The holidays are over but there’s still a long winter ahead of us—what better way to get through it than with music and spectacle? Whether your kids are in preschool or high school, there’s something coming this season guaranteed to inspire, delight, and entertain. Here’s the best of what’s ahead.

Charlotte’s Web

Through February 3

Arden Theatre, 40 N. Second St.

 

The heart-warming story of a special friendship between a lovable pig and everyone’s favorite spider comes to life at the Arden.

What Do You Do With An Idea?

January 19, 5:30 pm

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

A dance theater adaptation of the best-selling children’s book by Kobi Yamada, this show tells the story of one brilliant idea and the child who helps to bring it into the world.

The Johnny Shortcake Show

January 19, 11 am

World Café Live, 3025 Walnut Street

 

“Suppose your nose was where your elbows goes — would you call them smellbows?” The funky and surreal Johnny Shortcake Show will have you dancing, laughing, and wishing everyday was “Cupcake Tuesday” right alongside your kids! Read more about the man, the music, and the “pop magic” inspiration in our interview.

DRUMline

January 19–20

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

 

Created by the musical team behind the hit movies, the live show embodies the soulful, high-stepping style of the Historically Black College and University (HBCU) marching band experience, and is fun for the whole family!

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

January 22–27

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

 

The musical adaptation of the best-selling novel by Rick Riordan is sure to be popular with kids and tweens who love the book.

Dancing with the Stars Live

January 26, 8 pm

The Met, 858 N. Broad St.

 

Experience the professional dancing, costumes, and excitement from the TV show live on stage.

R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium

February 2—10

Walnut Street Theatre, 825 Walnut St.

 

This spooky (and silly) musical is based on R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. Like all WST for Kids shows, it’s only one hour!

Shen Yun

February 8–March 3

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

 

Featuring classical Chinese dance, patented scenographical effects, and original orchestral works, this production is colorful, dramatic, and spectacular.

American Girl Live

February 14–17

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

Your kids are sure to want to bring their beloved dolls along for a musical stage show. As bold tales of bravery and friendship come to life, iconic American Girl characters lend a hand through story and song. VIP packages are available, including access to the Pre-Show Party, photo ops, and more. 

Disney DCappella

February 17, 7 pm

The Met, 858 N. Broad St.

 

Disney Music Group’s a cappella singing sensation will present Disney favorites in new and exciting arrangements, using only their dynamic voices.

Cirque Mechanics

February 17, 2 pm

Annenberg Center Live, 3680 Walnut St.

 

Billed as “42 feet full of thrills, laughs and excitement,” this circus show features high-flying acrobatics on mechanical apparatuses, and theatrical circus arts that need to be seen to be believed.

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella

February 22–24

Academy of Music, 240 S. Broad St.

 

Our inner 90s kid cannot wait for Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella (we still have the VHS with Brandy and Whitney Houston, not gonna lie). Kids will be swept away in the fantasy and classic songs like “In My Own Little Corner.”

The Philadelphia Orchestra presents Morning at the Movies

February 23, 11:30 am

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

The orchestra brings your favorite music from movies such as Frozen, The Force Awakens, and Fantasia to the stage in this family-friendly performance.

RENT

March 5—10

Merriam Theater, 250 S. Broad St.

 

I don’t know about you, but I feel ridiculously old knowing that this will be the 20^th anniversary of RENT—just yesterday I was a middle-schooler singing along to “La Vie Boheme” at the top of my lungs. But 20 years later, this is a classic and ready to be shared with the next generation of theater kids!

KODO: Evolution 

March 12, 7:30 pm

Kimmel Center, 300 S. Broad St.

 

This showcases taiko drumming, a traditional Japanese art form, as performed by one of its preeminent and boundary-pushing troupes.

 

Photographs courtesy of the Kimmel Center.