Dora the Explorer Live: The Perfect First Show!

When I was just a girl, I can remember my very first theatrical performance! It was my birthday...heavens only knows which one...and I remember looking out the front window to see a limo pulling up to our house! Now, if you've been following my blog, you may remember me mentioning that my family wasn't exactly rolling in the dough, so you can only imagine the sheer excitement I felt when I realized the limo was for me!

I didn't care where I was going, just stepping inside made me feel like royalty. But, when my royal limo stopped and I was escorted out, I found myself standing in front of The Centre in the Square. I was completely euphoric. I had never seen a show before and the show was Cats!...That night forever changed my life! I became completely enthralled in theatre, especially how a simple black stage could be transformed into a back alley...into a far far away land...into NYC's Lower East Side...into whatever the director dreamed.

So, when I found out that Dora the Explorer Live! Search for the City of Lost Toys, one of the most anticipated shows of the year, was coming to the Centre in the Square, I knew I had to grab tickets for Samantha and my 3-year-old-Dora-loving-niece! 

I know, I know, Samantha isn't even 2 yet, how will she ever remember this experience. But I will remember the way her eyes lit up as the characters danced across the stage, this blog will remind her of her expressionless-mouth-gaped-open-stare she had as the stage came to life before her eyes, and more importantly I have created a memory, an experience and something that has left an impression on her, just as it did on me so many years ago. 

Firstly, I strongly recommend the attending Dora & Diego's VIP Adventure Party! What a great way to not only get a personal meet and greet with Dora & Diego, but the best way to burn off that extra energy before trying to sit your toddler in a seat for 70 min! 

Samantha and my niece had an absolute blast at the Adventure Party. The DJ was mixin' the tunes, the room was filled with Dora ball pits, mini table and chairs and pop up tents for the children to play with and tables lined with Dora coloring sheets! Plus water and juice boxes for everyone to rehydrate after the energy drain. Each guest even got a special loot bag filled with Dora goodies, including a Dora The Explorer VIP badge! 

Though I have to say, my favourite moment was after Samantha met Dora. We were one of the first people to get to meet Dora and Diego. She was pretty apprehensive at first...OK she full out screamed...but then my niece reached out and held Samantha's hand, all while giving Dora a little glare. Such a cute moment.

But the best part was after we finished meeting them: Samantha just did not want to say goodbye to Dora! She kept trying to run up to her and photo bomb other children's pictures! So, with all the excitement and activities that surrounded us, we just sat on our bums and watched as the other children all gave Dora hugs and Diego high-fives! Too cute!

After the Adventure Party was over, it was time for the real fun...time for Dora the Explorer Live: Search for the City of Lost Toys! I had no idea what to expect from either of the girls. Samantha, I pretty much had it in my head that she would sit still for all of 5 minutes and then want to run, therefore missing the rest of show so she could run around the lobby. 

But, to my shock and amazement...the girls both sat there, mouths wide open, in complete awe of the performance! Samantha did not move an inch for almost the entire first half of the show. That is until the lights came on and the show stopped. With her arm stretched as long as she could, she pointed to the stage over and over saying as loudly as she could "Dat!" "Dat!" "Dat!"

Finally, the lights redimmed and she instantly was drawn to the stage again. Though for the second half of the show, she didn't sit still for one second! She stood up on my lap (for a better view, of course) and jumped and dance and clapped along with the rest of the audience.

This interactive performance got the entire audience on their feet dancing, singing and clapping away. The best part was that not only were the kids involved in the play, but the show was actually designed to teach them to explore, communicate, overcome obstacles, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world using song and dance! 

I can see how this production has been incredibly successful, selling over 2 million tickets worldwide! With Koba Entertainment's artist director, Patti Caplette, using the company's hallmark innovative multimedia technology to create a truly unique production and an all-star creative team including F&D Scene Changes and projection designer, Beth Kates, this live musical adventure is truly one of a kind and I am SO glad that I was able to give the girls a memory that will last a lifetime!

After the show had ended and the seats emptied, Samantha ran as quickly as her little booted feet would let her, up to the empty stage. Sorry Baby Girl, no encore this time.

Hmmm...now what show should I bring her to next?! I hear The Backyardigans: Sea Deep in Adventure is coming to town!