Best Upcoming Children's Shows In Metro Detroit

Date: October 9-11, 2014

"Frog and Toad" is recommended for grades pre-K through two, and is based on the acclaimed book by Arnold Lobel. Frog and Toad are good friends who are always helping each other, through good times and bad, and living life to the fullest. In this play, Frog and Toad celebrate spring, plant a garden and share cookies. The performance is approximately 45 minutes long, with three actors, and involves audience participation. Prices are $8 for Classic Series Performances (youth/senior tickets) or $12 for adults, and $10 for Adventure Series Performances (child/seniors) or $15 for adults.

Date: July 25-26, 2014

If your children are more into movies than live theater, definitely check out a classic film, "The Princess Bride," playing at the beautiful Redford Theatre in Detroit. The movie is rated PG and was released in 1987, and over time has become a cult favorite. Tickets are only $5 and can be bought on the theater's website or in person at the box office. The theater opened in 1928 and has a Barton Theatre Pipe Organ; it's also operated by an all-volunteer staff. Parking can be found nearby as well.

Date: December 21, 2014

It's never to early to start thinking about the holidays, and the Fox will host the "Great Russian Nutcracker," by the Moscow Ballet, on December 21st, with tickets being available at the Fox's box office and on Ticketmaster. Your children will be enthralled by the "Dove of Peace" (with a 20-foot wingspan, and two dancers performing as one), folk legends Father Christmas/Ded Moroz and Snow Maiden/Snegurochka, as well as life-sized Matryoshka dolls and 10-foot-tall silk puppets. The ballet also features detailed costumes, complete with Swarovski crystals, and, of course, the master score by the great composer Tchaikovsky.

Related: Best Theater For Kids In Detroit

Date: Sept. 26 - Oct. 4, 2014

The classic "Annie" will be performed at the Fisher Theater this fall, from September 26 through October 4. "Annie," as well as "Wicked" and "The Book of Mormon," are not included in the six-show subscriber package, so tickets have to be purchased separately for Fisher Theater subscribers.

Date: Sept. 28, 2014

The Michigan Theater presents its Bernard L. Maas "Not Just For Kids Series," performing "Curious George" this fall, based on the beloved children's book series. Curious George is everyone's favorite monkey, and he's looking forward to All-You-Can-Eat Meatball Day. Problems arise, however, when Chef Pisghetti vows never to cook again, so George enters him in the Golden Meatball Contest. This play is recommended for grades K to two, and both street parking and parking structures are nearby. The "Not Just for Kids" shows are usually about an hour in length and are $15 per ticket ($12 for Michigan Theater members).

Related: Best Summertime Theater Activities For Kids In Detroit