What to Expect at If You Give a Mouse a Cookie

Taking your child to the theater for the first time is a big moment, and it doesn’t have to be complicated.

At Cinnabar Theater, we believe young audiences deserve the chance to experience the magic of live theater: seeing actors perform just a few feet away, watching a story come to life, and discovering that the theater can be a place where they can laugh, wiggle, wonder, and use their imaginations.

That’s exactly what we had in mind when creating If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, a professional Theater for Young Audiences production based on the beloved book by Laura Numeroff.

If you’re bringing your little one to the theater for the first time, here’s what you can expect.

You Know the Book. Now See the Adventure.

You may already know what happens when you give a mouse a cookie.

He’ll probably want some milk. Then he might ask for a straw. And before you know it, you’re off on an adventure. But seeing that familiar story happen live is a completely different experience.

In If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the pages of the book become a playful, imaginative world filled with oversized props, colorful scenery, costumes, music, movement, and plenty of surprises.

Your child isn’t watching a screen. They’re watching actors tell a story right in front of them.

Is This a “Kids’ Show”?

Yes, but not in the way you might expect.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is a professional Theater for Young Audiences production. That means it’s specifically created with young theatergoers in mind, but it is performed as a professional theatrical production, not a school assembly and not a show performed by children.

The actors, designers, costumes, scenery, props, lighting, and storytelling all come together to create a real theater experience designed to engage young imaginations. And grown-ups are absolutely invited!

In fact, if you’ve read If You Give a Mouse a Cookie approximately 1,000 times, you may find yourself enjoying the adventure just as much as your child.

What If My Child Wiggles?

They will probably wiggle, and that’s okay! Young children are still learning how to experience a live performance, and we expect a little movement, excitement, laughter, and the occasional whispered observation.

The production is approximately 60 minutes, making it a manageable introduction to live theater for younger children.

There’s no need to expect perfect theater etiquette from a three-year-old. We want children to feel welcome and comfortable while they discover what theater is all about.

Children under 3 are welcome to attend at the discretion of their parent or caregiver. You know your child best! If your little one is ready for a live theater experience, we’d love to have them join the adventure.

What If My Child Needs to Leave?

That’s okay, too. If your child needs a bathroom break, gets overwhelmed, or simply needs a little space, you can step out and return when you’re ready.

Your first theater experience doesn’t have to be perfect. It’s about giving your child the opportunity to experience something new.

What Should We Wear?

Whatever you’re comfortable in.

There’s no dress code for a visit to Cinnabar Theater. Come ready for an afternoon of storytelling, imagination, and fun.

What Will My Child See?

This is where things get especially fun! For this production, Cinnabar’s Studio Space has been transformed into a playful world built around the story of Mouse and his adventures.

Expect oversized set pieces, giant props, colorful scenery, and a world designed to look much bigger through the eyes of a little mouse.

There may even be a cookie or two!

What About the Grown-Ups?

You’re part of the experience, too.

For many parents and grandparents, bringing a child to their first show is an opportunity to create a memory together. You get to watch their face when the lights come up, hear them laugh at something unexpected, and see their imagination kick in as the story unfolds.

And there’s something special about watching a familiar book become something you can experience together.

Following the performance, you're welcome to take photos with the cast - and enjoy cookies provided by Odd Cookie Bakery!

IF YOU GIVE A MOUSE A COOKIE

A live theater adventure for the whole family.

August 22–30, 2026
Cinnabar Theater Studio Space
Petaluma Village Premium Outlets

Recommended for ages 3+. Approximately 60 minutes.