MATUNUCK, RI: Looking for something to do with your kids this summer? Why not introduce them to the magic of live theatre this summer at Theatre By The Sea! The 2011 Children's Festival features a wide variety of performances, which are held on select Fridays in July and August at 10:00 am and 12 noon. Before or after the show, families are invited to enhance their theatre experience by bringing a picnic lunch to consume on the property, while enjoying the lush seaside gardens maintained by Dana Designs, which contain over 300 varieties of perennials, grasses, shrubs and climbing plants, offering a magical environment for flower lovers of all ages. Refreshments will also be available for purchase at the gazebo.

The 2011 Children's Festival Schedule features the following performances:

• July 8 - Ocean State Theatre Company presents Schoolhouse Rock Live!  The Emmy® Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math, science and politics through clever, tuneful songs comes to life on stage! Experience all your favorite songs, such as: "Three is a Magic Number," "Just A Bill," "Ready or Not, Here I Come," and "Conjunction Junction."
• July 15 - Keith Michael Johnson presents The Secret World of BubblesReturning for the third year! As seen on The Discovery Channel. "How do bubbles do that?" That is what this show is all about. Packed with stunning state-of-the-art bubble sculptures designed to snare the attention of every audience member. The science behind the magic unfolds like a mystery, making this show both educational and unforgettable. You've never seen bubbles like this before... you can learn a lot from a bubble!
• July 29 - Camp OSTC presents Twinderella - This hilarious musical fractured fairy tale not only follows Cinderella's story, but also that of her long lost twin brother, Bob, who lives in the same kingdom with his own wicked step-family. The separated siblings have enlisted the services of the Fairy Godmother, the Godfather and two enchanted gerbils to help wile their way into the exclusive royal festivities of Wychwood-under-Ooze. This delightful send-up of the classic story will be performed by OSTC camp kids.
• August 5 - The Airborne Comedians - Back by popular demand! Whether balanced atop seven-foot unicycles or frantically flinging objects at one another, this pair is a sure bet to make you laugh. Over the past fifteen years, this duo has entertained audiences of all ages and backgrounds. They juggle a cornucopia of objects including (but not limited to) baseball bats, lawn chairs, flaming torches, children, hats, clubs, balls, rings, electric guitars, machetes, flaming lawn chairs, fruits and random objects from the crowd.
• August 12 - Hudson Vagabond Puppets present Beatrix Potter Tales - Giant puppets dance and act in narrated ballets to two of Beatrix Potter's most beloved stories. The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck is about an absent-minded duck, who takes flight on a fine spring day in search of a place to lay her eggs. She is very much impressed with a mysterious, handsome, foxy-whiskered stranger who convinces her to lay her eggs in his shed. An honest collie and two rowdy foxhound puppies save the day. In The Story of A Fierce Bad Rabbit, the audience gets involved with a chorus of cheers and boos as the Fierce Bad Rabbit and the Nice Gentle Rabbit argue over the ownership of a carrot.
• August 26 - Keith Munslow presents Songs & Stories/Cartoons & Comedy - This popular award-winner delivers fun, funky music, lightning-fast cartooning, and hilarious stories that will have grown-ups laughing as much as the kids! Keith's rhythmic piano playing, on-the-spot improvisations, and quick wit combine creating a highly interactive, upbeat, fast-paced ride. So hang on and don't blink or you might miss something!

Single tickets are $10.00 each with packages of three shows or more for $8.00 per ticket. Discount rates are available for groups of 20 or more by calling (401) 782-3800 x18. Theatre By The Sea is located at 364 Cards Pond Road. Tickets are on sale at the box office Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am - 4:00 pm, online 24-hours-a-day at www.theatrebythesea.com and via telephone during normal box office hours by calling (401) 782-TKTS (8587).