Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Symphony Center
Symphony Center is the building that encompasses
Orchestra Hall, home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Expanded and reno-
vated a few years back, the building now includes a six-story sky-lit arcade, recital
spaces, and the fine-dining restaurant Rhapsody. While the CSO is the main
attraction (and it's off-limits to kids under 12), the Symphony Center hosts a fam-
ily matinee series, plus a series of piano recitals, classical and chamber music con-
certs, and the occasional jazz or pop artist.
220 S. Michigan Ave., between Adams St. and
Jackson Blvd.
&
312/294-3000.
Subway/El: Red Line to Washington/State. Bus: 3, 4, 20, 56, 60, 127,
145, 146, 147, 151, or 157.
The Theatre at American Girl Place
Circle of Friends: An American Girl
Musical
at the in-store theater is a musical revue ($26) for ages 6 and up that
lasts 1 hour and 15 minutes. Inspired by the American Girls stories, the musi-
cal features young girls in the roles of seven brave characters who teach girls
about believing in your strengths and following your heart. At the heart of
American Girls is a popular series of books about living in different places and
eras of American history, from Colonial Williamsburg to World War II. Besides
providing a history lesson, young readers can discover similarities between their
own lives and the lives of these girls. There's also a new show for younger kids,
Bitty Bear's Matinee: The Family Tree,
that's just 35 minutes long, priced at $15
for kids ages 3 and up, and $7.50 for kids under age 3. You'll need reservations
for either show.
111 E. Chicago Ave.
&
877/AG-PLACE.
www.americangirlplace.com. Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Chicago/State.
2 Seasonal Events
Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Ages 6 & up.
This group performs
an annual tap-dance festival that was created in 1990 and brings together tap
and percussive dancers from all over the world. It's an impressive sight (and
sound). Dancers spend a month in Chicago, taking a series of workshops and
outreach programs. It all culminates in a stirring week of performances in late
July at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. (at Lincoln Ave.).
Office:
1920 Lincoln Ave.
&
312/587-8370.
www.chicagotap.com. Tickets $20. Subway/El: Brown Line
to Wellington.
A Christmas Carol
Ages 6 & up.
This beloved Chicago holiday tradition
took on a new look in 2001 when the Goodman Theatre moved into its new
home and unveiled a completely redesigned set. The new production of
A Christ-
mas Carol,
with expenses of more than $1 million, was darker and more oper-
atic—along the lines of a Tim Burton take on the old classic. Kids love it, parents
love it, and theater buffs loved the fact that the Goodman didn't turn the show,
admittedly one of the darker Christmas stories ever penned, into a sugarcoated
Broadway event. In fact, the show is even better for being more of a serious play
and ghost story—it makes the ending even more uplifting. The show runs every
year from the third weekend in November until just before Christmas.
170 N. Dear-
born St.
&
312/443-3800.
www.goodman-theatre.org. Tickets $30-$50. Subway/El: Red Line to
Washington/State or Lake/State; Brown or Orange Line to Clark/Lake.
Dance Chicago
Ages 5 & up.
In addition to Chicago Human Rhythm
Project (reviewed above), the Athenaeum also hosts the annual Dance Chicago,
a highly engaging month-long festival showcasing the talents of up-and-coming
contemporary-dance companies and choreographers. It usually takes place in
October or November. In recent years the programs have included jazz, hip-hop,
tap, ballroom, tango, salsa, swing, and more. A kids' show called
Dance for Kids,
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