Grug at the New Victory! Feb 20-March 17 (NY)

We are off to see Grug today at the New Victory. Grug is an Australian puppet show designed for the younger set by Adelaide Australia based Windmill Theatre, one of the best and most inventive children's theatre companies in Australia.

The show is based on a beloved Australian children's book (sadly, out of print in the US- check Amazon to see if you can find it used.)

Grug began his life as the top of a Burrawang tree that fell to the ground. Resembling a small, striped haystack with feet and a nose, Grug is fascinated by the world around him and solves everyday problems creatively and without fuss.

When dancing instructions are too difficult to understand, he invents his own dance and calls it ‘The Grug’. When snails eat his cabbages, Grug plants more cabbages so there will be enough for both him and the snails.  A tricked out set with delightful doohickies and theatrical thingamabobs makes flowers bloom and veggies grow.

As a character, Grug has over 100,000 Facebook fans and is brought to life for this magical stage production for very young theatre lovers

Although we haven't seen it yet, I'm sure it will be beautifully done and inspired visually. Every show we've seen in the New Vic's shows for young young audience series has been this.   There will be several moments of audience interaction, and probably a chance for everybody to get out of their seat and dance.  Pre-show there will be an arts and crafts time to create a memento to take away from the show.

I don't mean this in a bad way, but the New Vic has a bit of a formula for making great children's theatre experiences, and it really works.  Very young kids have supportive nurturing experiences in the theatre and want to come back for more!

Here's a promotional video of the show:

Grug is a 45 minute production and recommended for ages 2-5.

Performance Schedule: 37 performances

Wed 2/20 10:30am and 2:30pm

Thu 2/21 10:30am and 2:30pm

Fri 2/22 10:30am and 2:30pm

Sat 2/23 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Sun 2/24 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Thu 2/28 10:30am

Fri 3/1 10:30am and 2:30pm

Sat 3/2 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Sun 3/3 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Thu 3/7 10:30am

Fri 3/8 10:30am

Sat 3/9 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Sun 3/10 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Thu 3/14 10:30am

Fri 3/15 10:30am

Sat 3/16 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

Sun 3/17 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm

General Ticket Information

Tickets for GRUG in Studio 3A/B at the New 42nd Street Studios cost for $14 for Members and $20 for Non-members.  Buy tickets online and get more information by CLICKING HERE

After its New Vic dates, Grug will have an extended North American tour, so if you want to see it, but aren't in NYC, check it out!  (It also comes back east April 18-21 if you want to see it AGAIN at a different venue.)

2013 NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES
Winnipeg, Manitoba | 31 Jan - 10 Feb 2013
Manitoba Theatre for Young People, Shaw Performing Arts Ce

New York, NY | 19 Feb - 17 Mar 2013
New Victory Theater, New 42nd Street Studios

New Brunswick, New Jersey | 19 Mar - 21 Mar 2013
Crossroads Theatre, State Theatre Regional Arts Center

Memphis, Tennessee | 24 Mar - 26 Mar 2013
Orpheum Theater, The Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center

Nashville, Tennessee | 1 April - 5 April 2013
Andrew Johnson Theater, Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Des Moines, Iowa | 10 April - 13 April 2013
Temple Theater, Civic Centre of Greater Des Moines

Branchburg, New Jersey | 18 April - 20 April 2013
Raritan Valley Community College Theater

Mamaroneck, New York | 21 April 2013
Emelin Theatre

West Palm Beach, Florida | 29 April - 3 May 2013
Rinker Playhouse, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Cleveland, Ohio | 7 May - 11 May 2013
Westfield Insurance Studio Theater at Playhouse Square Foundation

Fayetteville, Arkansas | 14 May - 18 May 2013
Starr Theater, Walton Arts Center

Surrey, British Columbia | 23 May - 25 May 2013
Surrey Children’s Festival, Studio Theatre, Surrey Arts Centre

St Albert, Alberta | 28 May - 1 June 2013
Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival, St Albert Curling Club

Vacation Adventure: High Octane Dadding and the Mark of Zorro!

It's Vacation time at my son's school, which means that I need to get my rear end into high fathering gear.  A boy needs to be educated, entertained, and spent time with.  And that means high octane dadding.

Usually I plan one adventure a day, and try to figure it out in advance.

Saturday we went to the Royal Hanneford Circus in Westchester, which we've been doing every year for three years now.  It's a good show, made even better by the special addition of the clown Grandma.

For more of a full review, you can view my clown website:  http://www.clownlink.com/2013/02/royal-hanneford-circus-in-westchester-this-weekend/

They have one more set of shows today, and then I'm not sure where they are next, but it's worth seeing the show, even without Grandma.

On Sunday, we went to the school's Purim party, which involved dressing up in costumes and parading around.  My son went as Batman, and I went as one of Batman's enemies, False Face, dressed as a Milkman, thanks to some cool glasses I got from the Got Milk people at Dad 2.0.  That was a good time and a lot of fun.  Afterwards we went to Fairway Market for a long food shop and some lunch, followed by a nap.

Today we are off to see Mark of Zorro at the New Victory theatre.

I blogged about one of their programs a couple of weeks ago.  We were supposed to see it last week, but the snowstorm prevented us from getting out of our house (The show went on as planned)  So we are seeing it today.  It got a great review in the NYT, which said:

In pure inventiveness, the production is a triumph. Robin Peoples, who designed it, has created a world where a suspended strip of masking tape can become a road, and a simple silhouette a galloping steed. “Zorro” makes effective use of the best of stages: the young audience’s imagination.

Here's a video of Zorro.  I'll let you know what I thought about it soon!

As for the rest of the week. Tuesday it's the Science museum to see the Skateboard science exhibit, Wednesday we are picking up my mother-in-law in NJ, and we should have some fun then.  Thursday we are seeing a kid's puppet show GRUG, also at the New Victory.

And Friday and Sat-- well, we are playing it by ear. Because high octane dadding has to rely on improvisation!

The Picky Eater and His Breakfast of Champions

PLEASE NOTE: This is a sponsored post.  I wrote this post while participating in the got milk? FUTP60/Breakfast Blitz Promotion.  Some data points were provided to me, as was some compensation. However, the thoughts about milk and getting my kid to drink it are strictly and 100% my own.  Also, in regards to the sweepstakes portion of the FUTP60/Breakfast Blitz Promotion, there is no purchase necessary to enter.  Full rules:http://milk.am/dadbblitz

My kid is a very picky eater.  He gets it from my wife, who was a hugely picky eater as a kid.  She's now a foodie (and still pretty particular about what she eats) but she has a pretty broad palette over all.

The boy, on the other hand,  has a very limited palate, and will turn his nose up at most new foods, and even some of the old foods that he used to love.  (He ate all kinds of things until he was 18 months, after which he stopped most of them cold turkey.)

And the food has to be exactly the right thing.  He can tell the difference (or so he thinks) by looking at a Kelloggs' blueberry breakfast bar and a Trader Joe's blueberry breakfast bar (and of course, he prefers the Trader Joe's variety).  They look very similar to me, but to him one is delicious and one is repugnant.

(And I've done the taste test - they are identical!)

He does have a limited palette, but he does have a palette, and he will eat the foods that he likes with a strange sort of gusto, and he is SLOWLY expanding his tastebuds.  (Chicken Katsu is a favorite at the Japanese restaurant, and I just got him interested in Beef Sate at the Chinese/Vietnamese restaurant.)  It's hard work introducing new foods to him, as he's so definite in his distaste of something.

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

At home he is a huge fan of black beans, and of course most forms of chicken nuggets. (Strangely, he prefers most of all the Morningstar Farms Chik'n Nuggets, which are vegetarian and soy. Since he goes to a school that requires a kosher lunch, that works out perfectly!)

One of our concerns is that he's not getting enough protein, especially in the morning. Nutritionists are always saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and we want to make sure that he has a good one, to start the day off right.  He won't eat eggs, or bacon, or ham.  He doesn't like cheese. He will, however, drink chocolate milk. And since a glass of milk has more protein than an egg, we want to encourage him to drink milk anyway he can. (According to the Dairy Board, An 8 oz. glass of milk contains nine essential nutrients, including 8 grams of high-quality protein. Protein in the morning can help keep you full, so you don’t feel hungry by mid-morning.)

Copyright 2012 Adam Gertsacov
used by permission

One thing we've been doing to increase his regular milk intake is cutting his chocolate milk with regular milk, so that his chocolate milk is actually about 2/3 white milk (2%) and the rest chocolate milk.  And he will have regular milk in his cereal (thank goodness!).

We are working on it, and before long he will be wearing an ACTUAL white milk moustache, not just this one that I got as a fun gift for him at the Got Milk Table of the Dad 2.0 summit.

While I was at Dad 2, I found out about two great campaigns that Got Milk and their partners are running. I encourage you to check them out.

BREAKFAST BLITZ

The “got milk?” Campaign and Fuel Up to Play 60 Breakfast Blitz program is helping to provide $250,000 in grants to local schools across the country to help give kids greater access to a healthy breakfast. Now through Feb. 17, when you buy milk and enter the UPC code online, you can vote to have a portion go to a local school and enter yourself into a sweepstakes that might end up with you winning tickets to next year's Superbowl! (Which will be in the Meadowlands in New Jersey, by the way, so you are going to want to wear warm clothes!)


You don't HAVE to buy anything to enter. The sweepstakes ends February 17. Full rules and entry capabilities at  http://milk.am/dadbblitz.


FUEL UP TO PLAY 60

In conjunction with the NFL, the National Dairy Council and the USDA have created a great in-school program designed to show students how to eat right and stay active. Choosing healthy foods and leading an active lifestyle gives families the energy to do the things we love. The program empowers students to take charge in making small, everyday changes at school. They give cool prizes (often NFL related) and educate kids on nutrition. By getting kids to make healthy food selections and to be active for 60 minutes a day, they are teaching kids better nutrition habits. The program also provides $1,000 breakfast grants to schools, and is part of the big Breakfast Blitz program listed above. Find out more at http://www.fueluptoplay60.com

I'm excited to be part of these programs and working with the National Dairy Council and their partners. And hey - if you have any ideas on how to get my kid to be a less picky eater, I'm all ears. Hit me in the comments.

NY City History for Kids

Over at the NYCDadsGroup, where I am one of the group bloggers there, I recently reviewed the book New York City History for Kids. by Richard Panchyk. Panchyck is a New York based author who's written over 23 books, most focusing on history or historical interest.

READ THE FULL REVIEW ONLINE

This book is very liberally and nicely illustrated volume that gives a lot of detail in a kid-friendly way about the people and the places that have made New York City  such a magnet and important world city.  You'll learn lots of interesting facts and some surprising ones as well. And as you walk around your own stomping grounds, you'll get a great sense of who came before you.

Sample page of the book. READ THE FULL REVIEW

Find out more about Panchyck on his website http://www.panchyk.com.
Buy this book on Amazon:  New York City History for Kids.

Find other Panchyk books on Amazon:

Richard Panchyk Books

Another Sample Page. READ THE FULL REVIEW

Another Sample Page. READ THE FULL REVIEW

How Do You Make Your Mark? - Mark of Zorro

Mark of Zorro by Visible Fictions company
of Glasgow, Scotland, plays the New Victory
February 8-24

We have been looking forward to seeing Mark of Zorro at the New Victory Theatre all season.  (It's going to be there from February 8-24, and we are seeing it on the 9th!)

It's a combination of AA's fascination with swordfighting/ninjas/adventure/hero stories, and as soon as we saw the poster he was like "Oh Wow, can we see that!"

Which I am more than happy to oblige, as I love to see shows and plays with him.  And especially amazing shows that use puppets and creative ways to keep stuff on the stage.  And if you are a longtime reader of this blog, you will know that I completely will see just about anything that the New Victory presents.

AA's a little young for this, but I got a great engagement idea from the New Victory Theatre.  A way for kids and adults to start a dialogue on how to make a difference in the world and make a mark on their community.



In honor of The Mark of Zorro, performing at the New Vic from February 8 through 24, The New Victory Theater is eager to know how you (their audience) want to leave their stamp on the world.

Just as Zorro’s “Z” stands for justice, they are encouraging the heroes of today (young and old) to send in entries that demonstrates how they leave a mark on the community. What actions can you take to showcase something that they believe is worth fighting for? And what is the symbol of that mark?

Between now and February 24, send the New Vic a photograph or video of your super signature to Community@NewVictory.org along with a 1-3 sentence explanation of your mark.

What’s better, by entering the contest participants have a chance to win four tickets to an upcoming performance of The Intergalactic Nemesis. (which by the way, is written and directed by a friend of mine from Austin, TX Jason Neulander!)

More information on the contest as well as examples of how New Vic staff members leave their mark can be found on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/media/set/?set=a.10151386941133988.507824.30199023987&type=1

And here's a little taste of the video of Mark of Zorro

Dad 2.0-- Great (er) Expectations... Fulfilled!

I had a blast in Houston hanging out with dad bloggers of all sorts, chatting about blogs and sponsors and vulnerability and the Superbowl and our kids.  As mentioned previously, I was at the second annual Dad 2.0 Summit (I was also at the first with my wife and son.  This time I was flying solo)

 In case you don't know, Dad 2.0 is an annual conference that is an open conversation between dads and brands.  Some of the best and most influential Dad bloggers descended on Houston to talk about their work, meet with brands, talk about the changing perception of Fatherhood.)  The conference is not a "Best practice for being a dad" conference. (although tips were exchanged)  It was about being a better dad blogger, and being more vulnerable.

One of the founders, Doug French, said in the opening remarks was that this was where the Expectations get a little lofty.  I think the conference really did a great job of connecting and inspiring all of its participants.  I had a few moments that I thought were great, and I'd like to share them.

I'm not going to go over the program (you can get that at the Dad 2.0 Website http://www.dad2summit.com)   (and if that doesn't work-- I've saved it for posterity here )

And if you want to find out what other people thought about the conference, look below:



Paul Easter of Dear Mister Man: http://www.dearmisterman.com/wp/2013/02/03/be-simple/

Dave Taylor (Go Fatherhood): http://gofatherhood.com/2013/02/gratitude-for-a-weekend-with-dads-at-the-dad-2-0-summit/

Liz Gumbinner of Mom 101: http://www.mom-101.com/2013/02/youve-come-a-long-way-dads.html

Jason Avant of Pet Cobra: http://petcobra.tumblr.com/post/42304405095/belfry

Amy Spreitzer Windsor of Bitchin' Wives Club: http://bitchinwivesclub.blogspot.com/2013/02/dad-20-summit-wrap-up.html

Chris Read of Canadian Dad: http://canadiandad.com/on-comfort-zones-inspiration-and-being-vulnerable-dad2summit/

Mike Moebes of Father Muskrat: http://fathermuskrat.com/2013/02/04/a-day-at-dad-2-013-and-a-weekend-with-the-military/

Christopher Lewis of Dad of Divas:  http://dadofdivas.com/fatherhood/awesome-experience-at-the-readyseteat-rsedadcookoff-at-the-dad-2-0-conference

Mark Vander Lay of Parenting Boys, Raising Men: http://www.parentingboysraisingmen.com/2013/02/the-original-dad-20.html

Jay Sokol of Dude of the House: http://www.thedudeofthehouse.com/2013/02/reach-summit.html

The Gents of Dadcentric:  http://www.dadcentric.com/2013/02/dadcentric-roundtable-post-dad-20-summit-edition.html

David Vienna of The Daddy Complex: http://www.thedaddycomplex.com/post/42364375112/there-are-plenty-of-dad-2-0-wrap-up-posts-out

Kevin McKeever of Always Home And Uncool: http://blogonkevin.blogspot.com/2013/02/i-spoke-at-dad-20-summit-and-i-got-was.html

Pedro Veloso of Limetr.ee: http://blog.limetr.ee/post/42382529864

The Jason Greene:  http://thejasongreene.com/2013/02/06/its-raining-business-cards-at-dad-2-0/

(I'm sure there are others that we can add to this list (and if you add them in the comments, I'll add them up here!)

Before I talk about the event itself, I want to say a personal thank you to the sponsors.

The NYC Dads Group guys get a little famous (with some
Photoshop trickery from Dove Men+Care)

There was lots of events from some of the amazing sponsors (including more Dove Men Care product than I know what to do with.)  Some of this stuff, I didn't even realize I was supposed to know about!) And Dove, as the title sponsor, also gave away free shaves and haircuts, shoe shines, and a chance to play foosball.    If you've never been shaved by a professional barber-- I highly recommend it.

Food and snacks were sponsored by ConAgra and Kraft Cheese, there were special smoothies by Jamba Juice, and a whiskey/bourbon tasting and craft beer tasting. Honda test drives, a trunk organizer from Sears,  a free smoke alarm from Kidde, and free turtle wax from Turtle wax.  Oh yes, and smoothies from Jamba Juice!

Thanks for all the schwag.  But more importantly, thanks for being in the dad space.  Lots of companies probably should be, but are not.  I can tell you, I personally respect and think more highly of your brand partially because of your involvement in events like this.  (And yes, I like free stuff too.  But more importantly, the personal connection.)

MY FAVORITE PARTS OF THE EVENT

Getting a haircut/shave.

For me, there were several highlights to the event.  I loved all of the panels and Keynotes that I attended, and thought there was a lot of valuable information floating around the air of the Four Seasons Hotel.

•Hanging Out.  As a dad and dadblogger, I don't interact with other dads as much as I would like.  I make efforts, but am not always as successful as I would like. This was a good chance to make some strong connections with guys both local and not so local.  Having a shave, having a dinner, having a late night conversation-- all of it was great.

• Brene Brown, speaking about vulnerability, and the need to dare greatly.
She's a funny, amazing speaker, and everything she says has the ring of authenticity about it.  I saw her at the Mom 2.0 conference, and was moved and amazed by her then.

You can get her book Daring Greatly from Amazon, or you can just view her TED talk.  After you view it, you are going to want to buy the book!


Here's one of her TED talks. It will blow you away.
   



• Whit Honea, reading one of the posts he wrote about his son confusing the word Dump Truck with Dumb Fuck, and the honest love of his child and the great writing that he put into it.  "Look at that Dumb Fuck. How come he's so dirty?"  It was hilarious and moving and wonderful to hear.
Follow Whit's blog:   http://www.whithonea.com/.
Read Whit's very funny post:  http://www.dadcentric.com/2009/04/potateo-potato.html

• Jeff Pulver, founder of Vonage and a few other companies, talking about how his loneliness as a child led him to seek out other people around the world as a HAM operator.  As he explained it in his keynote, it became clear to me that HAM RADIO was the twitter of the 1970's.  Jeff had lots of bon mots, and he was a great speaker and made lots of great connections.
Find Jeff online:  http://pulver.com/jeff/ and http://www.jeffpulver.com

• Gerome Sapp.  Former Professional Football Player.  I talked to Gerome for some time about his work and about the NFL, and how hard it is for many players to hold onto their wealth.  He's now the founder of http://www.fluencr.com, a company that rewards influencers and gives them  the perks that celebrities and athletes used to have all by themselves.  Gerome was really smart and on top of it.



I'm looking forward to attending Dad 2.014 when it happens next year!