Lake County is fortunate to not only have some of the best play spaces in the region for little ones, but a thriving children’s theatre scene as well. Exposing your children to live theatre is a great way to instill an appreciation for the arts at a young age, improve literacy skills and enhance cultural awareness. Best of all, it’s a fun activity for the whole family!
Beat the mid-winter doldrums by escaping to one of the following local performances.
Winter Children’s Theatre in Lake County
Junie B. Jones the Musical
Dates: Every Saturday, January 23 through February 27
Times: 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Cost: $12
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 33323 Walters Ave., Northbrook
On Junie B.’s first day of first grade, her life is changing. Lucille doesn’t want to be her best friend anymore; Junie B. makes a new friend; and she has trouble reading the blackboard and may need glasses. Step into the life of Junie B., outspoken, precocious and lovable, with her Top-Secret Personal Beeswax Journal, and experience funny and fast-paced musical adventures of first grade.
Winnie the Pooh
Dates: February 13 and 14
Times: 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Cost: $11
Highland Park Players, Edgewood Auditorium, 929 Edgewood Rd, Highland Park
All of the heart, wisdom and fun of the classic tales come to life in our production of Winnie the Pooh. It’s a very busy day for Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood! Winnie the Pooh is Christopher Robin’s fat little bear of Very Little Brain, who would like to drift peacefully through life, humming tunes and stopping frequently to eat “a little something”. In this playful show, Pooh learns that a mysterious animal is coming to the forest and his friends Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Tigger and the wise old Owl help solve Pooh’s problems. A.A. Milne’s wit and special understanding of young people make this one of the most endearing children’s tales of all time. Check out Melissa’s review on the Winnie the Pooh performance.
Bye Bye Birdie
Dates:February 12, 13 and 19 at 7:30 p.m., and February 14 and 20 at 2:00 p.m.
Cost: $12 in advance $15 at the door
Big Deal Productions, Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Rd, Buffalo Grove.Buy tickets here.
This charming, fan-favorite brings us to Sweet Apple, Ohio for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, featuring classic musical theatre songs such as, Put On a Happy Face, Rosie, and A Lot of Livin’ To Do.
Goodnight Moon & The Runaway Bunny
Date: February 14, 2016
Time: 3:00 p.m.
Cost: General admission $12
Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan
Buy tickets here.
The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings you a celebration of familiar nighttime rituals with Goodnight Moon & the Runaway Bunny. This widely traveled production incorporates puppetry, striking scenic effects, and evocative original music to provide audiences of all ages with an effortless introduction to the performing arts and the excitement of reading. Celebrate Valentine’s Day with your children with this classic bedtime story brought to life!
Bing Bang Boom Science Show
Dates/Times: Feb 23, 24 & 25, 2016 at 10:30 a.m.
Cost: General Admission $10
Especially for school and homeschool groups
Mainstage Theatre, James Lumber Center for Performing Arts, 19351 Washington St., Grayslake, IL 60030
For ticket information, call 847-543-2300.
Mr. Molecule creates an explosion of learning that kids can’t resist! Students are astonished by the essential science principles of kinetic energy, ecosystems, chemical bonds and so much more! All based on core science principles.
Cinderella After the Ball
Dates: March 3 – May 8
Cost: $17.23
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.
The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
Dates/Times: Sunday, March 6 at 3:00 p.m. and Monday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: General admission $12
Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee Street, Waukegan
Buy tickets here.
The Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia brings you three beloved stories by Eric Carle. Retold through the magic of black light and fanciful puppets, The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a tiny caterpillar as he eats his way through an amazing variety of foods on his path to becoming a beautiful butterfly. This performance will also feature Little Cloud and The Mixed Up Chameleon.
What Lake County theatre productions are on your list for winter? Leave us your recommendations in the comments section below.
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