CHICAGO—Many theaters, such as the Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences in Lincolnshire, Chicago Shakespeare Theater in Chicago, and others, are trying to capture children’s attention. They believe that if they get the kids interested in drama at an early age, they will develop a lifelong love of live theatrical entertainment.
While most children’s theater is appropriate and available for kids up to 12 years old and often into the teens, Goodman Theatre’s Theater for the Very Young’s new production for children aims to interest tots in the wonderful world of theater at even younger ages.
Theater for the Tiniest Audiences
The Goodman believes that offering theatrical experiences specifically designed for kids aged 5 will provide a joyful introduction to theater, fostering a lifelong love of the arts from a very early age. The Goodman has succeeded in its youthful mission, focusing on creativity through interactive performances, storytelling, and sensory-rich activities that send kids on magical journeys that spark their imagination and support their development.
Previously, the Goodman’s Theater for the Very Young has presented “Book Up” (2025), “The Lizard y el Sol” (2024), and “In My Granny’s Garden” (2023), and is now enticing urchins and their families and adult friends with “Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake.”
The joyful kiddie romp begins upon arriving at the Goodman’s Alice Center, a carved-out space on the second floor of the Goodman Theatre’s lobby. Upon entering, the kids are given books, coloring supplies, and other fun toys to prepare them for the nautical adventure.
A Simple Story With a Big Imagination
The story is simple. The moon falls into Lake Michigan and shatters. Blue Heron and a group of sailors venture out into the water to catch the moon and put it back together again. Beaver, Turtle, Crayfish, and Yellow Perch help Blue Heron. The charming story unfolds through songs, puppets, and everyday items transformed into aspects of a watery world.
The show, developed in collaboration with Northwestern University’s Image U, moves briskly under the direction of Jamal Howard and Ellie Levine. A wondrous interactive experience featuring original, imaginative items created by set, props, and costume designer Jillian Gryzlak and sound designer Stephen Moore holds the kids’ attention.
Turning Ordinary Objects Into Magic
What’s especially fascinating about “Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake” is how ordinary things are magically transformed into aspects of nature. A light blue curtain billows to suggest waves of water. Dark blue sheets swell with pinpoints of yellow spots resembling a starry night sky. A bright yellow globe rising is the sun, and a large, broken, silvery-white ball is the moon. An actress shows up with clawed hands, and turtle and fish puppets pop out of a watery backdrop.
Kids get to interact with the designers and performers and, at times, are asked to participate in the action and help move some of the props. The tots get a big kick out of being asked to join the actors in turning everyday objects into parts of the show. Furthermore, they seem to really enjoy singing along with the cast, which includes Kylie Anderson, Sonia Goldberg, Tina Munoz Pandya (hilarious as Blue Heron), and Michael-Forest Walden.
Once upon a time, theater for a young audience was considered only for those aged 5 and up. It was thought that kids younger than that wouldn’t be ready to sit for an hour, much less hold interest in a show. Apparently, Goodman has figured out how to hold the little ones’ attention and get them engaged in the live action. Indeed, at the performance I attended, a few wide-eyed, grinning babes looked to be trying to clap their hands at the show’s end.
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‘Splish Splash: A Day on the Lake’
Goodman Theatre for the Very Young
Alice Center, Goodman Theatre
170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago
Tickets: 312-443-3800 or GoodmanTheatre.org
Runs: 1 hour (no intermission)
Closes: March 22, 2026
What arts and culture topics would you like us to cover? Please email ideas or feedback to features@epochtimes.nyc
