Nickelodeon's Story Time Live
This September, our favorite Nickelodeon Jr. characters are coming to Kansas City in an all new show for preschoolers! Your child’s favorite pals will be live on stage at The Midland, September 18-19. The show is hosted by Moose and Zee who will take your family on adventures as you visit Fairytale Land with “Dora the Explorer,” journey through Filthingham with “The Backyardigans,” explore Wonderland with “Wonder Pets!,” and join the Monkey King’s celebration with “Ni Hao, Kai-lan.” We, at KCParent.com, had an exclusive interview with the show Director Sam Scalamoni, who is father of the show’s two biggest fans! Follow Kansas City Parent Magazine on Facebook to learn how you can win FREE tickets!
KCP: What makes this show stand out as a great family attraction?
Sam: The show features four mini-musicals all based on actual television episodes with favorite preschool characters. Children learn valuable lessons about fear from Kai-lan, the importance of cleanliness from the Backyardigans, the value of friendship and helping others from the WonderPets, and the fun of imagination and adventure from Dora.
KCP: What are some of the special effects the audience will enjoy during the show?
Sam: Kai-lan actually flies during his story as he brings the pandas to the Monkey King’s Castle, but my favorite special effect is Dora’s transformation into a princess in her fairytale adventure. The show uses a lot of sets, lighting effects, music and projection to enhance the show and make it more exciting. This truly is a Broadway show for young children.
KCP: Preschoolers love to wiggle… will they be expected to sit still during the 90 minute production?
Sam: No, that’s part of the fun! The entire show is interactive and audience participation is strongly encouraged. The kids love to shout out answers, dance, sing, clap, jump, and move to the music. For many families, this is the first theatrical experience for their children. We love that it is interactive, but includes all the fun of live theater as well. You’ll love the preshow music, curtain call, and special effects. One of the most fun elements of the performance is after the curtain call, which is an interactive performance with all the characters as they sing the song, “Shout” from the 60s… so every generation is enjoying it! Be sure to stay until the very end.
KCP: Do you have tips for parents bringing their children to the show?
Sam: Make sure your kids are familiar with the characters. Watch some episodes in advance. If they’ve never been to a live event, DON’T encourage them to sit still and be quiet for our show… ENCOURAGE them to interact and participate. As parents, you should interact as well. The kids are there to have fun and enjoy.
KCP: What will loyal fans of the characters think of their stories on stage?
Sam: Kevin VelAgilua helped write and develop the show with the team from Nickelodeon. The show segments were written by the television writers, so it keeps the authentic feel everyone has come to know and love. Nickelodeon invested in a great team to put together a fun, fresh, and exciting touring show.
KCP: What was your goal for the production?
Sam: I wanted to give families value… 4 shows in 1. This production is very fast paced and constantly moving, while teaching wonderful lessons to the children. Best of all, the parents enjoy it as well and love watching their children in awe of the magic. The story is full of humor to entertain the children and the adults.
KCP: How do fans buy tickets?
Sam: The show will be in Kansas City September 18-19 at The Midland with many performances all weekend long! Buy tickets at www.NickLiveTour.com! We hope to see you at the show!