From Beauty and the Beast to bunraku puppet theater to Caspar Babypants, ParentMap’s spring arts preview gives you the lowdown on the highlights of family theater and music over the next few months. Read on and mark your calendars! (Did we miss something? Email calendar@parentmap.com.)
March Events for Kids and Families
The Adventures of Peter Rabbit and His Friends, March 2–18
Four delightful tales told on stage in this original adaptation for all ages. Youth Theatre Northwest, $10. [MERCER ISLAND]
Doktor Kaboom, March 2
A recent sellout at the Kennedy Center, Doktor Kaboom keeps his audience riveted with interest and rolling with laughter while exploring the fascinating truths of science. Knutzen Family Theater, $5–$10. [FEDERAL WAY]
Book-It Theatre’s Family Fun Day: Wilma Unlimited, March 3
A 35-minute performance about African-American Olympian Wilma Rudolph in the mid–20th century. Plus, theme-related crafts and a post-show drama workshop. Center House Theatre, $10–$12. [SEATTLE CENTER]
Caspar Babypants, March 3
Chris Ballew plays at Northgate Community Center, part of the Haller Lake Arts Council series, free. [NORTHGATE]
Carnival, March 4
Tacoma Youth Symphony plays Dvořák’s “Carnival” Overture and other pieces. Rialto Theatre, $6–$17. [TACOMA]
Hanako and the Cherry Tree, March 3–4, 10–11, 16–18
Humor, danger and excitement fill this tall tale told by bunraku puppet company Thistle Theatre, $8–$9. [BELLEVUE, SAND POINT, BALLARD]
The Odyssey, March 3–18
Carter Family Puppets bring the famous tale of Odysseus to life with inspiration from the great Karagiozis (traditional Greek shadow masters). Northwest Puppet Center, $8.50–$10.50. [NORTHGATE]
The Frog Prince, March 4, 11
A princess needs a miracle and finds it in the shape of a very large frog who offers to help — but only in exchange for a promise. StoryBook Theater, $9–$10. [SEATTLE, EVERETT]
Imagination Theater, March 5
The magic of live radio drama, with live sound effects and captivating mysteries. Kirkland Performance Center, $9. [KIRKLAND]
Keith Highlanders Pipe Band Live, March 8–10
A unique celebration of Celtic music and culture. Kirkland Performance Center, $15–$20. [KIRKLAND]
Urinetown, March 9–25
In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. A hero decides he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom. Ages 10 and older. Youth Theatre Northwest, $13–$15. [MERCER ISLAND]
The Dancing Princess, March 9–25
A successful dragon slayer tries to find out why the princess’ shoes keep wearing out, so that he may win half of the kingdom and the princess’s hand in marriage. SecondStory Repertory, $5–$10. [REDMOND]
The Color Purple, March 9–April 1
A musical adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize–winning novel. Ages 13 and older. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, $20–$27. [TACOMA]
The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra, March 10
Benjamin Britten’s delightful set of variations on a theme explores the families of that make up the orchestra. Ages 5–12. Benaroya Hall, $15–$20. [SEATTLE]
Eric Ode, March 10
The folk musician plays as part of the Kids’ Cove monthly concert series. Center Court at Bellevue Square, free. [BELLEVUE]
Kids Rock Series, March 10, 24
Brainy kindie band The Board of Education plays witty songs for kids, March 10; schoolteachers turned rock stars Recess Monkey rock out on March 24. Mount Baker Community Club, $6–$12. [MOUNT BAKER]
Junie B. Jones, March 11
A colorful, funny, fast-paced musical about new friends, new glasses, kickball and other various first-grade angst-ridden situations. Everett Civic Auditorium, $15. [EVERETT]
EMG Discovery: Education of a Noble Child, March 11
A family music performance by the Early Music Guild. Town Hall Seattle, $5–$10. [FIRST HILL]
Erin Go Bragh, March 11
Master Chorus Eastside in a touching celebration of all things Celtic. Kirkland Performance Center, $15–$20. [KIRKLAND]
It Shoulda Been You, March 14–April 22
Two families at odds reluctantly make their way down the aisle — ultimately finding hope where they least expected it. Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, $22–$62. [ISSAQUAH]
Moisture Festival, March 15–April 18
Comedy/variété for all ages at interesting venues around town. Moisture Festival, $9–$22. Hale’s Palladium, Broadway Performance Hall, Georgetown Ballroom. [BALLARD, CAPITOL HILL, GEORGETOWN]
International Ballet Theatre’s Chipollino, March 16–18
The struggle of the underclass against the powerful, good versus evil and the importance of friendship in the face of difficulties — all illustrated in dance. Meydenbauer Center Theatre, $25–$50. [BELLEVUE]
The Drowsy Chaperone, March 16–31
A musical that addresses a great unspoken desire in all of our hearts: to be entertained. Ages 9 and older. Studio East, $12–$14. [KIRKLAND]
Kids Concerts: Sailing the Musical Sea, March 17
Favorite sea songs accompanied by a woodwind trio, featuring Lisa and Linda of Let Your Music Shine! And musicians from Tacoma Symphony Orchestra. $8.50. Theatre on the Square, Broadway Center for the Performing Arts. [TACOMA]
A Little Barn Moo-sic, March 17
Kindermusik’s Studio3Music educators introduce kids to a funny, sheepish story and instruments that sound like barnyard animals. Ages newborn–5. Benaroya Hall, $12. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
Snow White, March 17–18, 25
The students of Pacific Northwest Ballet School perform a brand-new, hourlong version of this beloved classic. McCaw Hall, $10–$67. [QUEEN ANNE]
Mamma Mia, March 20–25
A mother, a daughter, three possible dads — and a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget. The Paramount Theatre. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
Merry Fairy Tales, March 23–31
Classic characters from different fairy tales find themselves all mixed up in this delightful story. Bellevue Youth Theatre, $5–$12. [BELLEVUE]
Animal Farm, March 23–April 8
This dramatization remains faithful to the book’s plot and intent, and retains both its affection for the animals and the incisiveness of its message. Olympia Family Theater, $9–$16. [OLYMPIA]
The Lorax & the Sneeches and Other Stories, March 24
A fanciful journey to explore our responsibility to our environment and to one another, by Book-It Repertory Theatre. Shoreline Community College Theater, $7. [SHORELINE]
Saturday Family Concerts: Gustafer Yellowgold with Seattle Rock Orchestra, March 24
Infectious multimedia performance of music, animation and storytelling with the symphonic sounds of the Seattle Rock Orchestra. Town Hall Seattle, Free–$25. [FIRST HILL]
Alex Zerbe: Professional Zaniac, March 24
Comedy show that spotlights maneuvers such as juggling two pingpong balls with the mouth and harpooning vegetables launched from a giant slingshot. Auburn Avenue Theater, $6. [AUBURN]
South Pacific, March 24–April 1
A musical about two parallel love stories that are threatened by the dangers of prejudice and war. Kirkland Performance Center, $35–$37. [KIRKLAND]
Annie Jr., March 31
A shorter version of the favorite musical, featuring local kids. Theater on the Square, $18.50. [TACOMA]
The World of Beatrix Potter, March 31
Storyteller Debbie Dimitre brings to life the author and illustrator of the famous Peter Rabbit tales. Northgate Community Center, free. [NORTHGATE]
April Events for Kids and Families
Cinderella, April 6, 7
Missoula Children’s Theatre works with local school kids for one week to produce the show. Ages 5 and older. Knutzen Family Theater, $5–$10. [FEDERAL WAY]
Kids Rock Series, April 7, 21 
Smart, minimalistic music from Chris Ballew on April 7; Seattle-inspired garage-rock music from The Not-Its! on April 21. Mount Baker Community Club, $6–$12. [MOUNT BAKER]
Help, April 12–May 13
With songs performed live on stage, a show about the early collaboration of teens who became the most popular band in the world. Seattle Children’s Theatre, $15–$36. [SEATTLE]
Seussical Jr., April 13
A story centered around Horton the Elephant examines the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community. Auburn Avenue Theater, $6. [AUBURN]
Il Girello: The Wheel of Fortune, April 13–22
More than three centuries after Il Girello made history as the first marionette opera, it debuts in Seattle. Northwest Puppet Center, $28–$32. [NORTHGATE]
School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts, April 14
Prepare to be stunned and amazed as these fearless kids defy the challenge of gravity, time after time. Shoreline Community College Theater, $7. [SHORELINE]
Nancy Stewart, April 14
The award-winning singer-songwriter plays as part of the Kids’ Cove monthly concert series. Center Court at Bellevue Square, free. [BELLEVUE]
Cats, April 17–22
One of the longest-running shows in Broadway’s history. The Paramount Theatre. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
Beethoven’s Birthday Bear, April 20–21
Lisa and Linda of Let Your Music Shine! and the Seattle Symphony present a jolly birthday celebration featuring the music of Beethoven. Ages newborn–5. Benaroya Hall, $12. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
A Wrinkle in Time, April 20–May 6
Before Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, there was Madeleine L’Engle’s original youth sci-fi classic. Youth Theatre Northwest, $13–$15. [MERCER ISLAND]
Saturday Family Concerts: Johnny Bregar, April 21
Homegrown folk revival from a dad who knows how to get feet stomping. Town Hall Seattle, free–$5. [FIRST HILL]
Highlights from The Sleeping Beauty and Griffes, April 22
The best moments of the classical ballet, plus live musical accompaniment by Seattle Chamber Players of a brand-new piece to a score by Charles Griffes. Olympic Ballet Theatre, Edmonds Center for the Arts, $20–$30. [EDMONDS]
Damn Yankees, April 21–May 20
The Adler and Ross musical comedy about America’s favorite pastime. 5th Avenue Theatre, $35–$45. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
It Shoulda Been You, April 27–May 20
Two families at odds reluctantly make their way down the aisle – ultimately finding hope where they least expected it. Everett Performing Arts Center, $20–$56. [EVERETT]
The Lorax & the Sneeches and Other Stories, April 28
Book-It Repertory Theatre’s production of the fanciful journey to explore our responsibility to our environment and to one another. Center House Theatre, $7. [SEATTLE CENTER]
New West Guitar Group, April 28
Three young guitar virtuosos combine the different timbres of acoustic and electric guitars, creating a signature sound. Kirkland Performance Center, $22–$25. [KIRKLAND]
A Little Mermaid, April 28–29
In this original StoryBook Theater version, the audience will decide whether the Little Mermaid should keep her legs or high-tail it back to the sea. Carco Theatre, $9–$10. [RENTON]
The Burning House, April 29–May 11
An opera created for Hungary’s Royal Marionette Theater at Esterháza Palace, with splendid live Baroque music led by Margriet Tindemans. Northwest Puppet Center, $28–$32. [NORTHGATE]
May Events for Kids and Families
Much Ado About Nothing, May 4–6
The course of love may not always be easy, but it is hilarious in this classic Shakespearean comedy. Ages 9 and older. Studio East, $12–$14. [KIRKLAND]
Goldilocks and the Three Bears, May 4–5, 19–20, 26–27
The three bears are in Yellowstone Park, and Goldilocks and her pet duck stumble upon their campsite. By bunraku puppet company Thistle Theatre, $8–$9. [BALLARD, BELLEVUE, SAND POINT]
Beauty and the Beast, May 4–12
Kids of all ages will enjoy the non-Disney retelling of this classic tale of the cursed prince. Bellevue Youth Theatre, $10–$12. [BELLEVUE]
Happy Days: The Musical, May 4–27
The gang teams up to save the famed drive-in malt shop and number-one hangout, Arnold’s. Tacoma Musical Playhouse, $20–$27. [TACOMA]
Hot Cider String Band, May 5
Family-friendly bluegrass vocal numbers, fiddle tunes, including old time, swing, French Canadian and Scandinavian. Northgate Community Center, free. [NORTHGATE]
The Lorax & the Sneeches and Other Stories, May 5, 12
Book-It Repertory Theatre’s production of the fanciful journey to explore our responsibility to our environment and to one another. Center House Theatre, $7. [SEATTLE CENTER]
A Little Mermaid, May 5–13, 20
In this original StoryBook Theater version, the audience will decide whether the Little Mermaid should keep her legs or high-tail it back to the sea. StoryBook Theater $9–$10. [KIRKLAND, SEATTLE]
One Man Lord of the Rings, May 5
Charles Ross performs J.R.R. Tolkien’s entire Lord of the Rings trilogy on stage, in one hour. Theater on the Square, $42. [TACOMA]
Echoes of Eastern Europe, May 5
Tacoma Young Artists Orchestra plays Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 and other pieces. Rialto Theatre, $6–$17. [TACOMA]
Fancy Nancy and Other Story Books, May 6
Six delightful stories come to life in a new musical revue by New York’s TheatreworksUSA. Everett Civic Auditorium, $15. [EVERETT]
The Producers, May 9–July 1
Mel Brooks’ record-breaking, 12-time Tony Award–winning hit. Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, $22–$62. [ISSAQUAH]
Beauty & the Beast, May 11–27
Based on the famous fairy tale, Belle risks her life to save the life of her father and lives with a beast. SecondStory Repertory, $10. [REDMOND]
Brian Vogan, May 12
The songwriter, performer and early-childhood music teacher plays as part of the Kids’ Cove monthly concert series. Center Court at Bellevue Square, free. [BELLEVUE]
Swing Me Up and Swing Me Down, May 12
Kindermusik’s Studio3Music educators present members of the brass family and play games that teach high and low. Newborn–5. Benaroya Hall, $12. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
Saturday Family Concerts: Message from Guinea, May 12
A group of extraordinary Seattle-based West African artists spread a message of joy, unity and transformation. Town Hall Seattle, free–$5. [FIRST HILL]
The Lorax & the Sneetches and Other Stories, May 12
Book-It Repertory Theatre’s production of the fanciful journey to explore our responsibility to our environment and to one another. Auburn Avenue Theater, $6. [AUBURN]
Gypsy Nights, May 13
Tacoma Youth Symphony plays one of George Enescu’s Romanian rhapsodies and other pieces. Rialto Theatre, $6–$17. [TACOMA]
International Ballet Theatre Gala, May 18–19
IBT celebrates the art of dance with its annual gala, a magical wrap to the 2011–2012 season. Meydenbauer Center Theatre, $25–$50. [BELLEVUE]
Goodnight Moon, May 18–June 3
Join Bunny for a bowl of mush in the Great Green Room as he bids goodnight. Olympia Family Theater, $9–$16. [OLYMPIA]
Enchanted Tales, May 18–June 10
An original production with giants, princes and princesses, enchanted animals and heroic journeys. Ages 5 and older. Youth Theatre Northwest, $13–$17. [MERCER ISLAND]
Tutankhamun: The Golden King and The Great Pharaohs, May 24–Jan. 6
The much-anticipated show will feature more than 100 objects from King Tut’s tomb and ancient sites, representing some of the most important rulers throughout 2,000 years of ancient Egyptian history. Pacific Science Center, $15.50–$32.50. [SEATTLE CENTER]
Northwest Folklife Festival, May 25–28
Four days of music from around the world, with many opportunities to experience instruments, dancing and music firsthand. Northwest Folklife Festival, donation requested. [SEATTLE CENTER]
Disney’s My Son, Pinocchio, May 25–June 17
Join the Blue Fairy, Stromboli and a lively cast of characters as Geppetto journeys beyond the toy shop to discover what makes the “perfect child.” Ages 5 and older. Studio East, $12–$14. [KIRKLAND]
June Events for Kids and Families
Symphony Sing-along, June 9 
Sing favorite melodies and hear how they grow into symphonic themes in the music of Mozart, Tchaikovsky and Ives. Ages 5–12. Benaroya Hall, $15–$20. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
Recess Monkey, June 9
The schoolteachers turned rock stars play as part of the Kids’ Cove monthly concert series. Center Court at Bellevue Square, free. [BELLEVUE]
Wonderful World of Magic, June 12
This fundraiser for youth programs features clowns, jugglers, comedians and magicians. Kirkland Performance Center, $5/child, $49/family. [KIRKLAND]
A Percussion Picnic, June 22–23
Giggle and wiggle to classic tunes and original favorites with Lisa and Linda of Let Your Music Shine! and the Seattle Symphony. Ages newborn–5. Benaroya Hall, $12. [DOWNTOWN SEATTLE]
Missoula Children’s Theatre, June 23
Fifty local students will have the opportunity to work under the direction of two professional actor/directors on a fully staged, costumed theatrical production. Shoreline Center Auditorium, $7. [SHORELINE]
Elisa Murray, ParentMap’s Out + About editor, bookmarked far too many events she wants to attend while writing this article.
