Spring is the season, in my opinion, where Children’s Theatre in Lake County really shines! From old favorites to exciting new shows, there is something for everyone this season.

Spring Children’s Theatre in Lake County

Events are listed chronologically. Please click on the links for full information and ticket purchasing information. Little Lake County is not responsible for sold out shows.

Cinderella After the Ball
Dates: March 3 – May 8
Cost: $17.23 – Discount tickets for select shows available on Goldstar
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Ever wonder what happens to Cinderella after the Ball? Come witness her quest for happily ever after as she and her besties, Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty, take matters into their own hands to save the kingdom from the villainous Pinocchio. Girl power abounds in this contemporary world premiere musical tale that is sure to delight children and adults alike with its toe-tapping music and quick-witted humor.

Peter Pan Jr.
March 11 and 18, 7:30 p.m.
March 12, 13, and 19, 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $7 in advance, $9 at the door general admission
Big Deal Productions, Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove
Based on the Disney film and J.M. Barrie’s enchanting play, Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the timeless tale about a boy who wouldn’t grow up.  Featuring new arrangements of classic Disney songs, such as “Following the Leader,” “You Can Fly,” “The Second Star to the Right,” and “Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me,” this musical adventure will be a treat for the whole family.

Rumpelstiltskin
March 12, 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest
A peasant family tries to trick the prince into marrying their daughter by claiming she can spin straw into gold.  When the daughter is left alone in a room full of straw and a spinning wheel, she must turn to a magical trickster to help her.  But with magic spells, there is always a price!  Performed by children ages 7-12, running time is approximately 60 minutes.

Jack and the Giant
March 19, 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
March 20, 2:00 p.m.  and 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $10, children 3 and younger are free
Gurnee Park District Family Theater, Viking Park Dance Hall, 4374 Old Grand Ave., Gurnee
The giant is making life pretty miserable for Jack, his mother and the entire kingdom. Jack is even forced to sell his beloved dancing cow for magic beans. And where does Jack go? That’s right! Jack goes up the beanstalk and into the castle.

Alexander, Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move 
April 8 9:30 and 11:15 a.m.
Cost: $10 general admission
James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts, presented by Theatreworks USA,19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake
Alex just received the bad news that he and his family will have to move. After several unsuccessful attempts to avoid moving, his parents help him understand that home is “where your family is and where you’re with the people who love you best of all.” Suitable for grades K-3.

Disney’s Peter Pan Jr.
April 16 & 17, 12:30 and 4:00 p.m.
Northbrook Theatre (inside the Leisure Center), 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook
Disney’s Peter Pan Jr. is a modern version of the enchanting story about a boy who won’t grow up. The production features classic songs, such as “Following the Leader,” “You Can Fly,” and “Yo Ho, A Pirate’s Life for Me.”

The Princess and the Pea
April 30 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest
The king and queen want to find the right princess for their son to marry.  When the prince turns out to be too picky, his parents come up with a series of tests to prove if a princess is worthy to marry their son.  And the final test is a doozy! Performed by children ages 8-14, running time is approximately 60 minutes.

Annie Jr.
May 5 – 15
Cost: $12 Adults, $10 for children (age 2-17) in advance, $2 more at the door
Spotlight Youth Theatre, Christian Arts Auditorium, 2500 Dowie Memorial Dr., Zion
Annie, Jr. is the story of a spunky orphan whose journey to find her parents takes her to the home of a billionaire bachelor, on a whirlwind journey through New York City, and even to President Roosevelt himself. Featuring such favorites as “It’s A Hard Knock Life,” “Tomorrow” and “Maybe,”  Annie, Jr. is a fun-filled, high-energy event for the whole family.

Stuart Little
May 7 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $5
Gorton Community Center, 400 East Illinois Road, Lake Forest
There is a lot of excitement in the Little household.  There is a new addition to the family and it’s a mouse!  His name is Stuart Little! And while everyone is happy he’s here…except for Snowbell the cat, of course…Stuart will take an incredible journey in New York City and beyond.  Come join Stuart on his adventures! Performed by children ages 8-14, running time is approximately 60 minutes.

Broadway Buddies Present Willy Wonka Jr.
May 25, 7:00 p.m.
Cost: Free
Big Deal Productions, Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove
Big Deal Productions is pleased to announce their first Broadway Buddies performance, Willy Wonka, Jr. Review.  NWSRA and the Buffalo Grove Park District have been working hard to create a beautiful revue of the musical, and are excited for the community to join them for this free event

What’s on your “must-see” list this spring? Did we miss it? Leave it in the comments so we can add it!