Chicago Children’s Theatre's Carmela Full of Wishes Returns Oct. 25-Nov. 15, 2026 

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Carmela misses her papi, because papi is missing some of his papers: Carmela Full of Wishes 

returns Oct. 25-Nov. 15 at Chicago Children’s Theatre

A Latina girl dreams of her papi getting his papers so he can come home in the timely return of Carmela Full of Wishes, October 25-November 15 at Chicago Children’s Theatre

The cast features (bottom, from left) Isadora Coco Gonzalez as Carmela, Jose M. Cervantes (Louie in FX’s The Bear) as Miguel, Claudia Quesada as Mami and Eduardo Curley-Carillo as Papi. 

Here at ChiIL Mama we're thrilled that Chicago Children’s Theatre is bringing back Carmela Full of Wishes as their 2026-27 season opener. It's never too early to introduce empathy and we adore this production, about a young Latina girl who dreams of her papi getting his papers fixed so he can come home. We were there for the 2022 world premiere and can't wait to revisit this timely tale. This time around, Carmela Full of Wishes is directed by Sonya Madrigal in her CCT directorial debut. 

Carmela misses her papi, because papi’s missing some of his papers.

With ICE actions and government policies ripping families apart at a record pace, Carmela is more relevant than ever. Childrens theatre and books are an excellent way to make the big, scary life situations understandable. Full of touching, funny fantasies, the play portrays a little girl’s big city migrant community as a vibrant world of hope and possibility. The Chicago Tribune called it “a heartwarming tale of an exuberant Latina girl that celebrates family, community and hope — perfect themes for young audiences.” 

Carmela is the first of four of “greatest childhood hits” Chicago Children’s Theatre is reviving for its 21st birthday season and we couldn't be more excited. Here at ChiIL Mama we've been avid supporters of Chicago Children’s Theatre since its inception. 

Chicago Children’s Theatre presents Carmela Full of Wishes, a moving ode to family – and dreamers – adapted from the contemporary children’s book by Newbury Award-winners Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson, the same Newbery Medal and Caldecott Honor winning team behind Last Stop on Market Street.

Carmela Full of Wishes, a Chicago Children’s Theatre world premiere in 2022, returns to tell a warm, timely, and ultimately hopeful story about a sweet young Latina girl living in a big city who dreams of her dad getting his papers fixed so he can finally come home.





"Carmela Full of Wishes" by Matt de la Peña. Illustrations by Christian Robinson.

Public performances are October 25-November 15: Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Run time is approximately one hour. Carmela Full of Dreams is recommended for ages 6 and up. Schedule exceptions: Show time Saturday, October 25 is 9:30 a.m. only; show times Sunday, November 8 are 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Single tickets are $42 and go on sale on August 24 at chicagochildrenstheatre.org. Book early, as many shows will sell out. For group discounts, schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups are encouraged to call CCT Guest Services at (312) 374-8835 or email boxoffice@chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

School groups in particular are encouraged to inquire about Chicago Children’s Theatre’s in-class R.O.A.R. Residencies connected to the world of Carmela Full of Wishes. CCT’s R.O.A.R. (Residencies of Arts and Resilience) program, rooted in trauma-informed activities and conversations, provides opportunities for students to authentically reflect on challenging or stressful situations, gain the tools for sharing with others, self care and self agency in those moments, and promote coping mechanisms, social-emotional expression and resilience. CCT’s R.O.A.R. program was developed in partnership with the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Center for Childhood Resilience. To inquire, email CCT Director Education Catherine Councell at cc@chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

Chicago Children’s Theatre is a “no shushing” theater. It’s located at 100 S. Racine Ave., at Monroe, in the heart of Chicago's West Loop, minutes from I-90 and I-290, downtown and Ashland Avenue. Free, onsite parking is available on the south side of the building. Free street parking can be found on weekends, or try the Impark parking lot, 1301 W. Madison St.

Finally, if you agree Chicago is the greatest theater city in the world, and that Chicago families deserve an equally great professional children’s theater, purchase a subscription to Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 2026-27 season, on sale now at chicagochildrenstheatre.org. Three more joy-inducing productions follow Carmela Full of Wishes: The Beatrix Potter Holiday Party, Manual Cinema’s Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster, and The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. Packages start at only $35.70 per show. Or, create your own mix-and-match subscription plan to match your child’s age and interests.

Access performances for Carmela Full of Wishes

Sensory Friendly
Saturday, November 7 at 9:30 a.m.

Audio Description and Touch Tour
Sunday, November 8 at 2 p.m.

*To request Audio Description and Touch Tour services, tickets must be purchased three weeks before the performance.

ASL and Open Captions

*To request ASL and/or Open Captions services, tickets must be purchased three weeks before the performance you are planning to attend.

For more information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/access_performances or email access@chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

Carmela Full of Wishes: A contemporary Latine story of hope, family and community

Production photos from Chicago Children’s Theatre 2022 world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes. Credit: Charles Osgood 

Finally, today’s the day, Carmela’s birthday, but Carmela’s first wish has already come true–she’s finally old enough to join her big brother, Miguel, to run family errands. On their way to the laundromat, Carmela rides her scooter past fields of “flores de cempazuchitl,” but she stops short when she spies one lonely dandelion growing in the broken pavement. Before she blows its white fluff away, Miguel asks, “did you even make a wish?” Carmela wonders…should she make a wish for Mami, who works long hours in a downtown hotel trying to put food on the table? Or Papi, a migrant worker who is currently…absent.

Chicago Children’s Theatre’s stage adaptation of Carmela Full of Dreamsexemplifies how the company has brought contemporary children’s literature by Black and Brown authors to the stage the past 20 years, and platformed new, professional theater for young audiences set modern-day and in-the-moment.

“This past year, in our residency work in CPS classrooms, we’ve seen first-hand young children deeply traumatized because of neighbors and family members impacted by federal immigration enforcement activities in Chicago,” said Jacqueline Russell, Artistic Director, Chicago Children’s Theatre. “When we were coming out of the pandemic in 2022 and premiered Carmela Full of Wishes, Carmela’s story already registered with our community. But this past year, with what many have witnessed in our city, Carmela’s story resonates with kids far more today than we might wish, while still offering hope and finding encouragement in each other and in the most unexpected places.”

Carmela Full of Wishes was adapted for the stage by Alvaro Saar Rios. Sonya Madrigal (she/her), choreographer for CCT’s 2025 bilingual English/Spanish world premiere Go Dog Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve! and last season’s Goodnight Moon, steps up to make her CCT directorial debut with Carmela.



The cast features Isadora Coco Gonzalez (she/her) as Carmela. Gonzalez, a recent graduate of Northwestern, is another veteran of CCT’s immersive staging of Goodnight Moon, coming off her show stopping performances in multiple roles including Baby Bear, Mouse and others.

 

In a major screen-to-stage casting coup, Jose M. Cervantes will make his CCT debut as Miguel, Carmela’s older brother. Cervantes just completed his fifth and final season in FX’s smash hit The Bear as Louie, “the line cook in the White Sox hat.” He is a Chicago native and graduate of the University of Illinois-Chicago. @josemcervantes24



Claudia Quesada (she/her) also makes her CCT debut as Mami. A veteran of professional stages all over the city, Quesada was a stand-out performer in Teatro Vista’s The Dream King, Somewhere Over the Border and La Havana Madrid. claudiaquesada1



Rounding out the cast is Eduardo Curley-Carillo (he/him) as Papi. Curley-Carillo played Frog in A Year with Frog and Toad at CCT in 2024, and is a veteran performer at top Chicago theaters including Goodman, A Red Orchid, Writers, Steep Theatre, Remy Bumppo, and The Hypocrites.

The Carmela production team (at press time) includes Regina Garcia (scenic designer, she/her), Lonnae Hickman (props designer, she/her) Stephanie Diaz (she/her) and Wendy Madrigal (she/her, co-puppet designers); Jazmin Aurora Medina (costume designer, she/her) Conchita Avitia (lighting designer, she/her); Satya Chávez (composer, co-sound designer, they/she/he) Stef Senior (co-sound designer, associate composer, she/they); Harper Crewse (stage manager, any) and Anastar Alvarez (assistant stage manager, they/them). Understudies are Octavio Montes de Oca (Miguel), Marco Antonio Perez (Papi, he/him) and Karla Serrato (Mami).

For full information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, follow the company on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to its YouTube channel, CCTv: Virtual Theatre and Learning from Chicago Children’s Theatre.

About Chicago Children’s Theatre

“The Chicago theater scene is legendarily vibrant, so naturally a number of companies tailor productions to younger audiences. The cream of the crop is Chicago Children’s Theatre.” 

– Chicago Tribune

CCT was founded in 2005 with a big idea: Chicago is the greatest theater city in the world, and it deserves a great children’s theater. Now celebrating its 21st anniversary in 2026-27, Chicago Children’s Theatre has matured into the city’s largest professional theater devoted exclusively to children and young families.

Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Co-Founder Todd Leland, Chicago Children’s Theatre has served over one million community members and built a national reputation for new work, producing 24 world premieres including Carmela Full of Wishes, Milo Imagines the World, Last Stop on Market Street, Go Dog Go! • Ve Perro ¡Ve!, Leo Lionni's Frederick, The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963, and Jackie and Me.

Chicago Children’s Theatre has built a national reputation by creating original, high quality children’s theater that showcases the city’s top professional theater artists, on stage and behind the scenes. In 2017, CCT was the first theater for young audiences to win a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards. In 2019, the company won the National TYA Artistic Innovation Award from Theatre for Young Audiences/USA.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show returns to Chicago Children's Theatre April 11-June 13, 2027. Photo courtesy Chicago Children's Theatre

In 2017, Chicago Children’s Theatre opened its forever home at 100 S. Racine St. in Chicago’s West Loop community after 11 years of itinerancy. Formerly the 12th District Chicago Police Station, the building is now a LEED Gold-certified, mixed-use performing arts, education and community engagement facility. For children, parents, caregivers, teachers and artists, CCT is a welcoming community hub, centrally located in the city, with free, onsite parking. It’s also a convenient destination each year for more than 20,000 CPS students who enjoy field trips to experience live theater thanks to free and reduced-price tickets. In tandem with its live productions, Chicago Children’s Theatre offers Access services for patrons with disabilities including ASL interpretation, open captioning, touch tours and sensory friendly performances.

In addition to live shows, Chicago Children’s Theatre offers a full roster of performing arts education programs for ages 0 to 14 year-round at its West Loop home and Menomonee Club’s Drucker Center in Lincoln Park. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/family-programs for information on classes, workshops, winter, spring break and “school’s out” camps, and summer camps, along with live theater experiences, classes and camps for children with autism and other special needs via CCT’s Red Kite Project.

Chicago Children’s Theatre is supported by Goldman Sachs Gives, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Ralla Klepak Foundation for Education in the Performing Arts, Polk Bros Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Culture, Equity and the Arts, Bayless Family Foundation, Mark Edelman Theater Fund, The Shubert Foundation, Camp Out for Kids, Crown Family Philanthropies, PwC, Rivers Gives, US Bank, Thomabravo, Multiple Inc., Theater League Kansas City, Illinois Arts Council Agency and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

To learn more, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, follow the company on Instagram and Facebook.

Outsiders are In at Chicago's Cadillac Palace Through August 16, 2026

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

THE OUTSIDERS
Now Playing Cadillac Palace Theatre
August 4 – 16, 2026

RUNNING TIME 2 hours and 25 minutes including an intermission

The Outsiders North American Tour Company

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

The Outsiders North American Tour Company

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy Unless Otherwise Noted

Last night I saw a sign blazing STAY GOLDEN, as I exited The Kennedy at Northeastern University's El Centro campus. I was on my way back from opening night of The Outsiders tour at Broadway in Chicago's Cadillac Palace, still glowing from the epic fight choreo, catchy score, and talented cast and creatives. Chicago has fully embraced the return of this classic YA novel, turned iconic 80s movie, turned award winning Broadway musical. ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List. Four out of Four Stars. ★★★★ Highly recommended.

The Cast of The Outsiders -The Rumble 2

Photo by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman

Not only is the cast superb, this production has the best fight finale we've ever seen! It's also worth the ticket price to see the visually stunning use of faux pebbles and water, as well as their creative depiction of boxcars, not to mention TWO cars on stage, one of which convincingly becomes a bed! The elements play a feature role as The Outsiders incorporates a deadly abandoned church fire, a downpour, and simulated loose gravel and dirt to facilitate slides and gorgeous visual effects as it's kicked into arcs during dance scenes. Thankfully it's soft rubber, so no actors get injured and there are no worries if you score a front row seat. 

Nolan White and The Outsiders North American Tour Company

All Production Photos by Matthew Murphy Unless Otherwise Noted

The audience was full of roving groups of tweens and teens who'd all bought the tee shirts and were already eagerly wearing them, an anomaly beyond the Hamilton scene. The Outsiders is a great bet for multigenerational family fun and a wonderful way to introduce older children to the wonders of live theatre. My son and daughter are in their 20s now, but back in the day, when we were catching theatrical adaptations, we used to read the books first, check out the live theatre, then see the movie. Afterwards we'd play the Same/Different game and have lively discussions on how the 3 compared. 

I still remember reading Susan Eloise Hinton's 1967 novel as a kid in the 70s, and love that it was written by a woman who spent her teen years living in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Then came Francis Ford Coppola's epic 1983 film adaptation, full of the future famous, when I was a high school sophomore. This was Rob Lowe's feature film debut, and the ensemble cast included C. Thomas Howell (who garnered a Young Artist Award), Matt Dillon, Ralph Macchio, Patrick Swayze, Diane Lane, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, and Leif Garrett! This beloved classic is still streaming. Those are big boots to fill for a new Broadway Musical, and this one kills it. THE OUTSIDERS, is the 2024 Tony Award winner for BEST MUSICAL and has become a fan favorite of audiences and critics alike. 

(L-R) Emma Hearn and Nolan White in The Outsiders North American Tour

The Outsiders is timeless and timely, with a theme familiar since recorded time. Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet 400+ years ago, Dickens' Great Expectations in 1860, and Westside Story in 1957, to name a few, all deal with themes of class warfare, teens making dangerous romantic choices, bullying, murder, and redemption. All these tales have staying power, and The Outsides is definitely a story big and bold enough for Broadway. 

There were 4 understudies in for opening night last night, and the production flowed seamlessly. Here are the cast changes. Brandon Borkowsky was out and Giuseppe Little was in as Steve. Katie Riedel was out and Gina Gagliano and Veronica Carolina Leite were in as Marcia. And finally, Johnathan Tanner was out and Taylor James Rosenberger was on as Chet. The professionalism and talent was incredible, and the energy was undeniable. 

 (L-R) Bonale Fambrini and Tyler Jordan Wesley in The Outsiders North American Tour

Photo by Matthew Murphy

The Outsiders North American Tour Company

We adored this heart wrenching tale of class warfare and bullying turned deadly.  It's great to see this seminal story, set in 1967, reach new audiences as a stage adaptation. It's well worth a look and more than a nostalgia piece. When I caught opening night of the first Chicago tour stop last February I recommended it and gave it 3 out of 4 stars. At the time I felt that at points the musical format came off as contrived and crossed from emotional to maudlin. This time The Outsiders officially won me over and I was wowed. I've since revised my review upward a star. Stay gold indeed! Four out of Four Stars. ★★★★ Highly recommended. ChiILMama.com. Don't miss this!

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and empty nester. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

The Outsiders North American Tour Company

The Tony Award® winning Best Musical, THE OUTSIDERS, based on the seminal novel by S.E. Hinton and Francis Ford Coppola’s landmark motion picture, returns to Chicago tomorrow night for a strictly-limited engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre.

Individual tickets, priced from $49.00 to $165.00, are available at  www.BroadwayInChicago.com, with a select number of premium, lottery, and rush tickets available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or calling 312-977-1710. Click here or see below for additional information on lottery, rush and the performance schedule.

Ride Metra to any Broadway In Chicago show all summer long. Stress free rides are free – because the only drama should be on stage. 

“We are thrilled to bring THE OUTSIDERS back to Chicago this summer,” said producer Matthew Rego of The Araca Group. “After an extraordinary sold-out run this past winter, Chicago audiences made it clear they were ready for a return and we are grateful for the opportunity to deliver another engagement.”

In Tulsa, Oklahoma, 1967, Ponyboy Curtis, his best friend Johnny Cade and their Greaser family of ‘outsiders’ battle with their affluent rivals, the Socs. THE OUTSIDERS navigates the complexities of self-discovery as the Greasers dream about who they want to become in a world that may never accept them. With a dynamic original score, THE OUTSIDERS is a story of friendship, family, belonging…and the realization that there is still “lots of good in the world.

Nolan White in The Outsiders North American Tour

”The winner of four 2024 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, THE OUTSIDERS features a book by Tony Award nominee Adam Rapp with Tony Award winner Justin Levine, music and lyrics by Tony Award nominees Jamestown Revival (Jonathan Clay & Zach Chance) and Justin Levine, music supervision, orchestration & arrangements by Justin Levine, choreography by Tony Award nominees Rick Kuperman & Jeff Kuperman and is directed by Tony Award winner Danya Taymor.

The Outsiders North American Tour Company

THE OUTSIDERS features Scenography by Tony Award nominees AMP featuring Tatiana Kahvegian, Costume Design by Sarafina Bush, Lighting Design by Tony Award winner Brian MacDevitt, Sound Design by Tony Award winner Cody Spencer, Projection Design by Tony Award winner Hana S. Kim, Special Effects Design by Jeremy Chernick & Lillis Meeh, Hair & Wig Design by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado, Makeup Design by Tishonna Ferguson, Sound Effects Specialist Taylor Bense, Creative Consultant Jack Viertel. Speech Text & Dialect Coach Gigi Buffington. Music Supervision & Additional Orchestrations by Tony Award nominee Matt Hinkley, Music Direction by Remy Kurs. Production Supervision by Beverly Jenkins, Production Stage Management by Edmond O’Neal. Casting is by The TRC Company/Xavier Rubiano, CSA.

 (L-R) Nolan White and Travis Roy Rogers in The Outsiders North American Tour

Photo by Matthew Murphy

THE OUTSIDERS opened on Broadway on April 11, 2024, to rave reviews and continues to play to sold out houses at the Jacobs Theatre (242 West 45th Street). The New York Post proclaims THE OUTSIDERS as “THE BEST NEW MUSICAL OF THE
SEASON." “STUNNING THINGS ARE HAPPENING ON THE STAGE OF THE JACOBS THEATER. Electrifying. Astonishing.

Endlessly effective. THE OUTSIDERS has been made with so much love and sincerity. It is fair to call it golden." says The New York Times. Entertainment Weekly says, “THE OUTSIDERS has a heart of gold and THE POWER TO INSPIRE AN ENTIRE GENERATION.” “AN EXHILARATING WORLD OF MOVEMENT WITH HIGH-OCTANE CHOREOGRAPHY,” states New York Magazine. Time Out New York calls it “RAW AND MORE PULSE-POUNDING than anything else on Broadway right now."

 

Nolan White and The Outsiders North American Tour Company

THE OUTSIDERS is produced on tour by The Araca Group, American Zoetrope, Olympus Theatricals, Sue Gilad & Larry Rogowsky, Angelina Jolie, Betsy Dollinger, Jonathan & Michelle Clay, Cristina Marie Vivenzio, The Shubert Organization, LaChanze & Marylee Fairbanks, Debra Martin Chase, Sony Music Masterworks, Jamestown Revival Theater, Jennifer & Jonathan Allan Soros, Tanninger Entertainment, Tamlyn Brooke Shusterman, Mistry Theatrical Ventures, Galt & Irvin Productions, Tulsa Clarks, Paul & Margaret Liljenquist, Bob & Claire Patterson, Voltron Global Media, James L. Nederlander, Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures, The John Gore Organization, Independent Presenters Network, Stephen Lindsay & Brett Sirota, Jeffrey Finn, Playhouse Square, ASR Productions, Indelible InK, Lionheart
Productions, The Broadway Investor’s Club, Starhawk Productions, Distant Rumble, GTR Productions, Green Leaf Partnership, Michael & Elizabeth Venuti, Leslie Kavanaugh, Deborah & Dave Smith, Belle Productions, Chas & Jen Grossman, Rungnapa & Jim Teague, Michael & Molly Schroeder, Casey & Chelsea Baugh, Jim & Emily Flautt, Jon L. Morris, Becky Winkler, William Moran Hickey Jr. & William Moran Hickey III, Melissa Chamberlain & Michael McCartney, Wavelength Productions, Rob O’Neill & Shane Snow, Eric Stine, Rachel Weinstein, Cornice Productions and La Jolla Playhouse.

The Grammy-nominated Original Broadway Cast Recording of THE OUTSIDERS from Sony Masterworks Broadway is now available HERE.

The world premiere of THE OUTSIDERS was produced by La Jolla Playhouse, Christopher Ashley, Artistic Director and Debby Buchholz, Managing Director, in March 2023. OutsidersMusical.com

Follow THE OUTSIDERS on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

(L-R) Bonale Fambrini and Nolan White in The Outsiders North American Tour

TICKET INFORMATION (as of 8/3/26, based on availability and subject to change)

Individual tickets range from $49.00-$165.00 and may be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or any Broadway In Chicago box office. A select number of premium seats are available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. For groups of 10 or more, email Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or call (312) 977-1710. Subscribers may add tickets to their subscription by clicking here or by calling (312) 977-1717. Patrons can participate in a Digital Lottery for a chance to purchase $30 tickets for each performance. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of $49 rush tickets will be offered for each performance – available only in person at the box office. 

 (L-R) Bonale Fambrini, Tyler Jordan Wesley, and Nolan White in The Outsiders North American Tour

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

WEEK 1

Tuesday August 4 7:00 PM

Wednesday August 5 7:00 PM

Thursday August 6 7:00 PM

Friday August 7 7:00 PM

Saturday August 8 2:00 PM

Saturday August 8 7:30 PM

Sunday August 9 1:00 PM

Sunday August 9 6:30 PM

WEEK 2

Tuesday August 11 7:00 PM

Wednesday August 12 1:00 PM

Wednesday August 12 7:00 PM

Thursday August 13 7:00 PM

Friday August 14 7:00 PM

Saturday August 15 2:00 PM

Saturday August 15 7:30 PM

Sunday August 16 1:00 PM

 (L-R) Corbin Drew Ross and Nolan White in The Outsiders North American Tour

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium™

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Follow @BroadwayInChicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky #BroadwayInChicago

The Outsiders North American Tour Company

Free Family Friendly Fun: Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert Returns Monday, August 10, 2026

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Free Family Friendly Fun

BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S FREE SUMMER CONCERT HIGHLIGHTS EIGHT BROADWAYSHOWSTOPPERS

Broadway In Chicago will bring its free annual SUMMER CONCERT to Millennium Park on Monday, August 10, 2026. Sponsored by ABC 7 Chicago, the concert begins at 6:15 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion (201 E. Randolph St.) and is presented in partnership with the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).

The one night only event will feature performances from current and upcoming Broadway In Chicago productions, including THE NOTEBOOK, which will already be in performances at the James M. Nederlander Theatre (24 W. Randolph St.), and THE OUTSIDERS, which will already be in performances at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph St.), along with selections from WAITRESS and subscription titles JEKYLL & HYDE (Kokandy Productions), DIRTY DANCING: THE MUSICAL, OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL, JERSEY BOYS, and MAYBE HAPPY ENDING . Additional shows will be announced later this summer.

Presented in collaboration with DCASE, the Broadway In Chicago Summer Concert is part of Millennium Park’s summer season, showcasing symphonic music, dance, opera, and Broadway favorites performed by some of Chicago’s leading cultural institutions. For more information, visit millenniumpark.org and follow Millennium Park on Facebook (@MillenniumParkChicago), Twitter, and Instagram (Millennium_Park).

For more information on the Summer Concert and Broadway In Chicago, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT MILLENNIUM PARK
Millennium Park is an iconic cultural destination in Chicago's downtown. The anchor of an urban cultural campus (Millennium Park Campus) that includes the Chicago Cultural Center, Maggie Daley Park and The Art Institute of Chicago, the park is the #1 attraction in the Midwest and among the top ten most-visited sites in the United States. Millennium Park is located on Michigan Avenue, bordered by Randolph St. to the north, Columbus Dr. to the east and Monroe St. to the south. The Park is open 6 a.m.–11 p.m. daily. For the latest news and events, download the Millennium Park app, visit millenniumpark.org , like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram, @Millennium_Park.

ABOUT CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city — to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city — serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media .

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 26 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range ofentertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium™.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky #broadwayinchicago

Lyric Opera Presents Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film April 10 and 11th, 2026

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Lyric Opera of Chicago presents  Disney’s Mary Poppins  in Concert Live to Film

Concert features the Sherman Brothers’ complete score performed live to film conducted by Anthony Parnther, April 10 & 11, 2026 The running time for this performance is approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes,  including one intermission.

Looking for an opportunity to introduce your littles to Lyric Opera and a live orchestra performance? Mary Poppins is practically perfect in every way! You'll never see, or hear this classic the same way again, after 66 musicians accompany the film, projected on a massive screen. ChiIL Mama will be there... will you?! Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film, featuring the full-length film projected on a massive screen above the stage while the award-winning musical score by composers Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman is performed live by the Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Anthony Parnther. Released in 1964, Disney’s Mary Poppins received thirteen Academy Award nominations and won five Oscars, including Original Song for "Chim Chim Cher-ee" and Original Score by Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. The film stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke and remains one of the most celebrated musical films in cinema history. A magical English nanny, Mary Poppins (Julie Andrews), flies out of the breezy London skies and into the home of two mischievous children and the hearts of their family. With the help of a carefree chimney sweep named Bert (Dick Van Dyke), the spirited nanny turns every chore into a game and every day into a "Jolly Holiday." Share the music, the magic, and the joy of Mary Poppins with the whole family. Audiences will hear the Sherman Brothers’ complete score performed live in sync with the film, including beloved songs such as "A Spoonful of Sugar," "Chim Chim Cher-ee," and "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious." American conductor Anthony Parnther is widely recognized as one of today’s leading conductors of film and concert music. Parnther is in his sixth season as Music Director of California’s San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra and serves as conductor of the Gateways Festival Orchestra, which made its sold-out Carnegie Hall debut under his leadership. A specialist in film music, he has led recording sessions for major motion pictures and television series including Oppenheimer (Academy Award–winning), Encanto (Grammy Award–winning), The Mandalorian (Emmy Award–winning), Avatar: The Way of Water, and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, and has appeared with leading orchestras worldwide. This presentation marks the second Movie Nights at Lyric title of the 2025/26 Season, following Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert Live to Film, which was presented last fall. Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film will be performed at the Lyric Opera House on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. The Friday evening showing will feature American Sign Language interpretation and SoundShirt accessibility services. Tickets start at $39. For tickets and more information, visit lyricopera.org/MaryPoppins. Presentation licensed by Disney Concerts.

Lyric’s 2025/26 Season is presented by the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation. Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, United Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

About Disney Concerts Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as "live-to-picture" film concerts, and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choirs.  Featuring concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world – from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar and 20th Century Studios – current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Toy Story, Disney Princess: The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Infinity Saga Concert Experience. About Lyric Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences. Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists — magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city. Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down. Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion For more information, visit lyricopera.org.

REVIEW: World Premiere of The Dress-Up Play Via Jackalope Theatre Now Extended Through March 29, 2026

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND JACKALOPE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCED ADDED PERFORMANCES FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF  THE DRESS-UP PLAY NOW EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 29th  AT THE BROADWAY ARMORY PARK Adult Only and Family Friendly Performances Added for this New Play by Juliet Kang Huneke and Directed by Karina Patel Recommended for ages 4+. The running time is 60 minutes with no intermission.  REVIEW By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara I adored The Dress-Up Play from the first moments of group art making in the lobby to the rousing standing ovation. Playwright, Juliet Kang Huneke has created an immersive playroom that teaches diversity, inclusion, and individuality in a fun and playful way. Highly recommended. ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List. ★★★★ Four out of four stars. (L to R) Jett Parr, Keimon Shook and Casey Whisler in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre, now extended through March 29. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography Four very different young friends meet up for a dress-up play date and hilarity and life lessons ensue. Everyone is invited to play dress-up from their seats or get more involved if that's your jam. There's space for a couple of families to sit in the set, and a chance to volunteer for a runway show towards the end, in your own unique outfit.  (L to R) Keimon Shook and Aidan Henri. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography The actors playfully and gently guide the audience through an enlightening series of wardrobe changes. The message is never heavy handed as actors model sharing, playing well with others, and respect. They also show responses to bullying, and how to compromise when parental and institutional rules smash up against self expression. This is such a clever and timely take on acceptance and inclusion, as legal and physical attacks on trans and gender nonconforming humans are escalating at an alarming rate. The Dress-Up Play reminds us that boys can enjoy purses and dresses and girls can be knights and pirates, and those choices hurt no-one. In fact, we're all better off for ditching narrowly defined gender roles and allowing ourselves and others more choices of how to dress, and how to be in the world.  The Reader critic, Kerry Reid and ChiIL Mama critic, Bonnie Kenaz-Mara had a blast picking accessories based on prompts. You're never too old to play dress-up! Even the grandparents in the crowd were happily letting their inner children out to play.  Bring the littles in your life or round up your friend group and come to the added 18+ performance on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. (an adults only performance, recommended for ages 18 years old and older, that may include improvised language not suitable for younger audiences). Other show times are recommended for all ages 4+.  Keimon Shook in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography It's always an adventure at Jackalope Theatre, beginning with a winding maze through Broadway Armory. Follow the mythical horned jackrabbit signs through the hallways, up the staircase, and past aerielists. There you will find a charming little theatre doing brave new works like the world premiere of The Dress-Up Play. Jackalope Theatre has long been a favorite of ours here at ChiIL Live Shows, for their plays for grownups. My son, Dugan, was in Northwestern University's theatre program with both the playwright and director, so I was particularly excited to check out their new family friendly show.   I left with a handmade card, a gem, and stickers. The best takeaway though was a joyful glow that had the whole audience grinning and celebrating both our individual creativity and our power as a community to curb bullying and embrace creative self expression with an open mind. Don't miss this.  (L to R) Keimon Shook, Jett Parr, Casey Whisler and Aidan Henri  Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). Keimon Shook in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre, now extended through March 29. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to announce additional performances for the world premiere of The Dress-Up Play by Juliet Kang Huneke, now playing through March 29, directed by Karina Patel, at the Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N Broadway St.The added performances are Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. (an adults only performance, recommended for ages 18 years old and older, Friday’s performance may include improvised language not suitable for younger audiences) and Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at 11 a.m. The current performance schedule is Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 - $35 with student and Edgewater resident discounts available. Subscription and single tickets are now available at JackalopeTheatre.org or call/text the box office at 773.340.2543. The Dress-Up Play is a new family-friendly production from Jackalope. New friends gather in a bedroom to play dress up. But who gets to wear what? Do our clothes have to match what we look like outside? And what if our outside doesn’t match our inside? Filled with tutus, fake mustaches, scarves and fierce runway walks, The Dress-Up Play is an immersive fashion party for all ages that celebrates self-expression, open-mindedness and the wholeness of everyone. Casey Whisler in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre, now extended through March 29. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography The cast of The Dress-Up Play includes Keimon Shook (he/him, Remi); Casey Whisler (she/her, Olivia); Aidan Henri (they/he/she, Aiden) and Jett Parr (they/them, Miles).  The creative team for The Dress-Up Play includes Juliet Kang Huneke (she/they, playwright); Karina Patel (she/her, director and new works manager); AJ Links, CSA(she/her, casting director), Eric Turner (he/him, production manager); Seojung Jang (she/her, lighting designer); Newton Schottelkotte (they/she, sound designer); Amal Salem (she/her, stage manager); Hudson Therriault (he/him, accessibility manager); Amira Danan (she/her, development director) and Kaiser Ahmed (he/him, artistic director),  Playwright Juliet Kang Huneke  ABOUT JULIET KANG HUNEKE, PLAYWRIGHT Juliet Kang Huneke is a playwright and performer who is passionate about theatre that is larger than life. Her new TYA play, Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! recently had its world premiere at Filament Theatre. In addition, she was awarded the 2023 ReImagine: New Plays in TYA grant to develop Hannah and Halmoni with Filament. Juliet is also a 24 Hour Plays Nationals alum. Other Chicago writing credits include: Echo’s Inferno (The Understudy), Home for the Summer (Theo Ubique, American Music Theatre Project), Mycelium (Playground Chicago) and Mechanicals (Impostors Theater Co Footholds Vol. 4).  Director Karina Patel  ABOUT KARINA PATEL, DIRECTOR Karina Patel is a devised theatre artist, director and dramaturg originally from London, United Kingdom. She is currently the New Works manager at Jackalope Theatre Company and literary associate at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Patel has developed new and devised work with The Story Theatre, The Understudy Chicago, APIDA Arts, TimeLine Theatre Company, Avalanche Theatre, Token Theatre, 24 Hour Plays and more. She has also served as an assistant director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and the Repertory Theatre of St Louis.  MORE FROM JACKALOPE WORLD PREMIERE Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play May 27 - July 6, 2026 Written by Terry Guest Directed by AmBer Montgomery Previews: Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m. Performance schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. The Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway St. JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season Tickets: $15 - $45 It’s 1962 in New York City and Andy Warhol (no, not that Andy Warhol) is stuck. He hasn’t finished a painting in years and has no new ideas. When a mysterious actress named Marilyn Monroe (no, not that Marilyn Monroe) stumbles into his life, she sends him down an epic path of madness, murder, betrayal and the desperate pursuit of fame, sex and beauty. Andy Warhol presents: The Cocaine Play is a 100% fake story about 100% real people that asks how far are you willing to go for the chance at superstardom.  17th Annual Living Newspaper Festival August 20 - 24, 2026 Performance schedule: Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7:30 p.m. The Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway St. JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season Tickets: $15 - $35 The Living Newspaper Festival is inspired by the 1930s Living Newspapers of the Federal Theatre Project that created stories based on recent events. This year’s Festival includes world premieres inspired from recent news headlines. Performances, show times, dates are subject to change. ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE Jackalope Theatre Company expands the definition of American Identity by engaging with communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Jackalope is a premier home for new and exciting Off-Loop Theatre based in Chicago's Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. They are committed to cultivating new voices that contribute to an expanding American culture and mythology. Each season, Jackalope produces full-length plays, new play development programming and provides free classes in partnership with the Chicago Park District. Season 18 is made possible by the continued generosity of Season Sponsors Michael and Mona Heath.