Sharing joyous music is one of the great privileges of being an involved grandparent. Early winter brings out some of the best family-friendly musical entertainment options in metro Atlanta, so take advantage!
Here are three possibilities that gleefully blend nostalgia, fresh stories for familiar characters and modern technology.
You’ll be glad you took the time to make melodious memories. Kids grow up so fast!
‘American Girl Live!’ at Atlanta Symphony Hall
4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 24, starting at $29.50, Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall, 1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
Presented by the Fox Theatre and Delta Atlanta Symphony Hall LIVE, this upbeat new national touring show has a live cast portraying American Girl dolls.
Its message is 100 percent positive friendship, complete with dancing and catchy pop songs including “Best Friends,” “Dare to Dream,” and “Girl Power.”
If your grandkids are fans of the historical doll line, they’ll recognize such characters as including Claudie from the 1920s; Melody from the ‘60s; and Nicki from the late ‘90s. This may be a fun trip to sponsor for your kids, too, if they went through an American Doll phase — or are still in it.
Buy tickets here.
Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland
6-10 p.m. nightly through Jan. 7, per car starting at $39.95, Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center, 2245 Callaway Rd. SW, Marietta.
If your family celebrates Christmas, holiday tunes are another favorite with most kids. Share the job at this new-to-Marietta light show that synchronizes the displays to music you listen to via the car radio.
In other words, you can belt out your favorites at full volume from a private, comfortable space and teach the grandkids the wrong words if you like.
When someone in your group has limited mobility or a young child is hard to track in big crowds, this could be a great way to feel festive without exhausting yourselves. And don’t worry about disappointing the wide-eyed little kids once you’ve made plans since the show goes on rain or shine.
You can look forward to 50-foot trees, a 300-foot kaleidoscope tunnel and a reindeer flight school, along with other built-to-order displays.
Buy tickets here, from your car online at the venue, or with cash or credit at the ticket booth.
‘Into the Burrow: A Peter Rabbit Tale’ musical at Alliance Theater
1 or 3:30 p.m., Saturday or Sunday, Nov. 25-26, $10 ages 3-17, $20 adults, 2 and under free, Hertz Stage at the Alliance Theater,1280 Peachtree St NE, Atlanta.
This is the world premiere of a musical twist on the Peter Rabbit stories by Beatrix Potter.
The plot revolves around a surprise birthday party for Peter, and he and his woodland friends must face their fears to thwart the dreaded Mr. MacGregor.
The production features original songs. The costumes will intrigue young kids and possibly inspire them to create their own (with grandma and grandpa’s help, of course.)
If you’re new to taking little ones to stage shows, this is a solid gateway to theater appreciation. Not only is the show light and fun, but no one (adults or kids) will have time to get bored since the show runs just 45 minutes.
There are only a few more weeks before the production closes, so don’t delay.
Reserve and pay for tickets here.
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