When Finley Frankfurter’s father, a famed fisherman, is struck by the Big Bad Sickness of the Sea, she embarks on an extraordinary quest for the elixir of life. Can Finley, a girl with dreams as vast as the ocean but plagued by self-doubt, save her father against all odds?
This enchanting family musical blends laughter, magic, and music to tell a coming-of-age story about facing fears, embracing emotions, and believing in yourself. Spells of the Sea is not just a musical; it's an inspiring journey for dreamers of all ages.
An annual tradition! The Concert Hall transforms into a ghostly sight when ghoulishly attired National Symphony Orchestra musicians, led by conductor Michelle Merrill, celebrate Halloween. Enjoy a concert filled with musical treats from fa-boo-lous new works to spooky old classics.
Arrive early for trick-or-treating and a special Haunted Hall Musical PLAYspace!
Most enjoyed by ages 5+
Come early for trick-or-treating and a Musical PLAYspace
Prior to each performance, the NSO Volunteer Council will hold a special Haunted Hall Musical PLAYspace. Children will have the opportunity to try out the instruments they’ll see played on the stage.
10:00 am – 11:00 am November 2, 2024 – November 3, 2024
Two curious explorers take off on a voyage into a world made of string! Yarn birds fly through the air, and a string ship travels the sea.
This gentle, engaging performance from Arts on the Horizon features object transformation, movement, live string music, and captivating design. Watch as a simple piece of yarn takes on countless new forms in this special immersive performance for the youngest audience members.
Most enjoyed by ages 0-3 and their families
Created especially for babies and toddlers, this show runs about 20 minutes in length and will be followed by a 5-to-10-minute hands-on exploration of the props used in the show.
Equal parts interactive science, comedy, and personal empowerment messages, Doktor Kaboom returns with a new show. Doktor Kaboom: Under Pressure! illustrates physical science concepts, which are also metaphors for real-life mental and emotional pressures.
Praised for keeping crowds riveted with interest and rolling with laughter, Doktor Kaboom is also known for empowering volunteers from the audience to be the heroes of the moment. In Under Pressure!, Kaboom validates the pressures some students may feel, and shares tools and life lessons as resources for dealing with the difficulties that face us all.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm November 2, 2024 – November 3, 2024
wo curious explorers take off on a voyage into a world made of string! Yarn birds fly through the air, and a string ship travels the sea.
This gentle, engaging performance from Arts on the Horizon features object transformation, movement, live string music, and captivating design. Watch as a simple piece of yarn takes on countless new forms in this special immersive performance for the youngest audience members.
Most enjoyed by ages 0-3 and their families
Created especially for babies and toddlers, this show runs about 20 minutes in length and will be followed by a 5-to-10-minute hands-on exploration of the props used in the show.
10:00 am – 11:00 am November 2, 2024 – November 3, 2024
Two curious explorers take off on a voyage into a world made of string! Yarn birds fly through the air, and a string ship travels the sea.
This gentle, engaging performance from Arts on the Horizon features object transformation, movement, live string music, and captivating design. Watch as a simple piece of yarn takes on countless new forms in this special immersive performance for the youngest audience members.
Most enjoyed by ages 0-3 and their families
Created especially for babies and toddlers, this show runs about 20 minutes in length and will be followed by a 5-to-10-minute hands-on exploration of the props used in the show.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm November 2, 2024 – November 3, 2024
wo curious explorers take off on a voyage into a world made of string! Yarn birds fly through the air, and a string ship travels the sea.
This gentle, engaging performance from Arts on the Horizon features object transformation, movement, live string music, and captivating design. Watch as a simple piece of yarn takes on countless new forms in this special immersive performance for the youngest audience members.
Most enjoyed by ages 0-3 and their families
Created especially for babies and toddlers, this show runs about 20 minutes in length and will be followed by a 5-to-10-minute hands-on exploration of the props used in the show.
10:30 am – 11:30 am November 4, 2024 – November 5, 2024
Two curious explorers take off on a voyage into a world made of string! Yarn birds fly through the air, and a string ship travels the sea.
This gentle, engaging performance from Arts on the Horizon features object transformation, movement, live string music, and captivating design. Watch as a simple piece of yarn takes on countless new forms in this special immersive performance for the youngest audience members.
Most enjoyed by ages 0-3 and their families
Created especially for babies and toddlers, this show runs about 20 minutes in length and will be followed by a 5-to-10-minute hands-on exploration of the props used in the show.
10:30 am – 11:30 am November 4, 2024 – November 5, 2024
Two curious explorers take off on a voyage into a world made of string! Yarn birds fly through the air, and a string ship travels the sea.
This gentle, engaging performance from Arts on the Horizon features object transformation, movement, live string music, and captivating design. Watch as a simple piece of yarn takes on countless new forms in this special immersive performance for the youngest audience members.
Most enjoyed by ages 0-3 and their families
Created especially for babies and toddlers, this show runs about 20 minutes in length and will be followed by a 5-to-10-minute hands-on exploration of the props used in the show.
We are thrilled to offer a Sensory-Friendly performance of our production of A Christmas Carol this season! The adjustments for these dedicated performances will provide a family-friendly environment. We welcome anyone who may benefit from an adjusted theatrical environment.
Originally conceived by Michael Baron, this music-infused production captures the magic and joy of Dickens’s Yuletide classic, with familiar characters, ghosts and a children’s ensemble in the spirit of the holidays. Acclaimed actor Craig Wallace returns to play Ebenezer Scrooge in the Ford’s annual tradition heralded as a “rich visual and vocal treat” (TheaterMania) and “infectiously jolly” (The Washington Post).
Please call (202) 347-4833 to purchase tickets. Learn more about the Ford’s Theatre 2024-2025 season and accessibility options at the links below.
OUR HOLIDAY OPERA TRADITION CONTINUES!
Join the power of the pack.
Step into the jungle, where adventure awaits! Orphaned child Mowgli seeks refuge with a group of wolves deep in the jungle. Should the pack accept Mowgli as its own, even if it makes an enemy of the dangerous tiger Shere Khan?
Our holiday opera returns for all ages with a new take on the Kipling classic from Kamala Sankaram and Kelley Rourke. The beloved story gets a contemporary twist with music from South Asian and Western music traditions and mesmerizing Bollywood dance from Indian classical dance company Taal. Join Mowgli, Baloo, Bagheera, and more animal characters for a heartwarming tale about friendship, compassion, and forgiveness. The jungle may be filled with dangers but there is strength in chosen family.
From the creator of Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, Finn explores the depths of the brilliant and beautiful ocean, with quirky sea creature characters and catchy tunes. Hilarious and heartwarming, this underwater musical chronicles the coming-of-age journey of Finn, a young shark who dreams of following in his family’s footsteps by joining the prestigious Shark Guard.
As Finn faces the challenges of growing up and following his heart, the musical takes us on a magical journey of self-discovery, friendship, and adventure. With its extraordinary mix of music and spectacle, Finn showcases the remarkable talents of writing duo Michael Kooman and Christopher Dimond, in partnership with Emmy® winner Chris Nee and director Adrienne Campbell-Holt.
Havana Hop: A Children’s Tale of Culture and Confidence!
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm January 12, 2025
Believe in yourself and dance without fear.
Young Yeila dreams of being a superstar, but her lack of confidence gives her awful stage fright. With advice from her mother and mentors, Yeila begins to find her roots, gain confidence, and be her amazing self!
Travel with Yeila as she visits her grandmother in Cuba to add salsa flavor to her own hip hop style. The audience gets to dance along in this dynamic participation play where one actress creates three generations of lively women. Yeila’s fun discovery of her multicultural heritage is written, directed, and performed by Kennedy Center Citizen Artist Paige Hernandez and features music by Nick Tha 1da.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
N/A January 18, 2025
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Teller Productions.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm January 18, 2025
Help Old MacDonald and the farmhands get ready for an orchestral hoedown!
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Teller Productions.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm January 18, 2025
Help Old MacDonald and the farmhands get ready for an orchestral hoedown!
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Teller Productions.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm January 19, 2025
Help Old MacDonald and the farmhands get ready for an orchestral hoedown!
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Teller Productions.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm January 19, 2025
Help Old MacDonald and the farmhands get ready for an orchestral hoedown!
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Teller Productions.
NSO Music for Young Audiences: Old MacDonald’s Symphony
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm January 19, 2025
Help Old MacDonald and the farmhands get ready for an orchestral hoedown!
The whole farmyard is getting ready for a hoedown—but it needs your help with the farm chores. This immersive show, developed specifically for toddlers, will have audience members laughing and dancing along with Old MacDonald and the farmhands. Join for a silly adventure featuring puppets, storytelling, dancing, and a string quartet from the National Symphony Orchestra, presented in collaboration with Teller Productions.
This tale of a Navajo creation legend unfolds not on earth, but in the house of the Sun, where the lesser-known siblings of the Hero Twins reside. These celestial children set forth on a journey to slay monsters—and find their own place in creation.
The Other Children of the Sun challenges us to look at heroism through a new lens and reminds us that every journey—no matter how small—has the power to change the course of the universe! This superhero adventure is brought to life by writer and co-director Rhiana Yazzie, a Navajo playwright and trailblazer of Native American storytelling, and co-director Steven Paul Judd, a Kiowa/Choctaw filmmaker and screenwriter.