Hit the road with a toad
You gotta love a play that opens with the universal theme of
bailing out on spring cleaning to go on a road trip with a driver wholly
lacking in impulse control.
This weekend, the Rochester Children’s Theatre presents The Wind in the Willows. It’s Kenneth
Grahame’s timeless story of a toad whose “automobile inconveniences” cause him
to go from one big house — Toad Hall — to another — prison.
Buckle up! The sound and lighting effects put you in the
middle of the action when Toad hits the road and later stows away on a train.
My 9-year-old daughter observed, “Toad is funny and
shockingly smart. He thought of ways to trick everybody into doing what he
wants them to do.” I’m just glad I was the only one taking notes.
Despite his issues, Toad is loved by his friends. With their
help, Toad reclaims his home from a pack of weasels and learns the value of
friendship.
My daughter was thrilled when cast members danced through
the aisles during a couple of songs. The duet sang by the homesick Mole and Rat
also grabbed her attention. Like Sandy Cheeks’ song “Texas” in the seminal
Sponge Bob Squarepants episode addressing homesickness, this number proves love
of home and hearth transcends species classification.
The Wind in the
Willows will be performed at the Nazareth College Arts Center Saturday and
Sunday, May 21 and 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 at the box office. Info:
www.rochesterchildrenstheatre.org or call 385-0510.
— Linda Kostin (www.junkstorecowgirl.com)
This week for
families
Brighton Memorial
Library storytimes: Mondays 10 a.m. (ages 3-4), 10:30 a.m. (ages 1-2.5);
Thursdays 7 p.m. (families) | 2300 Elmwood Avenue. 784-5300,
www.brightonlibrary.org
Charlotte Puppet
Apprentices Mon, May 23. evening of puppet stories, Charlotte Branch
Library, 7 p.m. 428-8216
Father’s Leadership
Academy Thursdays, May 26-June 29. Parent Center, 30 Hart St, Rm 126, 6-8
p.m. Free. Register. 262-8456
Henrietta Public
Library storytimes: Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. (preschool). | 455 Calkins Rd.
359-7092
I’m Beautiful Essay
Contest for girls ages 11-17. Deadline: May 31. 482-6910
Ivan’s Three Wishes Wed, May 18. Catskill Puppet Theater, South
Bristol Cultural Center, 5 and 7 p.m. $5. 396-5950
Smoke, Fire and
Courage: A Tribute to Rochester’s Fire Fighting History Sat, May 21.
exhibit, kids activities, fire safety, Rochester Historical Society, 485 East
Ave, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. 271-2705
Summer Arts in Action
Program Scholarships summer arts camp for ages 4-12, Hochstein School.
454-4596, www.hochstein.org
YMCA Camp Arrowhead
Open House Wed, May 18. 20 Arrowhead Rd, Pittsford, 6 p.m. 383-4590
Make them work for it
Until now, I’ve placed strict limits — some parents, like
my husband, might say insane limits — on our kids’ media viewing. But they
might be old enough to see some violence and sexism without being scarred for
life. How to relax the rules and save face? I told them to convince me. In
writing.
From the 10-year-old: “I should watch The Simpsons for many reasons. I should watch it because it is a
very funny and hilarious show. Even though you might think that it is too
inappropriate for me, it isn’t. I know that because I hear more swears in this
house than in 100 seasons of The Simpsons.
I also enjoy the theme of a strange family with a kid who has a colorful
vocabulary. I like its ingenious role play and funny characters. In conclusion,
I think I should be able to watch The
Simpsons.”
From the 8-year-old: “I think I should watch Independence Day because it will help me
come up with ideas for my alien comics. Also, it will help me see the high-tech
machinery that the aliens use. If you feel bothered by the little violence I
can watch it during the day so I won’t have a bad dream. If I do get to watch
it, you can cover my eyes at the bad parts.”
Both essays are winners. But that doesn’t mean I have to
rent the movie or turn the TV on right away. Heh-heh…
— Jennifer Loviglio
This article appears in May 18-24, 2005.
