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Pittsburgh International Children's Festival Preview

Pittsburgh International Children's Festival
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust

803 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 471-6070
www.pghkids.org

Date: May 16 to May 20
Hours: Wed to Fri – 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sat – 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sun – 1p.m.to 6 p.m.

Price: $8 "Cinderella," "Dudes," "Origami," "World of Rhythm" and "Plop!"/$5 Mirazo/festival packages $14 per person two performances/$18 per person three performances/$24 per person four performances/$30 per person five performances

Click here for a calendar of events

Parking
Carnegie Museum Parking Garage (intersection of Forbes Avenue and S. Craig Street)/Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall Garage (enter on Bigelow Blvd between Fifth Avenue and Forbes Avenue). Additional parking areas are: Forbes Semple Garage, 410 Meyran Ave.; Sennot Square Garage, 220 Oakland Ave.; Teris Parking, 4400 Bigelow Blvd.

The Children's International Festival is conveniently located in the green spaces surrounding Schenley Plaza and the University of Pittsburgh. The festival presents an award-winning array of high-caliber performing artists in a theatrical setting that is one of only four of its kind. The performers cover a wide gamut of interests that include music, make believe, comedy, magic and a light show. The festival provides young people with artsy, educational opportunities, and the outdoor grounds make for a wonderful place to share experiences with the performers.

cinderella- PGH
Photo Credit: pghkids.org

Cinderella (Shona Reppe Puppets, Scotland)
Frick Fine Arts Auditorium

Age Groups: 4 to 5 years, 6 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years

This one-woman puppet show is a fairy tale filled with imagination, magic and serious effort to get to the prince on time for the ball before midnight. The performance combines simple storytelling with inventive images to engage kids' curiosity and imagination. It emphasizes that things aren't always as they seem. Look for the drawers, doors and props to take your imagination to a new level of excitement.

Dudes - PGH KIds
Photo credit: pghkids.org

Dudes (Beumer and Drost, Netherlands)
Henry Heymann Theater

Age Groups: 6 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years

Imagine a wealth of lockers hiding a man offering heaps of comedy, puppets and songs. The cast is energetic and hilarious, and the multi-talented performers display their skills in music, singing, comedy and juggling skills during action-packed scenes in a small locker room.

origami-tales-2012-221x311
Photo Credit: pghkids.org

Origami Tales (Kuniko Theatre, Japan/USA)
Bellefield Hall Auditorium

Age Groups: 4 to 5 years, 6 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years

Watch in amazement as folded paper takes many forms. Kuniko is a versatile artist of Origami who embraces the audience with her deft skills and soothing body language as she tells stories of magical people and places. Watch the character masks, puppets, flowers and dragons meld into stories in an amazing display of coordination and music, which guarantees audience participation as children learn about Japanese culture and the art of Origami.

miracoco-2012-221x311
Photo Credit: pghkids.org

Mirazozo (Architects of Air, Nottingham, UK)
Cathedral of Learning Lawn

All ages

Imagine a space the size of the Pittsburgh Steelers football field filled with glaring lights where dazzling colors bouncing off from panel to panel. The luminara is a stimulating light show designed as a place of rest and meditation. Wander through a labyrinth of tunnels and cavernous domes, while moving along vivid reflections of liquid color and curved walls.

plop-2012-221x311
Photo Credit: pghkids.org

Plop! (Windmill Theatre, South Adelaide, Australia)
Cathedral of Learning Studio Theater

Age Groups: 1 to 3 years, 4 to 5 years

This theatrical performance explores the scary and shows children how to be brave. Enjoy the fusion of culture and live theater brought to life through the senses and emotions. Children leave seeing scary from a whole new perspective.

World of Rhythm (Drums Unlimited)
Bellefield Hall Auditorium

Age Groups: 6 to 7 years, 8 to 10 years

World of Rhythm highlights the power of music by blending genres from hip-hop to multicultural sounds in an amazing display of percussion performers. Featuring nine percussionists from seven countries, this show promises a thrilling spectacle. It boasts the world's hottest drum rhythms in a magnetic performance of blended percussion in a non-stop show led by electrifying DJ action.

Related: Indoor Activities for Kids and Families Near Pittsburgh

Where to Stay
Morning Glory Inn
2119 Sarah St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 431-1707
www.gloryinn.com

The inn is located on the South Side in a diverse, dynamic and eclectic neighborhood that is close to shopping, dining, jazz clubs and art galleries. This Italiante building is steeped in history, and the Victorian brick and ornamental designs make it a neighborhood landmark. The courtyard is a haven for comfort in the hospitality of an Old World experience. Rooms here are well appointed with soothing colors, floral designs, large seating areas, fireplaces and views of the garden. A gourmet breakfast is a perfect way to start the day in the garden area or in the comfort of your room.

Dining
Church Brew Works
3525 Liberty Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15201
(412) 688-8200
www.churchbrew.com/

Church is more than an award-winning beer venue; it's actually a refurbished church. Even though the hand crafted beers are carried in 11 counties, the menu is appealing to both the lunch and dinner crowd. The comfortable seating arrangement made from pews of the church, pillars and lanterns make for a unique culinary and cozy experience.

Related: Which Family Friendly Activity Would you Prefer?

Gerry Cernicky is a retired health and physical education teacher with 36 years of experience. He is a former teacher of the year and a sports writer for the Vandergrift News. He delivers podcasts, and maintains a website and blog. He currently resides in Pittsburgh. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

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