No matter what your age, when someone sings the Mickey Mouse theme song, you sing along.

The famous mouse turned 87 this past Wednesday, Nov. 18, and on Saturday, Steve and I spent one entertaining hour at Theatre 82 on Rolfe Square to see what the Family Performance Series is all about.

It is just that – all about families. We happened to select a Saturday when “Laugh Out Loud” was being performed with a special tribute to Mickey Mouse.

It was half Mickey’s birthday party and half variety show when theater director Jessica Chace, actor Tom Chace, actor Dave Kane and actress Lauren Annicelli took the stage. Nonstop laughter arose from the audience, from the youngest of children to the adults. Just when you think they could not get more into the one-hour performance, they added arts and crafts, juice and snacks, sing-a-longs, a Disney-style game of “Who Am I” (charades), and improv comedy.

There was also a story time with Lauren Annicelli reading “The Great Thanksgiving Escape.”

Sponsored by the Greenwood Credit Union, the Family Performance Series – Artists’ Exchange’s newest family-friendly programming – is the perfect activity to entertain all of your family members for little to no cost.

Series performances began in September and will run through May 2016, with shows on Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. to noon at Theatre 82 & Café, located at 82 Rolfe Square. Admission is “pay what you can,” with a suggested donation of $5 per person.

Each Saturday is unique and guaranteed to engage and entertain toddlers and teens, spouses and grandparents, and everyone in between.

Upcoming performances feature a lineup of theater professionals with experience entertaining families, youth, and children in puppetry, music, interactive storytelling, improvisational theater, dance, and more.

“Laugh Out Loud” is every second Saturday of the month (with the exception of December) and “Big Day” is the last Saturday of the month. We joined “The Club” in “Laugh Out Loud” and became members who follow the club rules: “Have Fun,” “Be You,” “Speak Your Mind,” “Play Games,” and “Dream Big.”

Puppets and storytellers will delight you on the remaining dates with renowned performers, including the BIG NAZO Mini-Creature Show (Nov. 21, Jan. 6, and April 2), Marc Kohler, Sparky’s Puppets, and Marc Levitt.

Come early for breakfast, order a meal or snack to enjoy during the show, or stay after for lunch at Character’s Café.  Character’s Café offers a delicious full breakfast, lunch and beverage menu that can be enjoyed inside the theatre, including beer, wine and champagne available for adults.

Visit www.artists-exchange.org for a full lineup of shows, or contact Chace at 401-490-9475.