Having reviewed South Sound theater in one form or another coming up on what will be 15 years next month, I have seen theaters come and go, evolve or die, and stage some good theater — and some not good theater — along the way.

One arm of theater that I am increasingly appreciating is the rise in number and quality of theater for and by children.

Back in the day, there was Tacoma Little Theatre's program and the STARS offerings at the now-defunct Tacoma Actors Guild. Capital Playhouse has had its Page to Stage and other children's programs going for years as well. That was about it for quite a while. Then Lakewood Playhouse added its offerings with the ever-present Maggie Knott, and other theaters followed suit.

I've written about Tacoma Musical Playhouse's relatively new resident children's theater program before. It is just emerging from its toddler stage as in ends its third season. And I will write more about them in the future, based on the show it is currently staging. Brilliant. Enough said.

The Tacoma Children's Musical Theater is staging a short run of the show Heidi, with a gaggle of thespians and a great family vibe that got me within seven minutes of running from the theater to grab my feathered hat and lederhosen before rushing the stage to join the fun. Maybe it's the German in me, but it was working.
 
The classic story of a very European life includes goat tenders, a wise grandfather and an adventurous young girl. Toss in some puppets and some scenes of the Swiss Alps and you get the idea of the show.

What made this show a bit more fun than usual was not only that the young actors looked like they were having fun, but the folks in the audience were actively showing their appreciation as well. Energy begates energy. But it was also nice to imagine seeing these children grow in their theatrical abilities in the coming years. It makes me feel old when I think about it, but I now know of actors I saw in elementary school productions and work their way up the ranks of community theater who are now making livings doing what they love. Some child on that stage might follow the same route. That's pretty cool to be a part of it.

My money is on Madison McCann. She played the role of Heidi; not only did she seem like a natural on stage but she seemed like she would like to get used to signing autographs after each show. Watch out Dakota Fanning, there might be a new girl in town.

[Tacoma Musical Playhouse, Heidi, May 30-31, 2 p.m., $10-$15, 7116 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.565.6867]

Also on stage

A Little Night Music, arguably one of the best Broadway show with Swedish links, is continuing its run at Capital Playhouse with the powerhouses of South Sound musical theater on the playbill. Stephen Sondheim's show of all things relationship features the golden pipes of Jeff Kingsbury and Jennie May Donnell in a pairing that gets talked about well after the curtain falls.
[Capital Playhouse, through May 30, 7:30 p.m., $23-$35, 612 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.943.2744]

For something a bit more racy than standard musical theater, Encore is staging
Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show. The show has all – well, most – of the familiar aspects of the classic cult movie centered on the misadventures of the sexually oppressed Brad and Janet as they steer into a dark castle on a dark and stormy night only to find a gaggle of over-sexed aliens are running around in all things black leather and stockings. A good time was had by all.
[Encore! Theater, May 29 8 p.m., May 30 7 and 11 p.m., $11-$15, 6615 38th Ave. N.W., Gig Harbor, 253.858.2282]

Theater Northwest Group presents Educating Rita: The story of Frank, a tutor of English in his 50s, whose outlook on life drives him to drink and bury himself in his books. Enter Rita, a young hairdresser who is hungry for education. Rita slowly wins over the hesitant Frank with her innate insight and refusal to accept "no" for an answer. Their relationship as teacher and student blossoms, giving Frank a new sense of self and Rita the knowledge she craves.
[Theatre on the Square, May 29-30 7:30 p.m., $22-$34, 915 Broadway, Tacoma, 253.591.5894]