On & Off Broadway

‘Berenstain Bears Live' The Musical

Review by Elyse Trevers

Posted

For years parents have depended upon the stories of Stan and Jan Berenstain’s stories, The Berenstain Bears, to teach youngsters safety and morals. The books deal with situations very familiar to parents and children. Often Father Bear winds up looking a little foolish, while Mother Bear is the wise one, but all is done with love, and important lessons are learned. As part of the LandmarKid series in Port Washington, the musical, Berenstain Bears Live, makes learning even more fun as young Brother Bear and Sister Bear learn the importance of family.

The show weaves three stories into one show as the Berenstain Bears learn about strangers, eating too much junk food, and having trouble at school. Sister Bear is really friendly to everyone, so Papa Bear sings a song to her about Wily Fox and Silly Goose. Silly is very friendly to everyone and thinks Wily is nice, when, in fact, he's not. He asks her back to his lair and snip, snap, winds up eating her. Several kids in the audience got scared. Mama wants everyone to start eating less Choco-Chums and other sugary foods and cleans out the house. Meanwhile, Brother Bear (who has the most to do and sing) plays soccer really well. However, he gets sick and has to stay home. So Cousin Freddie plays for him. Brother, concerned that Cousin Freddie could potentially take over his position on the team, doesn't study and winds up failing.

In the end, they learn that it’s better to tell someone when you’re in trouble and they learn the importance of being a family. Granny and Gramps give them all matching sweatshirts to show the family is on the same team. Our youngest critic announced that this was her favorite part. The theater is auditorium-style and an intimate venue for children’s shows. The material worked best for youngsters already familiar with the characters and the specific stories.

The Landmark is close (Port Washington), parking is easy and the prices are affordable, but the shows usually only play for one or two performances and sell out quickly. If you see something you like, get your tickets immediately. Landmark also features concerts and comedy shows for adults so check the website. It’s a wonderful alternative for those who dread the trip to Manhattan.