"1. Ice Cream. 2. Water fights. 3. Staying up past your bedtime and being allowed to watch TV." This is how a six-year-old child begins a list of all the things that make life wonderful. They're making the list for their mother, who suffers from depression. As life goes on, and the challenges faced morph from childhood to adulthood, the list continues to grow and take on a life of its own. By shining a hilarious and compassionate light on life's small abundant joys, this big-hearted play-told in gentle collaboration with the audience-is a loving tribute to resilience and the lengths we will go to for those we love.

Dive beneath the waves with Ariel, a young mermaid with a captivating voice and an insatiable curiosity, as she defies her father and makes a daring deal for the chance to live her dreams on land. With enchanting songs like “Under the Sea,” “Part of Your World,” and “Kiss the Girl,” The Little Mermaid is a heartwarming tale of love, sacrifice, and discovering your true self that will delight audiences of all ages.

Sebastian Maniscalco is the undisputed king of physical comedy, hailed by The New York Times as the "hottest comic in America." During his latest tour, he conquered New York City by selling out Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, UBS Arena, and Prudential Center. With his two shows at Chicago's United Center, Maniscalco is now the highest-grossing comedian in the venue's three-decade history. This is just the latest in a string of record-breaking arena shows across the country that earned him the top spot on Pollstar's Top Comedy Tours list.

Marvin has left his wife, Trina, for his male lover; Trina has married Marvin's therapist; and their son, Jason, is grappling with his parents' divorce and his looming Bar Mitzvah. Everyone's world has been upended and now they must explore what their new lives may hold. Featuring a sung-through score and set against the backdrop of the AIDS epidemic, Falsettos is a humorous and heartbreaking web of ex-spouses, co-parents, new lovers, and the lesbians next door.

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A BEAUTIFUL NOISE is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway-and head out on the road across America.

Now a beloved Chicago tradition, The Goodman Theatre ushers in the holiday season with its adaptation of Charles Dickens' classic holiday story A Christmas Carol. Audiences look forward to the "bah humbugs," the electrifying arrival of the ghosts, the jubilant musical numbers and dancing, and Scrooge's joyful rediscovery of life, love and the Christmas spirit. Goodman's Carol continues to lift heats and spirits after four decades more than a million visitors, and the timeless holiday tale promises to be merrier and more magical than ever. The Daily Herald says the play is "the crown jewel of the holiday season" -- find out for yourself or relive the magic again.

Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the wild and vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. How will this naïve newbie rise to the top of the popularity pecking order? By taking on The Plastics, a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns the hard way that you can't cross a Queen Bee without getting stung.

In 19th century New England, ambitious Jo, traditional Meg, gentle Beth, and spirited Amy grow up balancing their sisterly bonds with their distinct personalities. With their father away at war, the March sisters are nurtured by their wise and selfless Marmee. In a time marked by societal expectations, their love and shared feminine strength bind them through hardships, friendships, romantic entanglements, and inevitable losses. Captivating readers for generations, this beloved classic shines in an all new stage adaptation. A timeless tale of family, resilience, and a determined young writer finding her way in the world.

Created by the Emmy-winning writer from "Schitt's Creek," this hilarious new musical flips the script on the greatest love story ever told. & Juliet asks: what would happen next if Juliet didn't end it all over Romeo? Get whisked away on a fabulous journey as she ditches her famous ending for a fresh beginning and a second chance at life and love-her way. Juliet's new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including "Since U Been Gone‚" "Roar," "Baby One More Time," "Larger Than Life‚" "That's The Way It Is," and "Can't Stop the Feeling!"-all from the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Break free of the balcony scene and get into this romantic comedy that proves there's life after Romeo. The only thing tragic would be missing it.

As fearless as any stand-up to take the stage, Bill Maher has never been shy about letting audiences know what he's thinking. With the razor-sharp wit he's brandished since his start in New York's comedy scene in the late '70s, Maher's candor has made him not just a comedy icon but one who's keenly attuned to the ever-changing worlds of politics and popular culture. In his regular live appearances, Maher flaunts the same caustic but clear-eyed humor that's made HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher a television institution since 2003. Skewering idiocies, banalities and hypocrisies from across the political spectrum, Maher doesn't flinch from controversial topics of the day, and he finds laughs in subjects that other comedians don't dare to touch.

Cameron Mackintosh presents the acclaimed production of Boublil and Schonberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, LES MISERABLES. Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, LES MISERABLES is a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Seen by over 130 million people worldwide in 53 countries and 22 languages, LES MISERABLES is still undisputedly "one of the greatest musicals ever created" (Chicago Tribune).

This much fun should be illegal! Legally Blonde: The Musical, based on the cult classic film, shares the story of Elle Woods and her faithful pup, Bruiser on their journey from Southern California roots to the hallowed halls of Harvard Law School. Join Elle as she learns life's important lessons on the subjects of love, friendship, the law, and self-respect.

Chicago premiere of a new play by Chicago-based playwright Reina Hardy. A modern-day reimagining of the Beauty and the Beast fairy tale. The Beast has moved into a low-rent district in Chicago with his last loyal friend, a lamp named Only. They meet a neighborly witch and a young woman who might, somehow, still break the curse.

"This is what I was raised in: pig guts and bad choices." As Juicy grapples with his identity and his family at a backyard barbecue, his father's ghost shows up asking for revenge-on Juicy's uncle, who has married his widowed mom-bringing his quest for joy and liberation to a screeching halt. James Ijames has reinvented Shakespeare's masterpiece, creating what The New York Times hails as "a hilarious yet profound tragedy, smothered in comedy," where the only death is the patriarchy. For more than a decade, Definition Theatre has celebrated stories created with, inspired by and intended for people and communities of color. Supported by a dedicated ensemble of artists, Definition is a cultural hub that amplifies + archives underrepresented voices as catalysts for social justice and racial healing.

It's Thanksgiving 1973, and life in the USA is lonely for recent Asian immigrants Jane and Luna, with their workaholic husbands leaving them to fend for themselves. Over sips of wine and a questionable frozen turkey, they reminisce about home and dream of spreading their wings together in the land of opportunity: disco dancing, learning to drive, and even a visit to Disneyland. Inspired by the landmark "Hart-Celler Act" which opened a new path to citizenship for people around the world, this funny and moving play gives a big-hearted voice to the Asian immigrant experience.

Iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo was a woman who lived boldly, loved wildly, and painted prolifically in order to see herself and the world around her more clearly. Witness this extraordinary figure come to life onstage through playwright and performer Vanessa Severo, who brings breathtaking physicality and raw honesty to this stunningly creative production. With music and movement, Vanessa cracks open a powerful portal between herself and Frida, uncovering insights into the painter's physical limitations, complex love life, addictions, and, of course, the beauty in her art.

Witness the captivating story of Carole King's meteoric rise to stardom, from humble beginnings to her undeniable status as one of the most celebrated voices in popular music. With melodies such as “I Feel the Earth Move” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” this production weaves an emotional tapestry rich with nostalgia. Beautiful isn't just a musical, it's an immersive celebration of resilience, creativity, and the authentic spirit of a music legend.