Spring's Best Kids' Theater
Posted: February 13, 2024
The Chicago children's theater scene is in full swing! Our Theater Guide lists the best kids' plays in and around Chicago. Below are some of the best kids' theater productions taking place this Spring; visit the Theater Guide to see even more great family friendly shows and productions.
Chicago Kid's Theater this Spring
Dog Man: The Musical
Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
January 31 - February 25
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime? Ages 5 and up. See web site for schedule. From $44.50.
Learn more...
Little Shop of Horrors
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th, Chicago
February 8 - 18
Playing select dates February 8-18. Timid florist’s assistant Seymour Krelborn is unlucky: unlucky in life and unlucky in love. But, when Seymour discovers an unusual new plant during a solar eclipse, his luck seems to improve dramatically…or does it? Little Shop of Horrors asks the question, "What would you be willing to do to see all of your dreams come true?" Rated PG-13. See web site for schedule. $27.50 - $43.50 including fees.
Learn more...
Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
February 16 - March 30
A delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure! When James is sent by his aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald. All ages. See web site for schedule. From $15.
Learn more...
The Matchbox Magic Flute
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago
February 10 - March 10
Playful and imaginative, it’s big music in a small space. This “matchbox” presentation of The Matchbox Magic Flute features a cast of 10 and orchestra of five—following the fantastic adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina. With dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water and underground corridors, Day and Night do battle. Mozart composed Symphony No. 1 in E Flat Major at the age of eight. Feel free to bring your 8+ year-old little geniuses to the show. Ages 8 and up. Select dates Feb 10 - Mar 10. See web site for schedule. From $25. Learn more...
The Diary of Anne Frank
Young People's Theatre at The Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
February 16 - March 24
A teenage girl’s first-hand account of Jewish families hiding in an attic above an office/factory in wartime Amsterdam, Anne Frank’s vivid, insightful, and impassioned diary has personalized the Holocaust for generations, making plain its terrible cost. Wendy Kesselman’s one-act adaptation draws on previously unpublished diary entries to create a more complex, authentic, and compelling realization of the Anne Frank story. Critically, she also centered the Jewishness of those in hiding. Ages 10 and up. Saturdays @ 4:00pm & 7:00pm / Sundays @ 1:30pm. $35/Adults, $24/Children 16 & Under plus fees. Learn more...
Skunk and Badger
Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
March 3 - April 7
Badger loves nothing more than studying his rock collection in peace and quiet. So, when his Aunt Lula sends a letter saying he must share her brownstone home with her friend Skunk, he tries everything under the sun to get Skunk out! But is it wise to judge a book by its cover, or a rock by its texture, or a skunk by their scent? Strap in for wild antics, new friendships, and lots of chickens in this world premiere adaptation about stepping out of your comfort zone. All ages. Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00a & 1:00pm. $20. Learn more...
Chicken Little
Chicago Kids Company at Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
March 13 - May 24
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Will anyone believe Chicken Little’s warning? Sing along with Chicken Little and her friends Henny Penny, Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey, and Foxy Loxy as they travel to tell the King the news. The show runs one hour with no intermission. All CKC productions feature professional actors, colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. Ages 2-8. See web site for schedule. $18. Learn more...
A Year with Frog & Toad
Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S. Racine Avenue, Chicago
March 13 - May 26
Children’s author and illustrator Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters hop from the page to the stage in the Tony-nominated musical A Year With Frog And Toad, based on his popular children’s book that follows two best friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and grumpy, but lovable Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. All ages. Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30AM and 11:30AM. From $45. Learn more...
Alice in Wonderland
AlphaBet Soup Productions at Multiple Locations
April 27 - July 1
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and into a whirlwind of fun! Someone has stolen the Queen of Hearts prized tarts, and Alice is the prime suspect. With the help of her new friends, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse and the Mad Hatter, can Alice prove her innocence? Don’t miss this wild and wacky musical romp through Wonderland! For preschoolers through 4th grade. Most performances are held weekday mornings at 10:30am. $12. Learn more...
Dog Man: The Musical
Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago
January 31 - February 25
Based on the worldwide bestselling hit series by Dav Pilkey, Dog Man: The Musical is a hilarious and heartwarming new production following the chronicles of Dog Man, who with the head of a dog and the body of a policeman, loves to fight crime and chew on the furniture. But while trying his best to be a good boy, can he save the city from Flippy the cyborg fish and his army of Beasty Buildings? Can he catch Petey, the world’s most evil cat, who has cloned himself to exact revenge on the doggy do-gooder? And will George and Harold finish their show before lunchtime? Ages 5 and up. See web site for schedule. From $44.50.
Learn more...
Little Shop of Horrors
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th, Chicago
February 8 - 18
Playing select dates February 8-18. Timid florist’s assistant Seymour Krelborn is unlucky: unlucky in life and unlucky in love. But, when Seymour discovers an unusual new plant during a solar eclipse, his luck seems to improve dramatically…or does it? Little Shop of Horrors asks the question, "What would you be willing to do to see all of your dreams come true?" Rated PG-13. See web site for schedule. $27.50 - $43.50 including fees.
Learn more...
Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach
Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
February 16 - March 30
A delightfully offbeat adaptation of the classic Roald Dahl adventure! When James is sent by his aunts to chop down their old fruit tree, he discovers a magic potion that results in a tremendous peach and launches a journey of enormous proportions. Featuring a wickedly tuneful score by the Tony Award-nominated team of Pasek and Paul and a curiously quirky book by Timothy Allen McDonald. All ages. See web site for schedule. From $15.
Learn more...
The Matchbox Magic Flute
Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn, Chicago
February 10 - March 10
Playful and imaginative, it’s big music in a small space. This “matchbox” presentation of The Matchbox Magic Flute features a cast of 10 and orchestra of five—following the fantastic adventures of Prince Tamino and Princess Pamina. With dragons, a man who is a bird, trials by fire and water and underground corridors, Day and Night do battle. Mozart composed Symphony No. 1 in E Flat Major at the age of eight. Feel free to bring your 8+ year-old little geniuses to the show. Ages 8 and up. Select dates Feb 10 - Mar 10. See web site for schedule. From $25. Learn more...
The Diary of Anne Frank
Young People's Theatre at The Greenhouse Theatre Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago
February 16 - March 24
A teenage girl’s first-hand account of Jewish families hiding in an attic above an office/factory in wartime Amsterdam, Anne Frank’s vivid, insightful, and impassioned diary has personalized the Holocaust for generations, making plain its terrible cost. Wendy Kesselman’s one-act adaptation draws on previously unpublished diary entries to create a more complex, authentic, and compelling realization of the Anne Frank story. Critically, she also centered the Jewishness of those in hiding. Ages 10 and up. Saturdays @ 4:00pm & 7:00pm / Sundays @ 1:30pm. $35/Adults, $24/Children 16 & Under plus fees. Learn more...
Skunk and Badger
Lifeline Theater, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
March 3 - April 7
Badger loves nothing more than studying his rock collection in peace and quiet. So, when his Aunt Lula sends a letter saying he must share her brownstone home with her friend Skunk, he tries everything under the sun to get Skunk out! But is it wise to judge a book by its cover, or a rock by its texture, or a skunk by their scent? Strap in for wild antics, new friendships, and lots of chickens in this world premiere adaptation about stepping out of your comfort zone. All ages. Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00a & 1:00pm. $20. Learn more...
Chicken Little
Chicago Kids Company at Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
March 13 - May 24
The sky is falling! The sky is falling! Will anyone believe Chicken Little’s warning? Sing along with Chicken Little and her friends Henny Penny, Turkey Lurkey, Goosey Loosey, and Foxy Loxy as they travel to tell the King the news. The show runs one hour with no intermission. All CKC productions feature professional actors, colorful scenery and costumes, sing-along songs, and plenty of audience participation. Ages 2-8. See web site for schedule. $18. Learn more...
A Year with Frog & Toad
Chicago Children's Theatre, 100 S. Racine Avenue, Chicago
March 13 - May 26
Children’s author and illustrator Arnold Lobel’s beloved characters hop from the page to the stage in the Tony-nominated musical A Year With Frog And Toad, based on his popular children’s book that follows two best friends – the cheerful, popular Frog and grumpy, but lovable Toad – through four fun-filled seasons. All ages. Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30AM and 11:30AM. From $45. Learn more...
Alice in Wonderland
AlphaBet Soup Productions at Multiple Locations
April 27 - July 1
Follow Alice down the rabbit hole and into a whirlwind of fun! Someone has stolen the Queen of Hearts prized tarts, and Alice is the prime suspect. With the help of her new friends, the Cheshire Cat, the Dormouse and the Mad Hatter, can Alice prove her innocence? Don’t miss this wild and wacky musical romp through Wonderland! For preschoolers through 4th grade. Most performances are held weekday mornings at 10:30am. $12. Learn more...
