The following children's plays are currently taking place in the Chicago area, or begin this month.

Note: Dates listed are performance beginning and end dates. Please call for specific performances dates and times within those ranges. Not all performances take place on a daily basis.

A Year With Frog and Toad
January 14 - March 5, 2006
A Year With Frog and Toad follows the adventures of two best friends, Frog and Toad, as they grow through four fun-filled seasons collected from Arnold Lobel's classic, award-winning series of children's books. The charming Frog and "worry-wart" Toad leap off Lobel's pages, along with Snail, Mouse and the rest of the animal gang for some kite-flying, sled-racing and cookie-munching fun! Each amphibian comes to life with hilarious and heart-warming songs inspired by jazzy ‘40s style music, as they explore the challenges, rewards and tenderness of friendship. A Year with Frog and Toad gloriously celebrates the idea that having a very best friend is about as good as life gets. Goodman Theatre’s Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. 312.443.3800.

www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org/curprod.htm.

The Boxcar Children
January 14 through March 11, 2006
Based on the beloved children's books, The Boxcar Children follows the story of the Alden orphans, who run away to live in an abandoned railroad boxcar when threatened with being sent to different foster homes. After one sibling grows ill, they learn the importance of family and the value of trust. Age 8 and up. Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences, Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago(312) 922-1999. http://theatreschool.depaul.edu.

Cinderella
November 5 - January 22, 2006
With the help of her Fairy Godmother and some friendly mice, Cinderella’s rags are transformed into an elegant gown and she is transported to the palace in a magical coach. At the ball, the handsome Prince is captivated by Cinderella’s beauty and kindness. Knowing that the spell will end at the stroke of midnight, Cinderella races home before the Prince can learn her name. With only Cinderella’s lost glass slipper to guide him, the Prince sets out to find his true love. Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. 847.634.0200. www.marriotttheatre.com.

Circle of Friends - An American Girls Musical
Ongoing
The American Girl Theater’ presents a musical story about a group of modern-day girls who plan a party and make a quilt - and find themselves patching together a broken friendship at the same time. Performance times vary; Call for information. Tickets $26.00 each. Group rates available. All sales are final. Theater reservations are accepted for ages 6 and up. At American Girl Place, 111 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago (877) 247-5223.

I Dream in Blues
January 31 - February 25, 2006
Her own words set the tone for this "bluesical" which was inspired by—and features live music from—Chicago Blues veteran Katherine Davis. Recommended for families with children aged 8+. Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago, 773-342-4141. info@vittumtheater.org.

Johnny Tremain
February 17 - April 9, 2006, Fri, Sat and Sun
JOHNNY TREMAIN is a Newbery Award-winning coming-of-age tale in which the American Revolution is brought to life. Johnny is the most sought after young silversmith in Boston, until an unfortunate accident leaves him without a job or a home. His struggle leads him into the heart of history in the making … and into the secret that reveals who he really is. The play recreates the Boston Tea Party, Paul Revere’s ride and the Battle at Lexington and Concord, all seen through the eyes of a bold and rebellious young man. The show runs approximately two hours with one intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and up. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Chicago, 773.761.4477. www.lifelinetheatre.com.

The Nutcracker and the King of Mice
December 2 - January 8, 2006
Using puppetry, music and masks, Incurable Theater abandons the often predictable and traditional telling of the story, and presents a fresh version of a tale that honors Hoffmann’s vision and explores the darker side of childhood. Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph, Chicago. 312-744-6630. www.cityofchicago.org.

Rikki-Tikki-Tavi and Other "Just So" Kipling Stories
January 14 - March 26, 2006
A fanciful and fantastic recreation of Kipling's beloved "Just So" stories, including everyone's favorite, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago. (773) 761-4477. www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Sleeping Beauty
January 15, 2006
The Russian National Ballet's classic staging of Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty comes to The Center for the Performing Arts at GSU on Sunday, Jan 15. Tchaikovsky’s Sleeping Beauty is one of the most successful and popular ballets in the world and The London Daily Telegraph calls the Russian National Ballet "...the most exciting contribution to Russian ballet since the establishment of the Bolshoi Ballet." 1 University Parkway, University Park, (708) 235-2222, www.centertickets.net.

That’s Weird, Grandma
Open run
A critically acclaimed assortment of scenes and songs adapted by the ensemble from Chicago public school students. After teaching creative writing in the CPS system, BOM’s ensemble of actors, comedians, musicians and playwrights selects and adapts some of the thousands of stories generated by children for stage presentation. The result has been an audience favorite – a show that is ‘safe’ for all ages, yet very much appreciated by an adult audience. “That’s Weird, Grandma” changes each week according to audience votes (switching 2-3 sketches in and out each performance), and each show runs about one hour. (312) 409-1954. The Neo-Futurarium, 5153 N. Ashland, Chicago. www.barrelofmonkeys.org.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites
January 21, 2006
The Very Hungry Caterpillar follows the wonderful adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar that consumes an amazing variety of foods towards his eventual metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia draws upon the magic of black light and florescent puppet creations to capture the charm of three favorite Eric Carle stories. The Center for Performing Arts at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. (708) 235-2222. www.centertickets.net.

COMING SOON

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
February-March
If you give a mouse a cookie…then the fun never ends. A small boy learns that giving a mouse a cookie has many implications that lead to madcap adventures as the house is turned upside down to please the small animal. This story features zany effects, lots of fun and one very hungry mouse. Ages 3-6. Emerald City Theatre Company at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100. www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

To Kill A Mockingbird
February 13 - 19, 2006
"It's a sin to kill a mockingbird. They sing their hearts for you." A young tomboy, Scout Finch, is taught invaluable lessons of tolerance and dignity in Depression-era Alabama. Through her father's courage, Scout discovers the difference between truth and gossip, and learns people are often times different than they seem. Based on Harper Lee's classic 1960 novel, this is a powerful and intergral piece of educational theatre. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie
February-March
If you give a mouse a cookie…then the fun never ends. A small boy learns that giving a mouse a cookie has many implications that lead to madcap adventures as the house is turned upside down to please the small animal. This story features zany effects, lots of fun and one very hungry mouse. Ages 3-6. Emerald City Theatre Company at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100. www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

To Kill A Mockingbird
February 13 - 19, 2006
"It's a sin to kill a mockingbird. They sing their hearts for you." A young tomboy, Scout Finch, is taught invaluable lessons of tolerance and dignity in Depression-era Alabama. Through her father's courage, Scout discovers the difference between truth and gossip, and learns people are often times different than they seem. Based on Harper Lee's classic 1960 novel, this is a powerful and intergral piece of educational theatre. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.

Milkshake Music
March 11-12, 2006
Lisa and Mikel are popping out of your TV screen and shakin’ it up on stage with a fun, contemporary and nurturing musical performance. You and your kids will learn, sing, dance and play together during this interactive experience. You’ll be rhyming in rhythm and singing in your seats as the duo sing their collection of original songs, influenced by pop-rock and the classic sounds of great groups like The Beatles. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.

The Kingdom of Grimm: A Musical based on three stories by the Brothers Grimm
March 28 through May 20, 2006
The first Cunningham Commission for Youth Theatre, The Kingdom of Grimm is an inspiring new musical for American children's theatre about the magic of storytelling. One winter's day, young Hans stumbles across a key in the woods. It unlocks an enchanted chest that holds the imprisoned Gerhardt the Great and his troupe of traveling players. To show their thanks, the players perform three fairy tales for Hans: The Golden Goose, The Three Huntsmen and The Four Skillful Brothers. Age 5 and up. Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences, Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago(312) 922-1999. http://theatreschool.depaul.edu.

Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book
April-May
Long before Simba claimed the Prideland, before Tarzan swung on vines, Rudyard Kipling spun fantasies of life deep in the wilds of India. This is the story of Mowgli, a baby lost in the jungle. Adopted by a family of wolves, Mowgli grows up with cobras, jackals, monkeys and bears. But the tiger, Shere Kahn, fears the man-cub and the lessons of the jungle become vital to Mowgli’s survival. Join us for the original (and possibly greatest) jungle adventure of all time. Ages 5 and up. Emerald City Theatre Company at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago. (773) 935-6100. www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

The Giver
April 7 - 20, 2006
Imagine a futuristic world devoid of disease, hunger, poverty, war and pain – it’s perfect. Or is it just an illusion? While training for his life’s work as “Receiver of Memory,” 11-year-old Jonas soon realizes people in this Utopia aren’t as happy as they seem. What Jonas chooses to do with his position and knowledge, however, isn’t exactly what his elders anticipated. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.

Brave Potatoes
April 8 - June 4, 2006
A new musical! Will the potatoes get to have some fun at the fair? Can they avoid Chef Hackemup? Will they be able to save the other vegetables? Kids of all ages will love this adventure of spudly courage. Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, Chicago. (773) 761-4477. www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Still Life with Iris
April 18 - May 13, 2006
Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago, 773-342-4141. info@vittumtheater.org. Iris is a precocious girl living in the land of Nocturno, a magical realm in which citizens like Rain Maker, Leaf Monitor and Flower Painter work by night to make all of the wonderful things we see by day. When a mysterious figure kidnaps Iris from her home and takes her memories, she has only the clues revealed from a single button recovered from her stolen PastCoat (and the help of a lost young composer named Mozart) to reclaim her memories and find her way home. Ages 7+. Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago, 773-342-4141. info@vittumtheater.org.

Charlotte's Web
April 25 - May 30, 2006
Open the barn door to a magical world of imagination and wonder! When an aging spider named Charlotte befriends a young pig headed toward an early and certain death, she recruits the animals on Zuckerman’s Farm to help save young Wilbur. This touching tale of friendship and community stresses the importance of working together to achieve a common goal – no matter how small you may be. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.

Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book
June 17 - 25, 2006
Nobody understands the laws of the jungle better than young Mowgli. Since birth, Mowgli or “little frog” – a human – has been raised by wolves in India’s jungle. But even in the jungle, it’s impossible to contain human emotions of want and belonging. After confronting and conquering his fears, Mowgli must decide whether to join humankind or remain in the jungle with the only family he knows. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.

The Secret Garden
July 17 - 23
After learning of her parents’ death, Mary Lennox is sent to live with her uncle in a lonely house in Yorkshire, England. Through the discovery of a secret walled garden hidden in the grounds, Mary finds the magic and adventures locked inside – changing her life forever. Discover the healing power of love and the miracle of rebirth with this classic tale as told by high school students in Metropolis’ summer performance camp. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell Street, Arlington Heights. (847) 577-2121. www.metropolisarts.com.