Chicago families have a new holiday tradition to look forward to again this year because The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party is back, including two new stories. Children of all ages are cordially invited to dress up and enjoy a spot of hot cocoa with CCT's favorite friends from the English Lake District. Next, they'll spend an enchanting hour with Peter Rabbit and other beloved Potter puppet characters as they delight audiences in this highly interactive trunk and puppet show.
In a whirlwind of creativity, sick beats and physical feats, a cast of two actors brings new life to the beloved story of Peter Pan. In the nursery of her London home, Wendy Darling dreams of a magical island where she never has to grow-up. When Peter Pan flies out of her dreams and in through her window, Wendy convinces him to lead her to Neverland, and so begins the adventure of a lifetime!
Based on the beloved Academy Award winning Disney film, this nine-time Tony nominated musical continues to win the hearts of people all over the globe. Trapped in her provincial town life, an intelligent, young beauty risks everything to become the heroin of her own story and break a wicked spell imprisoning a castle full of enchanting misfits and a terrifying beast.
"You're invited to a fox's feast!" Journey deep underground with the badgers, weasels, rabbits - and yes, foxes - for a celebration of courage, family, and community. Mr. Fox knows he must be clever to save his family from a trio of spiteful farmers, but in a twist of tunnels, he becomes the hero of the forest! David Wood's exuberant adaptation of Roald Dahl's classic book, accompanied by live music, is a Chicago premiere.
This new stage adaptation of the classic children's holiday book is the latest edition of Strawdog's programming geared towards families and young audiences. The creative team, led by Emerald City Theatre Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone, will use live music to tell the fantastical story of Hershel of Ostropol defeating a series of goblins over the eight days of Hanukkah.
This holiday classic and audience favorite returns for its 18th consecutive year. Our
biggest and most colorful show will put children and adults alike in the holiday spirit. Join Mrs.
Claus as she teams up with the new Elf Class of 2016 to find Santa’s missing list in time for
Christmas. Can Mrs. Claus and the elves save the holidays? All CKC shows feature plenty of
audience participation and run for one hour with no intermission. Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
is targeted for children from 2 to 8 years old.
The gorgeous holiday classic The Nutcracker comes to life with a full scale production by the Von Heidecke Chicago Festival Ballet. Enjoy this rare opportunity to see The Nutcracker with live music from the New Philharmonic Orchestra. Come early and meet Santa in the lobby and take photos with our life-size Nutracker!
"Once upon a time, there was a little ogre named Shrek...." And thus begins the tale of an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wisecracking Donkey and a feisty princess who resists her rescue. Throw in a short-tempered bad guy, a cookie with an attitude and over a dozen other fairy tale misfits, and you've got the kind of mess that calls for a real hero. Luckily, there's one on hand... and his name is Shrek.
Will the Princess sleep for 100 years? Or can her true love save her with a kiss? Dreams really do come true! See for yourself in this re-telling of one of the most popular fairy-tales ever told. All CKC productions feature professional actors, colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. This show perfect for children ages 2 to 10!
When her best friend Kai is lured to the wicked Snow Queen's palace, young Gerda embarks on an unexpected quest to the ends of the earth to save him. This epic story of courage and friendship across the wintry wonders of the North Pole and beyond will warm even the most frozen hearts with music, puppetry, and lots of theatrical magic.
From superheroes to undersea adventures, princesses to dinosaurs, Storytown takes you on an interactive, fully improvised adventure. The actors use audience suggestions and ideas to create a different story every week. Kids design the setting and help shape the story. The actors, artists and musicians bring it to life. When the possibilities are endless, no two stories are ever the same.
A one-hour musical adaptation! Meet Roxanne, Petunia, and Babe...three Sister Piggies who set out to build their own houses. Roxanne (The Rock'n Roll Pig) builds hers out of sticks, Petunia (The Pretty Pig) builds hers out of straw, and Babe (The Sensible, Smart Pig) builds hers out of bricks! Which house will the Big Bad Wolf "huff and puff and blow down?" Don't miss CKC's most popular show! All CKC productions feature professional actors, colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. This show perfect for children ages 2 to 10!
'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a fantastic, slapstick holiday affair for all ages. When Santa Claus' "Naughty or Nice" list goes missing, it's up to a pair of dancing mice, a spunky girl, and an Elf-B-I agent to solve the mystery before Santa boards his sleigh.
Stuck on a Kansas farm with her aunt, uncle and dog Toto, Dorothy Gale wishes for a better and more exciting life. When a twister hits, Dorothy is whisked away to the wonderful world of Oz, a fantastical place full of munchkins, a cowardly lion, a tin man without a heart, a living scarecrow...and a wicked witch who will do whatever it takes to stop Dorothy.
This touring production of A Charlie Brown Christmas by Charles M. Schulz features everyone's favorite Peanuts gang - Linus, Lucy, Snoopy, Sally and more, all led by the lovable Charlie Brown - as they discover the true meaning of Christmas. When Charlie Brown becomes discouraged by the materialism of the season, Lucy convinces him to direct the neighborhood Christmas play. In typical Charlie Brown fashion, things go awry when he selects a tiny fir tree for the production. It's up to Linus to save the day and remind everyone of the real message of the holiday. Enjoy this timeless story that showcases the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi (performed by a three-piece ensemble on stage) at the Rosemont Theatre.
With their amazing athletic, acrobatic and clowning skills, the team of insanely talented men and women known as the Harlem Globetrotters is sort of like the greatest circus troupe you've ever seen -- but with way more slam dunks. And Hi-Lite, Too Tall, Scooter, Hoops and the others know how to do more than just shoot hoops -- they'll wow you with ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling jams and four-pointers shot from 30 feet away, not to mention their clever comedy bits. The 'Trotters have been one of the best live shows around for more than 90 years and count Henry Kissinger, Whoopi Goldberg and Pope Francis as honorary members -- though you probably won't see that trio making any under-the-knee passes on this 2018 World Tour. But they are making a stop at the Allstate Arena and United Center to play their long-suffering foes ... and you're humming "Sweet Georgia Brown" right now, aren't you? At Allstate Arena on Dec 27.
At United Center on Dec 28.
Inspired by Evelyn Nesbit's Victorian children's novel Five Children & It, X-Marks The Spot tells the clever and funny story of a family of young adventurers who discover a mischievous wishing fairy in the sand-only to learn the old adage, "be careful what you wish for."
Embark on a quest with Mickey Mouse and pals as they follow Captain Hook's treasure map for clues to find Tinker Bell after he attempts to capture her magic. Journey across the Marigold Bridge with Miguel from Disney Pixar's Coco into the magnificent and mystical Land of the Dead and discover a vibrantly colorful performance with skeletons atop sway poles dancing over the audience in a beautiful cultural celebration of family. Travel to the wintry world of Arendelle and sing along with Elsa as video projection creates a kaleidoscope of crystals to help build her ice palace. Witness Belle lift into the sky as the enchanted chandelier comes to life high over the ice for onlookers seated above and below. Demonstrate the power of teamwork when Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie recruit the Green Army Men and the audience for a daring rescue in Andy's room. Board the Jolly Roger and laugh hysterically as the hilarious pirates flip, tumble, and twist on air tracks, stilts and more in an effort to showcase their talents for Captain Hook. Sail away with Moana on her daring voyage across the ocean and bravely encounter the fiery wrath of Te Ka. And make memories with your whole family during Aladdin and The Little Mermaid as the search party becomes an all-out celebration.
At Allstate Arena: Jan 24-27
At United Center Jan 30 - Feb 3
Back At Allstate Arena: Feb 7 - Feb 10
Oh, the Thinks you can think...when you think about Seuss! In this fantastical, magical musical, some of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life with the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. These classic, colorful tales are brought together by Jojo, a young "thinker of strange and wonderful thinks," in a special one-hour show that's perfect for kids (and parents) of all ages. All performances will be followed by a Q&A session with the cast, so stick around and ask your burning questions! It's a show the whole family can enjoy, so don't miss Seussical the Musical when it comes to Lincolnshire's Marriott Theatre.
The World Inside of Me is a new form of educational arts experience designed specifically for pre-K youth. This world premiere production is part art and part science, showcasing the creative abilities of our youngest children. The interactive experience celebrates the human body, following human development from pre-natal through age five (the age span of the participants). Artists from New York's Spellbound Theatre will lead the audience through a series of interactive vignettes that engage the body and senses, delighting the imaginations of participants.
Elmo is inspired to learn a magic trick when he meets magician extraordinaire Justin, who has come to Sesame Street to perform a magic show. But there's one problem...Elmo doesn't know how to do magic! Through Justin's encouragement to practice, work hard and never give up, Elmo embarks on an extraordinary journey. He learns that it's okay to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what's yet to be. Cookie Monster and Gonger uncover the science and fun of baking while Abby Cadabby experiences the transformative abilities of caterpillars. Big Bird learns about the magnifying magic of shadow puppetry while Rosita orchestrates a rhythmic beat using everyday objects around her. And artist Grover mixes up the pigment power of the three primary colors. With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that's sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family will enjoy.
A small bear's quest for a missing button leads to the friendship of a lifetime! The department store comes to life with circus elements and physical comedy as Corduroy must stay a step ahead of the Night Watchman to be ready for Lisa when she returns to the store. Learn the importance of empathy and unconditional love along with a young girl and her mother in this sweet adaptation of the beloved book by Don Freeman. Corduroy is a Chicago premiere and a playful adventure that will delight ages three and up!
When Kenny's older brother starts getting into too much trouble in Michigan, it's decided that he needs to pay a visit to Grandma Sands in Birmingham, Alabama to straighten him out. The whole family - Momma, Dad, Byron, Kenny and Joetta - sets out on a wild cross-country journey in the family car, the "Brown Bomber." When they make it to Birmingham, however, they find much more than they bargained for. The powerful story reminds us that during times of crisis, hope reveals itself in the forms of family and friendships; learning, growing, and evolving.
Experience American Girl in an all-new musical! AMERICAN GIRL LIVE is a premiere stage production, featuring all-original songs and unforgettable experiences. Come along to sleepover camp with some new friends for an exciting summer away from home. As bold tales of bravery and friendship come to life, iconic American Girl characters lend a hand through story and song. Join your favorite American Girl characters and the campers as they follow their hearts, share their dreams, and learn the power of friendship.
Mary Poppins flies onto the stage to deliver whimsy, emotion, and memorable song numbers to a story that will melt your heart. Nominated for seven Tony Awards and winner of the Oliver Award for Best Theatre Choreography, Mary Poppins is a can’t miss for the entire family. It is based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name and acts as a fusion between the film and the children's books by P. L. Travers. Mary Poppins is an entertaining adventure of enchantment and wholesome fun.
