Kids will get a rare treat if they and their parents attend the Mark Toland Magic performance at the Second Sunday Family Program, 2-2:45 p.m. Dec. 14 at Niles Public Library, 6960 Oakton St.
“Typically, I make my living as a mind reader so I do mostly adult shows,” Toland said. “I love working with kids even though I don’t do that as much anymore as I used to back in university days. The kids keep you on your toes.”
A former mainstay at Disney theme parks, Toland is accustomed to astonishing young people.
He said that the Niles show will include “mostly comedic magic, maybe a little mind reading. It’s all about bringing the youth up and letting them become the stars of the show. They bring as much energy as I hope to. Because of that, we have this happy accident.”
Pick up free tickets in KidSpace starting at 1:30 p.m. on show day.
For details, call (847) 663-1234 or go to www.nileslibrary.org.
TAKE NOTE
The sounds of the season will fill the Baxter Room at Morton Grove Public Library, 6-8 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15 for the Top Note Holiday Musical Showcase. The program features local students and teachers from Top Note Music Academy.
For details, call (847) 965-4220 or go to www.mgpl.org.
COME TO CLAUS CABARET
Daniel Johnson looks a little like Mr. Claus so families should be fascinated by “Santa Songs: A Christmas Cabaret,” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18 at Grand Piano Haus, 3640 W. Dempster St., Skokie. Tickets are $20, $10 for kids 12-18. Proceeds benefit the Chicago Food Depository and West Suburban PADS.
For details, call (800) 838-3006 or go to www.brownpapertickets.com/event/886955.
BALLET ON ICE
Over 150 skaters of all ages will present the magical tale of “The Nutcracker on Ice,” 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 12-14, at the Robert Crown Community Center and Ice Complex, 1701 Main St., Evanston. Tickets are $9, $10 for reserved seating.
For details, call (847) 448-8258 or go to www.cityofevanston.org.
SEE SHOW FOR PEANUTS
Families have got to love a musical that features favorite holiday songs and Snoopy. There are two performances left for ATC Repertory Company’s “It’s Christmas, Charlie Brown,” 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 and Sunday, Dec. 14 at Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave. Tickets are $18.
For details, call (847) 251-7424 or go to www.wilmettetheatre.com.