Kids’ Events

Kids Stuff

Compiled by Jason Gelt Earthworm Ensemble Celebrate the release of this family music act’s latest CD at a special all-ages concert. Composed of some of L.A.’s best folk and country artists, including I See Hawks in L.A., Mike Stinson, and the Chapin Sisters, the band’s lively sound pleases kids and adults alike. McCabe’s Guitar Shop, 3101 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica. Today, 11 a.m. $8. (310) 828-4497.

Alice and the Wonderful Tea Party Audiences help Alice set a topsy- turvy Wonderland aright in this zany Rudie-DeCarlo musical comedy. www.santamonicaplayhouse.com. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Los Angeles. Sat.-next Sun., 12:30 and 3 p.m. Adults $12.50, children $10.50. (310) 394-9779.

Family Playhouse: Chinese Firecrackers Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a bang. Visit the museum to create a Chinese firecracker. Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, L.A. Today, 1-3 p.m. Free with museum admission. (323) 667-2000.

Dick Van Dyke Reads Peter & the Wolf California Music Project and Wells Fargo join forces to present a special fundraising performance of the famous fairy tale. Dick Van Dyke’s reading will be accompanied by the Jr. Philharmonic Orchestra of California. www.californiamusicproject.com. The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St., Santa Monica. Today, 1 p.m. $10-$100. (310) 288-1755.

Miss Nelson Is Missing This witty and wacky musical adaptation of the classic children’s book tells the comedic tale of a gentle, clever teacher who masquerades as the infamous Viola Swamp, a nasty substitute, to teach her class a valuable lesson about respect. Norris Theatre, 27570 Crossfield Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. Today, 1-4 p.m. $12. (310) 544-0403.

Nobody’s Perfect Based on the children’s book by Academy Award winner Marlee Matlin, this touching new musical simultaneously performed in spoken English and American Sign Language, is an important reminder that despite first impressions, nobody’s perfect. www.lamiradatheatre.com. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd., La Mirada. Today, 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. Adults $12, children $8. (562) 944-9801.

Charlotte’s Web This classic tale about friendship, acceptance and coping with the realities of life unfolds in the barnyard, where timid Wilbur the pig develops a friendship with Charlotte, a spider who spins a most amazing web. www.nineoclock players.com. Nine O’clock Players, 1367 N. St. Andrews Place, L.A. Today, next Sun. 2 p.m. $12. (323) 469-1970.

Fiesta! Kicking off Bob Baker Marionette Theater’s 50th anniversary, this string puppet extravaganza features everything from skating sombreros to dancing cactus. www.bobbaker marionettes.com. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., L.A. Today, 2:30 p.m.; Tue.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.; Sat.-next Sun., 2:30 p.m. Adults and children $20, seniors $15. (213) 250-9995.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Riverside’s nonprofit Children’s Theatre presents a rousing rendition of the 1991 Disney musical based on the classic fairy tale. A tale of romance and intrigue centered around the troubled Beast and the object of his affections, the beautiful young Belle. www.riversidechildrenstheatre.org. Ramona High School, 7675 Magnolia Ave,, Los Angeles. Fri., 7 p.m.; Sat., 1 and 7 p.m. Advance $10, door $12. (951) 313-0101.