The Houdini Box - Chicago Children's Theatre - In Chicago with kids

I always feel like a good parent when I take my kids to see live theatre.  This past weekend I was a good parent.  We went to see The Houdini Box a musical put on by the Chicago Children's Theatre.  I must say we all enjoyed it.  The show is based on children's author and illustrator Brian Selznick's popular first novel about a mischievous boy who receives a mysterious box that just might contain the secrets of Harry Houdini's success.  This is the same author who wrote The Invention of Hugo Cabret a book my two boys and I really enjoyed.  Yes, it was also made into a movie but we prefer the book to the movie almost every time.

The show is a perfect length for kids, 1 hour.  The theatre was wonderful as there was not a bad seat in the house.  There are only 3 actors who play several parts and keep the action moving. 

My whole family is in agreement that our favorite parts were the side windows that showed the action off the stage using puppets of the performers. 

We also loved the cat not a real cat but the puppet one and once we got home we immediately made our own.  Our puppet cat now also complains with loud yowls when someone is sitting in her space on the couch.

The program pamphlet has a section for the kids where they can create their own circus act and poster while they wait for the show to begin.  Who ever created the program was thinking like a parent.  It definitely cut down on the "when is going to start", "how much longer", a bit at least so don't forget a pen.

We saw The Houdini Box at the Mercury Theatre but it is now moving to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd. in Skokie, for a second suburban run, Mar. 14-25.

For more information about The Houdini Box or to write your own review click here: The Houdini Box North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.

On kidwinks.com this Thursday we'll announce a giveaway for a family 4-pack of tickets to The Houdini Box and Houdini's Birthday Bash - tune in to your email inbox Thursday for details.  Not signed up to receive our newsletter?  Don't miss out Sign up now.
 

Special Event Alert!  Houdini's Birthday Bash, Sat., Mar. 17 at 2 pm

Immediately following the afternoon performance of The Houdini Box, award winning magician Brett Schneider, illusion designer for The Houdini Box and a member of Hollywood's world-famous Magic Castle, will perform amazing feats of magic and sleight of hand sure to amaze and delight audiences of all ages.