Puppet Stuff

THU 12/4

The holidays can be a feast of tension, aggravation, and reopening family wounds, so it's no wonder that among the most beloved traditions of the season is taking the kids out for a little escapist entertainment. Hans Christian Andersen's The Snow Queenis a wintery tale meant to remind children that friendship, perseverance, and love can conquer all, including the holiday madness. A little girl encounters strange magic and talking animals while on a quest to free her friend from the Snow Queen. In this Hudson Vagabond Puppets presentation, the Scandinavian roots of the story are visually enhanced by the Japanese Bunraku tradition, which is an ancient form of puppet theater. Here, black-clad puppeteers give life to giant creations, including a 12-foot, evil-looking Snow Queen. The curtain rises at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts' Amaturo Theater (201 SW 5th Ave., Fort Lauderdale) at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. Tickets cost $5. On December 7 performances are at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. and cost $11. It also plays at Nova Southeastern University's Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center (3100 Ray Ferrero Jr. Blvd., Fort Lauderdale) on Friday, December 5, at 7:00 p.m. Tickets cost $11. Call 954-462-0222. -- By Margaret Griffis

Model Child

Kiddies get a shot at fame

SAT 12/6

So what if your baby suffers from colic that makes him scream his head off 24 hours a day. He's your bibby booby baby, and he's the cutest thing you've ever seen. So cute, he ought to be the spokesbaby for a camera company and be signed to a modeling contract so the whole world can marvel at his precious mug. He might get that chance today, in fact, when Nikon Coolpix and Wilhelmina Kids hold an open call. Just bring a photograph of your rugrat (not the kid in the flesh) to the Doubletree Surfcomber (1717 Collins Ave., Miami Beach) sometime between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. You never know. Admission is free. Call 305-532-7715. -- By Nina Korman