Family Friendly: Snow White tale, revisited for the stage

Justine Klein, the living dwarf who energizes six puppet dwarves, and Leah Darany, who plays Snow White, rehearse together.

Updated: January 17, 2013 11:52AM

The always innovative Northbrook Musical Theatre for Young Audiences adds a back-story to the tale of “Snow White” in its adaptation by Northbrook Park District’s Performing Arts Manager Gregg Dennhardt and Musical Director Lori Norton.

The musical follows the fable’s original storyline about a princess, a vain and jealous stepmother, a magic mirror and seven dwarfs. Where this version breaks from tradition, Dennhardt said, “This story goes back in time a little bit farther and actually shows how the magic mirror came into being.”

Another innovation is in the makeup of the dwarfs. “We have not seven dwarfs but one dwarf who manipulates six doll puppets,” Dennhardt said.

The message of the fairy tale is unchanged, though.

“If you’re good at heart, you’ll win out in the end,” Dennhardt said.

Performances are 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 19-Feb. 23 at 3323 Walters Ave., Northbrook. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 online or at the door.

For details, call (847) 291-2367 or go to www.nbparks.org.

HEART TO HEART

Kids in kindergarten through third grade, accompanied by an adult, will hear Brenda A. Ferber read her new picture book, “The Yuckiest, Stinkiest, Best Valentine Ever,” 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at Deerfield Public Library, 920 Waukegan Road. Afterwards they will make valentines. Registration is required.

For details, call (847) 580-8962 or go to www.deerfieldlibrary.org.

ONE WAY TO HONOR MLK

An inspiring afternoon will celebrate the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., noon Saturday, Jan. 19 at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., Evanston. Guest artists at this free event include Evanston Children’s Choir, Ajoite Drum & Percussion, Glass Family Drummers, Christ Temple Praise Dancers and blues guitarist David Dupont.

For details, call (847) 448-8254 or go to www.cityofevanston.org.

MORE KUDOS FOR KING

The 180-member Brotherhood Chorale of the Apostolic Church of God will perform at the Music Institute of Chicago’s free celebration of the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston. Institute students will also perform.

For details, call (847) 905-1500, ext. 108 or go to www.musicinst.org.

HONEST, ABE WILL BE THERE

Families will enjoy Meeting the Lincolns 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 at Glenview Public Library, 1930 Glenview Road. Michael Krebs and Debra Ann Miller, portraying the couple, will tell stories about the Civil War and life in Springfield and Washington D.C. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required.

For details, call (847) 729-7500 or go to www.glenviewpl.org.

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