The Chicago Children’s Theatre is the city’s largest professional theater company exclusively dedicated to children and young families. In addition to their amazing live theater experiences for kids, they also provide classes, camps, and programming for children with other special needs. It is the perfect location for children to develop a love for theater and performing arts.
Our family recently attended their production of the Tony-nominated kids’ musical A Year with Frog and Toad. The show ran about 60 minutes long and my four year old was locked in from start to finish. The show has many elements of surprise and fun songs to keep both children and adults actively engaged and on the edge of their seats. Due to popular demand, A Year with Frog and Toad has been extended through June 9, 2024. Please check their website for added performance dates and further details.
We were invited to attend this performance to share our experiences; all opinions are my own.
Review of A Year with Frog and Toad at the Chicago Children’s Theatre
The 2023-2024 season finale at the Chicago Children’s Theatre is a journey through the seasons of the beautiful friendship of Frog and Toad. The cast does a phenomenal job of keeping the energy and excitement throughout the entire performance. It is a beautiful celebration of true friendship and how friends support and uplift each other, even through differences. It is easy for small kids to understand and follow the journey of Frog and Toad as they experience the many different adventures that make up the production. The music and choreography is lively and fun and there are a few songs that were stuck in my head for the rest of the day. There is constant movement throughout the show, and I was very impressed by their thoughtful use of props and costuming that helped enhance and illustrate the story so well.
Age Recommendations
The production is ideal for all ages β toddlers, children, and teens. Adults in the room were smiling and laughing from start to finish as well. There is one scene where the room gets a bit dark and a “large frog” appears that could be on the scarier side for very small children.
Tips for Visiting Chicago Children’s Theatre
Parking
Chicago Children’s Theatre has free parking in their lot! It’s located along the south wall of the building and can be accessed from Racine Avenue. Their lot tends to fill up on busy days, but there is also street parking available nearby.
Restrooms
When you enter the theater, there are restrooms located on the first level at the end of the hallway. They do encourage guests to use the restrooms before the show begins to help prevent any distractions throughout. There are gender-neutral single-family bathrooms located on the first floor, and additional restrooms on the second floor. Changing tables are available in all restrooms.
Concessions and Merch
The lobby has concessions for sale – (coffee, juice, water, and snacks). They also offer production related books, toys, photo opportunities and merchandise.
Pre-show Entertainment
Chicago Children’s Theatre always has engaging and age appropriate show related activities and games for your kids to enjoy, no matter what show you attend. They encourage families to arrive early to take advantage of pre-show experiences in the lobby.
Seating
For A Year with Frog and Toad, the theater is “in the round,” and the actors do a fabulous job of facing all sides of the stage. For those needing additional leg room or more back support, chairs are available. Let a staff member know upon arrival if you would like a chair to sit in.
Because the seating is general admission, you should arrive inside early to get settled in your spot. Late seating is available at the discretion of the House Manager. If you must enter after the performance has begun, your party may not be able to sit together.
Performance Length
A Year with Frog and Toad lasts approximately 60 minutes with no intermission.
Ticket Pricing
Tickets for the show are $55.25 (including fees). For children under 18 months, they offer lap seat tickets for $12. Visit their website or contact boxoffice@chicagochildrenstheatre.org for more details about specific ticket requests.
Special Accommodations
The building has a ramp entrance located on the south side of our building. Every public space in the Chicago Children’s Theatre is wheelchair and walker accessible. There is an elevator to access the second floor. If you have specific accessibility questions or needs, please contact Guest Services at boxoffice@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or by calling (312) 374-8835.
There are locations in the building to park strollers during classes and performances. Due to safety regulations, strollers are not permitted inside the Studio Theatre during performances.
Restaurants Near The Chicago Children’s Theatre
- Here are some nearby spots listed on their website that are also some of my family’s favorites:
- Waffle
- Freshii
- Wishbone
- Lou Malnatiβs Pizzeria
- Little Goat Diner
- Cone Gourmet Ice Cream
- VietFive Coffee. My husband walked over right before the show started. We never miss an opportunity to stop here for a cup of coffee if we are in the area!
Please note, outside food is not allowed in the theater. You may bring in a drink with a lid.
About Chicago Children’s Theatre
Founded in 2005, Chicago Childrenβs Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate childrenβs theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing, and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Chicago Childrenβs Theatre also produces The Red Kite Project, a multi-sensory interactive theatre program tailored specifically to the needs of children on the autism spectrum. In 2017, Chicago Childrenβs Theatre became the first theater for young audiences in the nation to win a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards.
Chicago Childrenβs Theatre
100 S. Racine Avenue
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 374-8835
Highlights from Past Performances
Our team has been attending performances at Chicago Children’s Theatre for years and we have had wonderful experiences there. Here’s a taste of what we’ve seen in the past.
One of our favorite parts was when the narrator and guitarist paused a song to poll the audience and get the kids involved. This short but significant moment was a great way to make them feel like they were a part of the action. We also had the opportunity to meet the actors and puppets after the show, which was pretty special.
Kaitlyn Agnew about Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster on September 13, 2022
Every kid got a small pouch with a few props to aid the play. This was a really nice tactile element that made it much more approachable for kids.
Rachel Matuch about Wake Up, Brother Bear! on January 27, 2020
If you are bringing your child to the theater for the first time, this would be a wonderful introduction. Watching my daughtersβ faces entranced with this show was truly magical!
Kristen Sheehan about The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party in 2018
Our guide to live theater has all of the upcoming shows at The Chicago Children’s Theatre.
