Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Address: 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD 20784
Phone: 301-277-1710
Website: http://arts.pgparks.com/Our_Facilities/Publick_Playhouse.htm
Known for its comfortable, inviting space and great acoustics, the Publick Playhouse is one of the best performing arts venues in the greater Washington, DC area. Conveniently located less than half a mile from the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, and close to I-495, the Playhouse serves as a popular venue for music and modern dance, musical theater, historical drama, educational programs and monthly events for seniors. The Publick Playhouse is owned and operated by the Prince George’s County Department of Parks and Recreation. See their website for a variety of music, dance, films and other events. Listed below are the theater events.
Midweek Matinee and Tiny Tots Thursday at the Publick Playhouse
Midweek Matinee: Frequent shows for kids at 10:15am and 12:00 noon. See below.
Tiny Tots Thursday: Shows for pre-school kids Thursdays at 9:30am and 11:15am. See below.
Upcoming shows:
Count Mathula at the Publick Playhouse, Oct 22
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Monday, October 22, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Count Mathula
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Be part of the math adventure from Bright Star Theatre and help the excellent but clumsy Count learn that numbers, math problems, and even equations can be fun! Participate and learn to love math along with the Count.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Mathematics.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Count Mathula, Bright Star Theatre
Friend Request at the Publick Playhouse, Oct 24
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Friend Request
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This anti-bullying dramatic tale shows the temptations and pitfalls inherent in social media and online culture. Cyberbullying is real and has consequences in real life. Bright Star Theatre’s production will help younger audience members understand the danger and know how to practice healthy behavior online.
Recommended for grades 3-8. Curriculum Connections: Character Education, Anti-Bullying.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Friend Request, Bright Star Theatre
FrankenSTEM at the Publick Playhouse, Oct 31
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Wednesday, October 31, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
FrankenSTEM
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Dr. Frank N. Stein is one of the world’s most famous scientists, but he needs your help to use science, technology, engineering, and math to make his masterpiece come to life! See why audiences around the world made this show, Bright Star Theatre’s most popular science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) show!
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Science, Technology, Mathematics.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, FrankenSTEM, Bright Star Theatre
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Visit at the Publick Playhouse, Nov 1
Tiny Tots Thursday
Thursday, November 1, 2018, at 9:30 am & 11:15 am
Grandma’s Thanksgiving Visit
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This holiday-hit show brings about Thanksgiving fun! Grandma has arrived for the holiday–and that can only mean making puppets, cooking together, washing the car, and learning lots of fun new things. This musical play with a great big heart brings the whole audience into the family with singing,
finger play, and call-and-response as we all give thanks for being together.
Recommended for grades Pre-K – 2. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, History
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Tiny Tots Thursday, Grandma’s Thanksgiving Visit
Sleeping Beauty at the Publick Playhouse, Nov 16
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Friday, November 16, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Sleeping Beauty
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This musical adaptation, From Virginia Rep on Tour, of the original story by Charles Perrault follows the plot of the traditional fairy tale, but adds delightful surprises and comic situations. A prick on the spinning wheel will take its toll on the kingdom. Will destroying all the spinning wheels be enough to save the King’s daughter? Find out as this tale illustrates that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and true goodness is found only in a loving heart.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Character Development.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Sleeping Beauty, Virginia Rep on Tour, Charles Perrault
Wytold: The Science of Sound at the Publick Playhouse, Nov 28
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Wednesday, November 28, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Wytold: The Science of Sound
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Electric cellist-composer Wytold blends classical techniques with live looping to create interactive musical adventures featuring inventive remixes and original works. By exploring the relationship between the science of waves and musical scales, students learn how basic patterns in the world can create exciting and dynamic music. This production from Artivate has students interact to use their new knowledge to create a short musical piece together as a group.
Recommended for grades 3-8. Curriculum Connections: Social Studies, Music, Mathematics, Science, Technology.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Wytold: The Science of Sound, Artivate
Stone Soup and Other Heartwarming Tales at the Publick Playhouse, Dec 1
Family Fun Series
Saturday, December 1, 2018, at 2:00 pm
Stone Soup and Other Heartwarming Tales
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: “Stone Soup and Other Heartwarming Tales” is a Bright Star Theatre holiday show focusing on the true meaning of the season–giving. Three classic tales help all ages learn about what it means to give a gift with an open heart.
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Family Fun Series, Stone Soup and Other Heartwarming Tales, Bright Star Theatre
A Dickens Tale at the Publick Playhouse, Dec 4
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
A Dickens Tale
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: See Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” come to life with Bright Star Theatre’s production. Join old Scrooge, bumbling Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and Jacob Marley to discover the true meaning of the season.
Recommended for grades K-8. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Character Education.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, A Dickens Tale, Bright Star Theatre
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas at the Publick Playhouse, Dec 6
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Thursday, December 6, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Inspired by the timeless poem and by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light. This Virginia Rep classic has been charming audiences nationwide for many years.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, History.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Twas the Night Before Christmas, Clement Moore, Virginia Rep
The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves at the Publick Playhouse, Dec 10
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Monday, December 10, 2018 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This heartwarming holiday musical gives a yuletide spin to the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale. Delight
in Virginia Rep’s rendition of this magical story of a poor shoemaker and the magical elves who show him the true meaning of Christmas.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies, Music, World Languages.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, The Shoemaker and the Christmas Elves, Virginia Rep, Brothers Grimm
Don Flemons: The American Songster at the Publick Playhouse, Jan 12
Family Fun Series
Saturday, January 12, 2019, at 2:00 pm
Don Flemons: The American Songster
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: GRAMMY winner Dom Flemons shares the music of the early American Songsters, covering nearly a century of folklore and styles, including ragtime, blues, country western, bluegrass, and string band music. Flemons–a singersongwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and music scholar–illuminates the history and influence of African American musicians through spirited performances on banjo, fife, guitar, harmonica, quills, and rhythm bones.
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Family Fun Series, Don Flemons: The American Songster, Don Flemons
Here We Go Team! at the Publick Playhouse, Jan 31
Tiny Tots Thursday
Thursday, January 31, 2019, at 9:30 am & 11:15 am
Here We Go Team!
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This Discovery Theatre original scores big in a musical play about sharing and taking turns, the importance of personal space, and the awesome power of teamwork. Five-year-olds Mika and Casey are aspiring soccer stars and best friends–but they’ve ended up on separate teams! Through a mishap
on the field, they discover that helping people is cool, thanks to another kind of ‘team’–of medical stars who make everyone feel great.
Recommended for grades Pre-K – 2. Curriculum Connections: Science, Language Arts
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Tiny Tots Thursday, Here We Go Team!
Madre Africa – African Heritage in Latin America at the Publick Playhouse, Feb 5
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Madre Africa – African Heritage in Latin America
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Learn how African cultures influenced and inspired fascinating rhythms, instruments and musical styles, such as candombe, festejo, tango, and salsa. As we travel through South America and the Caribbean, hear how each country developed its own blend of cultural and religious traditions while sharing a similar African heritage. Tracing migration through music, geography and social studies become lively subjects that are especially relevant in today’s diverse school and work environments! This fast paced musical tour is interactive with clapping, dancing and African-style call and response. Audience members can join the group on stage to try instruments and dance steps.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: History, Language Arts.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Madre Africa – African Heritage in Latin America
Into the Great Unknown at the Publick Playhouse, Feb 9
Family Fun Series
Saturday, February 9, 2019, at 2:00 pm
Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour:
Into the Great Unknown
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Leadership, courage, and adventure take center stage in this inspiring Discovery Theater original. Meet Matthew Henson, co-discoverer of the North Pole, and Barbara Hillary, the first African American women to reach that summit nearly 100 years later. Thrill to the frontier exploits of the hard-riding mail carrier “Stagecoach Mary” Fields and Nate Love, the former slave who became the legendary cowboy nicknamed Deadwood Dick. Journey with modern mountaineer Sophia Danenberg to the summit of Mount Everest. And learn how astronauts and aerospace pioneers Guion Bluford and Mae Jemison are charting a whole new frontier today. From the Pole to the prairies to outer space, the histories and heroism of these African American women and men attest that true grit and personal power can push us toward greatness.
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Family Fun Series, Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour, Discovery Theater, Into the Great Unknown
North by Night at the Publick Playhouse, Feb 12
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
North by Night: More Heroes of the Underground Railroad
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Follow the journey of brave men and women who risked it all to travel north and help others escape the terrors of slavery. Meet some familiar names and many more who have gone mostly unnoticed by history–until now! This Bright Star Theatre show features William Still, Sojourner Truth, William Lloyd
Garrison, and others.
Recommended for grades 3-8. Curriculum Connections: History, US History, Women’s History.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, North by Night: More Heroes of the Underground Railroad, Bright Star Theatre
George Washington Carver and Friends at the Publick Playhouse, Feb 21
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
George Washington Carver and Friends
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: George Washington Carver and Friends gives students a fast-paced and accessible introduction to many influential black Americans who have shaped our nation over the last 150 years. The lives and accomplishments of Booker T. Washington, Jackie Robinson, Thurgood Marshall, Madame C.J. Walker, and other famous leaders are brought to life in this empowering production.
Recommended for grades Pre-K-5. Curriculum Connections: Black History, History, Social Studies.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, George Washington Carver and Friends, George Washington Carver
Meet Dr. King at the Publick Playhouse, Feb 27
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Wednesday, February 27, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Meet Dr. King
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: “Meet Dr. King” is an excellent introduction to the life and work of one of America’s most influential men, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This Bright Star Theatre show is perfect for younger audiences and serves to introduce students to major concepts of Black History such as freedom, integration, and equality.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: History, Character Education, Conflict Resolution, US History.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Meet Dr. King, Martin Luther King Jr, Bright Star Theatre
Mark Jaster: Piccolo’s Trunk at the Publick Playhouse, Mar 7
Tiny Tots Thursday
Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 9:30 am & 11:15 am
Mark Jaster: Piccolo’s Trunk
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Mark Jaster presents wildly popular shows worthy of his master teachers, Marcel Marceau and Etienne Decroux. His diverse skills, luminous imagination, and world-class training ignite in unique and engaging performances. In “Piccolo’s Trunk,” from Artivate, a wordless clownish character enchants with illusions and humorous surprises. Skillful movement, live music, and audience participation are featured in this accessible introduction to the art of mime.
Recommended for grades Pre-K – 2.
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Tiny Tots Thursday, Mark Jaster: Piccolo’s Trunk, Mark Jaster, Artivate, Piccolo’s Trunk
Buffalo Soldier at the Publick Playhouse, Mar 12
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Buffalo Soldier
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Based on the true story of our nation’s longest surviving buffalo soldier and veteran of the Spanish-American War, this dramatic and amazing play with music from Virginia Rep tells the heroic story of the brave soldiers of the 9th and 10th Cavalries, who served our country well with little of the recognition they deserved.
Recommended for grades 3-8. Curriculum Connections: US History, Music, Language Arts, Character Development.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Buffalo Soldier, Virginia Rep
Jack’s Adventure in Space at the Publick Playhouse, Mar 19
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Jack’s Adventure in Space
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Join Jack, a young student who puts his imagination to work to take him on an out-of-this-world adventure through our solar system! Learn about all the fantastic and awesome planets that circle our sun in this Bright Star Theatre play.
Recommended for grades K-6. Curriculum Connections: Science, Mathematics, Technology.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Jack’s Adventure in Space, Bright Star Theatre
ill B: Weather, Climate, Let’s Define It at the Publick Playhouse, Mar 26
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
ill B: Weather, Climate, Let’s Define It
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: A Billy B show is active learning–and kids all over the country have sung and danced their way to a better understanding of the natural world. In “Weather, Climate, Let’s Define It,” Billy B leads his audience through a song-and-dance exploration of the differences between weather and climate. This show from Artivate will also demonstrate the structure and benefits of the atmosphere and how it all supports the fantastic diversity of plant and animal life on our beautiful planet.
Recommended for grades 2-7. Curriculum Connections: Science Technology, Social Studies, Language Arts.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, ill B: Weather, Climate, Let’s Define It, Artivate
Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood at the Publick Playhouse, Mar 28
Tiny Tots Thursday
Thursday, March 28, 2019, at 9:30 am & 11:15 am
Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour: Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Meet the butcher, baker, pizza-dough maker, and all of the friendly people who make our neighborhoods terrific places to live every day. Recycled crafting and interactive songs make this community day the perfect blend of learning and just plain fun. This is a new production from the Smithsonian Discovery Associates Theater on Tour. Discovery Theater is your source for live performances that celebrate the rich diversity of our region and our world.
Recommended for grades Pre-K – 2. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Tiny Tots Thursday, Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour, Discovery Theater
One Small Step… at the Publick Playhouse, Apr 4
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Thursday, April 4, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
One Small Step…
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This real-life journey to outer space celebrates the 50th anniversary of humankind’s landing on the moon! The Bright Star Theatre tale marks the history of flight and space travel, from the Wright brothers at the beaches of Kitty Hawk to the moon and beyond!
Recommended for grades 2-8. Curriculum Connections: Science Mathematics, History, US History.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, One Small Step…, Bright Star Theatre
Chicken Little: The Sky is Falling at the Publick Playhouse, Apr 9
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Chicken Little: The Sky is Falling
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: This production challenges young audiences to think critically to realize that you can’t believe everything you hear, read or see, Chicken Little is the story of barnyard friends Henny Penny and Chicken “Chick” Little. When “Chick” gets “bonked on the head” by a mysterious object, the barnyard goes wild looking for the culprit. Somehow, a vicious rumor gets started that “the sky is falling” and its up to the audience and the other barnyard friends to make sure that the rumor doesn’t get out of control! With elements of comedy, suspense and slapstick, this fund adaptation of a classic tale is sure to entertain any audience.
Recommended for grades Pre-K-5. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Literacy.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Chicken Little: The Sky is Falling
Stuart Little at the Publick Playhouse, Apr 30
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
Stuart Little
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: From the loving heart of E. B. White, author of “Charlotte’s Web,” comes this merry musical about a noble mouse who jumps headlong into adventures big enough to match any imagination. “Stuart Little” mixes gorgeous child-size puppets with live actors to work theatrical magic–from Virginia Repertory.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Music.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, Stuart Little, E. B. White, Virginia Rep
Jojo’s Backyard Safari at the Publick Playhouse, May 9
Tiny Tots Thursday
Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 9:30 am & 11:15 am
Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour: Jojo’s Backyard Safari
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: It’s time for high adventure as Jojo goes on teh lookout for all kinds of fascinating creatures in the wilds of his very own yard. What will he find hidden in plain sight? Come along on the trek as we learn, create, and play in this musical mini0travelogue about the hidden natural world close to hime. This is a new production from the Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour. Discovery Theater is your source for live performances that celebrate the rich diversity of our region and our world.
Recommended for grades Pre-K – 2. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Social Studies
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Tiny Tots Thursday, Smithsonian Associates Discovery Theater on Tour, Discovery Theater, Jojo’s Backyard Safari
Tigers, Dragons and other Wise Tails at the Publick Playhouse, May 11
Family Fun Series
Saturday, May 11, 2019, at 2:00 pm
Tigers, Dragons and other Wise Tails
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Four fantastical tales from ancient Asia capture us in this DT favorite. The sumptuous and mythic creation story The Four Dragon Rivers of China features beautiful flying puppets. The natural innocence of childhood outwits the villain in the Vietnamese story The Boy and the Fly. The Tiger, the Thief, and the Dried Persimmon from Korea features a trickster tiger whose antics recall the teachings of Anansi. In the Japanese tale The Wise Mole, true love takes charge, complete with cellphones and iPods. From the ancient to modern, these tales share the culture of the Asian countrysides.
Recommended for grades 3-8. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Folk Tales, World Languages, Social Studies
Tickets: $5/person
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Family Fun Series, Tigers Dragons and other Wise Tails, Puppets
The Jungle Book at the Publick Playhouse, May 21
Midweek Matinee: Education on Stage
Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 10:15 am & 12 noon
The Jungle Book
Prince George’s Publick Playhouse
Description: Join young Mowgli as he learns the laws of the jungle in this time-honored adventure. With the help of friends such as the black panther Bagheera and Baloo, the lovable bear, Mowgli learns about friendship and survival. Cheer as Mowgli faces his fear and foils his nemesis, the tiger Shere Khan. Virginia Repertory’s musical production of Rudyard Kipling’s classic will delight both the young and the young at heart.
Recommended for grades K-5. Curriculum Connections: Language Arts, Character Development, Social Studies.
Tickets: $8/person, $6/groups of 20 or more
Tags: Prince George’s Publick Playhouse, Cheverly Maryland, Education on Stage, Midweek Matinee, The Jungle Book, Rudyard Kipling, Virginia Rep
