(📢 Obligatory Disclaimer: This was a hosted review, which means we got to see the show for free in exchange for our honest opinions. Spoiler alert: Our opinion is that it was absolutely fantastic.)
The Chaos Before the Curtain
Let’s set the scene: I, your ever-prepared mother of five, missed my exit and found myself peeling off the highway with mere minutes to spare. The kids? Half-asleep, warm, cozy, and utterly unwilling to be yanked from their Macaroni VAN nests.
But there was no time for feelings. “LEAVE YOUR COATS, WE’RE LATE!” I bellowed, ushering four tiny, shivering childsicles (child-popsicles, for the uninformed) across the sidewalk and into the warmth of Gamut Theatre with an entrance that can only be described as dramatic.
We slid into our seats with a whole two minutes to spare, just in time for the Popcorn Hat Players to kick off The Golden Goose—a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud retelling of the classic fairytale, complete with plenty of audience participation, hilarious improv, and the kind of slapstick humor that had my kids absolutely losing their minds.
Born for the Stage (Or At Least the Front Row)
From the moment the show began, Ridley (6, M) and River (3, F) were locked in. These two were born for the stage, and the constant audience interaction had them riveted. They were pointing, calling out, belly-laughing, and participating like it was their own personal Broadway debut.
And then there was Roland (10, M)—my too-cool-for-everything eldest—who shocked us all by VOLUNTEERING to be part of the show. That’s right. The kid who side-eyes anything remotely “kid-ish” hopped right up on stage. If that’s not a Popcorn Hat Players endorsement, I don’t know what is.
Encore at Home: Featuring a Stuffed Unicorn
The fun didn’t stop at the theatre doors. After the show, Ridley and River spent the rest of the day reenacting the entire performance—with a stuffed unicorn standing in for the titular goose.
There was dramatic running, proclamations of “Don’t touch the goose, or you won’t get loose!” and an impromptu chase sequence through my living room that resulted in a couch cushion being declared a “castle.”
Honestly, Popcorn Hat Players should start paying them for their post-show promotions.
We’ll Be Back—Again and Again!
After this absolute blast of a performance, we are officially hooked.
🎭 Ridley is getting signed up for Popcorn Hat Players camp this summer—because clearly, the stage is calling his name.
🎭 Roland and I already have a mom/son date lined up for Frankenstein (yes, it’s for ages 12+, and YES, I am hyped for it). Check out my thoughts on that show here: Frankenstein Review
And if you’re looking for more amazing Gamut Theatre events—from family-friendly productions to date-night-worthy performances—check out the full lineup below. ⬇️
📅 Upcoming Gamut Theatre Productions & Events (Embedded calendar link coming soon!)
Trust me—get yourself (and your kids) to Gamut Theatre. It’s fun, affordable, and packed with high-energy performances that will have your whole family laughing, clapping, and possibly re-staging the show in your living room. 😉
#GamutTheatre #PopcornHatPlayers #GoldenGoose #MacKidHarrisburg #FamilyFun #TheaterForKids
When visiting events and local businesses, be sure to tell them Macaroni KID sent you... and don't forget to tell all your friends!
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