Disney’s Camp Rock The Musical
Grand Rapids Civic Theatre
30 Division Ave. N., Grand Rapids
July 25 through Aug. 3; July 25, 7:30 p.m.; July 26 & 27, 2 p.m.; July 31 & Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m.
$16-$10
grct.org, (616) 222-6650, ext. 1
Summertime is all about which camp you’ll attend. When Mitchie Torres returns to Camp Rock, she discovers Camp Star has opened just on the other side of the lake, threatening Camp Rock. Mitchie and friends must step up their game to save the camp. Is this enough drama for the tweens? Grand Rapids Civic Theatre thinks so and showcases this musical stage production that’s a battle of the bands with music and celebrities from the movie that kids can relate to (think Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers). Jam along to “You’re My Favorite Song” and learn about teamwork and talent. Some other cool themes touch upon competition and the struggle of comparing one camp’s traditional and rustic approach to another’s brand new, flashy, super-hyped camp. “So many kids are familiar with the music,” said director and music director David Duiven. “They’ll enjoy the final jam because that’s when the storyline gets wrapped up in a big production number. It’s a big moment and I also think kids will enjoy the chemistry behind Mitchie and Shane and Dana and Nate—at this age, kids have crushes.” Ack! Don’t remind us…
Shrek the Musical
Comstock Community Auditorium
2107 N. 26th St., Kalamazoo
July 18-26, Fri. & Sat., 7:30 p.m.; Sun, 2 p.m.
$12/adults; $10/students
cstheatre.com, (269) 348-SHOW
Shrek’s quiet ogre life is turned upside down when a pack of distraught fairy tale creatures are dumped in his wonderfully stinky swamp at the Comstock Community Auditorium. Throw in a donkey who won't shut up, a bad guy with a short temper, a cookie with an attitude and more than a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. “Kids are going to love the music, dancing and colorful set,” said Producer Amber Bartholomew. “The talent from the area is amazing and there’s adult humor kids won’t catch onto,” so parents can equally enjoy the show. With audience involvement, including actors placed in the audience, the show features huge musical numbers that are very upbeat. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, this show is silly and fun with tons of music.
Rock Camp with The Outer Vibe
St. Cecilia Music Center
24 Ransom Ave. NE, Grand Rapids
July 14-18 (session 1: noon-4 p.m.; session 2: 5-9 p.m.)
$175/per student
scmc-online.org, (616) 459-2224, ext. 206
Teen musicians wanted! If your child is around the age of 12 to 18 years old with some experience on guitar, bass, the drum set, keyboards or vocals, they can book themselves a really cool gig at St. Cecilia Music Center’s Rock Camp. Teens form bands and rehearse for a big rock concert finale at The Intersection on July 20 at 6 p.m. If you can’t make the camp, come down and jam kid style at the family friendly rock concert. Coaching comes from Grand Rapids band The Outer Vibe, an alternative pop-rock band that tours the country with songs on Top 40 radio. The band teaches tips and techniques for stage presence, songwriting, marketing and promoting of shows (kids learn to push tickets) and more secret, cool insider rock-star stuff. “The camp is a crash course in being a band,” said Rock Camp Co-Director Lisa Kacos, one of the five members of The Outer Vibe, who plays trumpet, keyboards and offers back-up vocals. “It’s a good jumping-off point if interested in starting a band. Music is good for the mind and soul. It feels good to play whether as a hobby or to make a career in music.”
Kids Tunes at Noon
Windmill Island Gardens
1 Lincoln Ave., Holland
July 25, noon
Free
hollandrecreation.com
Pack the lawn chairs, blankets and picnic lunch and spend some time at Windmill Island Gardens for a little musical inspiration. The featured performer is Carol Johnson, who plays guitar and has been singing since childhood. The singer/songwriter has performed at thousands of schools, libraries, festivals, camps, churches and conferences. “Carol brings a lot of energy,” said Jeremy Myers, recreation manager. “Kids are up jumping and dancing and singing songs they know.” A great musical performer that interacts with the kids, Johnson’s program is the definition of family friendly. The hour-long program is held “because it’s important for kids and families to get involved with music in a good family environment,” so remember the next date scheduled for Aug. 8.
