Dear journalist: We hope you will use this compelling story about a very unique theater experience for kids -- either as is, or as a springboard for another feature about The Ohmies. If you need additional information about the show, our contact information is over there on the right. Thanks! --Barbara and Craig
 July 28, 2011 (New York, NY) -The Ohmies: Morning Wish Garden is a live musical theater experience created specifically for 3 to 8 year olds currently performing at the Peter Jay Sharp Theater on 42nd Street near 9th Avenue.
The show features original songs, colorful costumes, a high level of interactivity -- and something many parents might not expect: a series of lessons designed to help set young children on a positive path of physical and socio-emotional development.
The Ohmies is unique in that it highlights physical fitness as a way of providing a foundation for lifelong habits that contribute to overall well-being. The current problem of childhood obesity underscores the need to get kids up, moving and physically active, and The Ohmies is designed with that goal -- and more -- in mind.
"Despite the prevalence of theatrical productions geared toward kids, we felt that the market had missed an opportunity to address the health and wellness of its audience," says Seth A. Goldstein, Producer and General Manager. "We worked with an advisory staff of 12 child development professionals to make sure that The Ohmies addresses physical, emotional and social development in ways that are, first and foremost, unique, positive and constructive as well as terrifically entertaining."
Here are five of those ways:
1. The Ohmies help kids recognize physical health as a vehicle to emotional and social competence. At several steps along the journey to wake up Mr. Sun, engaging in physical activities such as stretching and jumping -- based on yoga fundamentals like downward dog and butterfly -- help advance the story toward its goal. Physical activity is seen as fun and constructive. It’s fitness as play.
 2. The Ohmies help kids deal with fears. When the Ohmies become frightened or anxious, the Worries appear. The Ohmies illustrate dealing with these emotions in positive ways: taking a deep breath, identifying and understanding the emotions, working with their friends as a team and finding ways to feel better -- through singing, dancing and laughing.
3. The Ohmies help kids pursue goals and work as a team. In their journey to wake up Mr. Sun, The Ohmies focus on following and completing a series of directions. From Marigold Meadow to the Giggly Gulch to the Bubble Bog to the Tropical Sock Forest and finally to the Sweeping Bluff, clear directions (and a map, courtesy of Mrs. Moon) keep the goals fun, clear and consistent in a manner specifically geared to this age category.
 4. The Ohmies helps kids learn to talk about their emotions. Sylvio Snake wants to be a superb singer, but is afraid to sing in public because of a fear of failure. He tells the other Ohmies of his shyness, and they respond with understanding and support as they sing along with him -- and invite the kids in the audience to sing along, too.
5. The Ohmies help kids create positive relationships with siblings. Carlin Caterpillar is Bella Butterfly’s little brother, and it’s clear to the audience that being a big sister -- or a little brother! -- is not always easy. But Bella and Carlin talk about the conflicts they experience and demonstrate a positive solution to their problem. For example, they have a difference of opinion of how to wake up Mr. Sun and they argue (bringing on The Worries), but Carlin explains how he feels, Bella listens and decides that even though she is older they will go with his plan:, supporting him with enthusiasm and positive reinforcement.
"With the growing prominence and influence of such brands as Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and Blue’s Clues we know that preschool entertainment is an extremely powerful tool for education," Goldstein says. "That power is magnified by the added component of live performance and high levels of physical engagement in a theatrical setting, which makes all of us associated with The Ohmies keenly aware of our responsibilities not only to entertain, but to help effect meaningful change to the physical, mental and spiritual health of the children who experience our show."
For additional information, visit OHMland on the web: www.theohmies.com , follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theohmies and on Twitter @theohmies. For further information or to arrange interviews contact BP Media Relations: Barbara Pflughaupt (212.707.8181 and Barbara@bpmediarelations.com) or Craig Peters (215.675.9882 and craig@bpmediarelations.com).
THE OHMIES: MORNING WISH GARDEN runs 55 minutes with no intermission and is performed in an open theater space in which the audience sings along to original music, hops like a grasshopper, slithers like a snake, flies like a butterfly and more on antimicrobial fitness mats. (Seating is available for those who can't sit on mats.) Loose-fitting clothing -- and colorful socks! -- are recommended for everyone. THE OHMIES: MORNING WISH GARDEN is much more than theater -- it’s a one-of-a-kind interactive musical experience that gets kids’ bodies moving and their imaginations running wild!
Tickets for THE OHMIES: MORNING WISH GARDEN are priced at $35 each and are on sale now: Call Ticket Central at 212.279.4200 or visit ticketcentral.com. For more information about The Ohmies, visit theohmies.com. Follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/theohmies and on Twitter @TheOhmies. |
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PRESS CONTACTS:
Barbara Pflughaupt
Barbara@bpmediarelations.com
212-707-8181
Craig Peters
Craig@bpmediarelations.com
215-675-9882
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