Free tickets, anyone? Hop aboard the Comp Train, Goldstar’s popular two-day promotion that features complimentary tickets to tons of fun events throughout the country. For just 48 hours, Goldstar will be offering literally thousands of free tickets to live theater, concerts, dance, comedy and more. And since all you pay is a small service fee (the amount varies depending on the event, but it’s usually just a couple bucks), the Comp Train’s a great way to discover new events in your area and treat your plus one, your family or even just yourself to something totally great — and totally unexpected.

Oh, the Thinks you can think…when you think about Seuss! In this fantastical, magical musical, some of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters are lovingly brought to life with the Cat in the Hat, Horton the Elephant, Gertrude McFuzz, Lazy Mayzie and all of the Whos of Whoville. These classic, colorful tales are brought together by Jojo, a young “thinker of strange and wonderful thinks,” in a special one-hour show that’s perfect for kids (and parents) of all ages. All performances will be followed by a Q&A session with the cast, so stick around and ask your burning questions! It’s a show the whole family can enjoy, so don’t miss Seussical the Musical at Lincolnshire’s Marriott Theatre for February performances.  Goldstar tickets are only $9 (plus service charge).

Hot off an international tour, the global dance sensation Tap Dogs presents jaw-dropping new surprises in an experience that’s “part theatre, part dance, part rock concert and part construction site” (BBC UK). An adrenaline-pumped cast of eight (six male dancers and two musicians) turns traditional tap dancing upside-down, facing physical challenges that would defy the sturdiest hard-hat worker. Created by Australian dancer and choreographer Dein Perry, the high-energy show electrifies the stage of Chicago’s James M. Nederlander Theatre as Tap Dogs jump through scaffold, tap upside-down, grind steel and tap on water.  Get discount tickets on Goldstar for mid-April performance dates and save big.

The Second City has been laughing at love and its infinite variety of side effects for decades. The world-famous comedy company’s latest undertaking is so spot-on when it comes to romance that it’s painfully funny. It’s Not You, It’s Me takes shots at heartbreak, missed connections and the drama-filled quagmire of human relationships. It’s the perfect anti-romantic comedy for Valentine’s Day — even your blind date will find something achingly familiar to laugh at, thanks to comedy’s newest generation of writers and performers … who all fit squarely into the “it’s complicated” category!  Get tickets for the February 16th performance on Goldstar. 

Legendary contemporary dance company Pilobolus continues the story of Shadowland, their most popular show ever, in Shadowland: The Next Adventure. This Chicagoland premiere is sure to be a jaw-dropping visual feast for the eyes, using exploration of mixed media to tell a love story about two people and their quixotic quest to save an imaginary bird. Employing animation, video and shadow-theater, this grandiose, madcap, not-to-be-missed adventure dips its toe into the genres of science-fiction, film noir and romantic comedy. Experience this captivating show at the McAninch Arts Center in Glen Ellyn.  Performance date is March 23rd at 7:30.

Nominated for three Tony Awards in its Broadway production, A Year With Frog and Toad tells the story of the friendship between two dissimilar pals. The cheerful Frog and grumpy Toad adventure through the seasons: sledding down snowy hills, planting spring flowers, splashing in summer swimming holes and piling autumn leaves. Along the way, they’ll learn to accept one another, warts and all. This Big Noise Theatre production of the fun, family musical — adapted from Arnold Lobel’s classic children’s books — will enchant youngsters while also entertaining adults with a jazzy, upbeat score.  If you’re not doing anything tomorrow, January 27th, you can get $7.50 tickets to two production times of the Big Noise Theatre in Des Plaines.

An effervescent and sparkling confection, J. Strauss II’s beloved operetta waltzes into your heart with familiar melodies, witty repartee and delightful charm. Spend a riotous evening in the company of the cunning Dr. Falke as he plays a joke on his good friend Eisenstein. It’s just a little revenge for a night of carousing gone awry that ended in very public humiliation for Falke. As his scheme unfolds, subplots hilariously pile up, drawing everyone into the whirlwind of Falke’s dastardly plan. The chaos comically explodes at an extravagant masquerade ball hosted by a Russian prince. Deceptions and disguises among friends and lovers give way to affection, laughter, and — as any happy ending should — champagne for all! Join the fun at McAninch Arts Center — this supreme example of the Viennese operetta is sung in English.  Get discount tickets for the January 27th performance on Goldstar.

On the heels of a hit Broadway revival and with a lush score by Jerry Herman, Hello, Dolly! tells the story of the effervescent socialite turned matchmaker Dolly Levi. From the streets of Yonkers to the lights of Broadway, from jubilant parades to lavish dining, from schemes and tricks to happy accidents, Dolly is full of shine and full of sparkle; it’s a celebration of love and a tale of hope and home. This is a Dolphin Show production. The Dolphin Show at Northwestern University is a non-profit student theatre organization that annually produces the nation’s largest student-run musical.  Discount tickets on Goldstar are $16.50 plus service charge and are for end of January/beginning of February performances.

PAW Patrol is on a roll with its hit live tour! It’s the day of the Great Adventure Bay Race between Adventure Bay’s Mayor Goodway and Foggy Bottom’s Mayor Humdinger, but Mayor Goodway is nowhere to be found. PAW Patrol to the rescue! Ryder summons Marshall, Chase, Skye, Rubble, Rocky, Zuma and Everest to rescue Mayor Goodway and run the race in her place. Using their unique skills and teamwork, the pups show that “no job is too big, no pup is too small,” and share lessons for all ages about citizenship, social skills and problem-solving as they make several heroic rescues on their race to the finish line. Bring the whole family and join the adventure at The Chicago Theatre.  Get tickets on Goldstar for January 12th and 13th performances.

The National Theatre Live takes performances from the London stage to cinemas and performing arts centers worldwide. You can experience — up-close and personal — the best of British theater, shown in high definition on a giant screen. Now you can see Alan Bennett’s The Madness of George III in National Theatre Live’s first-ever broadcast from Nottingham Playhouse, right from your seat in Glen Ellyn’s McAninch Arts Center. In the years immediately after the American Revolution in the majestic court of England’s King George III, the monarch is deteriorating into madness, yet remains determined to withhold political power from those around him. Written by one of Britain’s best-loved playwrights, Alan Bennett (The History Boys, The Lady in the Van), this epic play was also adapted into a BAFTA Award-winning film following its stage premiere in 1991. The cast of this new production includes Olivier Award-winners Mark Gatiss (Sherlock, Game of Thrones, NT Live Coriolanus) in the title role, and Adrian Scarborough (Gavin and Stacey, Upstairs Downstairs, After the Dance).  Tickets are only $12 (plus service fee) through Goldstar for two February showings.