CHILDREN/THEATRE: ZEN SHORTS

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ZEN SHORTS

When I found-out that one of my favorite theaters in town, the Pasadena Playhouse, was offering a children’s puppet show this year, I knew I would have to borrow a couple of my friends’ children so that I could see it with people my own age!  (Mentally and emotionally, that is.)  So, eight-year-old Ben and soon-to-be-five-year-old Alexa joined me, and watching their faces light up was a big part of the enjoyment of the show for me.

Two of the cutest and brightest kids I know, (and my Junior Reviewers,) Ben and Alexa, with the Panda, of course! Photo by Karen Salkin.

Two of the cutest and brightest kids I know, (and my Junior Reviewers,) Ben and Alexa, with the Panda, of course! Photo by Karen Salkin.

I actually scanned all the faces in the audience every now and then during Zen Shorts, and every kid appeared enthralled.  I was thrilled to see that because, especially as a former elementary school teacher, I always feel that children should be introduced to real theatre as early and often as possible.  And this venue is so gorgeous and impressive that it’s the perfect place to start.

I have to be honest (as always) and admit that Zen Shorts is far from the best kids show I’ve ever seen, and I had no idea what was happening most of the time. But Alexa and Ben were fascinated, and that’s all that counts in children’s theatre, isn’t it?  And when we were discussing the show afterwards, I was amazed that they each described their favorite parts with the puppets’ names!  That really shocked me; the names were not uttered many times in the show.  This presentation obviously gets to children, the audience it’s designed for, so it’s all good.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble, as is the big pic at the top of ths page.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble, as is the big pic at the top of ths page.

Zen Shorts is based on an award-winning book of the same name, and is basically about a panda and his three human kid friends. He tells them short stories, and I guess that’s what’s supposed to be depicted here, but I cannot swear to it. The bear gives them lessons in how to be zen. I think.

I really don’t understand the need for children to learn about the concept of “zen,” but I guess that times have changed since I taught youngsters. When my charges needed to relax, we just played The Spinach Game. Or The Stagecoach Tipped Over. (Don’t ask.) Wait–maybe it is a good thing to let them know about how to ease stress during these especially troubled times. But when we came to the part of the show where we were advised, “Don’t forget to breathe,” I felt like it was an intervention for me!

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

The show is only an hour long, which is perfect for kids’ attention spans, and there are several choices of times on most dates, which is a bonus.  The show is appropriate for ages five and over, and perhaps some very well-behaved four-year-olds, as my friend Alexa is.  More good news is that the “stage-on-the-stage” is high enough for kids to see all the action, no matter where they sit. I would still suggest sitting in the center, if you can, for the best straight-on view.  (And if you’re a grown-up with a kid behind you, please scooch down a bit.  And don’t wear up-dos, hats, or sunglasses on your heads! Actually, don’t do those rude things in any theatre ever!)

Do you see what I maan about the puppeteers' outfits?   Photo by Karen Salkin.

Do you see what I maan about the puppeteers’ outfits? Photo by Karen Salkin.

Speaking of things to do and not do, maybe you should explain to your kids before they see the show that the people who are dressed as the “beekeepers of doom” (my words, not theirs, of course,) are in black so that they blend into the background, and the audience should disregard those people and just watch the puppets. (I really don’t get why the puppeteers need those weird ensembles. Couldn’t they just wear black shirts and pants? I totally understand why they have to cover their heads, necks, and hands, but the “dresses” are just distracting, in my humble opinion. And pretty scary, too! The second I saw them, I spelled “s-c-a-r-y” to my grown-up pal, hoping that there were no spelling bee champs sitting near us.)

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

I must give props to the few adults who were in the audience on their own, without children, which was interesting. They were probably puppetry aficionados, (as am I!,) or else they just wanted to spend a peaceful hour being zen, in lovely surroundings, which I get, as well.

And, interesting for all ages is the demonstration by the cast, (minus the headgear,) of how they work the puppets. That is very educational. And they take questions from the audience, too, which is a wonderful experience for the youngsters. I really appreciated that part.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

One big perk of seeing children’s entertainment at the Playhouse is that, unlike most other venues, they’re not trying to rob you blind by selling overpriced souvenirs; they’re just putting on a show. And that’s what children’s theatre should really be about. I hate when kids play with their new toys from the concession stand, instead of paying attention to the stage, especially when their new possessions are toy swords that are being waving right in front of my eyes!

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

Photo courtesy of Rogue Artists Ensemble.

So, if you’re looking for something fun and educational to do with kids in the next few weeks, head right on over to the Pasadena Playhouse to see Zen Shorts. And check the website first for pre- and post-show activities. The day I saw it, there was a free puppet workshop in the courtyard before the show. As I’m sure you can figure by now, it took everything I had in me to not make one myself!

Zen Shorts running on through June 25, 2017
Pasadena Playhouse  39 South El Molino Avenue  Pasadena  626-356-7529 www.PasadenaPlayhouse.org

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