The performance wasn’t exactly everything I imagined; the story does not translate to the stage as well as I thought it would. However, the set design, lighting, and music did not disappoint. And overall, I would rate the production a success. It achieves Wheelock Family Theatre’s goal of celebrating the diverse range of families in the world and uniting them in the shared experience of live theater. Most tellingly, the performance completely captivated the packed house, which was filled with young children and their parents. I saw my kids literally sitting on the edge of their seats. These are some our favorite aspects of WFT's production of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, and a few things to know before you go:

5 Highlights

- Sparse, elegant and beautiful, the set serves the cast and the story well.

- The cast is enthusiastic and energetic, and when there was a major glitch, they handled it with grace and professionalism.

- In a fairly heavy story, Minli’s dragon friend (think the lion, tin man and scarecrow all in one) provides just the right amount of comic relief.

- It was refreshing to see a diverse, multicultural cast spanning a wide age range. The youngest cast members playing the monkeys were an absolute delight, and the adults in the cast provided the needed balance to the large number of children. We also loved that the cast featured multi-ethnic families.

- Wheelock Family Theater strives to be accessible to everyone. On Saturday May 3rd at 10am, WFT is offering a Relaxed performance of Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, modified in light and sound for theatergoers with sensory sensitivities and families with children along the autism spectrum. Tickets for this performance are $10 - $20. The final weekend of the show's run offers performances interpreted in American Sign Language and Audio-described live.

5 Things to Know Before You Go

- A note about age appropriateness: In my opinion, the play is best for ages 5-12. There are several references to tragedy, violence, and cruelty. The only potentially scary action is a stand off between a young girl and a very wicked tiger (lots of loud growling). The story is actually a collection of stories threaded together, and young children may find it difficult to follow. I recommend reading the book with your child before you go.

- Sometimes the cast is difficult to understand, but the open captioning helps immensely (if you can read).

- If you haven’t been to Wheelock Family Theater before, you should be aware that the house is quite large, so the lobby and the restrooms get very crowded, and the whole place could really use a facelift (or at least a deep exfoliating scrub). I would avoid the restrooms if I could.

- There are ways to reduce the cost of tickets. WFT offers an evening performance BOGO with your public library card and sells half-price tickets through ArtsBoston. You can also get $15 tickets for your kids if they wear their jammies to a Friday night performance (call the box office to reserve your Pajama Party Friday tickets). 

- You may want to consider the “Extras” when choosing which performance to attend. Free workshops are offered to ticket holders on Friday nights. The directors, designers and actors give the audience a glimpse behind the scenes of the show after Saturday matinees, and audience members can meet the cast on the Red Carpet after each Sunday matinee. 

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon | Through May 11, 2014 at Wheelock Family Theatre, 200 The Riverway, Boston, MA 02215 | tickets@wheelock.edu or 617-879-2300 

Pictured: Michael Tow and Caroline Workman | Photo by Kippy Goldfarb, courtesy of Wheelock Family Theatre