Dan's Papers -February 27, 2009 - Err, A Parent - Go LIVE with the Kids, at WHBPAC Showsr

NOTE: The performance of the DREAM JAM BAND on March 7 at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center has been CANCELLED.

Winter vacation is over, the kids are back in school, and spring seems eons away.

No worries. There are plenty of great live events in the Hamptons to enjoy while the winds blow and snow falls.

We've been taking our son to live performances pretty much since he was born. Did he remember schlepping into the city when he was not yet four to fight the crowds and lines to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway? He says he does. But if not, no problem. "If he doesn't remember it in his mind, he'll remember it in his soul," is our philosophy. As long as a child isn't too disruptive and enjoys the experience (read: doesn't cry when the lights go down or scream to leave), I say: take him! It's never too soon to start exposing children to the joy of live theater.

Having been a performer/playwright, I have great respect for anyone who manages to get a show produced, and any actor who gets another chance to step onto a stage. So I like to make going to a show a special event, which always starts with dressing up. Our son is no stranger to the bowtie, and is still at an age where he considers dressing in a shirt, tie and jacket as fun as putting on a Batman polyester jumpsuit.

If you haven't tried it (dressing the kids for the thee-ah-tah, not in Hallowe'en costumes), I highly recommend it. As we all know, kids love parties and excitement, and the ritual of dressing up in special clothes kicks it off.

There are a few events coming up where you have the opportunity to make the most of going to see a great show. One is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, at WHBPAC, when the classic children's book Stellaluna will be brought to life by actors, puppets, music and of course, bats, in two daytime performances. If you don't know this incredible book by Janell Cannon, it's basically a fish out of water tale that covers issues like fitting in, being true to who you are, and even peer pressure. But mostly, it's simply one of the most beautiful mother/child tales of modern children's literature.

You can turn the event into great learning experiences by reading Stellaluna with your child and discussing it before hand. Or, you can just enjoy peeking at your offspring, all spiffed up in their fancy clothes, in the rear view mirror.

Stellaluna: Thursday, March 12 at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00. Contact Cheryl Wheeler 631-288-2350 x102.