The Velveteen Rabbit
Making a very good case for nostalgia-hoarding, Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit gets a stellar staging at The Marriott Theatre this month as part of its Theatre for Young Audiences programming. When grown-up Steve comes across a beloved childhood toy, it brings him back to age 6–a time of innocence, magic, disinterested siblings and one very special bunny. And who’s to say that this charming musical about the power of imagination (and what it means to be “real”) won’t spark your own trip down memory lane? (At the very least, it’ll be a good excuse to raid the attic and storage facilities.)
Runs through Aug. 14 at The Marriott Theatre, Lincolnshire
Eyes to the Skies Festival
They had us at “hot air balloon rides.” But when Lisle’s popular summer festival goes on to include more than 30 performances (including Miss Jamie from the Farm), kids’ booths and enough food to tide them over until August, we’re completely sold. Another reason to bring the whole family? Kids 6 and under are free.
Runs through July 3
Revival Theater
Everyone knows that improv comedy began in Chicago, but did you know it can be pinpointed to an exact neighborhood? Hyde Park’s The Revival lets Chicagoans experience this great art form at its birthplace with classes and camps. Kids can choose anything from the basics of improv to puppet-making and everything in between. Once-a-week classes, tailored for ages 4 and up (there are even spoken word and stand-up sessions for older teens), will unleash creativity, promote confidence.
