Theater isn’t just for adults! Our city has a great theater history and plenty of shows for all ages. As Chicago Theater Week approaches (February 11-21, 2016), there’s no better time to check out plays and performances for the family.
Presented by the Winnetka Children’s Hour at the Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Avenue, Chicago:
Night Tales: An Adventure After Dark
Thursday, February 4 – Saturday, February 6
See your favorite book characters come to life, set to recognizable songs, when two children are locked in a library overnight. This original story was created by and will be performed by local kids aged 4 to 14.
Three shows: Thursday, February 4 at 6:00 pm, Friday, February 5 at 7:00 pm, and Saturday, February 6 at 10:30 am.
Tickets are $8.
Presented by The Chicago Children’s Theatre at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 North Dearborn, Chicago:
Snowflake
January 27-February 14
Snowflake is an all ages performance devised and performed by Gale LaJoye. This story of a man who uses hope and imagination to bring life to simple objects runs approximately 65 minutes.
Matinees Tuesday-Friday, and two shows on most weekends. Sensory-friendly performances will take place at noon on Friday, February 5, and 2:00 pm on Saturday, February 13. Tickets must be reserved in advance. Use the promo code SENSORY for discounted $25 tickets.
$39/adult, $28/child. Children under 2 are permitted without a ticket if they sit on the lap of an adult attendee. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 872-222-9555.
Snow Angel
February 16-22
Snow Angel is a performance best for children ages 3 through 8 years old created by Nikki Loach with artistic contributions from Peter Balkwill. Without speaking a word, the characters in Snow Angel use masks, movement, and music to tell the story of a brother and sister enjoying the snow despite their crabby neighbor. The show runs approximately 60 minutes with a question-and-answer session.
Matinees Tuesday-Friday, three shows on Saturday, and two shows on Sunday.
$39/adult, $28/child. Children under 2 are permitted without a ticket if they sit on the lap of an adult attendee. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 872-222-9555.
Presented by the Lifeline Theatre, 6912 North Glenwood Avenue, Chicago:
Sparky!
Through February 21
Little Libby desperately wants a pet and eventually gets her mother to agree to a low-maintenance sloth. Sparky the sloth seems lazy and boring to others, but Libby accepts him as he is and stages a talent show to demonstrate his talents to others.
Shows are Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm.
Tickets are $15 each. Name Your Price tickets: Arrive at the theatre 30 minutes before the show and purchase any available seats for whatever price fits your budget. Recommended for ages 5 and up; children under 2 are not permitted.
Presented by the Filament Theatre at 4041 N. Milwaukee in Chicago:
Pinocchio: A Folk Musical
Through March 6
Pinocchio is a classic tale, but this show, featuring six actors and a collection of musical instruments adds a new folk music twist.
Shows are at 3:00 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturdays and Noon and 3:00 pm on Sundays.
This hour-long show is recommended for children ages 4 and older. Tickets can be purchased online and range from $14 to $35.
Presented by the Emerald City Theatre:
Three Little Kittens at Emerald City’s Little Theatre, 2933 North Southport Avenue, Chicago
Extended through May 1
Three little kittens have lost their mittens and need the help of the audience to find them before their mother returns. Shows are small (40 people max) and interactive, and each child gets a super sleuth kit to help the kittens during the show.
Matinees are scheduled every Friday and Sunday; there are two matinees on Saturdays.
Tickets for adults and children are $15. Children under 1 are $8. The show is 45 minutes long and recommended for ages 0-5.
Skippyjon Jones in the Cirque de Ole at the Opollo Theatre, 2540 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
February 13 through June 8
Skippyjon Jones from the best-selling book series explores a circus created by his imagination and even performs the daring final stunt.
Shows are at 10:30 am, 10:45 am, or 1:00 pm on select weekdays and weekends. See calendar for full schedule.
Tickets are $10-$20. The show is approximately 1 hour and is best suited for children ages 3 to 8.
Schoolhouse Rock Live! at the Opollo Theatre, 2540 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
February 25 through June 6
Relive your childhood memories with this play based on the animated classic, Schoolhouse Rock. A nervous teacher prepares for class with familiar songs like “Conjunction Junction” and “Just a Bill”.
Shows at 10:15 am on select weekdays and 1:00 pm on select weekends. See calendar for full schedule.
Tickets are $10-$20. The show is approximately 1 hour and is best suited for children ages 3 to 13.
