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Family Friendly: Goldilocks taken to court in theater production
Mama Bear, from the original 2001 production of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears."
Updated: October 18, 2012 12:38PM
Trespassing. Breaking and entering. Burglary. Vandalism.
Those are the crimes for which a hungry, tired girl is tried in Artistic Director Gregory Dennhardt’s, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears” (music by Lori Norton) at Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences.
“It’s an introduction to the American legal system for kids,” Dennhardt said. “It’s the traditional story but instead of Goldilocks running away, the Three Bears decide to take her to court. The kids get to be the jury and dec ide whether she is innocent or guilty. The play has two endings, depending on the way they vote.”
Dennhardt first staged the play in 2001, inspired by the work of the Chicago-based Circuit Court Jesters who treated fairy tales similarly.
“We’re trying to do plays that not only entertain but teach,” Dennhardt explained.
Performances are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays through Nov. 24 at 3323 Walters Ave. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 online and at the door.
For details, call (847) 291-2367 or visit www.nbparks.org.
Costumed canines cavort
Once a year, dogs have their day at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. This year, the Spooky Pooch Parade is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. There will be a costume contest and vendors offering dog-related products. Cost is $14 per dog for members, $17 for nonmembers, in advance, $20 and $23 on event day.
For details, call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
Whistle stops
Kids can don their Halloween costumes early for Trains, Tricks & Treats, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 and Sunday, Oct. 21 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. They will collect treats throughout the haunting Model Railroad Garden. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 3-12, $1 less for members.
For details, call (847) 835-5440 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.
Nosy musicians
Crusty, Greenie and Sticky — the high-energy musicians known as The Boogers — will rock the Wilmette Theatre stage, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette when they perform a kids concert, 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door.
For details, call (847) 251-7424 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com.
For real?
Learn about Creatures of the Night from environmental educator David Stokes, 2 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 at Winnetka Public Library, 768 Oak St. You’ll have to attend to learn if the owls, bats, coyotes and skunks that he is bringing are real or artifacts.
For details, call (847) 446-7220 or visit www.winnetkalibrary.org.
