Each week, we'll give you the info on the best family activities or events for the week.
You're time-pressed enough, so we're happy to do the research and find the best things to do and places to go, both locally and within reasonable striking distance.
Look for the kids' planner each Wednesday, and help us build the planner with your own suggestions and tips — just add them to the comment box. We want to hear from you!
CURTAINS the musical
When/Where: Friday, March 15 and Saturday, March 16 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m./Clarkstown High School South, 31 Demarest Mill Rd, West Nyack
Why Go: The story unfolds when Jessica Cranshaw, the terribly untalented lead in a Boston musical production, drops dead on stage during the opening night curtain call. It is determined that she was murdered and that the crime had to have been committed by someone in the cast. Lieutenant Cioffi quarantines the theater in order to conduct a thorough investigation...music, dance, blackmail, more murders and hilarity ensue.
Come see the award winning students at Clarkstown South HS strut their talented stuff! Winners of 2 Metro awards in 2012!
Cost/Contact: Tickets cost $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults/Tickets available at the door or to reserve tickets email Alanna at jam123@optonline.net
SMILE The Musical
When/Where: Friday, March 15 and Saturday, and 16 at 8 p.m. plus a free matinee for Senior Citizens on March 14 at 10:30 a.m./Clarkstown High School North, 151 Congers Rd, New City
Why Go: The story centers around two beauty pageant contestants, the savvier Doria Hudson (Jenna Handscuh) and an innocent newbie Robin Gibson (Sabrina Koss). The girls befriend and help each other maneuver the treachery and favoritism that goes on behind the scenes of even a low-level beauty pageant. Brenda DiCarlo Freelander (Mackenzie Badick), an ex-Young American Miss second runner-up, coordinates the pageant along side her husband Big Bob (Greg Carrobis), a local RV salesman. The pageant becomes a sticking point in their personal relationship and, at stories end; we are left not knowing if their marriage will last.
Cost/Contact: Tickets cost $12. / Call (845) 639-5676 for ticket reservations. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Big River the Musical
When/Where: Friday and Saturday, March 15 and16/Nyack High School at 360 Christian Herald Road, Upper Nyack.
Why Go: The nationally-recognized Nyack High School Drama Club takes a lazy trip on the Mississippi River and goes back to a slower time as it performs the Tony Award-winning musical Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.
Cost/Contact: Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 students, senior citizens free, and are available at the door.
Grease the Musical
When/Where: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, March 13, 15 and 16 at Nanuet High School
Why Go: More than 100 students have put in a lot of hard work and hours for the musical performance of Grease. Tickets are almost sold out for March 15 and 16 so they decided to add a show on March 13.
Cost/Contact: $12 per ticket. Proceeds benefit the Nanuet Music Parents Association, Free for seniors on March 13/ bgruskin@optonline.net or call 845-627-9850
Everyone is Irish at Pearl River Public Library
When/Where: Thursday, March 14 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Pearl River Public Library Community Room
Why Go: Join a celebration of St. Patrick’s Day designed for children in kindergarten through third grade.
Cost/Contact: Free with registration. / Contact Pamela Gunning at (845) 735-4084 ext. 126.
51st Annual Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When/Where: Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m./Down Middletown Road, then Central Ave. in Pearl River.
Why Go: The second-largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York is a family-friendly event that draws from all over Rockland County and beyond.
Cost/Contact: Free
ELLEN BUKSTEL In Concert At The Borderline
When/Where: Sunday, March 17 at 2 p.m./New City Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Rescue Squad, 200 Congers Rd, New City
Why Go: Ellen Bukstel is truly a star in the world of folk music and has burst into national prominence with her performances for President Obama at his campaign rallies and at the Democratic National Convention. A veteran to the stage since childhood, Ellen Bukstel has been recognized with more than 40 songwriting and music video awards and acknowledgements since 2002. Opening the show is Arlene Boumel who is no stranger to the world of folk music. She started singing at a summer camp in the Poconos owned by her parents back in the 1960s.
Cost/Contact: Admission is $20 per person or $15 for Borderline & Pinewoods members and we ask that you bring a cold potluck dessert dish to share with 4 other people. We are an alcohol free venue. /Reservations can be made by e-mail at solz1@optonline.net or by calling Sol Zeller at (845) 354-4586 or www.borderlinefolkmusicclub.org
Bon Voyage Concert
When/Where: Monday March 18 at 3 p.m. at Nyack High School
Why Go: Nyack High School's nationally recognized chamber orchestra is heading abroad to an international music competition. Before jet setting off to Prague, they'll be giving a bon voyage concert that is open to the public.
Cost/Contact: Free
Book Club for 3rd/4th Graders
When/Where: Tuesday March 19 at 4:30 p.m./ Nanuet Public Library
Why Go: Book Club for 3rd & 4th Graders: “Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little.” Join Miss Lauren for an afternoon book chat. Talk about what you liked and what you didn’t. We will be using library books for book club this session, but one new copy of the book will be raffled off at our meeting.
Cost/Contact: Free/Registration required at the Children’s Desk.
