Things to Do in Austin: Architects of Air at The Long Center.

As you may have read last week, I found myself (plus Ava and another child) down at the wonderful Long Center for the Performing Arts. First and foremost, I cannot say enough good things about this space. It's known as "Austin's Creative Home", and for good reason. We've seen Pollyanna Children's Theatre Productions there, numerous of Ballet Austin's ballets, including the Nutcracker, I've been on a "girls night" to see Idina Menzel, an Elton John cover band, the list goes on and on. Anyhow, when we were there last week, it just so happened to coincide with the traveling Architects of Air: Exxopolit exhibit, and it wouldn't be a day in my life if I didn't try to fit it in, would it?

Though the line was long, we waited patiently and were rewarded for our perseverance with an amazing spectacle! The "inflatable sculpture", as it was explained to us, has gone through before, and we had heard amazing things, but the lines were discouraging the first time around. This time, though, the timing worked out perfectly, and like spectators in 37 countries worldwide (a little tourist-y detail for you!), our minds were blown by the tranquil tricks the lights of the structure played on our eyes, and the soothing, middle-Eastern expired music playing.

Here's a sneak preview of what you'll find assembled on the North lawn of The Long Center:

I will say that I think I may have enjoyed this more myself had I gone child-free and was able to lay around and really take it all in, like many of my childless counterparts seemed to be doing, but the girls absolutely loved it, and it was really fascinating to see their reactions as their skin, face and clothes changed colors.

Architects of Air runs through Sunday, January 27. Tickets are available for $10/person same-day only at the door, and expect longer lines over the weekend, when they're open 10am-5pm.

Pollyanna Children's Theatre Presents The Family of Ree.

Earlier this week, I told you all about a show that was coming to the Rollins Studio at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, entitled The Family of Ree. I was lucky enough to score tickets to the show for myself, Ava and one of the little girls that I watch, and so off we went to spend part of a day at the theatre. I was a bit uncertain of how it would go over in the few minutes leading up to the show, as toddlers are notoriously busy, but as I stepped foot into the production, I knew it would not be an issue.

The set was done so beautifully, and in such brilliant and vivid colors, that there was no way to not be caught up and attentive to it! Add to that a cast of individuals who all shined in their roles, colorful costumes and exuberant props, and I had two still, well-behaved little girls who were captivated by the production.

I won't give too much away, but The Family of Ree was based on a book of the same name by Scott Sutton, and was adapted true to form, with a message about being kind to our environment and being honest to ourselves and our friends - a moral that hits home for anyone at any stage of life!

Pollyanna Children's Theatre has recently been named the resident children's company at the Long Center, and watching the actors on stage left no doubt about why. From their stage presence to their articulate yet boisterous performances, I didn't feel like I was at a children's performance but a family-centered performance - one that was fun and entertaining for us all.

The Family of Ree runs January 24-27 at the Rollins Studio Theatre in the Long Center. Showtimes vary based upon day, but if you've got youngsters, I highly recommend the 11am show. If you've yet to get tickets, you can secure tickets online for the remaining shows here.

Pollyanna Children's Theater Presents 'The Family of Ree' This Weekend at The Long Center.

Central Texas’ most well-known children’s theatre company - and the resident children's theater company at the reputable Long Center for the Performing Arts -  Pollyanna Theatre presents The Family of Ree by Scott E. Sutton, adapted for the stage by Andrew Perry at the Rollins Studio Theatre at the Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 West Riverside, Austin, TX  78704.

This new play, best suited for children in grades K-3 (ages 5-8) is adapted by the stage by playwright Andrew Perry (Pattern Nation: Waves and Playground Superhero). The play explores themes of being honest and telling the truth and the dangers of false accusations.  The play also discusses the interconnected nature of life and the need to care for our environment.

The cast includes professional actors from Pollyanna Theatre Company, including Robert Burkhalter, Aaron Alexander (Playground Superhero), Gricelda Silva, Jessica Hughes, Rob Faubian and Jacob Trussell.

Hundreds of readers have fallen in love with Scott E. Sutton’s colorful characters and illustrations after discovering his series of picture books featuring the imaginative world called Ree.

The play opens this Thursday, January 24, through Sunday, January 27, with tickets ranging from $7.75 to $9.75. Group rates are available as well for the discounted price of $3-$5. You can check showtimes and purchase tickets here. They are also available by calling 512.743.7966 or 512.474.LONG (5664). 

Enjoy the show!