Cinderella and Her Barely Godmother

Every summer we enjoy the theatre hikes. The July hike is Cinderella and her Barely Godmother. This season one performance was offered at a historic par. Since it’s much closer to home, I decided we’d see what it was like.

Just as we arrived it started to rain. We checked in and were greeted by some of the staff we know. One was the hike leader and the other was taking photos (although she also wrote and directed the play). It’s always fun to see them.

The start time of the show was delayed about ten minutes while it rained. By then it lightened up and the show started. By the second scene, the rain had stopped and it turned out to be a nice evening.

The show was fun. It was silly and surprising. Marina loved the scene in Godmother School where the actors were dressed like wizards from Harry Potter.

After the show we took photos with the cast and talked with them for a while. By then Marina was completely exhausted and ready to go home after a very long day.

Jack and the Beanstalk

Marina and I have many summer traditions. One is going on theatre hikes. The first play of the season, Jack and the Beanstalk, opened this weekend. We usually go later in the season, but as we seem to be getting busier and busier, I thought we would go early this year.

We got an early start and had a fairly easy trip. We found a place to park for the park shuttle. We were waiting for a little while, so we talked with the volunteers who were there. They showed us a free photo booth, so we tried it out.

After being dropped off by the shuttle, we went to the picnic shelter to check in. Our hike guide was an actress who had been in The Oddest Sea two years ago. As usual, Marina liked hanging out with our guide throughout the hike.

The show was a bit darker than others we have seen and Marina seemed to pick that up. But she enjoyed the show. At the end of the show we took pictures with the cast.

Irish Tales Along the Trails

We go on a theatre hike with every summer. This year they did two different plays. In July they are presenting Irish Tales Along the Trails. So, we went to see that one today.

The July hikes start an hour earlier than the ones in June. So we had to leave the house pretty early. We arrived and saw we knew our hike leader. He recognized us right away.

Today was a hot day. Even with the earlier start it was tougher to do the hike. Fortunately most of the scenes were played in shady areas. But Marina and I were wiped out by this one. The play was a collection of funny Irish stories. We enjoyed them. Afterwards Marina got a photo with the cast.

We had heard there was good ice cream at the General Store at the park, so we stopped by there after the hike while we rested a bit. Then we took the shuttle to our car. Then we headed home and chilled out for the rest of the day.

Robin Hood Hike

We made an early start today for our annual tradition – a theatre hike. They are presenting two plays this summer. Today was The Commedia of Robin Hood. Marina wore her green felt hat that she received at another Robin Hood show we saw years ago.

We had an easy drive and then caught the shuttle to the Park. We arrived early and talked with the organizers for a while. There was a large group who arrived late, so we didn’t leave on time.

The show was fun and the hike wore us out. As the performance ended, we heard thunder and it began to rain. As we walked back to the picnic shelter, the rain got harder and harder. Marina used our blanket to cover her head. A couple we met on the hike shared their cover with me. By the time we got to the shelter, we were both soaked.

We waited for the rain to let up before catching the shuttle back to the car. We picked up lunch before driving back home.

The Oddest Sea

One of our summer traditions is going on a theatre hike. We’ve gone for the past five years. This year’s play, The Oddest Sea: Greek Gods and Giggles, was based on Greek Mythology. Since Marina studied Ancient Greece this year, it seemed like the perfect time to see it.

On our way to the starting point we ran into two of the actors from the show. One recognized us right away. We spent a few minutes talking with them before we went to check in.

Our trail guide was also the playwright. We’d met her before, most recently at the Bitsy Stage performance of The Silent Princess. She remembered us and talked with us while we waited for the rest of the group to arrive.

The hike was the same as years before, Marina walked at the front of the group, talking with guide nearly the whole time. Two other young girls who knew her were up there as well, so they all enjoyed themselves together.

The play was fun. During the first scene one of the actresses pretended to eat Marina. Of course, she loved that! Even though The Odyssey is a serious and dark story, this play was funny. At the end, Marina was happy to pose for a picture with the cast.

Fortunately, the day was somewhat overcast so it didn’t get as hot as in years past. But we were pretty tired by the end. On the way home, Marina ate a lot of trail mix, so she wasn’t really hungry for lunch by the time we got home.

Santa Safari

Today we were scheduled to take our annual Hike with Santa. It’s an event we look forward to every year. Unfortunately, we had six inches of snow overnight and the temperatures were below freezing. Because of the weather, the hike was moved inside to the environment exhibit.

We arrived a bit early, so Marina played in the interactive exhibits for a little while. Then we went to wait for the hike to begin. There we had hot chocolate and Marina tried some of the crafts. She created card with the Northern Lights on it while we waited for Santa.

When Santa arrived the kids gathered around to meet him. He remembered us from years past and was happy to get photos of last year’s hike to add to the photo album we made for him. He, like everyone else, noticed how much she has grown in the past year.

When the hike began, Santa talked us through the animals from around the world. It was a small group so each child got plenty of attention from Santa. And since we’ve been on the hike so many times, Marina got special attention from him as well.

At the end of the hike we took pictures and said goodbye to Santa until next year. We went through the exhibit one more time after Santa left and then went home.

Goldilocks Hike

Every summer, Marina and I look forward to taking a theater hike. This year’s show was Goldilocks. Marina wore her Alice costume since she didn’t have a Goldilocks outfit.

We got a bit lost in the park and ended up making it to the meeting place just as the hike was getting ready to leave. It was a very hot day and a long hike. Fortunately we brought along plenty of water and snacks.

For the first scene we saw Goldilocks in her blue dress and I was impressed at how much Marina’s looked like her outfit. The show was fun and Marina clearly enjoyed it. We learned that our guide had been Mr. Hyde in the production of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde we saw three years ago.

After the show we took pictures with the cast and talked with them a while. One of the cast members recognized us from years past. It was fun to talk with her before heading home

Anna Adventures

We had a full slate of activities scheduled at the wildlife museum today. First we had the annual Hike with Santa followed by a Frozen Ball. So, Marina decided to dress up as Anna all day. She started off on the trekking outfit.

We arrived at the museum shortly before the hike began.We joined the group at the fire pit to enjoy hot chocolate and roasting marshmallows. Marina made a s'more for each of us. After our snack, Santa made his appearance. He spent a few minutes with every child. Marina gave him a small photo album we made for him with pictures of every hike we have done. He loved it!

Once the greetings were over, the hike began. They discussed eagles, bison, brown bears, cougars, deer and elk. And, as always, each child got a chance to hold the sleigh bells and walk next to Santa. At the end of the hike every family got photos with Santa.

After the hike, we stopped for lunch and then went through the museum. Marina knows the exhibits by hart, but she still enjoys them and trying out the games throughout.

Before long, it was time to prepare for the Frozen Ball. Marina changed into Anna's coronation dress and I put on my Elsa costume. We checked into the ballroom and were able to get a photo with Princess Anna right away. Next we waited our turn to meet Queen Elsa. We were fortunate to get quite a few pictures with them throughout the ball.

Marina got a chance to play with balloons, sword fight and make a crown and wand. She also enjoyed marshmallows and hot chocolate. Once the ball was over, we went to the movie theater to watch Frozen.

When the movie ended we headed home. It was a full day of fun!

Red Riding Hood Hike

Theater hikes have become a summer tradition for Marina and I. Her recent interest in Red Riding Hood made going to the production of Red Riding Hood and her Feisty Friends a must-see this summer.

All of the performances were held at a National Park this year. We’d never been there before. Marina dressed in her Red Riding Hood costume when we set out this morning.

By the time we arrived at the park, the parking lot was full and the weather was very hot. I was fortunate to find a good place to park anyway. However, Marina decided the costume was too hot to wear, so we left it in the car.

When we arrived at the meeting place, we found a little girl who had worn her Red Riding Hood costume. I wished I had at least brought Marina’s with us! As the hike started, Marina made a point of meeting that girl. They were fast friends.  Marina even enjoyed helping her little sister with some of the more difficult parts of the hike.

The hikes we have gone on before were not as intense as this one. There were six stops, covering two miles and the performance was over two hours. The scenery was magnificent. The show consisted of four folktales – Red Riding Hood, Mighty Mountain Man, The Lad Who Went to the North Wind and The Ogre’s Feather. As we have grown to expect, the stories were silly and fun.

After the show was over, both Marina and her friend had their picture taken with the actress playing Red Riding Hood. Her new friend even let Marina wear her red cape for her picture. Once the pictures were over, we headed back to the car – which was quite a hike in itself!

Santa Takes A Hike

It has become tradition for Marina and I to take a hike with Santa at the Wildlife Museum every Christmas. This year we we lucky to snag the last two tickets for today's hike. Marina brought her Anna doll along since she is ready for a trek.

We arrived a bit early and checked out the newest traveling exhibit - the Lego Adventure. First we looked at some very impressive vehicles created out of Legos. Marina even had the chance to try out a Lego car. Then she got to create her own Lego masterpieces. She found a pink house someone had started and decided to complete it. She also created her own couch.

After lunch we got ready for the hike with Santa. We got hot chocolate and Marina roasted marshmallows as we waited for Santa to make his appearance. He showed up pretty early and mingled with all the families. This year, Santa had a high tech gadget on a smart phone which determined if each child was naughty or nice. Marina rated naughty the first time, but after giving me a hug she shifted to the nice category.

Once the hike began, each child got a chance to carry the jingle bells as they walked. We stopped at statues of wild animals and Santa gave the kids a lesson about each one. During one part, Marina even got to use Santa's cane for a while.

Once the hike was over, we went back into the museum to look through the animal environment exhibit. Marina got a scavenger hunt sheet - this time it was the intermediate level, the beginner level was much too easy for her.

After our hike we went to the Museum's movie theater to see The Polar Express. This movie came out the year Marina was born and she loves it. We enjoyed seeing it on the big screen again.

Alice in Wonderland Hike

When the theater hike group we like announced they would be performing Alice In Wonderland this summer, I knew it was a show we'd have to see. We were especially excited when we learned our friend Carolyn would be in the show. The tickets sold fast and I felt fortunate that we were able to get tickets to today's performance.

At first, Marina said she wanted to wear her Alice costume, but she changed her mind this morning. She did bring her Alice plush doll with her though.

We'd never been to this location before. It is a huge ranch with a castle-like mansion as its centerpiece. We were pretty impressed by it. (We made a note to definitely return just to see the castle!) The area we hiked was much larger than the ones we had been to in the past. We walked on barely defined paths, careful to avoid cactus plants and looking out for snakes.

The show was told in five acts, each in a different location along the path. It was beautiful scenery as we walked. Marina enjoyed the show, especially the scenes Carolyn was in. It was fun and silly. But Marina didn't enjoy all the burrs that stuck to her clothes and shoes.

Once the show was over, Marina immediately wanted to talk to Carolyn. She ran and gave her a big hug. We were sad to learn that this would be Carolyn's last show before moving out of state to go to graduate school. It's been so much fun to see her shows, I hope we'll get to see more in the future!

Before we left, Marina wanted to meet Alice. She was a lovely young woman who spent time encouraging her interest in theater. After that, Marina was ready to leave. It was hot and she was tired from the hike, so we headed home.

Santa Hike

After going on the Santa hike last year at the Wildlife Museum, Marina was anxious to go again this year. So we were both disappointed when the only one we could attend was sold out. We got on the waiting list and were delighted that we were able to go after all. Marina decided to bring Saige with her, although she carried her in a tote bag this time.

We were treated to hot chocolate and the chance to toast marshmallows as we waited for Santa. Marina made a s'more and toasted a marshmallow for me. I thinks she liked toasting them better than eating them.

When Santa made his appearance, all the kids got excited. Before the hike started, he handed out Santa hats to the kids. Again this year, he took us on a tour of the animal statues around the building. Each child got a chance to hold his walking staff and sleigh bells. We learned about eagles, moose, elk, bears and many other wild animals

Once the hike was over, Santa graciously posed for pictures with each child. Marina volunteered to go first and was happy to sit on his lap for a picture.

After the hike, we went into the Museum to look around. It's been quite a while since we've been there. We saw a demonstration with live sugar gliders. Then we checked out the temporary exhibit on glowing animals. Marina particularly liked an example of how lightning bugs talk to each other.

Next we went into the regular exhibits. Marina decided to do the scavenger hunt. She picked the beginner level. Clearly this is too easy for her because she breezed through it. I'll have to encourage her to try intermediate next time.

We ended the day in the play area. Marina found several kids to do the activities with. It was quite a job to drag her away!

Hiking with Mr. Hyde

After the Snow White Theatre Hike we went on this summer, we were anxious to attend another performance. The fall show was Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  It was a beautiful fall evening, but we were concerned about how cold it would get after the sun set. We brought Saige along with us. Marina dressed her in a warm pink sweater.

The gardens were closed for the day when we arrived, so we had the whole place to ourselves. When we got our tickets they offered to give Saige a wristband as well. Marina was thrilled. Saige wore hers around her neck. As we waited for the show to start, Marina befriended two little girls who were also there for the show.

Once the show started, the girls stayed together. The guide had requested that "little people" be allowed to sit in the front. The girls took that literally and set themselves up front for each scene.

The show was performed in five scenes which took us through the gardens. It was performed in a melodrama style. Mary Reilly was very funny and she lightened up the story. Two different actors played Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, so I'm not sure Marina fully understood they were the same person. Despite that, she enjoyed the show. When we met the cast after the show she was hesitant to meet Mr. Hyde, until I assured her he was just an actor playing a bad guy. She was most excited to meet the actress playing Mary Reilly. They spent a while talking, Marina even introduced her to Saige.

 

 

The show finished right after sunset so we headed home before it got too dark and cold.

Snow White Hike

 A few months ago I found out about performance at the Botanic Gardens based on Snow White. It was called a Theatre Hike. We would walk through the gardens and stop at designated spots for the telling of the story. We were both pretty excited to experience.

Naturally, Marina wore her Snow White costume for this event. We arrived a bit early for the show, so we decided to wandered through the gardens a bit first. We started in the giant greenhouse and looked at the tropical plants, Marina loves this part.

After looking through the greenhouse, we headed for the rose garden. We've never been there when the roses are in bloom. We were amazed at what we saw. I had never seen so many roses in one place. We definitely took the time to smell them!

Next we checked in for the Theatre Hike. We had a violin player who walked along with us and Marina had a nice conversation with him as we waited for the hike to start.

The story was told in four scenes in four separate location around the gardens. The story was silly and fun. There were only five actors playing all the parts. Naturally, Marina loved Snow White. Once the show was over, she got the chance to meet the cast. The actress playing Snow White gushed over Marina's costume. She also got to try on the magic mirror costume.

We wandered through the gardens a bit after the show. Marina even took a few pictures. It was a fun evening!