by Samantha Chan

PARENTGUIDE News May 2012

Music of the Night
The Stepinac Drama Club presents the Broadway hit The Phantom of the Opera on May 4 and 5, 7:30pm, and May 6, 2pm. For more than 20 years, the timeless tale has been a staple musical with unforgettable score. Appropriate for families with children ages 5 and older, the production is held at Archbishop Stepinac High School, 950 Mamaroneck Ave. in White Plains.

A Magical Place
The Secret Garden is on stage from May 11-27 at the White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place. The production follows the story of 11 year-old Mary Lennox, who after being orphaned in India returns to Yorkshire to live with her reclusive uncle. She discovers the estate is home to many wonders, including a magical garden, creating this enchanting classic tale of forgiveness and renewal. Call (914)328-1600 or visit www.wppac.com for tickets.

Honoring Kids
In Japan, May 5 is a holiday set aside to celebrate and respect the unique personalities and abilities of children. Head to the New Rochelle Public Library’s meeting room to celebrate by making a fish kite and sampling traditional Japanese treats. The library is located at Huguenot and Lawton Streets in New Rochelle. Register and find details at www.nrpl.org.

Tunes with Mom
Groove Performing Arts hosts a special Family JAM on May 12 at 9:30am and 10:30am at 108 Chatsworth Ave., Larchmont. Moms, grandmas, great-grandmas and all of the other special women with babies ages 6 months to 5 years are invited. Registration is encouraged as these events quickly sell out. Dial (914)834-3383.

African-American Revelry
Head to Philipsburg Manor, 381, N. Broadway in Sleepy Hollow, for Pinkster Festival on May 13. The affair, which has been taking place in the Hudson Valley since the 17th century, is filled with music, dance, food and merriment. Patrons enjoy presentations of lively drums, dance and folklore and watch historical demonstrations.

Hilarious Hijinks
Broadway Training Center of Westchester stages Illyria, a musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night. Bring the whole clan down to Irvington Town Hall Theater, 85 Main St. in Irvington, on May 4 and 5, 7pm, and May 6, 3pm. Order tickets at www.broadwaytraining.com or via the box office at (914)591-6602.

Home Grown Goodness
The Rosenthal JCC’s J-Baby program for new families hosts Plant Your Own Havdalah Spice Set on May 18, 9:30am. Parents with babies age 0-24 months are invited to plant herbs to take home. E-mail cathy@rosenthaljcc.org to RSVP for the workshop, which takes place at the FDR State Park picnic tables at parking lot number two on FDR State Park Road in Yorktown Heights.

Good Vibrations
The founding members of the Beach Boys, Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks reunite for their 50th Anniversary Celebration tour, which stops at the Westchester County Center on May 15, 7:30pm. Tickets are on sale through the County Center box office, www.ticketmaster.com and www.countycenter.biz. The center is located at 198 Central Ave. in White Plains.

Wine and Dine
The 2012 Wine and Food Weekend runs from May 17-20. On May 17, the Beer and Burger Bash is set for an outdoor venue in downtown White Plains, while the rest of the engagement takes place throughout the Ritz-Carlton, Westchester, located at 3 Renaissance Square. The weekend features tastings, seminars, chef demonstrations and other events that are sure to leave foodies tickled. Find details at www.cvent.com.

A Day to Remember
Celebrate Memorial Day with commemorative walks at St. Paul’s Church N.H.S., 897 S. Columbus Ave., Mt. Vernon. The site hosts tours recalling the lives and stories of soldiers interred at the historic cemetery. In addition, there are talks, music and live history demonstrations. Call David Osborn with questions at (914)667-4116.

Samantha Chan is an associate editor.