New York's Off Broadway Theatre Welcomes Kids and Parents: $8 Kids Tix

The non-profit TaDa! Youth Theater was recently recognized by the New York Drama Desk committee (the only youth theater so recognized) with a Special Award for "providing an invaluable contribution to the future of the theater” – the first time a youth theater has ever received this honor.

In their celebratory 25th year, the company's latest production is entitled "The Little House Of Cookies."  This sweet sounding show has a book by Janine Nina Trevens, music and lyrics by Joel Gelpe and is directed by Janine Nina Trevens, with choreography by Joanna Greer and musical direction by Jim Colleran.

An adaptation of Eleanor Clymer's The Tiny Little House, "The Little House Of Cookies" follows some neighborhood kids as they come up with the idea to use an abandoned house as a 'boys-only' clubhouse. But this house has a different plan; when they try to enter, the door becomes too small for them. However, Jane and Alice have no problem turning the house into a homemade cookie shop. That is, until the mean old landlord arrives to collect rent.

The first TaDa! show I saw was "Everything About School (Almost)" back in 2007, and it gave a fun flashback perspective on the lives of eight graduating high school seniors. Although the audience at my visit seemed to be mostly children around the ages 6-12, older teens enjoyed the comical perspective of high-school life presented by real-life high-schoolers in this musical. I was impressed that "Everything About School (Almost)" was able to humorously capture the school-lives of children in public school. And it's all done in creative songs and choreographed dance routines, a TaDa! hallmark.

"The Little House Of Cookies" is designed for grownups escorted by kids ages 3+. It is running in New York from July 10 to August 1, 2009. Performances are scheduled Tuesday-Friday at 12noon  and 2PM; Saturdays at 2PM and 4PM.  The cost of tickets is very reasonable: $20 for adults and $8 for children.

The theater also runs 45-minute workshops for toddlers and caregivers on Saturdays, and week-long camps each summer with full-day drama programs. Teens interested in becoming a star -- with a place to stay in New York City -- can try out for the company's Resident Youth Ensemble or One-Act Playwrighting Contest and become involved in theatre that way. Extra fees apply but it's very reasonable.

The TaDa! youth theater is located at 15 West 28 Street between Broadway and 5th Avenue in New York City.  For more information on shows, to buy tickets, learn about auditions and what else is happening there, visit the TaDa! web site www.tadatheater.com