Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! at The Wallis: 2026 Family Guide
If your family loves Mo Willems books but has never seen a story assembled live with paper puppets, cameras, music and a little theatrical magic, this is the show to put on your November calendar. Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster comes to The Wallis in Beverly Hills for two public performances on November 20 and 21, 2026. It is short enough for younger theatergoers, inventive enough to fascinate older kids and adults, and built around a gentle question families already know from the books: what matters more, frightening someone or understanding them?
This is not a conventional play with scenery hidden behind a curtain. Manual Cinema lets the audience see both the finished cinematic image on a large screen and the artists creating it in real time below. Kids can follow the projected story like a movie, watch the puppeteers and musicians at work, or bounce their attention between the two. That open-stage format turns a familiar monster tale into an introduction to filmmaking, live performance, illustration and sound design all at once.
Quick Details for Families
Venue: Bram Goldsmith Theater at The Wallis, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90210.
Public performances: Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m.
Running time: 45 minutes with no intermission.
Recommended age: Manual Cinema lists the production for ages 3 and older. The show includes some loud sounds, flashing lights and furry monster puppets.
Tickets: Current seats were listed from $16.50 to $33 before fees when checked September 29, 2026. Choose a performance and seat through The Wallis’s official ticket page. Prices and availability can change.
What Is Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! About?
Leonardo is supposed to be a terrible monster, but he has a problem: he cannot scare anyone. He works at it, worries about it and eventually decides that the best way to succeed is to find the most frightened child in the world. That child is Sam. The plan sounds simple until Leonardo realizes Sam’s feelings are more complicated than they first appear. Their meeting opens the door to empathy, courage and an unexpected friendship.
The production is inspired by Mo Willems’ picture books Leonardo, the Terrible Monster and Sam, the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World. Manual Cinema expands the world with Kerry and Frankenthaler, another child-and-monster pair facing their own fears and choices. Families do not need to reread the books before attending, but reading them together can make the stage adaptation even more fun because children will recognize characters, visual rhythms and favorite story beats.
The emotional stakes are friendly rather than frightening. Leonardo wants to be scary, yet the heart of the story is about listening when someone is upset and deciding what kind of friend you want to be. That makes the show a useful conversation starter for preschoolers and elementary-age children without turning the outing into a lesson. The ideas arrive through jokes, expressive puppets, music and a very visible process of creative play.
How the Live-Cinema Magic Works
The artists behind Manual Cinema combine theater and filmmaking in the same room. Hundreds of illustrated paper puppets, pages from the visual world of the books, two-dimensional props and furry monster puppets are positioned under cameras. Performers manipulate those pieces while musicians and sound artists create the score. The cameras feed a polished image to the screen above, so the audience sees both the movie-like result and the handmade activity producing it.
That double view is part of the fun. A child who becomes completely absorbed in the story can keep watching the screen. A budding artist may focus on the puppets and layered illustrations. A curious kid who always asks how movies are made can study the cameras, hands and timing. Parents can quietly point out a lighting change or puppet movement, but there is no need to explain every technique. The production is designed to work whether you watch the illusion, the mechanics or both.
For families who sometimes worry that a 45-minute show will feel too slight, the concentrated format is actually a strength. There is no intermission to interrupt the story, and the visual language changes constantly. The performance offers enough craft to discuss afterward without requiring a long attention span. It is especially appealing as a first professional theater experience because the audience can immediately understand how the performers’ work connects to what appears on the screen.
Is Leonardo! a Good Fit for Your Child?
Manual Cinema recommends the show for ages 3 and up, and that is a helpful starting point rather than a guarantee for every child. Preschoolers who enjoy the Leonardo books, puppetry and music may be delighted by the big projected images and compact runtime. Early elementary children are likely to understand more of the friendship story and enjoy comparing the stage techniques with animation or movies. Older siblings and adults can appreciate how carefully the live images, voices and music are synchronized.
The main sensory considerations are the loud sounds and flashing lights identified by the producer. Children who are sensitive to sudden volume, changing light or large furry characters may benefit from advance preparation. Show them a photo of the production, explain that the monsters are puppets operated by visible artists, and choose an aisle seat if a quick break would make everyone more comfortable. The Wallis also has a Quiet Room behind the orchestra level that can be helpful if a family member needs space away from the main auditorium.
The story includes fear as a theme, but it is not presented as a horror show. The monsters are playful, and the emotional focus is on friendship and empathy. Still, caregivers know their children best. If the idea of a monster trying to scare a child causes genuine anxiety, read the books first and talk through the ending. Familiarity can turn a potentially tense setup into anticipation for the funny and reassuring parts.
Which Performance Should Families Choose?
Friday Evening: November 20 at 7:30 p.m.
The evening performance can work well for school-age children, families coming from work, or anyone who wants to make the show the centerpiece of a Beverly Hills night out. Because it begins after 6:00 p.m., The Wallis currently lists evening self-parking at an $8 flat rate. The biggest question is bedtime. The performance ends at about 8:15 p.m., but allow additional time for exiting the garage and driving home.
Saturday Morning: November 21 at 11:00 a.m.
The Saturday matinee is probably the easiest option for preschoolers and younger elementary-age kids. Children arrive before the late-afternoon energy dip, and families can have lunch afterward. The Wallis lists a $5 matinee parking rate. Beverly Hills traffic and nearby construction conditions can change, so build in a cushion rather than arriving at the exact curtain time.
The Wallis also presents a Friday morning student matinee for organized school groups. That education performance is separate from the two public shows, so families purchasing individual tickets should use the public Friday evening or Saturday morning listings.
Tickets, Fees and Child Policies
At the time of verification, standard seats for both public performances ranged from $16.50 to $33 depending on section. Orchestra and mezzanine choices were available across several price levels. The Wallis states that ticket orders are subject to a 10 percent handling fee plus a $2 preservation fee, so the checkout total will be higher than the face value. Availability can shift quickly, particularly for the lower-priced sections and the Saturday family-friendly time.
Every child age 3 and older needs a ticket. The Wallis ticket policy says children younger than 3 may attend with a $5 lap ticket, but a 45-minute production filled with visual details may be more enjoyable for children who can settle into the theater environment. If your child needs their own seat, purchase a regular ticket regardless of age. Groups of 10 or more may qualify for a discount on selected shows; contact the box office before placing separate orders.
Tickets are nonrefundable, so double-check the performance date before paying. If accessibility seating is needed, use the available wheelchair locations online or contact the box office at the number shown on the official site. Avoid third-party resale listings when official seats remain available; buying directly makes it easier to receive accurate performance updates and accessibility assistance.
Parking, Arrival and Getting Around The Wallis
The Wallis is located in the heart of Beverly Hills at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd. The venue’s underground garage is accessed from N. Crescent Drive. Review The Wallis’s current directions and parking information before leaving because construction and street conditions around the venue can affect the best approach.
Plan to arrive 30 to 40 minutes early, especially with small children. That gives you time to park, use the restroom, find your seats and explain what the audience will see. Late seating is not guaranteed and may occur only at a suitable break, which is tricky in a short show with no intermission. Keep tickets ready on one phone, but take a screenshot beforehand in case the garage has a weak signal.
For the Friday evening performance, consider eating before the show if your children normally have dinner early. For Saturday, a snack before entering can prevent mid-performance hunger, then lunch can become part of the outing afterward. Food and drink policies can change, so use the venue rather than outside assumptions as your guide.
Accessibility and Sensory Planning
The Wallis provides accessible seating, elevators serving performance levels, assistive-listening options and a hearing loop in the Bram Goldsmith Theater. Its Quiet Room behind the orchestra level offers another way to experience a performance with more separation from the main audience. Families can review The Wallis accessibility services and contact the box office in advance for specific seating or accommodation questions.
Because the show contains flashing lights and loud sounds, do not assume that a short running time automatically makes it sensory-easy. Prepare children with a simple description: the room will become dark, music and sound effects may suddenly get louder, and some lights may flash. Child-sized hearing protection can help volume-sensitive guests, provided it still lets them follow the show. A familiar comfort item that fits theater rules may also help.
If you expect to use the Quiet Room or leave temporarily, ask an usher about the procedure before the performance begins. Knowing where to go removes stress in the moment. Choose seats near an aisle when possible, arrive before the lobby becomes crowded, and let your child look around the theater before the lights dim.
Parent Tips for a Smoother Theater Day
Read One Book, Not Both, if Time Is Tight
Leonardo, the Terrible Monster gives children the key character and friendship setup. Reading even one book creates a comfortable point of recognition. After the show, compare the page illustrations with the paper puppets and projected images rather than testing children on plot details.
Explain That the Artists Stay Visible
Some children expect stage performers to pretend the movie is real. Here, seeing cameras and puppeteers is part of the experience. Tell them they are allowed to watch the screen or the artists. That small preview prevents confusion and encourages curiosity.
Choose Seats for Your Family’s Needs
Front-center is not automatically best for a show with activity onstage and a large projection above. A little distance can make it easier to see both at once. Families who may need a break should prioritize aisle access over the perfect viewing angle.
Keep the Schedule Light
The performance itself is only 45 minutes, but parking, the lobby and a post-show meal can turn it into a half-day memory. Avoid stacking too many commitments around the outing. Children often want time afterward to talk about how the images were made or recreate the technique at home with drawings and a flashlight.
Try a Simple Home Activity Afterward
Invite kids to draw a friendly monster on cardstock, cut it out with adult help and move it in front of a lamp while another person records a short video. The goal is not to duplicate Manual Cinema’s sophisticated process. It is to connect the performance with playful storytelling and show children that large imaginative worlds can begin with paper, light and teamwork.
Why This Show Stands Out in LA’s Family Theater Season
Los Angeles families have plenty of screen entertainment, but Leonardo! offers something different: the pleasure of seeing a screen image created by people standing a few feet away. Children can witness creative labor that is usually hidden during a movie. A drawing becomes a puppet, a hand movement becomes a character’s expression, and live music changes the mood. That transparency makes the show feel generous and approachable.
The production also respects young audiences. It does not stretch a picture-book idea into an oversized spectacle. Instead, it uses 45 focused minutes to explore friendship, fear and the decision to pay attention to someone else’s feelings. The ticket range is relatively accessible for a professional Beverly Hills venue, and two contrasting performance times give families useful choices.
Most importantly, the show gives parents and children several ways to enjoy the same event. Younger kids can laugh at the monsters. Readers can recognize Mo Willems’ characters. Makers can study the puppets and cameras. Adults can admire the precision required to assemble a live movie. That layered experience is exactly what makes family theater worth leaving the house for.
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Takeaway
Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! at The Wallis is a smart pick for families seeking a first theater experience, a Mo Willems-inspired outing or an imaginative introduction to live filmmaking. The November 20 evening show may suit older children and working families, while the November 21 morning show is the easier bet for many younger kids. Expect a 45-minute performance, current ticket prices from $16.50 to $33 before fees, and a playful but technically fascinating blend of puppets, projection and live music.
Before buying, consider your child’s response to flashing lights, loud sounds and furry monster puppets. Book directly through The Wallis, arrive early, and choose seats with your family’s sightline and exit needs in mind. Then let everyone watch the story in their own way—on the screen, on the stage, or in the magical space between them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! at The Wallis?
The two public performances are Friday, November 20, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, November 21, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. There is also a separate Friday morning student matinee for organized school groups, so individual families should purchase the evening or Saturday public performance.
2. What ages is Leonardo! recommended for?
Manual Cinema recommends the production for ages 3 and older. Preschoolers familiar with Mo Willems may enjoy the monsters and music, while older children can appreciate the filmmaking process. Parents should note the loud sounds, flashing lights and furry monster puppets when deciding whether the show fits their child.
3. How long is the show, and is there an intermission?
Leonardo! runs approximately 45 minutes with no intermission. The short, continuous format is well suited to younger audiences, but families should use restrooms and settle into seats before the show because late seating may be limited.
4. How much are tickets?
When verified on September 29, 2026, official seats for both public performances were listed from $16.50 to $33, depending on section. The Wallis also applies a 10 percent handling fee and a $2 preservation fee. Prices and availability may change, so confirm the final total during official checkout.
5. Is the show accessible for guests with disabilities or sensory needs?
The Wallis offers wheelchair-accessible seating, elevators, assistive-listening services, a hearing loop in the Bram Goldsmith Theater and a Quiet Room behind the orchestra level. Because this production includes flashing lights and loud sounds, contact the box office before the visit if your family needs specific accommodations or detailed sensory guidance.
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