BWW JR: A (Tooth) Fairy Tale

Thanks to Monica Marino from MarinoBambinos for this guest post!

We are big fans of the Vital Theatre and their productions that cater to the younger set. I have a five-year-old daughter and an almost three-year-old son and greatly enjoy exposing them to the theater. Since we had such a positive experience at Angela Ballerina last December, we were thrilled to attend the red carpet premiere of A (Tooth) Fairy Tale, by Ben H. Winters with music and lyrics by Rick-Hip Flores.

In this hour-long show, young Samuel is challenged by aspects of childhood (including what feels like a plethora of rules). This leads to a role-reversal with the over-extended Tooth Fairy when she appears one evening to collect his lost tooth. The switch-a-roo does not go as smoothly as predicted, sparking adventures and mishaps throughout New York City.

My children were thoroughly captivated by the energetic cast and their multiple role changes. When the tooth fairy first appeared from an unanticipated entry way, she elicited a chorus of "oohs and ahhs" from the young audience members. The timing couldn't have been better for my five-year-old as she is anxiously waiting to loose her first tooth. Although my son is below the recommended (4-12) age range, he has been able to sit quietly and enjoy family theater, and the pace of this performance kept him engaged and smiling. There was laughter, silliness and a lot of excitement, and I enjoyed the references to city life (specifically the Upper West Side where the Vital Theatre is located).

Best of all, like all of Vital shows, A (Tooth) Fairy Tale wraps up with a morally just take-home message. The theatre also facilitates interaction between the cast members and children with ample time for autograph signing and photo taking after the performance. It is an overall delight, concluding the 2012-2013 Vital Theatre season of family programming.

Performances run March 16 - April 18 on weekends at 11 am and 1pm, with special holiday performances on March 25 - 28, April 1 - 2 and 10. Tickets begin at $25 with premium seats at $30. For reservations, visit www.vital theatre.org, call (212) 579-0528, or visit the McGinn/Cazale box office at the Vital Theatre Company located at 2162 Broadway.