2023-24 Family Discovery Series
June 06, 2023KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS AND THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA ANNOUNCE 2023-24 FAMILY DISCOVERY SERIES
LINEUP FEATURES LIVE STAGE PRODUCTIONS OF FAN-FAVORITE TELEVISION SHOWS, DEBUT BROADWAY PERFORMANCES, AND ORCHESTRA FILM & FAMILY CONCERTS
Wild Kratts LIVE, Coco Live-to-Film Concert, and Bluey’s Big Play
Broadway debut of Disney’s Frozen and return of Cirque Dreams Holidaze
The Philadelphia Orchestra family film and concerts including Children’s Holiday Spectacular, Music from The Four Seasons, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas and Elf in Concert
2-show packages start at $21/show with select single tickets on sale starting July 11, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, PA, June 6, 2023) –– The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra are thrilled to announce the return of the Family Discovery Series for the upcoming 2023-24 season. In its 8th year, the lineup includes kid-friendly favorites, Broadway presentations, and thought-provoking orchestral performances. Packages are on sale now and start at just $21 per show; single tickets to select shows in the 2023-24 Family Discovery Series go on sale Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
“This year’s family-friendly performances will inspire a new generation’s appreciation for the arts,” said Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Kimmel Center, Inc. “With introductions to the incredible music and artistry of The Philadelphia Orchestra, favorites from Broadway shows and film, holiday fun, and more, families can create the perfect package of experiences to share together.”
The 2023-24 Family Discovery Series lineup includes:
- Wild Kratts LIVE 2.0 – Activate Creature Power (September 23, 2023, Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Music of Superheroes (October 14, 2023, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- Coco Live-to-Film Concert (October 15, 2023, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert (October 24, 2023, Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- Bluey’s Big Play (November 18 – 19, 2023, Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas (November 24 – 26, 2023, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Children’s Holiday Spectacular (December 16, 2023, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Elf in Concert (December 22 – 23, 2023, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze (December 26 – 31, 2023, Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra (February 10, 2024, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- Disney’s Frozen (March 21 – April 7, 2024, Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- The Philadelphia Orchestra Presents Music from The Four Seasons (April 6, 2024, Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
- Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies: LIVE! (April 13, 2024, Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus)
This season's Family Discovery Series is generously sponsored by Dietz & Watson. The Philadelphia Orchestra Family Concerts are funded in part by the Zisman Family Foundation.
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INDIVIDUAL SHOW DETAILS ARE BELOW AND AVAILABLE ONLINE AT WWW.KIMMELCULTURALCAMPUS.ORG
WILD KRATTS LIVE 2.0 – ACTIVATE CREATURE POWER
Saturday, September 23, 2023 • 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Get ready to dive into another classic Wild Kratts story with the Kratt brothers in an all-new stage adventure! Based on the hit PBS KIDS series, Wild Kratts, this action-packed theatrical production is perfect for adventurers of all ages and takes audiences along on a “wild” ride with a dynamic mix of live-action and animation.
Chris and Martin, stars of the Emmy nominated Wild Kratts, take to the stage to activate new Creature Powers and go “off to the creature rescue!” With some help from Aviva and the rest of the Wild Kratts team - on screen at Tortuga HQ - and their audience members, the Kratt Brothers confront a comic villain and help bring the creatures of the world to safety once again. Along the way, they share fascinating tidbits about some of the world’s most amazing creatures. Which creature powers will they activate and what new and amazing “WOW!” facts will you learn? Experience, live-on-stage, the same electrifying excitement and inspiring quest that make the hit television series Wild Kratts a family favorite time and time again! It’s going to be WILD!
Since 2014, Wild Kratts LIVE! has performed over 225 shows for hundreds of thousands of fans in over 135 cities across North America. It was created for the stage by the imaginative minds of Martin and Chris Kratt from Zoboomafoo, Kratt's Creatures, and Be the Creature.
Recommended for ages 3 and up.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS MUSIC OF SUPERHEROES
Saturday, October 14, 2023 • 11:30 a.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
The Orchestra is in trouble, and we need your help! Take to the sky (or Broad Street) and join us for a super Saturday performance as we bring to life the themes from the incredible movies, TV shows, and more that unlocked the love of superheroes in all of us. Dress up as your favorite superhero and get ready to save the day in Verizon Hall!
Recommended for ages 5-12.
COCO LIVE-TO-FILM CONCERT
Sunday, October 15, 2023 • 4:00 p.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
AMP presents Disney Pixar’s Coco Live-to-Film Concert featuring a screening of the complete film with Oscar®- and Grammy®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed by a 20-member Orquesta Folclorico Nacional de Mexico. In addition to the original score by Giacchino, Coco also features the Oscar®-winning song “Remember Me” by Oscar®-winning songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus additional songs co-written by Germaine Franco and co-director & screenwriter Adrian Molina.
About the Movie:
Despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music, Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol, Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt). Desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead following a mysterious chain of events. Along the way, he meets charming trickster Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history. Disney and Pixar’s Coco is directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (story artist Monsters University), and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3).
Recommended for ages 7 and up.
SPIDER-MAN: INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE LIVE IN CONCERT
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 • 8:00 p.m.
Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Featuring a soundtrack that blends symphonic orchestral music with hip-hop, Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse Live in Concert pairs a screening of the Academy Award®-winning animated film with a full orchestra, band, and turntables live on stage.
Academy Award® nominated and Emmy®-winning composer Daniel Pemberton created a sprawling score of original music that is complemented with song contributions by Post Malone, Lil Wayne, Jaden Smith, and Nicki Minaj. The hip-hop-based score results in a sonic universe that is woven throughout the fabric of the film, supporting its themes of resilience and universal heroism. Broadway Sinfonietta, a NYC-based, all-female orchestra comprised of BIPOC women musicians will perform the music live with DJ Dwells on turntables.
Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse introduces Brooklyn teen Miles Morales and the limitless possibilities of the Spider-Verse where more than one can wear the mask. A superhero classic for a new generation, Miles is an Afro-Latinx teen who is bitten by a radioactive spider in the subway and gains mysterious powers. Joined by spider-heroes from parallel universes, Miles must master his new powers to save his city from a villain who could destroy it all.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
BLUEY’S BIG PLAY
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19, 2023 • 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m.
Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
When Dad feels like a little bit of Sunday afternoon time out, Bluey and Bingo have other plans! Join them as they pull out all of the games and cleverness at their disposal to get Dad off that bean bag. Bluey’s Big Play is a brand-new theatrical adaptation of the Emmy® Award-winning children’s television series, with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush. Join the Heelers in a live theatre show made just for you, featuring brilliantly created puppets; this is Bluey as you’ve never seen it before, brought to real life. Bluey’s Big Play is presented by BBC Studios and Andrew Kay in association with Windmill Theatre Co.
“A glorious celebration of everything you love about the show” – The Guardian
NOTE: Saturday, November 18 at 1:00 p.m. is an ASL performance.
NOTE: Sunday, November 19 at 1:00 p.m. is a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance.
Recommended for ages 2 and up.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS TIM BURTON’S THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS IN CONCERT
November 24 – 26, 2023 • 8:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Constantine Kitsopoulos Conductor
Elfman The Nightmare Before Christmas (complete with film)
Bored with the same old scare-and-scream routine, Pumpkin King Jack Skellington longs to spread the joy of Christmas. But his merry mission puts Santa in jeopardy and creates a nightmare for good little boys and girls everywhere in Tim Burton’s stop-action animation classic. Your Philadelphia Orchestra performs the brilliantly evocative Danny Elfman score live as the film plays on a giant screen above the stage—an unforgettable holiday season treat.
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR
December 16, 2023 • 11:30 a.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Do you hear the sleigh bells jingling? Ring, ting, tingling too? The holidays are finally here and so is everyone’s favorite family tradition! Celebrate with Your Philadelphia Orchestra and fill your Saturday with sing-alongs, sounds of the season, and special guests. And make sure you listen closely—you never know who might pay a special visit to Verizon Hall!
Recommended for ages 5-12.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS ELF IN CONCERT
December 22 – 23, 2023 • 7:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Debney Elf (complete with film)
Buddy was accidentally transported to the North Pole as a toddler and raised to adulthood among Santa’s elves. Unable to shake the feeling that he doesn’t fit in, the adult Buddy travels to New York, in full elf uniform, in search of his real father. This holiday season relive this heartwarming holiday classic on a giant screen as The Philadelphia Orchestra plays every note of John Debney’s wonderful score live to picture in Elf™ in Concert!
Recommended for ages 8 and up.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE
December 26 - 31, 2023 • Times Vary
Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE returns to the Miller Theater after a sold-out 2019 engagement with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. Broadway World exclaims, “Lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid.”
Featuring an ensemble of aerial circus acts, sleight-of-hand jugglers, fun-loving skippers, breath-catching acrobatics, and much more, the Dayton Daily News proclaims, “A new set of eyes should be added to my Christmas list…there’s no way the stunts I witnessed onstage actually happened as most of them aren’t humanly possible.”
Imaginative and fun for the whole family, CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE features a world-renowned cast of performers accompanied by an original music score, with new twists on seasonal favorites such as “Deck the Halls,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Singers, dancers, penguins, toy soldiers, and reindeer invoke the dreams behind a child’s eye on the most magical of nights. Amidst a backdrop of new sets, scenery, and storylines, this family-friendly production is sure to put a twinkle in your eye!
Recommended for ages 5 and up.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS THE YOUNG PERSON’S GUIDE TO THE ORCHESTRA
February 10, 2024 • 11:30 a.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Take a journey with Your Philadelphia Orchestra as we introduce the instruments of the orchestra through Benjamin Britten’s delightful The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra! Explore the sounds of each unique instrument in this concert perfect for young music lovers and their grownups.
Recommended for ages 5-12.
DISNEY’S FROZEN
March 21 – April 7, 2024 • Times Vary
Academy of Music on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
From the producer of The Lion King and Aladdin, FROZEN, the Tony® nominated Best Musical, is now on tour across North America and the critics rave, “It’s simply magical!” (LA Daily News).
Heralded by The New Yorker as “thrilling” and “genuinely moving,” FROZEN features the songs you know and love from the original Oscar®-winning film, plus an expanded score with a dozen new numbers by the film’s songwriters, Oscar winner Kristen Anderson-Lopez and EGOT winner Robert Lopez. Oscar winner Jennifer Lee (book), Tony and Olivier Award winner Michael Grandage (director), and Tony winner Rob Ashford (choreographer) round out the creative team that has won a cumulative 16 Tony Awards. An unforgettable theatrical experience filled with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances, FROZEN is everything you want in a musical: It’s moving. It’s spectacular. And above all, it’s pure Broadway joy.
Recommended for ages 6 and older.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA PRESENTS MUSIC FROM THE FOUR SEASONS
April 6, 2024 • 11:30 a.m.
Verizon Hall on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
From big leaf piles and snow angels to sandy beaches and afternoon picnics, each season brings its own magical atmosphere. Now, travel through every time of the year with Your Philadelphia Orchestra as you hear selection from Antonio Vivaldi’s iconic The Four Seasons. This family-friendly program stars the violin as our guide through the drama and excitement of the changing seasons.
Recommended for ages 5-12.
CHLOÉ ARNOLD’S SYNCOPATED LADIES: LIVE!
April 13, 2024 • 7:30 p.m.
Miller Theater on the Kimmel Cultural Campus
Created by Emmy® nominated choreographer and Debbie Allen protégé, Chloé Arnold, this ground-breaking, all-female tap dance experience celebrates a sisterhood of beautiful, diverse, and talented women. These dynamic and versatile performers weave their inspiring personal stories with intricate footwork, feminine prowess, and sparkling energy. Accompanied by a live vocalist and dancing to today’s cutting-edge music – from pop and hip-hop to salsa and R&B, the ladies deliver an electrifying performance that breaks the mold and reinvigorates the art form of tap. Their viral videos have amassed more than 100 million views, and now the Queen Bey-approved viral sensation is coming to the stage for Chloé Arnold’s Syncopated Ladies: LIVE!
Syncopated Ladies is the most viewed female tap dance band in history. Known for their viral self-produced content, they were recognized by Beyonce, who not only shared their work, saying “they killed it”, but then transformed the homepage of Beyonce.com to feature Syncopated Ladies and invited them to perform live internationally. Beyonce’s support catapulted them onto a global platform. They also received praise from Whoopi Goldberg on The View, Janet Jackson, Ciara, Lupita Nyong’o, as well as many other celebrities and news outlets. Live performance credits include Good Morning America, So You Think You Can Dance, Global Citizen Week, New York Fashion Week, Essence Fest, Imagine Justice (featuring Common, J. Cole, and Andra Day), Glamour Women of the Year Awards, Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative at the US Open, JP Morgan Chase Women on the Move at Radio City Musical Hall, CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund, Women in the World Summit at Lincoln Center, Democratic National Convention and many more.
Recommended for all ages.
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Tickets
Family Discovery Series packages are on sale now and start at $21 per show. Choose two or more shows from our spectacular Family Discovery Series and save 10%. Single tickets are on sale beginning Tuesday, July 11, 2023.
Packages can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999, online at kimmelculturalcampus.org, or at the Kimmel Cultural Campus Box Office. Group sales are available for groups of 10 or more and can be purchased by calling (215) 790-5883. Exclusions apply. More information at https://www.kimmelculturalcampus.org/family.
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KIMMEL CULTURAL CAMPUS
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, our mission is to engage the region's diverse communities with art through performance and education. Our Cultural Campus serves more than 1-million guests per year and includes Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts (Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, and SEI Innovation Studio), the Academy of Music, and the Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater) – representing more than 160 years of rich history for the performing arts along Philadelphia's Avenue of the Arts. We are home to The Philadelphia Orchestra and esteemed Resident Companies: Opera Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, PHILADANCO, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, and Curtis Institute of Music. With nearly 9,000 seats per night, we are the region's most impactful performing arts center, and the second largest in the country. Our Cultural Campus serves as a preeminent and inclusive place to enjoy exceptional experiences that reflect the spirit of our region by cultivating a creative and socially responsible environment where our community shares experiences that are delivered with pride, integrity, and respect. As a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization, we collaborate on, present, and produce a broad range of relevant and meaningful events, we serve as an active gathering space for social and community events, we educate the region's young people through access to quality arts experiences, and we provide support to artists in the creation of new work. Read Kimmel Cultural Campus' vision statement, world view, and mission statement here. Learn more about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how it encompasses our mission, coworkers, and programs here.
THE PHILADELPHIA ORCHESTRA
The Philadelphia Orchestra is one of the world’s preeminent orchestras. It strives to share the transformative power of music with the widest possible audience, and to create joy, connection, and excitement through music in the Philadelphia region, across the country, and around the world. Through innovative programming, robust educational initiatives, and commitment to the community, the ensemble is on a path to create an expansive future for classical music, and to further the place of the arts in an open and democratic society.
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