Fun on stage for kids
Tap Kids is performed at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2013, at Stony Brook University's Staller Center for the Arts Main Stage, Nicolls Rd. Coming-of-age story performed by eight young tap dancers who tap through memorable milestones such as a first love, the school dance and graduation. A New York Stage original production for ages 10 and older. Credit: TimBarden
When Clifford the Big Red Dog hits the stage at the Paramount in Huntington on Tuesday, March 12, he'll have a pit crew just like NASCAR drivers do. "It's physically exhausting to play Clifford," says David Melissaratos, the puppeteer inside who controls the dog's head, mouth and front legs.
So he appreciates that, between numbers, a crew offstage uses a hose to blow cold air into Clifford to cool off Melissaratos and the second puppeteer, who controls Clifford's back legs and tail.
Melissaratos isn't the only performer who will be breaking a sweat this week on Long Island. A plethora of children's shows -- from the whimsical to the serious -- takes place in the coming week. Here are some highlights:
