Bring a School Group
We commission, produce, present and tour performances for students of all ages and abilities. Our programs offer educators evidence-based resources to guide practices and inspire meaningful learning.
Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster
Family Theater
Watch what happens when a terrible, not-so-scary monster meets the most scaredy-cat kid. Using hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, book pages, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, and songs, Manual Cinema brings Mo Willems’ books to life.
Mar. 28 - Apr. 6, 2025
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Genre
Performances for Young Audiences
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Most enjoyed by
Ages 5+
Program
D.C. Premiere
Kennedy Center Commission with
Manual Cinema of Chicago, IL
Don’t be afraid to make a new friend.
Leonardo is a terrible monster. He tries so hard to be scary, but he just… isn’t. Then Leonardo finds Sam, the most scaredy-cat kid in the world. Will Leonardo finally get to scare the tuna salad out of someone? Or will it be the start of an unlikely friendship?
Originally commissioned as a virtual broadcast by the Kennedy Center, Leonardo! uses hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, book pages, two-dimensional props, furry monster puppets, and songs to bring Mo Willems’ books to life. Recreating the experience of holding one of Mo’s books, Manual Cinema brings a show that’s big, bold, colorful, and full of visual rhythm with a playful use of scale.
Most enjoyed by ages 5+
» Everyone entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket.
Saturday, April 5, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. is a sensory-friendly performance.
Sensory-friendly performances are designed to create a performing arts experience that is welcoming to all families, including those with children with autism or other sensory sensitivities. If you order these performances and do not require these Accessibility accommodations, your family is still very much welcome to attend.
Stay after for a Creative Conversation
Following the performance on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at 11 a.m., young audience members can ask questions and hear stories from the show’s artists and creative team.
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Group of 20 or more? Group Sales offers special terms and discounts for most performances.
Sponsors
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation
Support the Families & Young Audiences program
Help us continue to provide quality family programming.
Terms and Conditions
All events and artists subject to change without prior notice.
All ticket prices are subject to change based on demand. Purchase early to lock in prices and the best seats!
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