STepping Out

She's 'maid' for America

See 'Hazel' at the Madison Theatre

Posted

On Stage

Hazel: A Musical Maid in America
That delightful maid, who captured America’s heart from her days as a Saturday Evening Post cartoon character and in the popular ‘60s sitcom, has found her way onto the stage. Share her life with the Baxter family in a staged reading of a new musical in development, starring Klea Blackhurst, appearing with an ensemble of Molloy College’s Cap21 Theatre Arts students. The show opens a theatrical window on the American family of the ‘60s, with comedic detail on what it was like to be a wife during that era. The bossy, wisecracking maid with the heart of gold takes over the Baxter household, guiding the family through a decade of great change, all the while keeping an eye on the Baxter’s young son.
Friday and Saturday, Jan. 27-28, 8 p.m. $25. Madison Theatre, Molloy College, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. (516) 323-4444 or www.madisontheatreny.org.


Family Fun

Berenstain Bears’ ‘Family Matters’
Everyone’s favorite bear family comes to life on stage in a lively musical adapted from the classic book series. “Family Matters, the Musical” combines three of The Berenstain Bears’ most beloved books — “The Berenstain Bears Learn About Strangers,” “The Berenstain Bears and Too Much Junk Food” and “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble at School” — in a spirited show geared for young theatergoers. As always, Bear Country is not without its complications: Brother Bear’s grades are slipping, Sister Bear still has a few things to learn about making new friends, and Papa Bear just can’t stop eating junk food. Thankfully, the family can always depend on Mama Bear and her loving patience to help set things right. In the end, it becomes clear to each of the Berenstain Bears that what truly matters is family.
Sunday, Jan. 29, 3 p.m. $23. Landmark on Main Street, Jeanne Rimsky Theater, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or www.landmarkonmainstreet.org.