With a name like “Nick Jr. Live!” and a cast of characters including Dora the Explorer, PAW Patrol and Bubble Guppies, it’s obviously a show for kids — but that doesn’t mean parents won’t enjoy it. They might even reap some hidden benefits in the eyes of their offspring.

Though the show is geared toward an audience of children ages 1-6, it still has plenty to offer parents, grandparents and even older siblings, says Stephanie Hammond, the production stage manager and show support manager for VStar Productions.

With opportunities for singing, dancing and “being silly with your kids,” she says, “It’s an important thing for relationships and education.”

The national touring show, produced by Nickelodeon and Minneapolis-based VStar, will visit Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center for five performances Jan. 17-19.

“It’s important that kids know just because you’re grown up, you’re not old and boring. Mom and dad are still really fun and really cool,” Hammond says.

Familiar faces

“Nick Jr. Live!” incorporates a host of familiar faces from “Nick Jr.” children’s television programming.

The show’s premise has the cast staging a production for the audience, with Dora and PAW Patrollers Marshall and Rubble as hosts.

After the first number, Dora tasks Rubble with writing “a really great finale,” Hammond says.

Along the way, Marshall accidentally shuts off the power to the stage and Shimmer and Shine, with encouragement from the audience, have to find the Dazzle Starlight Gem to turn the lights back on.

Other characters cause more complications as Rubble works on his finale, inviting the audience to practice it with him at every step of the way and at show’s end.

The audience also will have a chance to do the “Pup Pup Boogie” with Blue, the inquisitive canine from “Blue’s Clues.”

“All the kids know this song. They do it on the show all the time,” Hammond says. “There’s lots of audience participation in every part of this. You can get out of your seat and dance with us. Kids have no filter — there’s always a little mosh pit in front of the stage.

“Don’t come and expect it to be quiet,” she says. “It’s loud and raucous. The kids jump around and have a really good time and get crazy excited.”

Beyond the chance to work out some of that boundless childhood energy, “Nick Jr. Live!” also can serve a more serious purpose, Hammond says.

“We get lots of feedback from parents and, for a large number of children, this was their first experience with a live stage show,” she says. “It’s a wonderful way to introduce children to theater. It’s kind of like Broadway for kids.”