“I want to be a ‘singer-mommy’ when I grow up.” I had visions of four-year-old Nia at 30, singing a sultry rendition of The Little Mermaid, a diaper bag over her shoulder, holding a baby with one hand and a microphone with the other!

Television provides our children with images of glamorous singers, dancing ZOOM kids, and the Wiggles in campy, choreographed routines. But TV shows can never rival the experience of live theatre. At a live show children see performers as real people, learn about the performing arts, perhaps even chat with the performer after the show. Live theatre can give children an appreciation of performing artists in a way television can’t.

Performances at Providence Children’s Museum are a great way to introduce children to live theatre. The environment is supportive of young children (who are learning how to be part of an audience) and the financial commitment is considerably less than a ticket to PPAC or the Wang Center.

During this coming April school vacation the Children's Museum hosts performances from two well-known Rhode Island entertainers.

On Tuesday, April 19th, Sarah Salerno-Thomas brings her production of "The Singing Ringing Tree", a fairy tale about the transforming power of love in which 12 audience members become the stars of the show and use enchanting masks to play characters which include panthers, princes and pigs. Nothing is more interactive than a show in which the audience becomes the actors. There will be 2 shows at 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM

On Wednesday, April 20th, sing along with Christopher Kavi Carbone, the musical storyteller of light and warmth! Join in springtime stories and songs as Christopher plays harmonica, guitar and drums. Kids play a variety of rhythm instruments and create a performance that celebrates life itself! There will be 2 shows at 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM

Bring the kids to experience the passion and energy of live performance. See you at the show!

And while it's not exactly a singing and dancing show, on April 18th the Museum will play host to some of the most loveable creatures on earth when llamas and alpacas visit to show off their fleecy coats and expert spinner will show how to spin alpaca fleece into yarn.

With their delicate cloven hooves, enormous long-lashed eyes and sweet smile-like expressions these animals will enchant children of all ages. And what says spring is here more than a frisky little lamb? Meet the animals that give their soft wool to keep us warm, beautiful llamas from Llady Lloves Llamas Farm, and champion alpacas from Glen Ridge Farm and a young ewe with her month old spring lamb from Maybe Tomorrow Farm.

The Providence Children's Museum - Come play, come learn!

Louisa J. Kile is the Director of Education, Providence Children’s Museum. Photos courtesy of the Providence Children's Museum. You can vist the Providence Children's Museum at 100 South Street, in Providence's "Jewelry District". You can call them at 401-273-KIDS or visit their website at www.childrenmuseum.org

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