Get inside a whale’s belly, laugh with dozens of colorful puppets and lure dragons to your party: all this and more is in store for the upcoming season of Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.
“We have a fantastic season lined up, and we can’t wait for families to join us on this engaging and educational artistic journey,” said Drew Kambach, visual and performing arts manager for the Northbrook Park District, said in a news release. “We love our craft, and we are excited to share it with the community.”
Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences (NTYA) is one of several companies under the umbrella of the park district’s Northbrook Theatre. All NTYA productions are performed by professional actors and serve as a wonderful introduction to live theatre, the release said.
The 2024-25 NYTA season will feature some cherished stories:
“Tale of the Whale” Oct. 13 to Oct. 20
This original production, inspired by the story of Jonah and the whale, will take audiences on a multi-sensory theatrical experience.
“We used the story of forgiveness as the launchpad, taking its wonder and educational value, and turning it into a fun adventure with plenty of sea shanties and magic moments for children,” Kambach said in the release.
The audience will prepare the ship, create a storm and go under the sea and into the belly of the whale, and will take an active part in the storytelling, Kambach added.
Before entering the theater, families will enter a “transitional room” to participate in an activity. The experience is designed for audiences to immerse themselves in the play’s imaginary world gradually.
This show is best suited for ages 2 to 5. Tickets are $15. The Oct. 13 and 20 performances will be followed by a Whale Puppets Workshop for children accompanied by an adult (separate $29 ticket fee).
“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” Nov. 21 to Dec. 4
The play includes adaptations of four children’s books by author and illustrator Eric Carle: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “Little Rubber Ducks,” “The Very Busy Spider,” and of course, the star of the show, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”
This critically acclaimed production created by Jonathan Rockefeller features a whopping 75 adorable puppets, including fireflies, apples, pelicans, sheep, octopuses, dogs, pears, polar bears, frogs, dolphins, dogs, salami, seagulls, lollipops, butterflies and many more.
“This is a beloved story, and I am excited at the use of puppetry,” Kambach said in the release. “It’s something that audiences like to see, especially our young theatergoers.”
The show is geared toward ages 2 and up. Tickets are $17. The Nov. 16, 23 and 30 performances will be followed by a Caterpillar Crumbs Workshop, a cookie-decorating class for children accompanied by an adult (separate $29 ticket fee).
“Dragons Love Tacos” Feb. 1 to Feb. 22, 2025
This production is based on the well-known children’s book written by Adam Rubin and illustrated by Daniel Salmieri.
“It features two things that most kids love: dragons and tacos,” Kambach said in the release “It’s a fun and light production that explores themes of likes and dislikes, and always dreaming big.”
The show will be geared toward ages 3 and up. Tickets are $17. A yet-to-be-determined complementary workshop is in the planning stages.
According to the release, NTYA is one of three theater companies under the umbrella of Northbrook Theatre.
Northbrook Theatre Youth Company features actors ages 8 and up who perform plays and musicals for audiences of all ages, such as the upcoming “High School Musical Jr.” in October.
Northbrook Community Theatre welcomes community members of all ages and abilities to present popular productions, including “A Christmas Story: The Play” in December, the release said.
Northbrook Theatre also offers classes to help develop children’s appreciation for the arts. This fall’s classes include storybook drama, mini melodies, playmakers, junior improv and sketch comedy. There are also private classes., For more information about this fall’s classes, visit nbparks.org/programs/theatre/performingarts.
To purchase tickets or more information, visit nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2993. Performances are at Northbrook Theatre, located inside the Leisure Center, 3323 Walters Avenue in Northbrook.
