“The Magic City”: Crazy parents, take note: Manuel Cinema is treating kids to a spellbinding brand of entertainment with this adaptation of Edith Nesbit’s 1910 novel. Combining techniques such as puppetry, music and film, this production brings to life the story of Philomena and her miniature town made of books, toys and household objects. It’s a delightful way to spend a cold winter morning. Saturdays and Sundays through February 16 at Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. at the Pritzker Family Studio Theater on Racine Avenue; Tickets (ages 6+) $35.25 at manualcinema.com
“Disney on Ice – Let’s Dance!”: want more? Wow little ones watching their favorite Disney stars slide on the ice at Allstate Arena! Beyond Mickey and Minnie, the latest installment includes characters from “Wish,” “Frozen,” “Moana,” “The Lion King” and “The Little Mermaid.” Get ready to convince. Jan. 26 and Feb. 6-9 at Allstate Arena, 6920 N. Mannheim Road, in Rosemont; Also at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2; Tickets $18-$140 at disneyonice.com
Pat McGann: Or maybe you need a night out to parent? You may remember Beverly native and pandemic survivor Xenize MC: Her nightly Instagram posts brought much-needed cheer to quarantine. Now divorced but still using fatherhood and family for comedy, McGann is on stage in Chicago theatre. January 25 at 7 p.m. Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St.; Tickets $36.25-$229 at patmcganncomedy.com
Alfred Robles: Five shows are scheduled for the Chicago stop of Alfred Robles’s “Mexican American Dream Tour”; Four have already been sold. Head to Zannies to join the show, possibly literally. Robles is known for his improvised mob work. Through January 26 at Zanni’s Chicago, 1548 N. Wells St; Tickets $35-$45 at alfredrobles.komi.io
Meshell Ndegeocello: Expect the Grammy Award winner to perform tracks from her latest album, “No More Water: The Gospel of James Baldwin,” which celebrates the centennial of the acclaimed author’s birth. The album cuts across genres and includes spoken word performances by poet Stacian Chin and Pulitzer Prize-winning critic Hilton Als. January 26 at 7 pm at Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport St; Tickets $35-$270 at Ticketweb.com
Vaccines: The London indie rock band landed at The Vic as part of their North American tour. They have been compared to the Ramones and opened for Arcade Fire. Hot on the heels of their somber sixth album, “Pick-Up Full of Pink Carnations”, expect an older, more reflective band but still with plenty of driving guitars and soaring melodies. January 24 at 7:30 pm at The Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Avenue; Tickets at thevaccines.com $32.50-$50
“Hit Records”: Dance to classics like “We Are Family” and “I Will Survive” in Black Ensemble Theatre’s latest production, “Hit Records.” Based in a Chicago record shop, the show follows two brother owners who are sharing the music of their youth with their nephew. According to a recent Tribune review, the show exudes “intergenerational warmth” while offering a dose of nostalgia. Through Jan. 26 Black Ensemble Theatre, 4450 N. Clark St; Tickets at blackensembletheater.org $56.50-$66.50
“knock out”: Steppenwolf Theatre’s Spring 2025 Lookout Series kicks off this weekend with the dance duet of Erin Kilmurray and Kara Brody. The piece explores the disorienting moment between “the point of contact and … (hitting the floor)”. “Knockout” is the first of nine shows running through the spring as part of the Lookout series, which highlights Chicago dancers, choreographers and performance artists. Through February 2 at Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, 1700 N. At Halsted St.; Tickets $5-$35 at steppenwolf.org
10th International Artist Book Triennial: These are no ordinary books. Although they may use traditional book designs as a starting point, interdisciplinary artists transform them into something akin to sculpture as they explore this year’s theme, “To Be.” This traveling exhibit features the work of Evanston artist Stephen Murphy alongside more than 30 international artists. Through Feb. 16 at the Evanston Art Center, 1717 Central St., Evanston; Free, more at evanstonartcenter.org
Music Box Movie Trivia: Movie lovers, prove your stuff. Teams of up to six players compete in six rounds of movie trivia featuring audio and visual elements. Prizes – think movie passes, gift cards, posters – are offered. 4-6 p.m. (optional reservation available at 2:30 p.m.; seating opens at 3 p.m.) most Sundays at the Music Box Theater Lounge, 3733 N. At Southport Avenue; Free, more at musicboxtheatre.com