The I Hate Children Children's Show is a show like no other. In a sea of children's entertainment, this show is like a lifeboat to parents who have had their fill of the typical approach.
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The show isn't for everyone, and is best appreciated by those with a good sense of humor and the ability to laugh at themselves. While magic is the main ingredient of the performance, it comes with a good helping of sarcasm and a dash of ridicule.
The centerpiece of the show is the magic of Paul Nathan. His sleight of hand is as good as any I have ever seen. However, it is his quick wit that makes the show what it is. Working with kids and the uncertainty of what they will say and do is tough business.
His interactions with the kids demonstrates one who is very attuned to a young sense of humor, and he uses whatever material they give him with an ease that belies the difficulty of improv.
In addition to the traditional magic, there is also some musical magic in the show provided by John Anaya on guitar. And just like Nathan, Anaya must rely on his wits (and his musical repertoire) to provide musical accompaniment to the action on stage since it is not scripted. In addition to the music, Anaya provides some pretty funny facial expressions and reactions to the jokes as well. So be sure to steal a few glances his way during the show.
Be prepared: Kids aren't the only ones who are at the receiving end of the jokes. One of his go-to jokes is an improv reaction to a kid's name. Upon being asked her name, one girl replied, "Tanzy." Nathan complimented her calling it a lovely name and asked what it means. She responded, "flower." He immediately countered with a quick jab, "what it really means is that your mother is a hippie."
My 9-year-old daughter really enjoyed the balloon art part of the show. She liked the little song that went with the Magic Bag of Inspiration, although she liked it even more when the bag produced the wrong color of balloon and Paul quickly called it the Magic Bag of Disappointment.
While some may balk at the idea of poking fun at the kids, the genius of the show is its universal ridicule. He even states that his goal is to insult every child, and the kids are practically jumping up and down to be next. It's also great to have the guarantee that every kid age 8 or older gets to go up on stage (but you don't have to if you don't want to). Nathan could barely get some of the kids to leave the stage.
Another advantage of this unique children's show: there is a bar. That's right. You can buy a beer or glass of wine (or soda or water) at Hale's Palladium as well as various snacks to enjoy during the show. For those families that don't take themselves too seriously and who can take a joke as well as dish one out, this show is for you.
IF YOU GO
Where: Hale's Palladium, 4301 Leary Way NW, Seattle.
When: Now through Feb. 22; Saturdays at 1 and 3 p.m., Sundays at 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $25 adults, $18 children; VIP tickets with front row seats and a DVD are $35 adults, $30 children.
Contact: https://halesbrewery.com.
Kelly Rogers Flynt is a freelance writer based out of Lake Forest Park and a mother of two.
