Famous Nick Jr. characters coming to town this weekend

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music rolls into town for four performances at the Victoria Theatre, Dec. 14-15. CONTRIBUTED

Nick Jr. Live! Move to the Music rolls into town for four performances at the Victoria Theatre, Dec. 14-15. CONTRIBUTED

Performance is not about perfection, but it has taken a while for that to sink in for Carolina Miranda.

“My greatest challenge as a performer, thus far, has been letting go of my inhibitions and the pressure to be perfect,” Miranda said. “I’ve always found it challenging to focus on hitting every note perfectly and never missing a line, but I’m trying, more and more, to silence the voice in my head telling me that I’m ‘not good enough,’ and replace it with a voice that reminds me of everything I love about myself.”

Miranda’s self-confidence is not unlike that of the character she portrays in her first national tour as the New York native plays Dora the Explorer in the premiere production of Nick Jr. Live! “Move to the Music,” which rolls into town for four performances at the Victoria Theatre, December 14-15.

The on-stage celebration features live appearances, special on-screen guests and audience participation opportunities designed to engage the whole family. Where else can you see Dora along with Marshall and Rubble from “Paw Patrol,” Blue from the new “Blue’s Clues & You,” “Bubble Guppies” Molly and Gil as well as Shimmer and Shine? From Bubbletucky to Zahramay Falls, the audience can sing, dance, clap and cheer along with their Nick Jr. favorites.

With a 65-minute run time – including intermission – Nick Jr. Live! is an engaging way to introduce young children to live theater. And with its innovative costuming, Broadway-style set and familiar music, it’s a show that children, parents and grandparents can all enjoy.

While Miranda didn’t first light up the stage until she was in high school, she knows that shows like this can inspire the next generation of young performers.

“The best advice I could possibly give to someone looking to pursue the performing arts as a career would be to be your own cheerleader,” she said. “You have to pat yourself on the back for what you did right and learn from what you did wrong. Being hard on yourself does not do you any good. It’s theatre – it’s supposed to be fun.”

And fun is what the Nick Jr. cast and audience members have in common.

NICK JR. LIVE CHARACTERS

* Blaze: Is a champion on the racetrack and a hero on the streets of Axle City.

* Blue: Every preschooler's best friend, she's playful imaginative, caring, curios and ready to learn.

* Butterbean: This fairy owns and runs her café with her best friends, serving up the most delicious creations in Puddlebook.

* Dora: A bilingual 7-year-old who lives in the rainforest and was born to explore it. Determined, helpful and caring, Dora is always ready for an adventure.

* Gil: He is a silly, turbo-charged boy filled with endless energy, constant curiosity and a great sense of humor.

* Marshall: Paw Patrol's brave fire pup. An ever-excited 6-year-old dalmatian who's always ready to roll to roll to the rescue in his fire truck.

* Molly: She is smart, she sings and most importantly, she's a really good friend. All the Bubble Guppies want to swim with her.

* Penny: A penguin and underwater expert, she loves to dash and splash in her Aqua Wing.

* Rod: An ever-ready rooster who is known to break into a strutting rooster walk or excited dance move at any moment.

* Rubble: A construction bulldog, he is a tough, gruff 5-year-old pup with a heart of gold.

* Shimmer: A sweet, cheerful genie who adores her twin sister Shine and her pet monkey Tala.

* Shine: Shimmer's sassy, spunky twin genie sister who loves granting wishes and flying on her magic carpet.


HOW TO GO

What: Nick Jr. Live! "Move to the Music"

When: Dec. 14, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Dec. 15, 10 a.m., 2 p.m.

Where: Victoria Theatre

Tickets: Start at $18, available at www.ticketcenterstage.com or at the box office

More: The Nick Jr. Live! VIP Experience offers premium seating and access to an after-show Meet & Greet with Dora the Explorer and Rubble from PAW Patrol, an exclusive photo opportunity with Blaze from Blaze and the Monster Machines and a VIP merchandise item and souvenir lanyard. Each adult & child (aged 1 & up) must have a VIP ticket.

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