The Kid's Place Brings Magical Experiences to West Hartford

Above the restaurant on Park Road resides a realm of princesses, fairies, pirates, superheroes, and assorted characters from Harry Potter. Rather than attracting paparazzi, it’s more likely to be moms, dads and grandparents wielding the cameras. This “celebrity” hangout is The Kids Place, a business that specializes in theme parties and children’s theater productions for kids from four to twelve years old.

The Kids Place began in April 2010 as a joint venture between Vickie Culligan and A.C. Petersen owner Catherine Denton. In addition to acting in theaters such as the Playhouse on Park, Culligan had also been bringing character-themed parties for children right into their homes.

When Denton heard about Culligan’s success, she was intrigued with the idea of bringing children’s characters into the restaurant but realized there wasn't enough space. When a tenant vacated the area above the restaurant, she and Culligan jumped at the chance to work together. Denton noted, "We've always been a family business catering to families, so the synergy we've created between the restaurant and the party facilities just feels great."

A children’s theater program was soon added. During each three-week session, children ages seven through twelve learn about all aspects of theater production, from painting sets and memorizing lines to acting them out on the stage. At the end of the session, the children perform their play for audiences at local venues. Culligan considers the parties and the theater a perfect combination.

“One very important element that sets our party venue apart from any other locale is everything we create at The Kids Place incorporates an element of theater. Everything we do from start to finish for our guests creates a magical experience unlike any other.”  Events are staffed by various fairytale and character hosts, played by high school and college students with an interest in theater.

Last Monday afternoon the weather was dreary, but inside The Kids Place children were excitedly dancing, making their own lava lamps a la Harry Potter, and being entertained by a real live “pirate.” WFSB-TV's Jennifer Pace was there to tape a segment for the channel’s afternoon show “Better Connecticut,” hosted by Scot Haney and Kara Sundlun. Sundlun is already familiar with the locale, as she and husband WFSB anchor Dennis House held a princess birthday party there for their four-year-old daughter Helena a few months ago.

For the taping, Culligan set up different stations highlighting the variety of party themes available. She had asked some of her young Children’s Theater students to act as party-goers for the camera but it seemed that very little pretending was being done. The children were having a fantastic time.

With years of experience entertaining young people, Culligan typically throws her parties on a very organized schedule – yet she also solicits ideas and suggestions from parents about customized party themes, activities and characters.

Elena Rezende, 9, starred in The Kids Place's production of Bah, Humbug! last winter at the . Despite having no previous stage experience, she was not intimidated by performing for her peers and an audience. “I liked how much fun it was. If you messed up your lines, your friends didn’t laugh at you.” She is looking forward to attending the summer theater camp.

Mom Wendy Rezende marvels at the transformation her daughter made in those three weeks. "Her confidence grew from beginning to end. I saw big changes as the weeks went on. The children learned the theater from soup to nuts; from creating scenery to acting games to help learn their lines and to help them gain their voice.”

student Mollie Cook is a regular staff member who enjoys portraying characters at parties. “I get to tell people I’m a princess--and that it’s my job!” 

For information about The Kids Place and The Children’s Theater call Vickie Culligan at 860-233-3651 ext. 93 or email her at vculligan@comcast.net.