Your Ultimate Guide to Children’s Theater and Live Performances in Chicagoland 2023-2024

There’s nothing quite like live theater for kids, especially when it can be enjoyed with the whole family. It’s a beautiful way to experience music and stories together in and around Chicago!

We’re lucky to be surrounded by countless local performances both in the city and the suburbs that are tailored just for kids. From professional children’s theater with adult performers to productions for kids with young actors, we have a fantastic line-up of shows for you to check out with your family in the year ahead. This is one of our favorite things to do with our kids!

As the season goes on, be sure to refer back to this list for updates as theaters continue to announce their plans. We keep this article updated throughout the year with the latest shows and performances.

Live Theater for Kids in Chicago

Briar Street Theatre in Chicago

3133 N Halsted St.
Chicago, IL 60657

Blue Man Group
Ongoing dates – check the calendar online.
Read our helpful review here!

Broadway in Chicago

Cadillac Palace Theatre
151 W Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60601

James M. Nederlander Theatre
24 W. Randolph St.
Chicago, IL 60603

MJ the Musical
James M. Nederlander Theatre
August 1 – September 2, 2023
Recommended for older kids.

The Wiz
Cadillac Palace Theatre
November 28 – December 10, 2023

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Cadillac Palace Theatre
December 19 – December 31, 2023

Peter Pan
James M. Nederlander Theatre
March 26 – April 7, 2024

Chicago Children’s Theatre in Chicago

100 S. Racine Avenue
Chicago, IL 60607

Mesmerized: A Ben Franklin Science & History Mystery
September 23 – October 15, 2023

The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party
November 4 – December 24, 2023

A Year with Frog & Toad
April 13 – May 26, 2024

Chicago Kids Company

Apollo Theater
2550 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL

Beverly Arts Center
2407 W. 111th Street
Chicago, IL 60655

Little Red Riding Hood
Apollo Theater
October 19 – November 22, 2023 & January 24 – May 8, 2024

Pinocchio
Beverly Arts Center
October 25 – November 22, 2023

Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Beverly Arts Center
November 29 – December 23, 2023

Mrs. Claus! A Holiday Musical
Apollo Theater
December 5 – 30, 2023

Beauty & the Beast
Beverly Arts Center
January 17 – April 27, 2024

Chicken Little
Apollo Theater
March 20 – May 24, 2024

Jack and the Beanstalk
Beverly Arts Center
May 1 – 24, 2024 & June 28 – July 26, 2024

Sleeping Beauty
Apollo Theater
June 20 – August 2, 2024

Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences

Chicago Theatre

175 N State Street
Chicago, IL 60601

Twas the Night Before…by Cirque du Soleil
December 7 – 28, 2023

Young People’s Theatre

The Greenhouse Theater Center (Chicago)
2257 N Lincoln Ave 
Chicago, IL 60614

Junie B. Jones, the Musical
October 7 – November 5, 2023

The Diary of Anne Frank
February 16 – March 4, 2024
* Recommended for ages 9+.

Last Stop on Market Street
May 11 – June 2, 2024

Live Theater in the Suburbs of Chicago

Alphabet Soup Productions in Chicago’s Suburbs

Shows at various times and locations throughout Chicagoland including: Cicero, Des Plaines, Downers Grove, Naperville, Palos Hills, Romeoville and Schaumburg. Check their website for the current schedule.

Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus
October – November, 2023 & January, 2024

The Christmas that Almost Wasn’t
November – December, 2023

James & the Giant Peach
January – March 2024

Alice in Wonderland
April – July 2024

Drury Lane Theatre in Oakbrook Terrace

100 Drury Lane
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Cinderella
November 8, 2023 – January 7, 2024

A Christmas Carol
January 24 – March 17, 2024

Guardian Angel Players in La Grange Park

St. Louise Parish Center
1125 Harrison Ave
La Grange Park, IL

The Sound of Music
November 9 – 12, 2023

Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire

10 Marriott Drive
Lincolnshire, IL 60069

The Snow Queen
November 17 – December 31, 2023

Metropolis Performing Arts Center in Arlington Heights

111 W Campbell Street
Arlington Heights, IL 60005

The Addams Family: The Musical
September 14 – October 8, 2023
Recommended for ages 8+.

A Christmas Carol
November 25 – December 24, 2023
Recommended for ages 5+.

The Music Man
February 2 – 14, 2024
Recommended for ages 6+.

Morton Arboretum in Lisle

4100 IL-53
Lisle, IL 60532

Walking Plays: “The Mama and the Papa Goose: A Rock ‘n’ Roll Fairytale”
July 8 – August 27, 2023

Walking Plays: “Anne of Green Gables”
September 23 – October 22, 2023

North Central College Fine & Performing Arts in Naperville

Wentz Concert Hall at North Central College
171 E Chicago Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540

TheaterWorksUSA’s “Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical”
April 6, 2024

NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates

5333 Prairie Stone Parkway
Hoffman Estates, IL 60192

Monster High Live
September 29 – October 1, 2023

Winter Circus Spectacular
December 1 – 3, 2023

Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in Medinah

900 Foster Avenue
Medinah, IL 60157

White Christmas
November 24 – December 16, 2023

Willy Wonka
January 19 – February 3, 2024

Paramount Theatre in Aurora

23 East Galena Blvd.
Aurora, IL 60506

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
November 8, 2023 – January 14, 2024

Billy Elliott
February 7 – March 24, 2024

Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

102 N. Chicago Street
Joliet, IL 60432

Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour
October 15, 2023

Dinosaur World Live
February 6, 2024

Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont

5400 N. River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

The Wild Kratts Live 2.0
November 17, 2023

WeGo Community Theatre in West Chicago

Wheaton Academy Fine Arts Center
900 Prince Crossing Road
West Chicago, IL 60185

Legally Blonde The Musical, Jr.
November 16-18, 2023

Little Mountain Community Theatre

800 Porter Street
Lemont, IL 60439

No upcoming performances at this time.

Firefly Family Theatre in Glen Ellyn

Firefly Family Theatre performs in-person and pre-recorded shows. Right now they are offering various shows at libraries across the suburbs. Check their website for the current schedule.

Dance Performances

Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture

2936 N. Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60657

Beyond the Nutcracker
November 25-26, 2023

The School of Ballet 5:8

Lincoln-Way West High School
21701 Gougar Road
New Lenox, IL 60451

Beyond the Nutcracker
December 16-17, 2023

Toy Maker
May 25 – 26, 2024

Classical Music

Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra

Elmhurst Christian Reformed Church
149 W Brush Hill Rd
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Various Concert Dates:
September 20, November 12, 2023, January 21, March 10, May 4, 2024

Northbrook Symphony Orchestra

Sheely Center for the Performing Arts
2300 Shermer Road
Northbrook, IL 60062

Family Concert: Antonio Vivaldi’s Ring of Mystery
September 10, 2023

Shows for Kids at Children’s Theater Schools and High Schools

Academy of Music & Art

Mario Parente Theatre
​1S325 Ardmore Avenue
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181

Willy Wonka, Jr.
November 17 – 19, 2023

BAM Theatre

Madden Theatre at North Central College
171 E Chicago Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540

Seussical & Sweeney Todd (Double Feature)
March 15 – 16, 2024

Children’s Theatre of Western Springs

Children’s Theatre of Western Springs
4384 Hampton Ave.
Western Springs, IL 60558

Mary Poppins, Jr.
December 7 – 10, 13, 15, 16 – 17

CYT, Chicago

Batavia Fine Arts Centre
1250 W Wilson St.
Batavia, IL 60510

Junie B. Jones, the Musical
October 12 – 15, 2023

Elf, the Musical
December 1 – 3, 2023

Footlight Players

Park Junior High School
325 N. Park Rd.
La Grange Park, IL 60526

Seussical
November 17 – 19, 2023

Ghostlight ETC

923 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove, IL 60515

The Prom
February 2 – 4, 2024

Lyons Township High School

LTHS North Campus – Reber Center
100 S. Brainard
La Grange, IL 60525

The House at Pooh Corner
October 20 – 22, 2024

Music Makers Theatre

Lyons Township Performing Arts Center
4900 S. Willow Springs Rd.
Western Springs, IL 60558

Annie Kids
January 26-28, 2024

Legally Blonde, Jr.
January 26-28, 2024

Ovation Academy for the Performing Arts

Madison Street Theatre
1010 Madison St.
Oak Park, IL 60302

Pirates Past Noon, Kids
September 29 – 30, October 1, 2023

13, Jr.
October 27 – 29, November 3 – 4, 2023

Annie, Jr.
December 15 – 17, 2023

Riverside Brookfield High School

160 Ridgewood Rd.
Riverside, IL 60546

A Christmas Carol
November – 2023 (exact dates TBA)

Stage Door Fine Arts Theatre

The Community House
415 W. Eighth Street
Hinsdale, IL 60521

SpongeBob, the Musical
January – February, 2024

Seussical, the Musical
May – June, 2024

Many times after taking in the beauty of a live performance, kids are inspired to learn the craft themselves! If that’s the case in your family, we have the perfect listing of kids theater and drama classes for you. And, don’t miss our Events Calendar filled with great options for making the best, fun-filled family memories!