I am an only child, so growing up I was often "dragged along" when my parents went places. Taking me along was often easier and less expensive than getting a sitter. So I was incredibly fortunate to be exposed to the live theatre experience at a very young age. We would head into Chicago for musicals and the symphony (dad's favorites) as well as ballet and opera (mom's preferred shows). And even after my dad passed away in 1980, my mom and I continued the tradition. I would head down from Loyola where I went to college and she'd head in on the Metra and we'd meet for an opera and a meal.
I even remember a double header we attended one day when we were fortunate enough to get tickets to see the Joffrey ballet. We attended the ballet, headed to dinner at the Walnut Room at Marshall Field's, and then proceeded to the Civic Opera House. I can't remember which exact opera it was, but it was part of Wagner's The Ring Cycle so it included lots of German music and Viking horns. Like any exhausted college student, I fell asleep during the 3+ hour long opera. I was awakened near the end of the opera, when the female lead, sporting her viking helmet, was spinning around on a raised dais on the stage, spinning, and singing, and apparently tragically dying at the end of the opera. It was quite a sight. And another pretty magical theatre experience with my mom.
And now, my ten-year-old daughter and I love to go to shows together. We have seen many shows produced in Palatine and we are expanding our selections to other towns now as well.
While I love the live theater experience, I realize it can be expensive and cumbersome to load up the kids, get everyone downtown, making sure all are fed, and seated quietly at a big show in the city. Luckily, we have amazing local theatrical opportunities out here in the suburbs that won't break the bank and are perfect for young children.
Palatine Park District - Family Friendly Theatre
The Barnyard Mystery - October 14 at 10:30am and 1:00pm
Tickets: www.cuttinghall.org
My daughter and I have been attending Family Friendly Theatre for years at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center. We have seen close to a dozen shows in this historical landmark located in downtown Palatine at 150 E. Wood Street. The shows are performed by PPD staff members who do an amazing job! The next performances will be of The Barnyard Mystery on October 14. Palatine Park District’s Family Friendly Theatre productions offer a convenient local option for introducing children to the theatrical experience.
Synopsis: "Poor Mrs. Gray! She has spent hours baking desserts for the church spaghetti dinner tonight, but they keep disappearing one by one. What is she going to do? Who is the thief? Is it the rooster, the chicken, the pig, the cow, or the bumblebee? Could the desserts be in the pig pen, the beehive, the chicken coop, or the barn? Where would you look? Farmer Gray is no help, so who will come to the rescue and help Mrs. Gray find the culprit? Come join in the fun as we try to solve the mystery of this original family friendly musical."
Performances are scheduled at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center on days off school suitable for children ages 3-12. Each performance is approximately 60 minutes. Tickets are just $6 each or $5 for groups of 10 or more. Tickets are available at www.cuttinghall.org. Photo opportunities with the characters are usually offered after each performance.
Northbrook Park District - Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences
Cat in the Hat - October 12 - November 3
Tickets: www.nbparks.org
Although a bit farther away, Northbrook Park District presents fantastic shows as well. According to their website, "this professional theatre company is dedicated to presenting the highest quality shows to and for young people and family audiences. We operate under a Theatre For Young Audiences Agreement with Actors’ Equity Association, the national union of Actors and Stage Managers." The upcoming performances of Cat in the Hat feature circus performers, a contortionist, and an aerialist. This group also offers sensory-friendly shows - see more information here: https://www.nbparks.org/theatre-accessibility/?highlight=sensory
Synopsis: "With the trickiest of tricks and the craziest of ideas, The Cat in the Hat turns a rainy afternoon into an amazing adventure. Watch everyone’s favorite cat come to life in this theatrical adaptation of the classic."
While your kids might not be ready for viking helmets, there's definitely something about seeing a live performance on the stage. There are many options to introduce your young ones to theatre. Keep your eyes open and watch my site for upcoming performances that might be the perfect way for you to introduce your children to the live theatre experience.
Be sure to tell them you heard about it from Macaroni Kid Palatine-Barrington :)
