New shows for children and families have been announced by the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center and ArtPlay Community Education.
Kick off the fun this fall with Disney’s “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” on Oct. 20. Fans of all ages can watch the full film while singing along as their favorite songs are performed live by a band in the theater.
New for families is the Pay What You Choose option. See Opera Birmingham’s “The Littlest Mermaid” on Nov. 3, and “Yuletide in Dogtown” on Dec. 7-8. Just register online for tickets and simply pay what you choose to reserve your seats.
ArtPlay will host two free family days this fall: the annual ArtPlay Halloween bash on Oct. 19, and the holiday open house Dec. 6, when the 2025 summer camps will be announced.
The family fun continues March 20, with Velocity Irish Dance, the next generation in Irish tap. Described by The New York Times as an “energetic intimate history lesson more than a sequined spectacular,” Velocity is “a multimedia show for all ages, earnestly tracing the evolution of Irish dance while toying with tradition.”
“Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert”
First up is “Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert” at 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, in the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall. Featuring all the Academy and Grammy award-winning film’s music, including the hits “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” from the soundtrack by Academy Award-nominated, Tony- and Grammy-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda (“Hamilton,” “Moana”) with an original score by Academy Award-nominated and Grammy-winning composer Germaine Franco.
Fans are encouraged to dress up as Mirabel, Luisa, lsabela or any of their favorite characters from the film and use their voices to transform each venue into one big celebration of the Madrigal family.
Tickets are $55 for adults and $35 for children. With the Family of 4 Special, save 10 percent on the purchase of four or more tickets. UAB employee and student discounted tickets are available in limited supply; to purchase, call or visit the Alys Stephens Center Box Office at 205-975-2787 or 1200 10th Ave. South. To purchase tickets or for more information, visit AlysStephens.org. Live characters do not appear in this event.
Opera Birmingham’s “The Littlest Mermaid”
Based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid,” with music by Antonin Dvorak, this magical tale will transport audiences on a sweet journey of searching. With themes of the human qualities of love, courage and forgiveness at play throughout, this children’s opera with breathtaking melodies will delight as a celebration of the triumph of love.
The show is set for 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, in the Alys Stephens Center’s Jemison Concert Hall. “The Littlest Mermaid” is a Pay What You Choose performance; donations are encouraged to help bring new and diverse programming to the community, but all are welcome to attend. For tickets, register to attend the performance at AlysStephens.org.
Alabama’s largest professional opera company, Opera Birmingham has produced world-class operatic productions and concerts hailed by critics and loved by audiences for over 65 years.
It is a “pawfect” treat for the holidays: Make plans now to attend “Yuletide in Dogtown,” the ASC’s favorite holiday production, Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 7-8. Join Spike, Fifi, Scotty and Beauregard on this interactive musical adventure created by local playwright Jerry Sims, as the “Dogtown” pups learn the true meaning of the holidays. “Yuletide in Dogtown” is a great performance for everyone, especially kids. With shows at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. each day, be sure to arrive early for pre-show activities. This is a Pay What You Choose performance; donations are encouraged to help bring new and diverse programming to the community, but all are welcome to attend. For tickets, register to attend the performance at AlysStephens.org.
ArtPlay family days, classes and camps
There is a chill in the air, and the time is right to get a little spooky at the ArtPlay House from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. For the annual Halloween bash, ArtPlay will have treats, music, dancing and visual art activities. Wear your favorite costume and bring the entire family. Free with advance registration required.
Enjoy festive lights and the sounds of the season along with plentiful art projects for children at ArtPlay’s annual holiday open house from 5:30-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6. This event is free for the whole family and open to the public, with advance registration required. Plus hear it there first: ArtPlay will announce its 2025 summer musical theater camp shows.
ArtPlay classes
Registration will open in November for ArtPlay’s spring 2025 classes. The weekly classes in topics such as musical theater, dance, visual arts, writing and more will kick off in March. Register early to guarantee a spot as space is limited. Look for an announcement late this fall or winter.
Velocity, led by Guinness World Record-holder for The Fastest Feet in the World James Devine and five-time World Champion Irish dancer David Geaney, breaks away from the idea of what an Irish dance show is. The two illustrious Irish hoofers with mind-blowing musicians and an old-school scratch DJ put on a performance that is expressive, fast-paced and edgy, 7 p.m. Thursday, March 20, 2025. Tickets are $69, $55, $45 and $35, with UAB employee and student discounts available in limited supply. Call 205-975-2787, visit the ASC Box Office or go to AlysStephens.org for tickets or for more details.
Join ArtPlay from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, May 10, 2025, for a fantastic day of creativity and fun and get ready to explore a world of art activities for kids and exciting experiences that the whole family will love. From colorful art stations where imaginations run wild to magical story time sessions, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Free with advance registration required.
ArtPlay summer camps, 2025
Summer camps in musical theater and visual arts are presented each year by ArtPlay Community Education and announced early each spring. Camps take place in the ArtPlay House and in UAB’s Alys Stephens Center. A discount is available for UAB students and employees when registering by phone. Look for an announcement in March.