Family Five
Ev e ryo n e lov e s Shrek: The Musical If it seems like everybody is mounting a production of Shrek: The Musical these days, that’s because they are. Last November there was a production at the Arden. This spring the fine folks at Strathcona Christian Academy are mounting the tale of the irascible green ogre and his wife in Sherwood Park, with all the attendant characters you know and love (or detest, depending): Lord Farquaad, Donkey, the Three Little Pigs, and so many more. Support our city’s budding thespians and sing along with songs like Big Bright Beautiful World. Or, rather, sing it to yourself. When: Tuesday, April 29 to Friday, May 2. Performances at 7 p.m., with noon matinees Wednesday, April 30 to Friday, May 2. Where: Strathcona Christian Academy, 1011 Cloverbar Rd., Sherwood Park Admission: $15 to $25, available from the website, or by calling 780-464-7127. Info: scafinearts.com
Abra Kid Abra is all about magic
Grab the kids and prepare to be dazzled by sleight-ofhand tricks and illusions by the Edmonton Magic Club for their sixth annual magic club gala, Abra Kid Abra. They’ll be having two shows this year, at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., plus some up close entertainment in the lobby before each show. In addition, they’ll have balloon twisters, clowns, plus a bevy of
strolling magicians; proceeds are in support of YESS, Youth Empowerment and Support Services.
When: Saturday, May 3, at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Where: Royal Alberta Museum Theatre, 12845 102 Ave Admission: $10, from Tix on the Square, 780-420-1757 Info: tixonthesquare.ca
Kodomo -no - hi a day for preteens
If you’re a preteen then you really ought to be outraged at the fact that Japan has put aside a day for them while North America continues to ignore them. In truth Kodomo No Hi (or Children’s Day) is more like a family holiday, with everyone out flying carp-shaped streamers (koinobori) or displaying special dolls and ornaments at home. The Devonian Gardens is attempting to rectify this, at least locally, by having their own Kodomo-nohi, with the requisite giant koinobori plus origami and paper kite crafts, a doll and artifact display in the garden, plus a tea ceremony and Japanese folk tales. When: Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Devonian Botanic Garden, Hwy 60, 5 km north of Devon Admission: $13.50, adult; $9.75, senior; $7, student; $5, youth; $3, child. Ages six and under can visit for free. Info: devonian.ualberta.ca
Young stars in concerto competition
Some of Edmonton’s finest young musicians tackle the likes of Mozart, Bizet and Mendelssohn as the winners of the 33rd Northern Alberta Concerto Competition for piano and voice strut their stuff on the Winspear stage. The Edmonton Youth Orchestra supplies the music, while soloists include pianists Jessica Qianhui Ma and Jasmine Wang, as well as vocalist Lesley Dolman. Michael Massey will conduct. When: Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. Where: Winspear Centre
Admission: $15, adults; $10, students. Available from Tix on the Square, 780-420-1757.
Info: tixonthesquare.ca
Welcome back farmers markets
When the Callingwood Farmers Market reopens for the season they sure do it up in style. While you shop for the usual organic produce, meat and homemade crafts that you look forward to finding there, the kids also have a few things to do as well. They’re still putting together a full slate of activities, but so far you can expect free birthday cake, live music, a petting zoo, bouncy castle, plus face painting and a balloon artist. When: Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Where: Callingwood Farmers Market, Callingwood Shopping Centre, corner of 69th Avenue and 178th Street. Admission: Free Info: callingwoodmarketplace.com