Does your family love theater? Then you’ll be excited to hear that Chicago Theatre Week is back! Running from Feb. 13 to 23, the annual program offers discounted tickets to local plays, musicals and shows for everyone in Chicago. We’ve rounded up the best shows (and deals) that your kids will enjoy.
Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical
When: Feb. 13-15, 17, 20, 22
Where: Northbrook Theatre, 3323 Walters Avenue, Northbrook
Cost: $10
Based on the popular Mo Willems’ book, Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical tells the tale of a stuffed animal left behind at the laundromat and one dad goes on a hunt to get his child’s beloved bunny back.
An American in Paris
When: Feb. 13-16, 19-23
Where: Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
Cost: $30
The whole family will enjoy watching a classic on stage. After World War II, an American GI lives in Paris as a painter as he navigates friendship and love.
Emma
When: Feb. 13-16, 18-23
Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Cost: $30
If your older kiddos have read Jane Austin before, then they’ll love to see her comedy, Emma, transformed into a musical. (Did you know a new movie based on the novel is also coming out this year?)
Brooklyn Bridge
When: Feb. 13, 15, 18, 20, 22
Where: The Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Ave., Chicago
Cost: $6
Presented by The Theatre School at DePaul University, fifth-grader Sasha breaks her mother’s rules about staying at home so she can write her report on the Brooklyn Bridge. Along the way, she meets her neighbors and learns more about her community in Brooklyn.
Blue Man Group
When: Feb. 13, 15-16, 17, 20-23
Where: Briar Street Theatre, 3133 N. Halsted St., Chicago
Cost: $30
Here’s your chance to see the Blue Man Group in Chicago! Please note that all these discounted tickets are obstructed view balcony seats.
Grease
When: Feb. 14-16, 19-23
Where: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Cost: $30
Travel back in time as you watch the musical comedy, Grease at Marriott Theatre. Try not to sing along, we dare you!
The Princess and the Pea
When: Feb. 14-17, 20-23
Where: Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Cost: $10
The classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen is now a musical. Prince Wellington is looking for a bride and all the princesses are lined up to pass the “Princess Test.” But when a common girl catches the prince’s eye, she is now at the palace and facing the test as well. Will true love help her pass the test?
Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors
When: Feb. 15, 22
Where: Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave.Chicago
Cost: $15-$30
Recommended for ages 10 and up, Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors is shortened in 75 minutes. Stay after the show for a discussion with the cast or meet them in the lobby.
Bunny’s Book Club
When: Feb. 15-16
Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago
Cost: $10
If your kiddos love reading, then they’ll love to meet Bunny. She loves books so much that she even started a book club with her friends. The question is — are animals allowed in the library? Follow along as the book club members try to get their hands on those books.
Wake Up, Brother Bear
When: Feb. 15-16, 22-23
Where: Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., Chicago
Cost: $15
Get out of winter hibernation and take your cubs to the newest interactive show at Chicago Children’s Theatre as two bears go on a journey to explore the four seasons.
FORTS: Build Your Own Adventure
When: Feb. 15-16, 22-23
Where: Filament Theatre, 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Cost: $6
The Filament Theatre provides the ultimate play space for families as you’re encouraged to build your own forts. Cardboard boxes, sheets and other fort-building items will be provided.
That’s Weird, Grandma: Travels Through Time
When: Feb. 16
Where: Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago
Cost: $15
Journey PlayMakers Laboratory is back with the “That’s Weird, Grandma” series! Grandma takes a time machine to visit student-written stories from all periods of time. But now, she needs help to return to the present!
Make/Believe: A Festival for Young Audiences
When: Feb. 22-23
Where: Laugh Out Loud Theater Chicago, 3851 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Cost: $10-$15
Enjoy a festival of short plays geared toward kids ages 12 and under. The best part? They all feature strong female characters.
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This story was originally published on Jan. 9, 2019. It has been updated with the most recent information.
