Wild Strawberry

Who hasn’t experienced the pain of being teased just for being different sometime in their lives? In the new musical Freckleface Strawberry, beginning performances at New World Stages on September 9, a seven-year-old girl named Strawberry is desperate to get rid of or disguise her plentiful freckles and fiery hair so that her classmates will stop making fun of her. But during the course of the show (and following some unsuccessful attempts to “erase” those freckles), she learns that one thing we all have in common is that we’re different, and it’s best to accept yourself as you are. Written by Gary Kupper and Rose Caiola, Freckleface Strawberry is based on the bestselling children’s book by award-winning actress and noted redhead, Julianne Moore.

Inspired by his own family and children, reggae artist Ziggy Marley has started making music especially for kids to enjoy. You and your little ones may already be familiar with his music from shows like Dora the Explorer and Arthur, as well as appearances on Sesame Street and other children’s programming. With Family Time with Ziggy Marley (September 19), the singer/songwriter shares tunes from his Grammy Award-winning album, Family Time. Unlike many children’s artists, Marley creates catchy melodies and hip reggae beats that are just as pleasing for grown-ups, but the playful spirit and positive messages in his songs make them ideal for the whole family.

The old Grimm Brothers tale of the Frog Prince became a modern sensation last year when Disney used it as the inspiration for its animated film The Princess and the Frog. Now you can take the kids to see the Frog Prince (September 4-26) in person at the Galli Theater. Galli’s adaptation of the fairy tale offers a goofy good time, but also reveals a few valuable life lessons.

At last, here’s a children’s show that both Trekkies and their children can enjoy. Captain Aesop of the Starship Fable (September 9-19), playing at the Brooklyn Lyceum, takes Aesop’s classic fables and gives them a sci-fi twist. References to such science fiction faves as Star Trek, Star Wars, Alien, and Tron all make their way into this story of a starship crew who decide to have a five-minute fable telling contest. Told by these space folks, though, your favorite of Aesop’s morality tales take a cool, futuristic turn (“The Boy Who Cried Wolf” is now “The Girl Who Cried Meteor”). So grab your light sabers, put on your Spock ears, and get ready to learn your lessons from Captain Aesop and his crew.

Over at the Irondale Center, Daniel John Kelley’s children’s theater series Monster Literature is finding dark creatures in all kinds of classics, including Robin Hood: Prince of … MONSTERS! (September 11). In this diabolical take on the legendary tale, evil wizard Zorlan Morlan transforms brave do-gooder Robin Hood into a coward. Thankfully, 12-year-old Benjy Bleeglehorn and her sidekick Bravo arrive to save the day and teach Robin how to be the Prince of Thieves again.