight with entertaining variety, comedy and extraordinary occurrences that reinvent everyday life. Urban acrobatics, dazzling choreography and brilliant illusions are ignited by special effects performed to a stylish original score of jazz, salsa, ballroom, pop and trendy beats from the streets. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org

Feb 25 at 10 am & Noon HARRY THE DIRTY DOG Harry the Dirty Dog has captivated young people since 1956 with the misadventures of its lovable — if somewhat dingy — canine hero. The play will bring smiles to the faces of audiences everywhere with its fun-filled plot and inspiring message. Wilson Center for the Arts, 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY, www.artistseriesjax.org