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  List Of Children's Shows Now Playing
Alice in Wonderland  
St. Patrick Performing Arts Center- Stahl Family Theater Alice in Wonderland
 
Follow Alice down the Rabbit Hole and into a land of wonder! Meet the Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, the Mad Hatter, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the Queen of Hearts, and many more. This hilarious musical version features six original songs and a sing-along with Alice. Expect lots of fun for everyone and audience participation. Recommended for ages 2-12.
 
   
The Berenstain Bears  
Northbrook Theatre The Berenstain Bears
 
There’s always lots to do in Bear Country! There’s a baby cub in the den and Papa Bear has to build a new bed. The treehouse is a mess and Mama Bear wants it cleaned up! Brother Bear is dealing with a neighborhood bully. An indoor soccer game causes trouble for the entire family. And to top it off, Sister Bear is starring in the Bear Country School production of “Grizzlystiltkins” and has stage fright. Northbrook Musical Theatre For Young Audiences brings to life Stan and Jan Berenstain’s delightfully classic Berenstain Bear Books.
 
   
A Christmas Carol  
Drury Lane- Oakbrook A Christmas Carol
 
A Christmas Carol tells the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly old man, who receives a Christmas Eve visit from the ghost of his partner, Jacob Marley, warning him to mend his selfish ways. During the night three spirits appear before Scrooge, showing him visions of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Future, finally revealing the possible results of his unloving, uncaring life. He promises to change as he's not the man he was. This all time favorite play with music is a holiday treat for the whole family.
 
   
A Christmas Carol, The Musical  
Marriott Theatre In Lincolnshire A Christmas Carol, The Musical
 
his holiday season, the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences presents A Christmas Carol, The Musical. It is the endearing combination of a treasured tale with the soaring music by a Disney musical genius - and the result is breathtaking. Composer Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin) infuses the Dickens holiday classic with music the whole family will cherish.
 
   
Dooby Dooby Moo  
Lifeline Theatre Dooby Dooby Moo
 
The County Fair is coming, and the grand prize in the talent competition is a trampoline! Duck wants that prize, but with Farmer Brown watching around every corner, how will he hold singing rehearsals for Cow and Sheep, or dancing practice for Pig? Hop aboard Farmer Brown’s truck and travel to the fair with this new musical about sharing your talents and reaching for your dreams, by the same team that brought you "Click, Clack, Moo."
 
   
Gossamer  
Adventure Stage Chicago Gossamer
 
This fanciful and poignant play based on Lois Lowry's novel explores the power of dreams and the magical creatures that create them. An eager new Dream-Giver known only as Littlest One struggles to heal the hearts of an angry young boy, his grieving caregiver and his estranged mother before the haunting memories each of them carry become more than they can bear. But are the dreams Littlest One weaves strong enough to fortify and protect the fragile humans in her care? Beautifully staged using colorful masks and enchanting puppetry, GOSSAMER is recommended for ages 8 and older.
 
   
Holes  
Merle Reskin Theatre Holes
 
Fourteen year-old Stanley Yelnats’ bad luck lands him in Camp Green Lake where every day he is forced to dig holes under the hot Texas sun. Adapted from the book, which won the National Book Award and Newbery Medal, Holes is full of Stanley’s unexpected discoveries; local history, buried treasure, tall tales and true friendship. Recommended for ages 9 and up.
 
   
The Hundred Dresses  
Royal George Theatre The Hundred Dresses
 
Wanda Petronski speaks strangely, has a funny last name, and lives in the wrong part of town. Who would believe she has a closet full of one hundred beautiful dresses? The kids at Franklin Elementary School sure don't believe her. In The Hundred Dresses, Maddie Martin and Peggy Hawthorne learn first-hand the danger of stereotypes and harsh words. The Hundred Dresses is a poetic tale about the power of words and finding the courage to stand up for others, even if you are standing alone. For everyone ages 6 and up.
 
   
A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas  
Apollo Theater A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas
 
Taking its source material from ETA Hoffman's tale and the famous ballet, A Nutty Nutcracker Christmas remixes the story for a whole new generation of theatergoers. This new spin follows Fritz, a video game obsessed boy, and a heroic female Nutcracker as they chase down and stop the dastardly Mouse King from ruining Christmas. Suited for families with children ages 3 and up.
 
   
Rachel Corn and the Secret Society  
Cornservatory Rachel Corn and the Secret Society
 
The Corn family is off to Washington, D.C. for another mysterious adventure and Rachel is ready to lead her team to victory in the Brain Bowl but when she discovers there is more to the other team than meets the eye she has to solve the mystery. With secret passages, cryptic messages and too many twists and turns to mention, can Rachel save the day before things get out of hand? Bring the whole family and help the Corn family solve the mystery.
 
   
The Tortoise and the Hare  
Beverly Arts Center The Tortoise and the Hare
 
It’s a race to the finish—but who will win? The “Slow and Steady” Tortoise or the “Fast and Furious” Hare? Cheer along with a cast of crazy animals as two contestants race across town. This musical version of the fable features five original songs, including two sing-alongs. Expect lots of fun for everyone and audience participation. Recommended for ages 2-12.
 
   
  List Of Children's Shows Coming Soon
Sing-Along with Santa Opens Nov 21  
Steel Beam Theatre Sing-Along with Santa
 
Ho ho hope you like to sing! Santa and his surprisingly musical crew of elves are here to lead an interactive holiday experience. There's singing, sitting on Santa's lap, and even bags of goodies for the kiddies (naughty and nice).
 
   
Patchwork USA! Opens Nov 21  
Raven Theatre Patchwork USA!
 
Raven Theatre presents this world premiere show for children, PATCHWORK U.S.A.! written and directed by Producing Artistic Director Michael Menendian. PATCHWORK U.S.A.! is a collection of three short stories; "How I Love to Read", "Pepito's Story" and "The Happiest Day of My Life".
 
   
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer Opens Nov 27  
Annoyance Theatre Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer
 
Come watch Rudolph freak his parents out with his glowing nose. Have a blast watching Rudolph and Hermie being shunned from their respective societies because they are “different.” Scratch your head at the Island of Misfit Toys, and rejoice as Rudolph saves the day in the end. Of course, because it's the Annoyance, there will be special touches that you won't find anywhere else.
 
   
Sleeping Beauty Opens Nov 28  
Noble Fool Theatricals Sleeping Beauty
 
Disney's classic fairy tale takes place on Princess Aurora's sixteenth birthday, and her three colorful Aunts must use their fairy magic to save her from the spell of an evil sorceress. Disney lovers will enjoy memorable songs from the beloved film including "Once Upon a Dream" as well as added fun songs for new generations to fall in love with!
 
   
Those Silly Reindeer! Opens Nov 28  
The Greenhouse Theater Center Those Silly Reindeer!
 
Join Jack the Bird and LeeLee the Christmas Tree as they set out on an adventure to find Holli the Snow Princess to save Christmas. This musical for families continues Li'l Buds' tradition of casting professional actors and children together to create a high quality theatrical experience that speaks to kid and adult audiences alike.
 
   
The Story of the Little Mermaid Opens Nov 30  
Theatre At The Center The Story of the Little Mermaid
 
he Story of the Little Mermaid tells the story of a young mermaid as she falls in love with her human prince. This adapted musical is suitable for the whole family during the holiday season. Follow the journey as the Little Mermaid is joined by her friends from land and sea; helping her to get her prince while overcoming one ultimate sacrifice.
 
   
Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical Opens Dec 1  
Beverly Arts Center Mrs Claus! A Holiday Musical
 
Someone stole Santa's List! Join Mrs. Claus and the new Elf Class of 2009 as they try to find the missing List in time for Christmas. Will Mrs. Claus save the day? This CKC original, now in it’s eleventh year, has become a holiday tradition for families and schools throughout the Chicago community. This show is sure to put everyone in the holiday spirit in no time! Recommended for kids aged 2 – 12.
 
   
Twas the Night Before Christmas Opens Dec 19  
Center For Performing Arts Twas the Night Before Christmas
 
Inspired by the timeless poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" and by the real life of its author, Clement Moore, this hilarious musical introduces Santa in a particularly beneficent light.
 
   
The Last of the Dragons Opens Jan 2  
Lifeline Theatre The Last of the Dragons
 
In Cornwall, every young princess is given over to a fire-breathing dragon so she can be rescued by a handsome prince. But the feisty young daughter of the current king doesn’t want to be rescued by a boy. In secret, she studies fencing and hatches a plan with a mathematically-minded prince to fight the last of the dragons herself! Journey to the heart of the dragon’s lair, and learn the meaning of bravery in this rousing musical fantasy for the whole family.
 
   
Hansel and Gretel Opens Jan 9  
Steel Beam Theatre Hansel and Gretel
 
Those who live in candy houses just aren't to be trusted... But that painful truth comes almost too late for our intrepid, albeit hungry, pair of youngsters.
 
   
Freedom Trail Opens Jan 19  
Theatre At The Center Freedom Trail
 
Freedom Train follows the dramatic story of Harriet Tubman, a slave off of a Maryland plantation whose bravery took her across the lands to freedom. Her route later became known as the famous Underground Railroad, which is now familiar to all as the passage used by hundreds of people to escape slavery. Freedom Train takes the audience through creek beds and over hills in the dark of night as Harriet tells her story about how she, and subsequently other slaves, escaped in a fascinating series of highly theatrical scenes that use dance, dialogue, and music of the period.
 
   
Aunt Nancy and Doggie Tales Opens Feb 6  
Cornservatory Aunt Nancy and Doggie Tales
 
Eccentric, storytelling Aunt Nancy is back with more stories more friends and more fun. “Aunt Nancy and Doggie Tales” is the 2nd in the series of Aunt Nancy plays written and directed by the Thompson family, for Corn Productions. In the tradition of the “Ananse the Spider Man” folk tales of West Africa, the “Aunt Nancy” plays use storytelling to entertain children and teach important life lessons. This time Aunt Nancy teams up with her niece and nephew (Meenah and Shelby) and the neighborhood dogs, to solve the mystery of "The Mysterious Stranger".
 
   
The Emperor's New Clothes Opens Feb 27  
Steel Beam Theatre The Emperor's New Clothes
 
There's lots of fun in store when Peter, the mischievous tailor, comes up with his sure-fire get-rich- quick scheme: embarrass the vain Emperor and make off with a basket of gold!
 
   
Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live! Opens Mar 12  
Rosemont Theatre Nickelodeon Presents Storytime Live!
 
Nickelodeon and Broadway Across America present Storytime Live!--the first-ever live family theatrical tour featuring characters from four of the current top-rated preschool television shows: Dora the Explorer, The Backyardigans, Wonder Pets! and Ni Hao, Kai-lan. Storytime Live! celebrates the magic of storytelling through four brand-new adventures. With Nick Jr.'s Moose and Zee as hosts, Storytime Live! will take kids and their families on musical adventures whether by leaping into Fairytale Land with Dora and Sleeping Boots, journeying through Filthingham with The Backyardigans, hopping into Wonderland with the Wonder Pets! or jumping on clouds with Kai-lan and the Monkey King.
 
   
The Blue Shadow Opens Mar 13  
Lifeline Theatre The Blue Shadow
 
A Native American girl named Shadow feels blue because she knows nothing of her heritage. When she brings together four of her neighbors to share their friendship and storytelling traditions, Shadow learns to embrace who she is, and to celebrate the beauty of all cultures. Explore a whole world of mythology in this new musical filled with folklore, laughter, and multi-lingual song, by award-winning playwright Nambi E. Kelley.
 
   
The Diary of Anne Frank Opens Mar 15  
Theatre At The Center The Diary of Anne Frank
 
he timeless story, The Diary of Anne Frank, will be presented on stage March 15 through March 20. The story begins with Otto Frank, as he returns to the attic where his Jewish family survived for years, hiding from the Nazis. Taking a trip back in time, Otto begins reading The Diary of Anne Frank which follows Anne and her family as she documents the events of her life.
 
   
The Ghosts of Treasure Island Opens Apr 8  
Adventure Stage Chicago The Ghosts of Treasure Island
 
This rollicking new musical follows young cabin boy Jim Hawkins as he fights to survive while shipwrecked on a mysterious island. Accompanied by the singing shenanigans of a raucous band of pirate ghosts, Jim races to find notorious Captain Flint's fabled treasure before mutinous shipmates steal the fortune for themselves. Faced with danger at every turn, Jim persists on his quest armed with nothing but an old treasure map and an endless supply of courage. Sail the high seas with the crew of The Hispaniola in this rowdy adventure recommended for ages 8 and up.
 
   
Jack and the Giant Opens Apr 17  
Steel Beam Theatre Jack and the Giant
 
This charming musical version of Benjamin Tabart's classic English folk tale is a delight, spiced with a variety of tunes that will have adults and children alike humming.