Figaro! Figaro! Figaro!
As with most operas, the plot is complicated — mistaken identities, jealous lovers, intrigue — and it moves quickly. And the music is by Mozart — sparkling and accessible. If you’ve been thinking of taking your kids to the opera, you can get a great deal this month at Seattle Opera’s production of The Marriage of Figaro. At the family matinee on Sunday, May 10, youth ages 18 and younger get in for $15 with the purchase of an adult ticket. There’s an introductory lecture at 12:30 p.m., which kids attend for free (adults are $7). During intermission, cast members will be on hand for a meet-and-greet, and kids can play dress-up courtesy of the costume shop. Get tickets from Seattle Opera.
Farm boys (and girls).
The South 47 Farm throws open its gates to a new season this month with wagon rides around the property, music, treats and farm animals on view. While you’re there, buy seasonal produce — nice, fresh spinach, anyone? — from the farm stand, or pick some yourself in the U-pick fields. Saturday–Sunday, May 16–17, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Free admission. 15410 N.E. 124th St., Redmond. 425-869-9777.
Introducing . . . Giant Magnet!
The Seattle International Children’s Festival unveiled a new name this spring, bouncing a title that executive director Andrea Wagner called “limiting, long and wrong.” “Giant Magnet” better reflects the festival’s potential pull on the local imagination; with a lively lineup of international performers and special attractions for teens and adults, it’s not just kidstuff. Don’t miss Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia’s puppet interpretation of Eric Carle’s stories for little ones; older kids will be all over the weirdly wonderful Belgian circus-arts troupe Les Argonautes.
The fun begins on Tuesday, May 12 at the Seattle Center, and moves to Tacoma, where the festival celebrates 10 years of South Sound performances with “Ten Years in Tacoma, a Global Variety Show,” on Sunday–Monday, May 17–18. Get tix and look over the exciting schedule here.
