I just attended my first Wide Open Children’s Theatre show. I am almost embarrassed to admit that we hadn’t been to one before. Believe me, that changes now. We will be going to as many as possible. Those puppets have big and amazing personalities that engage the kids and adults through the entire show. I grew up hearing stories on tape (an actual tape!) and reading stories by Robert Munsch and my son also has a great love for Munsch stories. Munsch Mania was a perfect first puppet show for both of us. We also brought my mom and sister because Munsch is loved by all of us.

Books before the show. Photo by Erin McCrea.

First of all, we got there almost an hour early. We didn’t mean to be there that early but we ate out first and finished our food with a lot of time to spare. We weren’t sure what to expect or how to keep my son occupied during the wait. It turns out, we had nothing to worry about – Wide Open Children’s Theatre was prepared. They had a little relay set up for the kids, they had colouring papers on each table, they had food and cookies, and they had books. My highly energetic child can sit with his grandma and read forever. He wasn’t ready to be done when the show was starting.

Photo by Erin McCrea

My boy was very excited to get his very own fish seat right at the front. He was very patient while waiting for the show to start and the adults were happy to watch him while sitting in the actual seats!

Photo by Erin McCrea.

The children (and adults) were given the low-down before the puppet show started about all the body parts we needed for the show. (Butts down, ears listening, mouths for participating.) That being said, the kids were able to run back and forth to their parents if they needed. There were two puppet masters and one narrator for the Munsch stories. There are no photos allowed during the performance but I was too busy watching the show to take photos. They did six different Munsch books and they were all very fun. At the end of the show, they brought out the puppets for the kids to meet.

Wide Open Children’s Theatre

MUD PUDDLE – Photo by Erin McCrea.

This was my son’s favourite puppet story and his favourite puppet to meet! He loved all the stories but he definitely had the most fun watching Mud Puddle.

Wide Open Children’s Theatre

Photo by Erin McCrea.

If you missed the shows over the long weekend, we’ve got great news! You can still check out some shows next weekend! We hope you love it as much as us!