From the brilliantly creative mind behind Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach and Fantastic Mr. Fox comes the Tony Award-winning Matilda The Musical. Named TIME Magazine’s No. 1 show of the year, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed only with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved children’s novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda The Musical has a powerhouse team behind it, including Tony-winning director Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage) and Tony-winning playwright Dennis Kelly, with music and lyrics by Australian comedian, musician and composer Tim Minchin. This limited-time presale offer for Broadway in Chicago’s Matilda The Musical at the Oriental Theatre gives you early access to the best seats.  Performance dates are in March and April.

It’s only fitting that a musical about a hand-made (and very quirky) puppet should contain hand-made (and very quirky) music, thus Pinocchio: A Folk Musical. Once again Filament Theatre works its magic and transforms a familiar fairy tale into something bold and new: an immersive, multigenerational theatrical experience. Six actors playing a small orchestra’s worth of instruments will lead you from Geppetto’s wood shop through the Land of Toys, into the belly of a whale, and home again on a journey to learn what it is to be “real.” Scott Ferguson directs this expansive, freewheeling, folk musical adaptation from Tyler Beattie. Make sure to arrive early. Audiences will be welcomed into a carnival of games upon arrival.  Lots of comp performance date tickets through March on Goldstar, so grab a few and enjoy.

In this Tony-winning favorite, superstar “Conrad Birdie” (the musical’s hip-thrusting stand-in for Elvis) arrives in Sweet Apple, Ohio to give a lucky girl “one last kiss” before his induction into the Army. Set in a bygone world of soda fountains, screaming fans and Ed Sullivan, the nostalgic Bye Bye Birdie overflows with comedy, romance, dance numbers and songs like “Put on a Happy Face,” “A Lot of Livin’ To Do” and “The Telephone Hour.” Now Drury Lane Theatre rock ‘n’ rolls out this high-energy production from the writer of Hello, Dolly! and 42nd Street.  Tickets start at $22.50 (plus service fee) for January performances.

Seen by over 800,000 people worldwide, Let It Be is a spectacular concert experience recreating the Fab Four’s entire career, from their humble beginnings in Liverpool’s Cavern Club to their meteoric rise to superstardom through their later studio masterpieces. You’ll hear over 40 of The Beatles’ greatest hits — from early tracks including “Twist and Shout,” “She Loves You” and “Drive My Car” to global smashes like “Yesterday,” “Hey Jude” and “Let It Be” — and dozens more just as John, Paul, George and Ringo played them.  Tickets are for the April 2nd, 8pm show, so no ice & snow worries.

Experience six of Broadway’s biggest hits with this subscription package that includes 42nd Street, Bullets Over Broadway, The SpongeBob Musical, The Sound of Music, Fun Home and Finding Neverland. Experience fresh revivals of classic musicals like the 1930s-set behind-the-scenes show 42nd Street and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The Sound of Music, which is bursting with timeless songs like “My Favorite Things” and “Do-Re-Mi.” Catch some of the hottest new shows, like Fun Home, the groundbreaking winner of the 2015 Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Musical. The SpongeBob Musical is a great introduction to the world of live musical theater for kids. Bullets Over Broadway brings Woody Allen’s beloved mobster comedy film to the stage, while Finding Neverland gives a glimpse into the life of J.M. Barrie during his creation of Peter Pan.  Prices start at $238 – full ticket price is $489.50!  Season runs from March through December. This is a very good line-up.

The Emmy-nominated PBS kids’ TV show The Wild Kratts Live! brings an all-new theatrical stage show starring Martin and Chris Kratt to the Rosemont Theatre. First, the Kratt Brothers will share some “wow facts!” about animals, and then they’ll pull on their Creature Power vests and gloves and begin activating Creature Powers — live on stage — with a touch of comedy, of course. And when the Wild Kratts receive a message that Zach and his Zachbots are invading the Tortuga, you’ll join the duo on a quest filled with hilarious pratfalls and slapstick fun. Discover why Wild Kratts is so popular with kids and their families!  Since the show isn’t until April 10, you won’t have to deal with crummy winter weather!

From the director-choreographer of the hit Broadway musical Kinky Bootscomes the inspiring true story of 10 determined dreamers who audition to dance at halftime for a major NBA team. Besides their love of dancing, the one thing they all have in common is their age — they’re all over 60. Once they make the cut, they learn that they’re expected to bring down the house with a style that’s entirely new to them: hip-hop. Don’t miss the world-premiere tour of this new Broadway-bound musical about a group of ordinary seniors with extraordinary dreams as they battle pain, prejudice, self-doubt and each other for a chance to bust a move in front of the world. The cast includes such recognizable faces from stage and screen as Georgia Engel (Hot in Cleveland, The Mary Tyler Moore Show) and Stefanie Powers (Hart to Hart).  Tickets on Goldstar start at $29 for performances through the beginning of January.

Don’t spend the day after Christmas cooped up in the house. Instead, get everyone out to see a show! The live event industry and Grand Marshal Cyndi Lauper have declared the 26th “Show Day.” Grab tickets to theater, comedy, music and more and join the fun.  Learn more about Show Day.

Until December 24th, you can grab $25 Goldstar gift certificates for $19.95, $50 gift certificates for $39.95, and $100 gift certificates for $79.95. Even better — Goldstar gift certificates can be used toward the purchase of any event offer on our site and they never expire. Valid starting December 25, 2015.

Whether you’re remodeling your kitchen or putting on an addition, the cost of improving your home can add up fast. To make sure you get the most bang for your buck while turning your house into your dream home, there’s Ideal Home Show Chicago at Navy Pier. Browse tons of vendors offering innovative home products, flooring, cabinetry, décor and more. Attend how-to demonstrations and learn from celebrity experts like landscaper Ahmed Hassan from TV’s Yard Crashers. Plus, you can meet with fine art, wine and cooking experts, have fun in the Kids Zone, enter raffles and much more.   Comp -$5 tickets for January 29th, 30th and 31st are available on Goldstar.