Summer Children's Series

The 2010 Summer Children’s Performance Series will run from July 20- August 11, 2010. The top-quality performances are held in the Indoor Theatre at either 10:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. Tickets are $5.00 for the 7 p.m. performances. Admission is included in the general admission ticket to the park for the 10:30 a.m. performances. Both performance times are free to Friends of Elizabeth II members.

2010 Summer Children's Series Calendar

"The Tarradiddle Players have now performed for over one million children, in schools, community centers -- towns big and small -- across the Southeast, bringing smiles (and maybe a tear or two) to the faces of everyone they meet."

Tarradiddle Players Presents

“The Commedia King Arthur”

July 20, 21, 22 at 10:30 a.m.
Indoor Theatre



Everybody's favorite troupe of traveling players is back, and this time they dare to take on a literary classic: The Tales of King Arthur. Never have the Commdia players been so audacious... or quite so silly, as when trying to pull this one off. It all begins when the bedraggled young squire Arthur, forgets his master's second sword and has to find a substitute, fast, or risk losing his job. What is a young squire to do? What would you do? He grabs the nearest sword he can find, never mind that it is embedded in a rock, and the rest, well, you know, is history. Or at least legend. Fortunately Merlin is always there to guide our young hero to greatness. This fast moving story features a sprinkling of well known stories, making it a perfect introduction to a unit of King Arthur, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Sir Lancelot and the Ogre, and King Arthur and the absolute most adorable little dragon you have ever seen. What? No adorable dragons in Tales of King Arthur? Are you sure about that? See for yourself, decide for yourself.

Tarradiddle Players Present

Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

July 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre



Mike Mulligan and Mary Ann, his beloved Steam Shovel, have been together for many years. They have dug holes for famous canals, mountainous railroad beds, superhighways, airports, and tall skyscrapers. But times have changed and newer, fancier shovels have become fashionable. There just isn’t as much work for old steam shovels… and Mike and Mary Ann are down to their last dime. Yet there is one final possibility… the little town of Poppersville needs a foundation dug for its city hall and Mike and Mary Ann are determined to get the job. Only they first have to out bid the Diesel Shovel, the Electric Shovel and the fancy schmancy cappuchino making Nucleonic Diggatron. Are they up to the job? Not if Henry B. Swap has his way! Virgina Lee Burton’s 1939 classic tale of hard work, determination and love comes to life in Eric Lane Barnes delightful musical.

Flow Circus

July 27-29 at 10:30 a.m.
July 27 and 28- 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre

"Through performances and hands-on workshops, Flow Circus engages audiences of all ages in experiences of play that captivate, energize, and inspire."

Flow Circus offers education programs for tweens & teens in the Variety Arts (juggling, balloon twisting, and other skill toys). After a mime workshop with Tony Montanaro at the Celebration Barn in 1998, Paul Miller knew that he wanted to devote his life to prop manipulation and performance. Much of that next year was spent living and working in a juggling community on the Big Island of Hawaii and honing his performance skills.


By 1999 he was back stateside and touring with a nationally touring juggling troupe promoting healthy nutrition. That same year Paul founded Flow Circus and began touring his first 1-man performance Boxes and has been performing full-time ever since.

Bob Brown Puppets

August 3-5 at 10:30 a.m.
August 3 and 4 at 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre

Bob Brown Puppets is a children’s theatre company that has provided entertainment for over fifty years. With these performances, Bob Brown Puppets continues the tradition of enriching and entertaining audiences with puppetry. Begun when Bob and Judy Brown created the Smithsonian Puppet Theatre in 1967, the programs perform to over 300,000 children each year. Produced by DCA Productions, the theatre features whimsical characters that will continue to delight both children and adults.

Bob Brown Puppets Clowning Around
August 3 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre

This circus themed show features charming clowns who perform acts of juggling, trapeze, roller skating, and blowing up balloons. Audience members will meet and be mesmerized by Ziggy and his bright blue balloon, Gus on the Flying Trapeze, Lucy Goosey and her Jolly Juggling, and many other characters.

Bob Brown Puppets Penguin’s Playground
August 4 at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre

“Penguin’s Playground” will plunge the audience into the freezing fun of the Super-Secret Playground.” Watch as these clever characters perform on the icebergs to get through their cold winter. The characters include Bobby the Penguinm Yetti Spaghetti, Annie Oola, and others.

Bob Brown Puppets The Teddy Bear’s Picnic
August 5 at 10:30 a.m.
Indoor Theatre

In “Teddy Bear Picnic,” visitors will watch the enchanting characters wind their way through the woods for a picnic adventure. See Mother Bear and Baby Bear as they meet inhabitants of the woods. Meet Chip and his acorn, Fred and Ginger, the dancing frogs, Hayfever, Artie the Ant, and many others.

Wild West Show

August 10 -12 at 10:30 a.m.
August 10 and 11 at 7 p.m.
Indoor Theatre



Chris McDaniel and his “Wild West Show” promises unique cowboy-themed entertainment suitable for all ages. With 30 years of experience, McDaniel offers a variety of entertainment, including bullwhipping, trick roping, and cowboy poetry. Similar in appearance to the legendary Buffalo Bill, Chris McDaniel’s performance beckons to the past. He holds the world record for the most targets whipped from an assistant’s hand at 61 in one minute. Produced by DCA Productions, Chris McDaniel’s “Wild West Show” will bring the cowboy or cowgirl out in everyone. 

For more information, call (252) 475-1500 or email FestivalParkInformation@ncdcr.gov.

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