November is National Adoption Month, an initiative spearheaded by the Children's Bureau, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The goal of National Adoption Month is to increase awareness and bring attention to the need for permanent families for children and youth in the U.S. foster care system.
San Jose is home to an office of Seneca Family of Agencies - www.senecafoa.org - founded more than 30 years ago to help children and families through life's toughest challenges. There are about 100,000 kids available for adoption nationally, including thousands in the region. Seneca provides adoption and other important services for children and families in the area and statewide, and it is a great source of information for those considering adoption.
Call 877-380-5300 to reach Seneca Family of Agencies during National Adoption Month or throughout the year for more information.
Based on the popular comic strip “Little Orphan Annie" and adapted from the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, Annie KIDS features everyone’s favorite little redhead in her very first adventure.
With equal measures of pluck and positivity, Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Annie is determined to find the parents who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan. Annie eventually foils Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, finding a new home and family in billionaire, Oliver Warbucks, his personal secretary, Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, November 4th - 7:00pm
Saturday, November 5th - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, November 6th - 11:00am, 3:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Annie JR
Leapin’ Lizards! One of the world’s best-loved musicals returns to the Playful People stage.
Little Orphan Annie takes center stage in ANNIE JR. With pluck and positivity america’s favorite little orphan, Annie, charms everyone she meets despite a next-to-nothing start in the Depression-era New York City of the 1930s. She is determined to find her parents, who abandoned her years ago on the doorstep of an orphanage run by the cruel, embittered Miss Hannigan. When billionaire Oliver Warbucks decides to invite an orphan to his mansion for Christmas, Annie gets her chance to experience NYC outside the confines of the orphanage. Despite Miss Hannigan's evil machinations, Annie befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and finds a new home alongside Warbucks, his personal secretary Grace Farrell, and a lovable mutt named Sandy.
ANNIE JR is an adaptation of one of the world's best-loved and most-performed musicals. The show includes such unforgettable songs as It’s the Hard Knock Life, Easy Street, and the eternal anthem of optimism, Tomorrow.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Thursday, November 10th - 7:00pm
Friday, November 11th - 1:00pm and 7:00pm
Saturday, November 12th - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-103
Our tale begins deep in the heart of the Jungle. A baby boy, lost and abandoned, is raised by wolves. He is called “Mowgli”. On the run from Shere Khan, a ferocious tiger who has banished him from the jungle, a human boy named Mowgli is aided by an agile panther named Bagheera. Along the way, the two meet a sinister snake named Kaa, a herd of elephants, and a giant bear named Baloo, who teaches them the swingin’ musical rhythms of the jungle. After surviving a dangerous encounter with a band of monkeys led by King Louie, Mowgli and Bagheera are forced to run for their lives. Shere Khan returns, leading our protagonists to rally their follow jungle creatures into battle and restore peace to the jungle.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theater, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, August 5th - 7:00pm
Saturday, August 6th - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-103
This lively family friendly musical, chronicles the adventures of plucky Edwina Spoonapple, advice-giver extraordinaire, who wows her neighbors in Paw Paw, Michigan, via original musical extravaganzas performed in the Spoonapple Family garage Edwina directs the neighborhood kids in her latest edition of her weekly "Advice-a-Palooza.” where Edwina and her friends will share wisdom on everything from trying new foods to making new friends through clever, catchy songs. Dear Edwina JR is a show that unfolds into a virtual block party and will delight children, teens and adults alike.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, July 22nd - 7:00pm
Saturday, July 23rd - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-103
San Jose, CA (Press Release) - In an effort to get kids reading this summer, the Scholastic Summer Reading Road Trip RV will visit Hicklebees Children's Books on June 26th from 12:00-2:00pm. Kids and families will have the opportunity to participate in their very own “pop-up” reading festival, meet some of their favorite authors, and engage in fun reading activities. The RVs will visit 20 U.S. cities nationwide throughout the summer, traveling more than 10,000 miles to spread the message about the importance of summer reading to kids.
At the Hicklebee's Children's Books reading road trip stop kids and families will enjoy a fun day of free reading activities including:
An author visit and book signing from
Susan Katz , author of ABC School's for Me!
Mike Jung, author of Unidentified Suburban Object
David Carter, author of Spot the Dot
An activity tent filled with reading activities
Giveaway tables and a prize wheel
Animated photo stations with Clifford the Big Red Dog® and Slappy from Goosebumps®
"Instaframes” picture stations for kids to show-off their “reading muscles”
Costume characters including: Clifford the Big Red Dog®
WHERE: Hicklebees Children's Books, 1378 Lincoln Ave, San Jose, CA 95125
WHEN: June 25th
TIME: 11:00 - 1:00pm
To track the RVs and find local events, visit the tour schedule here: http://scholastic.com/summerroadtrip. Follow the Scholastic Summer Reading Road Trip live on social media via @Scholastic and #SummerReading.
Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark KIDS is an adaptation of the first of Mary Pope Osborne's award-winning fantasy adventure books from the Magic Tree House book series, which has sold more than 100 million copies and is available in more than 100 countries around the world.
What would you do if a tree house in your neighborhood could transport you anywhere you wanted to go? While exploring one afternoon, Siblings, Jack and Annie, discover a tree house full of books while exploring one afternoon. Jack looks through a book about dinosaurs and wishes he could see a real one. Suddenly, the wind begins to blow and the tree house starts to spin wildly. When it finally stops, Jack and Annie open their eyes to find they have been transported back to the time of the dinosaurs. Jack and Annie have a harrowing adventure, befriending some dinosaurs along the way as they try to make their way back home.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, June 17th - 7:00pm
Saturday, June 18th - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, June 19th - 11:00am, and 3:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.
There are over 6,000 children in foster care in the Bay Area and 60,000 in California. I think foster parenting is one of the most important way you can contribute to making the world a better place and have a tremendous impact on a child's life. This topic is very close to me since my mother participated in foster care for two decades and made the lives of dozens of children better.
Seneca Family of Agencies was founded 30 years ago in the Bay Area. The agency helps at-risk children and families in the region with a multitude of challenges. Below is a profile of one of their San Jose foster parents, Beatriz Alvarez. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit the Seneca Center website.
Beatriz Alvarez is excited about what's to come next in life. That's because she's in the process of becoming a certified foster parent, fulfilling a dream that has its roots in her early childhood. As the second youngest of 14 children, it was a struggle and a bit lonely, as ironic as it seems being in a big family. It's comparable to being lost in a crowd. It was during that time, at about 10 years old, that Beatriz remembers gravitating toward young people in need and learning about orphanages, a term less used now in the U.S., but often still used in many foreign countries. In fact, her mother had been raised in an orphanage in Mexico from age five to nine years old, and learning about it had an impact on Beatriz.
They have both enjoyed the process, which includes classes and a wide range of topics to help them learn all the ins and outs of being foster parents. Beatriz and Marco don't have a preference about fostering a boy or a girl, but their current thinking is a child in the age range of seven years old. They are excited about the joys that lie ahead, the opportunity to help a young person have a better life and how it will enrich their own lives.
For more information about foster parenting and foster-to-adoption call Seneca Family of Agencies at 877-380-5300, or attend Seneca's Community Foster Care Day event on Saturday, May 14, Noon-to-3pm at Mayfair Community Center, 2039 Kammerer Avenue, San Jose.
San Jose, CA - Silicon Valley’s favorite summer spot swings into the season with new experiences and annual events. In May, the weekly Saturday morning Yoga in the Park and the monthly Mommy & Me and Daddies, too begins again. In June, Santana Row hosts the YWCA Silicon Valley Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, an annual event that raises money for comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence.
lululemon athletica Presents Yoga in the Park, May 7, 14, 21 and 28 Every Saturday through September, 9 a.m. Santana Row Park Free Yoga on Saturdays, presented by lululemon athletica begins May 7 and is held every Saturday through September, taking advantage of the best weather seasons! Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. each week. For more information, contact lululemon, 408.557.8721.
Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too, season kick-off event May 10, 10 a.m. to noon, Santana Row Park The popular kids’ club returns for the season with free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Special guest for the event is Clifford the Big Red Dog. Andy Z will perform. Families can also enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more. Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.
Cielo at Hotel Valencia Seasonal Grand Opening Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Take in breathtaking sunset views overlooking the Santa Cruz Mountains at Cielo, Hotel Valencia's 7th-floor rooftop bar as it celebrates the start of the warm-weather season! Enjoy wine tastings, sangria, paella and an assortment of tapas while listening to live music. Admittance is $30 per person and reservations are required. Please call 408.423.5405. *Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
Summer Hair & Fashion Show at Hotel Valencia Friday, May 29, cocktail hour at 5:30 p.m., show begins at 6:30 p.m. The best summer trends for hair and fashion will be showcased during an evening of cocktails, nibbles and stylish fun! It’s a benefit for Locks of Love, a non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children and young adults suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. The Hotel Valencia courtyard is the backdrop for the show and partners include Bellarmine Salon with fashions provided by Santana Row retailers. Tickets are $30 and reservations are required. Please call 408.423.5405. *Must be 21 years of age or older to attend.
Cars & Croissants Saturday, May 28, 9 a.m. to noon Santana Row again partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month from March through December, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public.
lululemon Presents Yoga in the Park, June 4, 11, 18 and 25 Every Saturday through September, 9 a.m. Santana Row Park Free Yoga on Saturdays, presented by lululemon athletica is held every Saturday through September, taking advantage of the best weather seasons! Practice your sun salutations under the sunshine every Saturday morning at 9 a.m. at Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. The complimentary classes are held outdoors, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. each week. Guests can enter to win a $50 gift card to the store and one winner is selected every week. For more information, contact lululemon, 408.557.8721.
Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too Free Kids Club Tuesday, June 14, 10 a.m. to noon, Santana Row Park The popular kids’ club has returned for the season with free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Join us in June for the Pirates & Treasure event! Dress as a pirate and embark on a special treasure hunt through Santana Row. Enjoy arts and crafts, face painting, music, balloon art, story time and more. Meet us in Santana Row Park to pick up your activity sheet! Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.
YWCA Silicon Valley Walk a Mile in Her Shoes Wednesday June 22, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Entering it’s 14th year, Walk a Mile in Her Shoes may look like a stunt with men racing in heels, but it’s actually a statement about men's roles in ending violence against women and drawing attention to the issue that is connected to strict gender roles and expectations of men. For the second time, the annual event will be held at Santana Row. The Walk a Mile in Her Shoes event attracts hundreds of spectators and prominent walkers including the mayor and community and business leaders. It’s become an international event that engages men in raising awareness and funds to stop sexual assault and domestic violence. Funds raised from Walk a Mile in Her Shoes make it possible for YWCA Silicon Valley to provide critical response, intervention, and comprehensive support services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence. For more information and sponsorship/registration information, go to www.ywca-sv.org.
Cars & Croissants Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. to noon Santana Row again partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month from March through December, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public.
Mommy & Me and Daddies, Too Free Kids Club Tuesday, July 12, 10 a.m. to noon, Santana Row Park The popular kids’ club has returned for the season with free entertainment, interactive games, crafts and educational activities designed for parents and their pre-school aged children. Enjoy special guests from classic fairy tales and a special story time. Meet us in Santana Row Park near Left Bank Brasserie! Details: 10 a.m. to noon at Santana Row Park while Park Valencia is under renovation. Mommy & Me is a free kids’ club held on the second Tuesday of every month from May through December. For more information, call 408.551.4611 or visit www.SantanaRow.com.
Santana Row Beer Walk Wednesday, July 27, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stroll The Row and sample 20-plus beers while enjoying the shopping and dining incentives offered during the fourth annual Beer Walk! Cool off with a walk around Santana Row while tasting brews from microbreweries. The beer stops will be stationed in restaurants and shops for easy sipping and strolling and shopping. Tickets are $30 and available online at www.SantanaRow.com.
Cars & Croissants Saturday, July 23, 9 a.m. to noon Santana Row again partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth Saturday of the month from March through December, exotic car owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 people and 60 cars during the first event and continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public. Twitter and Instagram Promotion @SantanaRow invites tweets and IG tags For a Chance to Win Gift Cards to Restaurants at The Row Santana Row’s Twitter campaign and photo contest continues through the @SantanaRow Twitter handle. The contest invites anyone at Santana Row to Tweet or Instagram photos of a new outfit, haircut, meal, event or artsy shots and then tag it with the hash tag #LifeonTheRow. Every month, Santana Row will post an album on Facebook with all of the photos with the #LifeonTheRow hash tag. The person who took the best or most original photo will win a gift card to a Santana Row restaurant.
San Jose, CA -- The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is a mobile vehicle of cuteness that offers yummy treats and supercute goodies, each infused with unique Hello Kitty details for all to enjoy.
The mobile cafe will feature new goodies from its last visit to Northern California, including a box set of Hello Kitty macarons that features one surprise Sanrio character macaron, a delicious 3-piece Hello Kitty cookie set, an adorable Hello Kitty Cafe mug and a supercute pink Hello Kitty Cafe t-shirt. Additional yummy treats include a 4-pack of mini cakes & a pink bow-shaped water bottle.
The Hello Kitty Cafe Truck is the first of its kind food service venture for Sanrio. Fans can follow the cafe truck on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter to stay updated about upcoming appearances and where to find these adorable Hello Kitty treats.
When: Saturday, April 23 10am-8pm
Where: Santana Row
377 Santana Row,
San Jose, CA 95128
"Starmites" is the story of Eleanor, a teenage girl who falls into the word of her favorite comic book, and discovers her destiny. Along her journey she is drawn into the conflict between Shak Graa, the “creep of chaos” and the Starmites, a group of wise-cracking superheros, along with their heart throb captain Space Punk. Eleanor (who is really the pre-ordained savior of the Universe) learns that only she can save the Earth from destruction! Together they must fight Shak Graa and the Banshees, strong women who protect the world’s most fearsome weapon, and their leader the flamboyant Diva.
Playful People will be putting their own punk/glam rock touch to this show which is one of the most exciting and hilarious musicals to come off Broadway in years. Nominated for six Tony Awards, this sci-fi rock musical is one no audience member should miss!
"Starmites" features an eclectic pop rock score by Barry Keating, a book by Barry Keating and Stuart Ross, and is most appropriate for audiences 7 and up.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.
Playful People Productions Presents: Disney Mulan JR
Disney Mulan JR will take you back to the legendary, storytelling days of ancient China with the action-packed, stage adaptation of Disney’s film.
The Huns have invaded, and it is up to the misfit Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu to save the Emperor! Disney’s Mulan Jr. is a heartwarming celebration of culture, honor, and the fighting spirit. Mulan, a young woman who breaks tradition and pretends to be a man, learns a valuable lesson against all odds while teaching her family the importance of determination and balance. It’s a show that features music and dancing that will captivate audience members with a message that will inspire children of all ages!
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, February 26th - 7:00pm
Saturday, February 27th - 11:00am. 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, February 28th - 11:00am, and 3:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Playful People Productions Presents: Disney Cinderella KIDS
The timeless fairy tale of Cinderella meets the magic of Disney in this adaptation of the treasured animated film. Poor Cinderella is endlessly mistreated by her wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters, and denied the chance to go to the Royal Ball. With a little help from her mice friends, and a lot of help from her Fairy Godmother, Cinderella goes to the ball, and discovers that dreams really can come true!
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, March 4th - 7:00pm
Saturday, March 5th - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, March 6th - 11:00am, and 3:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.
Playful People Productions is run by a mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto and Katie D’ Arcey, who between them have approximately 50 years of experience in the musical theater world. Both are Positive Discipline trained and worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in the theater.
Downtown Ice returns next week for its longest season in history. The one-of-a-kind skating rink at the Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose will be open from November 13th all the way until February 7th. Super Bowl 50 will bring in thousands of visitors to San Jose and the rink will be open an extra 28 days to help entertain them.
Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice is also hosting an opening celebration on Monday, November 16th at 5pm. Kristin Yamaguchi will be doing a routine to help kick off the season during the ceremony. For more information such as operating hours, pricing, and discounts, read the full release below.
Photos by Daniel Garcia
SAN JOSE – Hawaiian Airlines / Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice returns Nov. 13 to the Circle of Palms in the heart of downtown San Jose’s holiday attractions. The skating rink will remain open an additional 28 days beyond its normal closing date to accommodate the thousands of visitors expected to stay in San Jose the weeks ahead of Super Bowl 50, to be played Feb. 7, 2016, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.
With Hawaiian Airlines as title sponsor, Yamaguchi and her Always Dream Foundation partner with the San Jose Downtown Association to produce the outdoor rink at 120 S. Market St.
“It brings great joy to see all the families celebrate the holiday season at Downtown Ice, which remains one of the most unique and attractive outdoor skating rinks in the country,” said Yamaguchi, the 1992 Olympic figure skating gold-medal champion. “I am honored to once again be associated with such a holiday treasure.”
Yamaguchi will help open the rink this season. An opening celebration is planned for Monday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. at the rink.
More than 200,000 skaters and spectators are expected to attend Downtown Ice between Nov. 13 and Feb. 7. The rink generates an estimated $3 million in economic impact to the downtown business community each year.
Skaters glide around 32 glimmering palms from which the circular rink gains its iconic form. During November, early December and after the holidays in January, Downtown Ice is open 5-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5 p.m.-midnight on Friday; noon-midnight on Saturday; and noon-9 p.m. on Sunday. During the winter break the rink is open 11 a.m.-midnight daily. During the week of the big game in February, the rink will extend its hours.
The $13-17 admission covers skate rental and one unlimited skating session.
Downtown Ice is located within steps of Christmas in the Park displays, which occupies Plaza de Cesar Chavez starting Nov. 28. These two downtown San Jose holiday attractions are supported in part by participants in the 5-kilometer TiVo Santa Run Silicon Valley held on Dec. 13. Register at www.santarunsv.com.
Nov. 13 – 24
Friday: 5 p.m. - midnight
Saturday: noon - midnight
Sunday: noon - 9 p.m.
Monday-Thursday: 5 - 9 p.m.*
* Monday, Nov. 16 the rink does not open to the general public until 6:30 p.m.
Nov. 25 – 27 (Thanksgiving Holiday)
Wednesday, Nov. 25, the day before Thanksgiving: 5 p.m. - midnight
Thursday, Nov. 26, Thanksgiving: 2 p.m. - midnight
Friday, Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving: 11 a.m. - midnight
Admission:
Nov. 13 – Dec. 17 AND Jan. 4 – Jan. 31: Children 10 & younger: $13 and 11 & older: $15
Dec. 18 – Jan. 3 (Winter Break) and Feb. 1 – 7: Children 10 & younger $15 and 11 & older: $17
Cash, Paypal, Visa, Mastercard or Discover accepted. Admission includes ice time and rental skates (skate sizes range from toddler 8 to men's 13).
Skate all you want (no in-and-out privileges)/ First-come, first-serve.
Address (starting November 13): 120 S. Market St., San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: (408) 291-0525 (Rink) or (408) 279-1775 (SJDA)
Set in Damon Runyon’s mythical New York City, Guys and Dolls JR, is an oddball romantic comedy. Gambler Nathan Detroit tries to find the cash to set up the biggest craps game in town while the authorities breathe down his neck; meanwhile, his girlfriend, nightclub performer Adelaide,whose chronic flu is brought on by the fact she's been engaged to the same man for 14 years. Nathan turns to the slick, high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson for the dough, but Sky ends up chasing the straight-laced and pure-at-heart missionary Sarah Brown. Guys And Dolls JR. takes us from the heart of Times Square to the cafes of Havana, Cuba, and even into the sewers of New York City, but eventually everyone ends up right where they belong.
Guys and Dolls is a cornerstone of the musical comedy stage that continues to delight audiences over 50 years after its Broadway premiere. Featuring the songs "Luck be a Lady" and "Sit Down You're Rockin' the Boat," this musical is the perfect balance of story, dance, music, and romance.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, November 6th - 7:00pm
Saturday, November 7th -11:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, November 8th - 11:00am, and 3:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.
Playful People Productions is run by a mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto and Katie D’ Arcey, who between them have approximately 50 years of experience in the musical theater world. Both are Positive Discipline trained and worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in the theater.
Disney Winnie the Pooh KIDS is a delightful show based on the beloved characters of A.A. Milne and the 2011 Disney animated feature film. Featuring favorite songs from the film this honey-filled delight is as sweet as it is fun.
Welcome to the Hundred Acre Wood, where Winnie the Pooh is once again in search of honey. Along the way, he meets his pals Tigger, Piglet, Rabbit, and Owl but soon discovers that Christopher Robin has been captured by the mysterious Backson! As they prepare for a rescue operation, the animals learn about teamwork, friendship, and sharing snacks.
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, October 30th - 7:00pm
Saturday, October 31st - 11:00am and 3:00pm
Sunday, November 1st - 11:00am, 3:00pm and 6:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.
Playful People Productions is run by a mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto and Katie D’ Arcey, who between them have approximately 50 years of experience in the musical theater world. Both are Positive Discipline trained and worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in the theater.
A recent study done by Healthline looked at a variety of factors such as job prospects, public schools, health care, and lifestyle amenities to come up with a list of the 10 best cities to raise a family in. San Jose came in at a very respectable 3rd place. Dallas took the top spot while Boston was second. San Francisco barely made the list at 9th place.
Source: Healthline, hat tip to Alex Shoor for sending this in!
Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, Gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with the bubble-blowing Caterpillar, goes to the craziest tea-party ever, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own Game!
Alice boogies down the rabbit hole into a Wonderland of adventures and music with familiar favorites from the original animated Disney classic including “The Unbirthday Song” and “Painting the Roses Red,” along with additional gems like “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.” Alice in Wonderland is a musical feast for the entire family!
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
Show Times:
Friday, July 31st- 10am, 1pm, 7pm
Saturday, August 1st - 10am, 1pm, 4pm
Alice in La La Land
Join Playful People for another original mash-up show, Alice in La La Land. Meet Alice, an Indiana girl swept into a madcap Los Angeles adventure. She mingles with Hollywood royalty, appears on a reality show, finds her center with the aid of a yoga-practicing Caterpillar, and matches wits with Orange County Tea Party activists. In her showdown with #TheRedQueen, Alice discovers who she is and sings it for all the world to hear. Another Playful People original, with music by the artists you love to sing along with in the car! Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
Show Times:
Thursday, July 30th - 7pm
Saturday, August 1st - 7pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
I just stumbled upon the St. James Park Website and found a lot of great information in there about upcoming events and initiatives. One such event is called "Pirates in the Park." This is a treasure hunt for kids 11 and under as well as pirate-themed activities. It is happening on Saturday, August 8th between 10:00am and 1:00pm. If you are interested in volunteering and helping make the park a better place for everyone, head over here.
Next up we have an event more catered towards adults on August 15th called the Chacho's Taco Festival. There will be taco stands, tecate beer, live music, lucha libre, food trucks, a car show, and a taco-eating contest (which San Jose should dominate given we now have two stars in the "sport"). The event will run from 11am to 8pm and you can get all of the details along with a map over here.
There is a social entrepreneurship venture called KARTMA street cafe which is partially funded by the Knight Foundation and Ebay Foundation. This concept brings an eco-friendly coffee shop to St. James Park with the goal of employing the homeless and teaching them skills that can be used to land jobs in other cafes. For more info or to help raise the last $6k needed to get the cafe off the ground, head over to their Indiegogo campaign (10 days left, nearly fully funded).
What's a cat to do? In Disney's The Aristocats KIDS, Madame's jealous butler Edgar cat-naps Duchess and her Aristokittens and abandons them in the Parisian countryside. Luckily, Thomas O'Malley and his rag-tag bunch of alley cats come to their rescue! This fun musical, based on the Disney film, features many of your favorite characters from Thomas O’Malley the Alley cat to Amelia and Abigail the bold Geese Sisters
This feline adventure is sure to get you tapping your feet to its upbeat, jazzy beat with a score that includes the Disney favorites "The Aristocats," "Scales and Arpeggios" and "Ev'rybody Wants to Be a Cat.”
Our shows often sell out prior to the show weekend. Be sure to buy your tickets early, you won’t want to miss out on this fantastic production.
All Shows at the Historic Hoover Theatre, 1635 Park Ave San Jose, CA 95126
Show Times:
Friday, June 19th - 1:00 and 7:00pm
Saturday, June 20th - 11:00am, 2:00pm, 4pm and 7:00pm
Sunday, June 21st - 11:00am, 2:00pm and 5:00pm
Tickets available at www.playfulpeople.net
$12 attendees 12 and up, $8 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Tickets at the door (30 minutes prior to curtain)
$15 attendees 12 and up, $10 children 11 and under, and $6 Children’s floor seating
Founded in 2010, Playful People Production’s mission is to provide a quality, caring environment where children, teens and their families can have positive theater experiences. We strive to involve all family members in the many aspects of on stage and backstage theater in a safe and fun environment and offer participation in theatrical productions, classes, summer stock and camps for ages 3-93.
Playful People Productions is run by a mother-daughter team, Barbara Galiotto and Katie D’ Arcey, who between them have approximately 50 years of experience in the musical theater world. Both are Positive Discipline trained and worked as early Childhood Educators as well as in the theater.
A brand new two-acre playground built as part of the Rotary Club's 100th anniversary is now open off Coleman in the Guadalupe River Park. The $6 million playground was designed specifically so that all children can play together, even if they have special needs. There are slides, a merry-go-round, teeter-totters, swings, musical elements, sand-and-water play, and climbing structures. It is quite possibly the nicest playground in the Bay Area, so go check it out with the younger members of your family!
For more information on the Rotary PlayGarden, head over here.
Come celebrate international culture today at the "EPIC" festival. The event runs from 11am-3pm at the Evergreen Village Square and will include individual and group dance performances by a variety of schools.
