In My Neighborhood Season
Stellaluna
October 2023
Directed by Becca Martin
Adapted for the stage by Saskia Janse
Based on the book by Janell Cannon
With music by Guus Ponsioen
Baby bat Stellaluna’s life is knocked off balance when an owl attacks her mother one night. The tiny bat is lucky enough to land in a nest of baby birds, but her whole world has just turned upside down. Literally.
Stellaluna’s adoptive bird mom accepts her into her nest, but only on the condition that Stellaluna will act like a bird, not a bat. Soon she has learned to behave like a good bird should. She stops hanging by her feet and starts eating (gulp) bugs. But when she finally has an opportunity to show her bird siblings what life as a bat is like, all of them are confounded. Anyone who has ever been asked to be someone they’re not will understand the conflicts and possibilities Stellaluna faces.
Stellaluna is presented by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences.
A Light in the Night
December 2023
Directed by Margi Zitelli
Written by Les and Elana Hunter
In the midst of a storm on the first night of Hanukkah, a child, her brother, and her family take inspiration and bravery from the story of the Maccabees, and rejoice in the miracle, and in their togetherness.
WORLD PREMIERE
Last Stop on Market Street
March 2024
Directed by Julia Sosa
By Matt de la Peña, illustrated by Christian Robinson
Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Music and lyrics by Lamont Dozier and Paris Ray Dozier
Digital recording and underscoring by Paris Ray Dozier
Originally co-commissioned and produced by the Chicago Children’s Theatre
and the Children’s Theatre Company
Produced by special arrangement with Plays for New Audiences
Six-year-old CJ is (reluctantly) staying with his (extremely over-the-top) Nana, in a world considerably different from the one he’s used to (his phone and tablet). The disagreeable (and let’s just admit it, whiny) CJ is dragged on a bus ride that’s loud and gritty and a Very New Experience. Guided by his veritable force-of-nature Nana, he travels a little closer to his roots and sees that things are not always what they seem. This is one hip-hop, eclectic, heart-thumpin’, toe-tapppin’ joy ride!
Coming Soon…
WORLD PREMIERE!
Youngest Audiences Series
Desvelado
November 2023
Directed by Carlos Cruz and Carrie Williams
By José Casas
For ages 0-5
A young child named Little One is having trouble sleeping. His family has moved to a new neighborhood, and he is nervous about school and making new friends, and is feeling lost. With the help of la luna, a.k.a. Harvest, Música, and the audience, Little One learns that everything will be alright, and that new experiences can be a good thing. The show is designed to create a truly interactive experience for young audiences.
Produced by special arrangement with THE DRAMATIC PUBLISHING COMPANY of Woodstock, Illinois
School of Fish
February 2024
Devised by Talespinner Children’s Theatre
For ages 0-5
Children and families will join a school of fish and explore the ocean and get to know its creatures in this immersive, interactive play for our youngest audiences.
WORLD PREMIERE