My son had gone with other family to see a children's show at Dutch Apple last year, but this would be my first time, as well as our 3-year-old daughter's.
First, the theatre is very easy to find from our area as it was right off Route 30 and can be seen from the exit ramp. The lobby of the theatre is inviting and home to the gift shop and box office, but we didn't linger long! Hosts took us right to our table and right away I could tell that the kids would enjoy the show. Even with our seats in the "D" area toward the back, we still had a fantastic view of the stage. Tables are also staggered so that the table next to you is not in your line of view.
Pink lemonade and water was included with our meal, but a server also came by to take any other drink orders. Fun, specialty drinks for kids were available, including a pirate-themed milkshake, as well as small appetizers or snacks if you wanted to plan ahead for intermission.
The children's theatre shows are timed over lunch, and the pre-show buffet is about as kid-friendly as it can get! Chicken nuggets, fish sticks, pizza, hot dogs and french fries were some of the options. There was also yogurt, fresh raw veggies and applesauce. If that wasn't enough, dessert options included cupcakes, chocolate Rice Krispies treats and Jell-O.
The show was fantastic! We all laughed and enjoyed the interactivity with the characters during some scenes, but what really set Dutch Apple apart for me was the little things. They had a word find included on the program, which helped to keep my 5-year-old busy in the extra minutes between lunch and the show and intermission. Then, at the end of the show, the entire cast took questions from the audience - anything they wanted to know about the show, special effects, acting.
Finally, it was time for the best part! Meeting the cast! The actors and actress were wonderful, signing autographs, posing for pictures and talking with the kids.
How I Became a Pirate has limited availability for its remaining shows, but now is a great time to plan ahead for The Nutcracker, which will be the children's show over the holidays, or A Christmas Carol, which is the main stage production. The 2014 season has also been announced and features Sleeping Beauty, Shrek (main stage) and more!
Tickets for children's shows are $16 a person for lunch and show, or $13 for show only. Groups of 16 or more are $15 a person, while school groups and homeschool association groups are $13 a person.
Visit www.DutchApple.com or call 717-898-1900 to learn more about a fun show for your family.
Disclosure: We received complimentary tickets to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.
