Productions

Browse our production archive
The Prom
2024
Summer
August 16 - August 25, 2024

After a scathing review from the New York Times closes their latest show on opening night, a couple of brassy Broadway performers embark on a mission to change the world and in the process, rehabilitate their image. Their selected cause is a teenager from a small Indiana town whose prom was canceled by the P.T.A. due to her desire to attend with her girlfriend. The Prom is a funny, smart, big-hearted musical about big Broadway stars, a small town, and a love that unites them all.

Ragtime in Concert
2024
Spring
April 5 - April 7, 2024

The stories of three American families intertwine against the backdrop of a towering slate of historical figures. Together, through a dazzling array of musical styles from the era, they weave a stunning tapestry that reveals both the prejudice and promise of the American experience. Highland Park Players will reinvent this classic into a dazzling staged-concert featuring an expansive choir, Chicago’s best theatrical talent and a professional 27-piece orchestra that will allow you to experience this magnificent story and music like never before!

Disney's Winnie the Pooh Kids
2024
Winter
February 24 - March 3, 2024

Step into the enchanting world of Disney's Winnie the Pooh! Join Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Kanga, Roo and Owl on a musical heartwarming adventure in the Hundred Acre Wood. With songs from the beloved Disney film and new catchy tunes by Academy Award-Winning Robert and Kristen Lopez (Frozen), this sweet show is a honey-filled treat for the whole family.

Kinky Boots
2023
Summer Show
August 18 - August 27, 2023

Kinky Boots is the big-hearted musical extravaganza that won six Tonys including Best Musical, the Grammy for Best Musical Theatre album and London’s Olivier Award for Best Musical. Kinky Boots features a joyous, Tony-winning score by pop icon Cyndi Lauper, and a hilarious, uplifting book by four-time Tony winner, Harvey Fierstein.

Be Our Guest - A Culinary Cabaret
2023
Winter Show
March 4 - March 5, 2023

Co-Directed by Sarah Tilford and Jeri Hart. Music Direction by Henry Allan. Produced by Whitney Langas, Holly Weis and Bianca Rose. Assistant Produced by Naomi Hershman.

School of Rock The Musical
2022
Fall Show
November 11 - 20, 2022

Based on the hit film, this hilarious musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed, wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. There he turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. While teaching these pint-sized prodigies what it means to truly rock, Dewey falls for the school’s beautiful, but uptight headmistress, helping her rediscover the wild child within.

Matilda the Musical
2021
Fall Show
September 24 – October 3, 2021

The story of an extraordinary girl who dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical is the captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda has won 47 international awards and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages around the world.

Disney Cabaret
2021
Online Show
Virtual Production

Former Highland Park Players cast members come together to sing some of their favorite Disney songs in our first ever virtual cabaret. Gather the entire family and enjoy a special treat from our family to yours.

Pinkalicious
2020
Winter Show
February 22 - March 1, 2020

Based on the popular book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, this is the tale of Pinkalicious. Pinkalicious loves pink and wants everything in her life to be pink. Her dream is to radiate pink. After over indulging in pink cupcakes, she wakes up pink. She is thrilled to be pink and have her dream come true. Her parents take her to the doctor, and she is diagnosed with pinkititis.

Mamma Mia!
2019
Fall Show
September 13 - 22, 2019

On a small Greek island, Sophie dreams of a perfect wedding — one which includes her father giving her away. The problem? Sophie doesn’t know who he is! Her mother Donna, the former lead singer of the 1970s pop group Donna and the Dynamos, refuses to talk about the past, so Sophie decides to take matters into her own hands.

Madagascar: A Musical Adventure
2019
Theater for Young Audiences
April 6 - April 14, 2019

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the "hip-hop" Hippo and, of course, the hilarious, plotting penguins as they bounce onto stage in the musical adventure of a lifetime. Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure follows all of your favorite crack-a-lackin’ friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Filled with outlandish characters, adventure galore and an upbeat score, Madagascar will leave audiences with no choice but to "Move It, Move It!"

On The Town
2018
Fall Show
October 12 - October 28, 2018

ON THE TOWN, the energetic wartime musical about three sailors on a 24-hour leave in New York City, features thrilling music by Leonard Bernstein with playful lyrics and book by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. The show’s celebrated score includes a number of musical theatre standards, including "Come Up to My Place," "I Can Cook, Too," "Some Other Time" and "New York, New York."

Busytown, The Musical
2018
Winter Show
February 10 - February 18, 2018

Busytown is always buzzing with activity. But what do people do all day? That’s where Huckle Cat comes in—he’ll take us on a tour of his great neighborhood. And there is so much to see and do, so many wonderful friends to visit. Huckle shows us how Farmer Pig and Grocer Cat work together to bring food to the town. Construction Worker and his crew build new houses, and Fire Chief and the gang keep them safe. Isn’t it wonderful how everyone works together to keep Busytown busy?

The Pajama Game
2017
Fall Show
October 20 - November 4, 2017

Set in the 1950s, The Pajama Game concerns the battle between the Sleep Tite Pajama Factory management and employees over a 7 1/2 cent raise. In this tightly run factory, conditions are anything but ideal as the union struggles to convince the president of the factory, "Old Man" Hasler, to give them a raise on par with other factories. Amidst the growing conflict, sparks fly between the new superintendent, Sid Sorokin, and the leader of the Union Grievance Committee, Babe Williams, but their romance is quickly stifled when Hasler refuses the union's calls for a raise, forcing Sid and Babe to be on opposing sides of the clash. As the labour dispute continues to escalate, jealousy, love, sex and politics all collide in the chaos of the Sleep Tite factory.

A Fairy Tale Adventure
2017
Winter Show
February 11 - February 19, 2017

The Wicked Witch has changed the endings to all the Fairy Tales so that evil will triumph, and she's kidnapped The Fairy to stop him from reversing the spell. Only Hansel, Gretel, and Paddy the Gingerbread Man can save the tales for a happily ever after ending! You'll know and love all of these classic fairy tale characters, but you've never seen them like this before. With a live band rocking original music, this engaging musical will be a hit with young audiences and fun for all ages!

Billy Elliot
2016
Fall Show
October 21 - November 5, 2016

Billy Elliot the Musical has won the hearts of millions since it opened in London's West End, becoming one of the most beloved, award-winning shows on stage today. Set in a northern mining town, against the background of the 1984/'85 miners' strike, Billy Elliot is the inspirational story of a young boy's struggle against the odds to make his dreams come true. The story follows Billy's journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and whole community and changes his life forever.

Winnie the Pooh
2016
Winter Show
February 6 - February 14, 2016

All of the heart, wisdom and fun of the classic tales come to life in our production of Winnie the Pooh. It's a very busy day for Pooh in the Hundred Acre Wood! Winnie the Pooh is Christopher Robin's fat little bear of Very Little Brain, who would like to drift peacefully through life, humming tunes and stopping frequently to eat "a little something". In this playful show, Pooh learns that a mysterious animal is coming to the forest and his friends Eeyore, Piglet, Rabbit, Tigger and the wise old Owl help solve Pooh's problems. A.A. Milne's wit and special understanding of young people make this one of the most endearing children's tales of all time.

Avenue Q
2015
Fall Show
October 16 - October 25, 2015

AVENUE Q is a laugh-out-loud musical that tells the timeless story of a recent college grad named PRINCETON who moves into a shabby New York apartment all the way out on Avenue Q. There, he meets KATE (the girl next door), ROD (the Republican), TREKKIE (the internet sexpert), LUCY THE SLUT (need we say more?), and other colorful types who help PRINCETON finally discover his purpose in life!

Goodnight Moon
2015
Winter Show
February 14 - February 22, 2015

This musical transforms the simple story of a young bunny preparing for sleep into a 3-D wonderland, full of catchy songs, delightful choreography, a colorful set and clever costumes. The rhyming ritual and the great green room come alive as the bunny dances and sings his way to sweet dreams, along with dancing bears with chairs, the Cat and the Fiddle, the Cow Jumping Over the Moon and even a trip through the night sky with dancing constellations.

A Chorus Line
2014
Fall Show
October 10 - October 26, 2014

A Chorus Line is a musical with music by Marvin Hamlisch, lyrics by Edward Kleban and a book by James Kirkwood, Jr. and Nicholas Dante. A CHORUS LINE is a stunning musical-verite about a chorus audition for a Broadway musical. It tells of the achingly poignant ambitions of professional Broadway gypsies to land a job in the show, and is a powerful metaphor for all human aspiration. Memorable musical numbers include I Can Do That, At the Ballet, Dance: Ten; Looks: Three, The Music and the Mirror, What I Did for Love, One (Singular Sensation) and I Hope I Get It. It is a brilliantly complex fusion of dance, song and compellingly authentic drama.

School House Rock Live Too!
2014
Winter Show
February 8 - February 16, 2014

SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE TOO! is an energetic, colorful, fast-paced musical with zany, lovable characters. The show draws its inspiration from the Emmy Award-winning Saturday morning cartoon series, popular in the 1970's. Far from outmoded, however, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE TOO! is full of modern lyrics, catchy melodies, upbeat dance sections, and witty banter.

CATS
2013
Fall Show
October 4 - October 20, 2013

Based on the universally popular poetry of T.S. Eliot, CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats at which time one special cat is selected to ascend to the Heaviside layer. A true musical theatre phenomenon, CATS opened at London's New London Theatre on May 11, 1981 and ran for a record-setting 21 years. CATS's London success was nearly matched on Broadway where it ran at the Wintergarden Theatre for just over 18 years.

How I Became A Pirate
2013
Spring Show
February 2 - February 10, 2013

Aaaaaaaarrrr you ready for fun on the high seas?! Based on the acclaimed children's book of the same name, HOW I BECAME A PIRATE is a new musical adventure on the high seas that's just right for young audiences! Young Jennifer Jacob is digging in the sand at North Beach when she is recruited by the friendly Captain Braid Beard and his mates to help find the perfect digging spot for their treasure.

42nd Street
2012
Fall Show
October 12 - October 22, 2012

42nd STREET is a big, bold musical set in 1933, that celebrates the stuff that dreams are made of. This is the story of hard work, being in the right place at the right time, talent and love. FORTY-SECOND STREET is a celebration of Broadway and the people involved in shows. It focuses on aspiring chorus girl Peggy Sawyer, and takes us along her journey. Musical hits include You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me, Dames, I Know Now, We're In the Money, Lullaby of Broadway, Shuffle Off to Buffalo and Forty-Second Street. Every audience enjoys watching the underdog succeed! Winner of 2 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Choreography

Willy Wonka
2012
Spring Show
February 18 - February 26, 2012

When Willy Wonka decides to let five children into his chocolate factory, he decides to release five golden tickets in five separate chocolate bars, causing complete mayhem. The tickets start to be found, with the fifth going to a very special boy, called Charlie Bucket. With his Grandpa, Charlie joins the rest of the children to experience the most amazing factory ever. But not everything goes to plan within the factory.

Bye Bye Birdie
2011
Fall Show
October 21 - October 30, 2011

BYE BYE BIRDIE is one of the most captivating musical shows of our time. It tells the story of a rock and roll singer who is about to be inducted into the army. The singer, Conrad Birdie, an Elvis Presley type, has a pompadour and thick sideburns; he wears gaudy gold costumes and speaks in a rugged voice. Albert Peterson, his agent, is a very pleasant mild mannered young man. Albert's faithful secretary Rose Alvarez keeps him and Birdie moving forward in the world. Rosie concocts one final national publicity plan before Conrad's induction.