2026-27 Youth & Family Series
These performances are open to the public. All performances are supported by the Illinois Arts Council.
A themed concert inspired by BRIDGERTON
performed by the ILLINOIS PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA September 30, 2026 at 7pm / Tickets are FREE
Join us as the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra String Quartet performs the lush arrangements that made Bridgerton's ballroom scenes unforgettable!
The program features pop hits reimagined for strings such as:
ABCDEFU
WRECKING BALL
SIGN OF THE TIMES
VIVA LA VIDA
GIRLS LIE YOU
Whether you are a devoted fan of the hit series or simply love hearing familiar songs transformed, this intimate evening of live music offers a fresh take on music you know and love!
60-minute performance
The Bridgerton program is funded through the Music Performance Trust Fund
Ballet performance of BEYOND THE NUTCRACKER
performed by Ballet 5:8 / November 19, 2026 at 9:30am & 11:30am / Tickets $10 and $8 Groups of 10+
The Story
Beyond the Nutcracker is an acclaimed, reimagined holiday ballet produced by Ballet 5:8.
Created by Artistic Director Julianna Rubio Slager, this adaptation is set in 1940s wartime London, and the story follows a young girl named Emma and her uncle Abrahms, a wounded soldier, who are guided by an angel named Anastasis on a journey through time to Bethlehem to discover the deeper meaning of Christmas.
All Ages
$10/ticket individual
$8/ticket groups of 10+
school groups call 708-747-0580
Theatrical performance of 1619: THE JOURNEY OF A PEOPLE
February 2, 2027 at 9:30am & 11:30am / Tickets $10 and $8 Groups of 10+
The Story
August 20, 2019 represents the 400-year anniversary of the first enslaved Africans arriving on the shores of this nation. "1619: The Journey of a People" is a dynamic theatrical exploration of the 400-year journey of African Americans. Told through the eyes of three modern characters and a series of performance pieces, this multi-disciplinary theater experience will leave audiences both inspired and challenged about the progress of America’s African sons and daughters.
"1619" features a dynamic cast of singers, actors, spoken word artists and dancers who reflect on the past while tackling critical contemporary social issues. With an appeal for all ages, this production reminds us that on the other side of the trial lies greatness.
1619: The Journey of a People is a dynamic theatrical experience featuring playwright, professor, and performer Ted Williams III
- Format: Multi-disciplinary theater, music, dance, and performance art
- Themes: Slavery, Reconstruction, the Great Migration, the Civil Rights Era, and modern social issues
- Musical Styles: Hip-hop, jazz, blues, and traditional dance
Recommended 3 grade +
$10/ticket individual
$8/ticket groups of 10+
school groups call 708-747-0580
