(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey announces the return of the lively, interactive storytelling series, Milk & Cookies for 2019-2020. The popular series returns with eight delightful programs for children ages 3-8 and their families. The series runs from October through May.
The series kicks off on Saturday, October 5, with musician and storyteller, Julie Pasqual; followed by The Bilingual Birdies on November 2; and the band, City Stomp on December 7. Mr. Pennygaff’s Slideshow Spectacle rings in the New Year on January 11, and guitarist mr. RAY returns to the State Theatre on February 8. Other performances in the Milk & Cookies Series include Princeton Symphony Orchestra BRAVO Percussion Ensemble on March 7, Charlotte Blake Alston: “Come Tell With Me” on April 25, and Joanie Leeds performs on May 16. The 12pm performances are Sensory-Friendly; Sensory-Friendly Performances allow families with children on the autism spectrum or with other sensory sensitivities to enjoy high-quality live entertainment in a safe, welcoming, sensory-friendly environment.
Tickets are $5, which includes the performance, along with milk and a cookie for each child. Space is limited, so families are encouraged to purchase their tickets as early as possible at 732-246-SHOW or STNJ.org. Please note: Milk & Cookies performances take place on the second floor of State Theatre New Jersey. There is no elevator access to this space.
“Milk & Cookies is one of our most beloved programs,” said Lian Farrer, State Theatre New Jersey’s Vice President of Education & Community Engagement. “It’s become so popular that this season we decided to expand the series from six to eight shows.” The program, she said, reflects the State Theatre’s belief that every child should have the opportunity to experience the thrill of live theater, in all its variety. “And we do mean EVERY child,” she emphasized. “A couple of seasons ago, we started offering a few Sensory-Friendly Milk & Cookies performances for children on the autism spectrum. This year, there’s a Sensory-Friendly performance for all eight programs.”
Milk and Cookies has been building future audiences for the past 12 years. “Our girls have been attending for five years—from the time they were three,” said a grateful parent,” “and it has been fabulous to expose them to live performances—and such a variety of art forms—so important in this age of virtual entertainment. …and to offer it to people like me who could not afford to take them into New York to experience live theater.”
2019-2020 Milk & Cookies Lineup:
Julie Pasqual - Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 12:00pm. A performance with storyteller Julie Pasqual is a real treat: fun, high-energy, and downright silly, with lots of audience participation. Always a Milk & Cookies favorite, Julie is back with a selection of delightful tales from many lands.
The Bilingual Birdies - Saturday, November 2, 2019 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. ¡Hola, amigos y amigas! The Bilingual Birdies invite you to dance and sing along to the festive sounds of Latin America. Explore the region’s rich cultural heritage and learn a little Spanish as you move to the irresistible rhythms of cumbia, salsa, tango, and samba.
City Stomp - Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. City Stomp performs fun original songs, along with contemporary versions of traditional folk songs that celebrate Latin American, Caribbean, African, Irish, Jewish, and other world cultures. They takes kids’ music to a new level with songs that the whole family will love!
Mr. Pennygaff's Sideshow Spectacle - Saturday, January 11, 2020 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. Mr. Pennygaff takes you on a tour of American popular entertainment, with juggling, feats of daring, comedy, sideshow stunts, and audience interaction. See Mr. Pennygaff balance bottles on wooden spoons and tops on strings, experience a classic plate spinning frenzy, and even learn some of his tricks!
mr. RAY - Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. mr. RAY is back, bringing along his famous sticker-covered guitar and family-friendly songs with a rock-and-roll beat. He’s performed with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry, and Bon Jovi, but kids are his favorite audience. With mr. RAY, songs about friendship, dinosaurs, and rainbows never sounded so cool!
Princeton Symphony Orchestra BRAVO Percussion Ensemble - Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. In this fun, interactive, and educational program, members of the Princeton Symphony Orchestra introduce audiences to the wide-ranging group of instruments that make up the percussion family. You’ll meet an assortment of drums, cymbals, chimes, and lots of other instruments that are played by hitting, shaking, or scraping.
Charlotte Blake Alston: “Come Tell With Me” - Saturday, April 25, 2020 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. Charlotte Blake Alston has shared her African and African American tales with audiences from Cape Town to Carnegie Hall, at events ranging from concerts in Japan to the U.S. Presidential Inaugural festivities. Come ready to clap, sing, and play a part in telling the stories!
Joanie Leeds - Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 10:00am & 12:00pm. For her original kids music, singer-songwriter Joanie Leeds has won first place in the USA Songwriting Competition, the Independent Music Award, Gold Parents' Choice Award, NAPPA Gold Award, and Family Choice Award. One of the top nationally-touring kindie rock singers, Joanie returns to the State Theatre with her high-energy, interactive kids’ rock.
Milk & Cookies is sponsored by Community Access Initiative Sponsor The Provident Bank Foundation.
State Theatre is located at 15 Livingston Avenue in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
