Have you heard of the Arden Theater? It's one of our favorite Philly finds.
The Arden is located in Old City, and is a real theater company in its own right, doing all sorts of serious kinds of theater. But that's not typically why we go.
We go for the kids' stuff.
The Arden does mind-blowingly amazing children's theater. We've seen them perform Peter Pan (complete with clever stage tricks to make it look like arrows were whizzing by), a dark and brooding version of Cinderella (which was a though-provoking twist on the usual) and now?
The Cat in The Hat.
This show is only 50 minutes long (no intermission) and perfect for little ones. However, it's clever enough and funny enough that even Raines (my six year old) called it "awesome". But Pax? The three year old? Over. The. Moon.
He has a love/hate affair with Thing 1 and Thing 2. So stressful, this story!! (Thing 1 and Thing 2 were my personal favorites – they were both so creepy!! And thankfully, the show was filled with enough subtle humor that Mike and I liked it too.)
But Pax loved, loved, LOVED the Cat.
And he really did hold the fish up with two books and a ship and cake and a ohIdon'tknow while he hopped on a ball. It was great fun.
The Children's theater is small enough that you don't really need to worry about seats. And bring cash – they sell popcorn and snacks in the lobby.
And because it's in Old City, there are a ton of places to hit for a quick drink and munchies. I would NOT, however, recommend bringing the kids to Fork. It's a favorite of Mike and myself, but kid-friendly? Yeah….not so much.
We only ended up eating there because of a sunny day and a misunderstanding and whatever. To Fork's credit, they were very, very gracious. The real issue was trying to order something for the boys.
"Do you two want the fluke appetizer? It's like ceviche, which is raw fish marinated in some kind of acid to cook– no? Um, ok. Stinging Nettle? …Smoked Yellow Beets? …Rhubarb Consomme?"
They both looked like I had completely lost my mind.
"Well" I said. "You're not getting the lobster."
In the end, Mike and I had the fluke and the boys had this:
It was a "sassafras chocolate mousse,vanilla cream and root beer tea". Idonteven. But everyone was happy (and the fluke was amazing – perfect with a glass of wine on a warm, sunny day).
wearing (boys):
Pax – Fabkids jacket and pants, similar Gap button-down, Nordstrom Kid's Bow Tie, Vans shoes
Raines – Fabkids jacket, Appaman skinny pants, similar Gap button-down shirt, Vans flame shoes
You know how after your wedding is over you don't want to take off The Dress? Yes? Yestothedress? So after all of my fun at the Reward Style conference last week, I want to wear this dress, like, everyday. So I pulled out a styling trick that I actually used in the 90's, complete with a choker.
If I'm going 90's, I'm going 90's all the way. Go big or go home, baby.
wearing:
tee: Monrow Pocket Tee (almost sold out at Piperlime – try the v-neck or Revolve Clothing - they currently have all sizes.)
dress: Milly Contrast Trim Print Dress
shoes: Pixie Market (gone) – try the gorgeous heels I really wanted at emerson fry…or this more affordable pair)
necklace: Bauble Bar – similar short, chunky silver necklace
sunnies: Stylemint (old) – but I like these Jackie O inspired Ray-bans
bag: my mom's….try this silver clutch
bracelet: Faux leather cuff bracelet on Etsy
The Cat in the Hat runs until June 22nd. For more information (including a video clip) or to buy tickets, click here.
xo,
S
