I know, I know, it’s painfully obvious that I’m in love with The Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park. But I firmly believe that an early, ardent love of theater and literature are important to instill in kids. And I’ve never been to a venue that so consistently produces such quality for theater for children. The latest play, Babe, The Sheep Pig was no exception. Well, it was exceptionally good.

I took my four and a half year old son and borrowed his pal of the same age, Little Miss Techie, and the three of us had a magical time. Both were entranced and did not make a peep during the performance, except to clap their hands with all their might or recite snippets of poetry at the interactive moments. This was the first Adventure Theatre play we had seen that had children as members of the cast, and that made it very fun for my young companions.

The delightful play – with a story you probably know from the children’s book by Dick King-Smith or the Oscar-winning film – has lots of fun farm animals, sweetness and humor. Sensitive viewers may tear up when an old ewe goes to sheep heaven, and everyone will laugh at a turkey that dances the robot (by the way, if I hear “Turkey Robot!” by my son one more time, I’m going to turn him into turkey sausage.) The professional acting is just excellent.

Most importantly, Babe has some very important morals that are not lost on the prekindergarten-elementary school set. Namely, that being kind to everyone is the best quality someone can possess, and that others’ intelligence should never be underestimated.

The play also illustrates that familial love can come from unexpected places. A dog can be a pig’s mama, a pig intended for Christmas dinner can save the farm and become one’s evening television-watching companion.

Family is also the focus of the fun weekend events the Adventure Theatre is holding in honor of Babe:

July 5th & 6th – Reduced rates on tickets this weekend
If you’re in town this weekend, tickets are reduced to $10 each.

July 12th and 13th, Grandparents’ Weekend
Adventure Theatre welcomes grandparents and their grandchildren to enjoy a performance of BABE, THE SHEEP PIG and receive a special BABE coloring sheet. Sat/Sun 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.

July 18th, 19th and 20th – Celebrate Adoption Weekend
Adoptive families are invited to celebrate with orphan pig, Babe as he finds love with a new family. Families are also encouraged to enjoy the Carousel as well as the picnic area before or after the show. Participating organizations are The Adoption Center of Washington, The Barker Foundation and Friends of Russian and Ukranian Adoptions. Adventure Theatre will provide cookies and juice. Friday 7:00 pm, Sat/Sun 11:00 am and 1:30 pm.

July 26th – Squeals on Wheels Petting Zoo
From 12 noon to 2:30 pm children will have an opportunity to pet goats, sheep, ducks, ponies, donkeys, pigs, bunnies, chickens and hens. Hand washing stations will be set up for the kids. Tickets $5 (sold separately.).

Babe the Sheep Pig at the Adventure Theatre
in Historic Glen Echo Park
June 9 – Aug 3, 2008
Tickets $12 for all ages, just $10 7/6 & 7/7
buy tickets now, the shows sell out very quickly
Saturdays and Sundays at 11am and 1:30pm
Book Club Performance: 7/13 at 1:30pm
Sign Language: 8/3 at 1:30pm
Special Friday Evening Performances: 7/19 & 8/1 at 7 pm