Northbrook Theatre Returns With New Studio Space, Family Shows

NORTHBROOK, IL — Northbrook Theatre is welcoming audiences back for the 2026-27 season following the renovation of the Northbrook Community Center, with a new performance space and a lineup aimed especially at families with young children.

The renovated building at 3323 Walters Ave. includes the familiar 268-seat Northbrook Theatre as well as a new Studio Theatre with flexible seating for up to 172 people.

The season includes four productions from Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, or NTYA, the park district's professional theater company for children.

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Northbrook Park District Visual and Performing Arts Manager Drew Kambach said one of the biggest rewards is seeing how young audience members respond to live theater.

"What I love most is seeing the reaction of children in the audience: laughing, responding, or just becoming completely absorbed in the story," Kambach said.

Four Shows For Young Audiences

The 2026-27 NTYA season will include two returning productions, "The Tale of the Whale" and "Across the Sand," along with two shows new to Northbrook audiences, "Pete the Cat" and "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie."

Kambach said the productions are designed to offer different combinations of characters, humor, music and imagination.

"For us, these shows are a great opportunity to reconnect with our longtime audiences while inviting new families to discover what makes NTYA amazing," he said.

The season begins Sept. 13 with "The Tale of the Whale," an immersive retelling designed for children ages 2 to 5. The production will be the first staged in the new Studio Theatre and will incorporate music, sensory elements and audience interaction.

Jonathan Shmidt Chapman, who will direct "The Tale of the Whale" and "Across the Sand," said the redesigned space will allow audiences to become more immersed in the stories.

"Both productions will really immerse the audience into the world of the story, offering music, sensory engagement, and gentle interaction to bring these productions to life," Chapman said.

'Pete The Cat,' 'Mouse' Also On Schedule

"Pete the Cat" runs Nov. 14 through Dec. 6 and is recommended for ages 4 and older. The musical follows the guitar-playing title character and Jimmy Biddle on a globe-spanning adventure inspired by the popular children's book series.

"If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" is scheduled for Feb. 6-28. The fast-paced comedy, also aimed at ages 4 and older, features physical humor, oversized sets and props, and interactive moments.

Director Ashley Laverty said theater created specifically for children can play an important role in exposing young audiences to the arts.

"The fact there is a professional theater company housed in the park district is so unique and so special," Laverty said.

The NTYA season concludes April 10-25 with "Across the Sand," an interactive retelling of the Passover story set in Ancient Egypt and featuring live and original music.

Chapman said the production also offers audiences a chance to experience Jewish culture and tradition through theater.

More Shows Planned

Northbrook Theatre is also home to the Northbrook Theatre Youth Company and Northbrook Community Theatre, which feature performers from the community.

Upcoming productions include:

• "Beetlejuice JR," Oct. 20-25, Northbrook Theatre Youth Company
• "Fools"Nov. 6-8, Northbrook Adult Community Theatre
• "Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus," Dec. 11-13, Northbrook Community Theatre

Northbrook Theatre is located at 3323 Walters Ave.

Tickets and additional information are available at nbparks.org/theatre or by calling 847-291-2995.