There’s nothing like a live performance to stimulate your child’s imagination and provide a level of engagement that they just can’t get from a screen. Check out these family-friendly shows going on this month.
Sponsored by: Chicago Children’s Theatre. Get ready to rock! Wonderland, Alice’s Rock and Roll Adventure.
Through May 24, 2015
Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure
Chicago: 872-222-9555 www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org
Ruth Page Center for Arts, 1016 North Dearborn St. Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, a new family musical is Chicago Children’s Theatre’s second world premiere in 2014-15, and its big season finale. Carroll’s beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization is brought to life by a cast of actor/ musicians with an eclectic rock soundtrack.
Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament
Schaumburg: 847-882-0555 www.medievaltimes.com
2001 N. Roselle Rd. Enter an 11th century castle and travel through the mists of time to a forgotten age. A two-hour tournament including a 4 course medieval feast is fun for the whole family. For a limited time, free princess training on Saturdays and free knight training on Sundays.
Through May 16, Fri. 7:30pm, Sat. 4pm
Adventure Stage Chicago presents Worthy
Chicago: 773-342-4141 www.adventurestage.org
Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. “Worthy” whisks four young heroes on an adventurous quest, fighting dragons, breaking curses and choosing for themselves which paths to follow. It packs a visual and emotional punch with a punk-rock-infused soundtrack and an emphasis on the technology that tweens have adopted as second nature. $17/adult, $12/ ages 14 and under. $10 tickets.
Through May 16
The Day John Henry Came to School
Chicago: 312-922-1999 www.theatre.depaul.edu
Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. BalboDr. John Henry loves technology, but doesn’t love doing his homework. If buttons and gadgets are not involved, he’s not interested. When his teacher, Mr. Gellert, is replaced by a mega-computer, Johnny couldn’t be happier.
Through May 13
Chicago Rhythm Fest: Stomping Grounds
Multiple locations: 312-542-2477 www.chicagotap.org
Please see website for dates and locations. The Chicago Rhythm Fest spotlights Chicago’s exceptional and diverse dance community while celebrating African, Irish, Mexican, Spanish and American cultural traditions. All performances are free except May. 13, and feature members of all five companies.
Select Weekdays Through July 17
Cinderella
Chicago: 773-205-9600 www.chicagokidscompany.com
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. Dreams really do come true! See for yourself in this re-telling of the most popular fairy-tale ever told. Sing, dance, and clap along with all the familiar characters in this fantastic story! Visit website for exact dates. $12
May 4, 10:30-11:30am
Sing, Sing a Song with Laura Daugherty
Morton Grove: www.mgpl.org
Morton Grove Public Library, 6140 Lincoln Ave. Chicago-based Laura Doherty acoustically rocks your kid’s world with breezy folk-pop tunes from her three Parent’s Choice award-winning CDs. This upbeat, interactive concert has kids dancing and clapping along to Laura’s original catchy tunes! Free
May 8-10, Fri.7pm, Sat. & Sun. 1pm & 5pm
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Built to Amaze!
Rockford: 815-968-5222 www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com
BMO Harris Bank Center, 300 Elm St. An extraordinarily engineered circus experience where Children Of All Ages™ find out what it takes to build The Greatest Show On Earth. The audience is transported by the appearance of colorful circus machinery unleashed from shipping crates right before their eyes. $15-$40
May 9, 11-11:45am
Super Saturday: Indian Dance Featuring Kalapriya
Mount Prospect: 847-253-5675 www.mppl.org
Mount Prospect Public Library, 10 South Emerson St. The Kalapriya Dance School demonstrates the vibrant, traditional Indian dance style of Bharata Natyam in honor of Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month. Families participate and learn movements. Please register.
Through June 28, 2015
Emerald City Theatre presents Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play!
Chicago: 773-935-6100 www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/
The Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. Elephant Gerald is careful. Piggiejust wants to play! Our favorite characters from Mo Willems’ beloved Elephant and Piggieseries set the stage for this vaudevillian romp of a musical, where pachyderm and swine heroically explore the importance of friendship. With the help of nutty backup singers, The Squirelles, this is an animal party that you won’t want to miss!
Through June 6, 2015
The Little Mermaid
Oakbrook Terrace: 630-530-0111 www.drurylaneoakbrook.com/live-theatre/childrens-theatre
Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane. Drury Lane is dedicated to reaching young audiences with entertaining, educational, and theatrical programming that engages and inspires children of all ages.
Through June 6, 2015
Emerald City Theatre presents Fancy Nancy
Chicago: 773-935-6100 www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/
The Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. From the top of her tiara down to her sparkly shoes, Nancy’s eager to steal the spotlight in her first dance recital. But when someone else gets picked to be the prima ballerina (that’s a fancy word for star of the show), Nancy is stuck playing a dreary, dull tree. Can she still bring fancy flair to her role when it isn’t the one she wanted? Adapted from the bestselling books, this is a funny, frilly ballet story with a lot of heart.
Through Aug. 7, 2015
Goldilocks and the 3 Bears
Chicago: 773-205-9600 www.chicagokidscompany.com
Stahl Family Theater, 5900 W. Belmont. This musical is JUST RIGHT! This show is based on the classic story of a young girl who ventures into the woods and stumbles on a cute house with 3 bowls of porridge, 3 chairs, and 3 beds.
Now Extended through Aug. 9, 2015
Emerald City Theatre presents Bingo’s Birthday
Chicago: 773-935-6100 www.emeraldcitytheatre.com/
Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 N. Southport Ave. You are invited to the birthday party of a very precious pup, and Bingo is his name-o! Hop to the homestead and help Farmers Pickle and Tickle find the guest of honor before the celebration begins. Bingo’s Birthday is an immersive, theatrical, down-right farm-fanciful event.
Beginning July 3, 2015 – order your tickets now
Disney’s The Little Mermaid
Chicago: 312-595-5600 www.chicagoshakes.com
Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave. Chicago Shakespeare’s newly adapted 75-minute production of is based on the full-length Broadway musical with a dazzling production and unforgettable music. Each performance features special opportunities for audiences to interact with the actors for one-on-one conversations and photos.