There are so many ways to feel and express love for Valentine’s Day (and all year ‘round); why limit it to the hearts ‘n’ chocolates route? Here are three of our favorite Chicagoland events worthy of wearing a heart on your sleeve. (Construction paper optional.)
Love for yourself:
Disney on Ice’s ‘Follow Your Heart’
If you listen closely, certain Disney princesses have a good bit to say about looking inward to find true happiness. Disney on Ice: Follow Your Heart showcases beloved characters believing in themselves and persevering in the face of adversity. Your tiny, fancy fans will thrill to learn that the sisters from Arendelle will be joined by Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel and more, traversing many familiar (and for many of your kids, recitable) story lines. Mickey and Minnie will be there, as will Buzz, Woody and the rest of the Toy Story gang.
Feb. 1-12; United Center, Chicago
Love for community:
Chicago Dance Marathon
The Chicago Dance Marathon brings the love of giving back to the masses with its family-friendly, eight-hour dance marathon. Since 2010, it has raised more than $2 million to benefit the patients and families of the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. Two left feet? There are many ways to help; donations and sponsorship opportunities are as plentiful as requests for Justin Timberlake.
Feb. 25; Chicago Marriott Downtown
Love for justice:
‘The Adventures of Robin Hood’
If you weren’t already hooked on the saga of Robin Hood, Filament Theatre’s take on the vigilant Band of Merry Men fighting the good fight should do the trick. Their production featuring the green-capped hero(ine) promises a fast-paced adaptation (by Oliver Emanuel) which breaks down gender roles—not to mention the fourth wall—with a fully immersive performance beginning the moment you step into the space. As Emanuel puts it, “It’s a tale that’s been told a thousand times, although never quite like this. It’s about the haves and the have-nots. The fat and the hungry. It’s about taking a stand. And hope. It’s ultimately about hope.” And if your budding thespians dig what they see, the folks at Filament invite them to craft their own Untold Stories from Sherwood Forest through a class series lead by Filament teaching artists and actors from the show.
Runs through March 19; Filament Theatre, Chicago
