These trivia questions for teens might teach your older kids a thing or two

It’s not always easy to impress a teen or to tell them something they don’t “already know.” But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. From who is the half-blooded prince to who is the oldest gamer on YouTube, we’ve rounded up some of the most intriguing trivia questions for teens (and tweens) that are guaranteed conversation starters.

find out about hot dogs with food trivia for kids
Ball Park Brands via Unsplash

Q: Who holds the world record for most hotdogs eaten?

A: Joey Chestnut with a whopping 73 hot dogs.

Q: Who has the most followers on Instagram?

A: Instagram! The platform's own channel is the most followed. Second place goes to footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Q: What national holiday is celebrated in all countries?

A: New Year’s.

Q: What is ‘Baby Yoda’s’ real name?

A: Grogu.

Q: When was the iPad first released?

A: 2010.

Q: What is the largest ocean in the world?

A: The Pacific Ocean.

Q: Which artist made history as the youngest winner of the Grammys‘ four main categories in 2020?

A: Billie Eilish.

Q: Who was the first basketball star to appear on a box of cereal? 

A: Michael Jordan.

Q: Which actor voiced both Darth Vader and The Lion King‘s Mufasa?

A: James Earl Jones.

Q: What flower plant does vanilla flavor come from?

A: An orchid.

Q: What is the first monster Percy Jackson defeats in The Lightning Thief? 

A: The Minotaur 

Q: What holiday celebrates the end of slavery in the United States

A: Juneteenth, on June 19

Related: 35 Harry Potter Trivia Questions Even Muggles Will Love

Connor Simonson via Unsplash

Q: What tree is the largest and tallest in the world?

A: The California Redwood.

Q: Stan Lee made his last cameo in which Marvel movie?

A: Avengers: Endgame.

Q: How many stars are there in our solar system?

A: One, the sun!

Q: What is Rhianna’s real name?

A: Robyn Fenty.

Q: Who is the Half-Blood Prince in the Harry Potter series?

A: Severus Snape.

Q: Which company owns Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, Audi and Bugatti?

A: Volkswagen.

Q: What is the largest mammal in the world?

A: The Blue Whale.

Q: What show has an ice cream shop called Scoops Ahoy?

A: Stranger Things.

Q: What is the strongest muscle in the human body?

A: The masseter or jaw muscle.

Q: Who was able to pick up Thor’s hammer in Endgame?

A: Captain America.

Q: What is the smallest country in the world?

A: Vatican City.

Related: The Ultimate List of Trivia for Kids

trivia questions for teens: what is the diameter of a basketball hoop?
Markus Spiske via Unsplash

Q: What is the diameter of a basketball hoop?

A: 18 inches and regulation hoops are 10 feet high.

Q: What is Mickey Mouse's original name?

A: Mortimer Mouse.

Q: What is the most spoken language in the world?

A: Mandarin.

Q: What kind of animal is Squidward from Spongebob Squarepants?

A: Despite his name, he’s actually an octopus.

Q: What famous artist was suspected of stealing the Mona Lisa?

A: Pablo Picasso.

Q: What country was checkers invented in?

A: Egypt.

Q: What is the number one most streamed song on Spotify?

A: “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd.

Q: What percentage of people have black or brown hair?

A: About 80%, only 2% have red hair.

Q: How many toes does a cat have?

A: 18, 10 on its front paws and 8 on its back.

Q: Who is the oldest gaming YouTuber?

A: Hamako Mori, better known as Gamer Grandma was born in 1930.

Q: Which Star Wars movie contains the line, “Luke, I am your father.”

A: None, the often misquoted line is actually, “No, I am your father.”

Q: What is the busiest airport in the world? 

A: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (over 100 million passengers annually!).

Q: What is superman’s real name? 

A: Kal-El 

Q: What is ailurophobia? 

A: The fear of cats

Q: What is the most common M&M color?

A. Blue 

Q: What galaxy is the planet Earth in? 

A: The Milky Way 

 

Winter is a great time of year to plan outdoor activities around Boston with your family. Get your hat, gloves and warmest winter boots ready and find a new sledding hill, book a day on the ice or makes some s’mores by the fire. These are a slew of our favorite things to do in Boston in the winter. All you have to do is check off the activities one by one!

Editor’s note: As things continue to evolve due to the omicron variant, please remember to double check information for the most up-to-date changes before packing the kids in the car for an adventure.

See the Winterlights

iStock

It's not too late to catch the Winterlights at the Bradley Estate or at the Stevens-Coolidge House and Gardens. This weekend is the last chance you'll have until next year!

Head to Your Nearest Sledding Hill

sledding
iStock

Boston has tons of sledding hills to choose from. Whether you're after trills on long hills or easy slopes that are perfect for toddlers, you don't have to look to far to find them. So, grab your favorite sled and get ready for a day in the snow! 

Read Stories in the Red Barn

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Cows, crafts and a story are all part of this weekly time for toddlers at the Red Barn at Weir River Farm. Better get moo-ving!

Visit Chestnut Hill Farm

iStock

Chestnut Hill Farm is a great destination for the winter months as there's so much to do there. You can go on a Reindeer Quest or enjoy fire pits on Saturday afternoons. It's a bring your own camp chair situation, but they'll provide everything you need to roast s'mores and find adventures between bites.

Take a Night Hike

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World's End is where you'll find the start of this guided night hike that happens when the moon in out. Hikes are scheduled in January, February and March of this year.

Go Ice Skating

ice skating
iStock

Get ready to practice your triple axel...or maybe just skate a few wobbly laps with your tot (we won't tell). However you skate, enjoy this activity with the kids at one of our favorite ice skating rinks. It doesn't get any better (or quintessentially Boston) than skating at the Frog Pond. Enjoy it while you can! The Kelly Outdoor ice rink in Jamaica Plain is another of our favorites, and you've got through March to enjoy it. Make your way to Winter Skate at Patriot Place for a great big ice rink and amenities too.

Make a New Farmyard Friend

Appleton Farms is where kids can make a barnyard animal friend this winter. They'll soon be calling Angora rabbits, Nubain goats and the resident flock of heritage chickens their buds.

Explore Outdoor Art

boston deCordova sculpture park outdoor activitiy
Christina R. via yelp

The sculptures at deCordova Sculpture Park are just as stunning when they're surrounded by snow or cold hard ground as they are in the heat of summer. Learn about each one during a docent-led tour this winter.

—Allison Sutcliffe & Kate Loweth

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Starbucks holiday drinks and cups are here!

The day is finally here! Halloween is behind us and the holiday season has officially arrived—made official by the fact that Starbucks just announced the return of its iconic holiday drink lineup. Who wants to hit the drive-thru ASAP?!

This year is extra festive, since Starbucks is celebrating 25 years of its iconic holiday cups. To celebrate, the coffee chain is bringing back some of its most beloved designs, which are sure to look familiar to coffee fans all over the world.

And starting today, you can officially grab your favorite festive drinks at any U.S. Starbucks location. This year’s offerings include familiar favorites like the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, and Chestnut Praline Latte. There’s also a cold brew option for those of us who think iced coffee should be a year-round staple. And always inclusive, Starbucks brought back their first non-dairy holiday latte that debuted last holiday season.

Tis the season to be properly caffeinated. Here’s what’s on offer at Starbucks, starting today.

Peppermint Mocha

One of the most-loved drinks on Starbucks' holiday menu, the Peppermint Mocha is turning 20 years old this year!

Caramel Brulée Latte

Caramel Brulée sauce and topping combine with steamed milk and whipped cream to make this decadent drink.

Chestnut Praline Latte

A beloved holiday favorite, this drink features flavors of caramelized chestnuts and crumbled pralines.

Toasted White Chocolate Mocha

Topped with holiday sugar sprinkles and white pearls, this toasty, chocolatey drink might be the prettiest one on the Starbucks holiday menu.

 

 

Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte

For those who don't drink dairy, Starbucks brought back the Iced Sugar Cookie Almondmilk Latte, the first-ever non-dairy holiday drink that debuted last year.

Irish Cream Cold Brew

For anyone who thinks cold brew is a year-round drink, Starbucks has a holiday menu entry just for you: the festive Irish Cream Cold Brew.

Alongside all the holiday drinks, Starbucks also brought back festive snacks and treats.

Chocolate Pistachio Swirl

New this year is the Chocolate Pistachio Swirl, which features a creamy filling swirled into buttery brioche dough.

You can also still snack on all your classic holiday favorites, like Snowman Cookies, Reindeer Cake Pops, Sugar Plum Cheese Danishes, and Cranberry Bliss Bars.

Last year, ColourPop’s Hocus Pocus Collection was an instant sensation. Now, even more trouble is brewing with the brand new Coven Crew Collection!

The Disney collab comes with everything you need to embrace the spooky season. You can shop everything from shadow palettes and lip products to a spider face stamp.

The collection is made up of:

  • 12-pan Witching Hour Pressed Powder Palette in mattes and metallics
  • Three new shades of crème to powder Super Shock Shadows in the Trouble Brewing Kit
  • Three new shades of Fresh Kiss Lip Crème
  • Spider QT Mark Face Stamp
  • I Shall Always Be With You Mirror
  • Chestnut-scented Black Flame Candle

You can shop individual sets like a lip and eye set, buy products a la carte or grab the entire collection for $99.

Be sure to check out the collab before it disappears at colourpop.com.

––Karly Wood

All photos: Courtesy of ColourPop

 

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We know it can be tough to get the kids outside, especially during February in Boston. How about you bundle them up and go on a reading adventure? StoryWalks are popping up all around the city and we couldn’t be more thrilled. Read on for all the details you need to get in on this fun adventure!

What's a StoryWalk?

Kate Loweth

StoryWalks are a fun activity for kids that combine two of our favorite things: fresh air and reading. They take pages of a story and post them on stakes along a guided path. As you stroll down the trail, you are directed to the next page in the story. 

The StoryWalk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT. They have been installed in 50 states and 13 countries!

Titles & Where to Find the StoryWalks

The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds
Vashti believes that she cannot draw, but her art teacher's encouragement leads her to change her mind.

Language: English

Where to find it: 
Brighton Common, 30 Chestnut Hill Avenue, Brighton
Lopresti Park, 33 Sumner Street, East Boston

If You Bring a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff
“If You Bring A Mouse to School” follows a boy and his mouse through a busy day at school.

Language: English and Spanish

Where to find the StoryWalk:
Franklin Park, 450 Walnut Avenue, Roxbury

Possum's Harvest Moon by Anne Hunter
A possum awakes one autumn evening and decides to invite his animal friends to a party to celebrate the beautiful harvest moon one last time before the long winter.

Language: English

Where to find the StoryWalk: 
Iacono Park, 150 Readville Street, Hyde Park

Clap Your Hands by Lorinda Bryan Cauley
Rhyming text instructs the listener to find something yellow, roar like a lion, give a kiss, tell a secret, spin in a circle, and perform other playful activities along with the human and animal characters pictured.

Language: English

Where to find the StoryWalk
Adams Park, 4225 Washington Street, Roslindale

Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough has a rotating StoryWalk available on the property. You can find more information here

Current title
A Warm Winter Tail by Carrie A. Pearson

Language: English

Where to find the StoryWalk:
Chestnut Hill Farm
Southborough, MA

Other StoryWalks

Kate Loweth

Our sources tell us that Mary E. Finn Elementary School and Albert S. Woodward Memorial School both have StoryWalks that are open to the public when school is not in session. 

—Kate Loweth

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If you are looking for a way to get the kids outside this weekend and get some exercise at the same time, we’ve got the list for you. Our friends over at AllTrails sent us their 10 favorite hikes for kids that will take you all over the city and beyond. Spend the day hiking through the Boston Public Garden and then head over to Quincy where your hike will give you both gorgeous views of the Boston skyline and a history lesson to go along with it. Where will your adventures take you today?

1. Lost Emerald Necklace Loop Trail

Maksim Pisconov/AllTrails

Lost Emerald Necklace Loop Trail is a 1.6 mile moderately-trafficked loop trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features a river and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.

Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

2. Belle Isle Marsh

Sergio Saade/AllTrails

Belle Isle Marsh is a 0.6 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Note: the lookout tower has been reported closed due to COVID-19.

Distance: 0.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

3. Mystic River Loop

Aly Humphreys/AllTrails

Mystic River Loop is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Somerville, Massachusetts that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until September. 

Distance: 2.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

4. Chestnut Hill Reservoir Trail

David Cronin/AllTrails

Chestnut Hill Reservoir Trail is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This short loop around Chestnut Hill Reservoir offers nice views of Boston College and of Boston skyline. Great for viewing wildlife and birds.

Distance: 1.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

5. Southwest Corridor Path

Jonathan Ellinger/AllTrails

Southwest Corridor Path is a heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Boston, Massachusetts and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail. The Southwest Corridor Park is linear park stretching from the Back Bay to Forest Hills. The park links South End, Back Bay, Roxbury and Jamaica Plain with a street-level, greenway.

Distance: 1.4 miles
Difficulty: Easy

6. Public Garden Monument Walking Tour

Boris Seletsky/AllTrails

Public Garden Monument Walking Tour is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. Dogs are also able to use this trail. Kids will love making stops along the way to check out the monuments and sculptures. 

Distance: 1.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy

7. Downtown Boston Kids Walk

Tom Bradley/AllTrails

Downtown Boston Kids Walk is a moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Boston, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Be sure to stop for a photo by the Make Way for Ducklings stautes. 

Distance: 1.7 miles
Difficulty: Easy

8. Hammond Pond and Webster West

Lina S/AllTrails

Hammond Pond and Webster West is a moderately trafficked loop trail located near Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and snowshoeing and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

Distance: 2.6 miles
Difficulty: Easy

9. Squantum Point

Dani Mac/AllTrails

Squantum Point is a lightly trafficked loop trail located near Quincy, Massachusetts that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, running, and nature trips. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. This is a beautiful park and beach area for a short hike. Squantum Point has a rich history and its story is told on various granite blocks throughout the park. Views of Thompson Island, the JKF library, the Rainbow Swash and the Boston skyline are plentiful.

Distance: 2.1 miles
Difficulty: Easy

10. Mount Auburn Cemetery Trail

Bill Lin/AllTrails

Mount Auburn Cemetery Trail is a 3.3 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Watertown, Massachusetts that features beautiful wild flowers and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from April until October. This cemetery is considered to be one of the first garden cemeteries in the country. You will find numerous amazing monuments and beautiful grave sights as you walk the myriad of trails or drive the roads.

Distance: 3.3 miles
Difficulty: Easy

Featured photo: Caleb Oquendo via pexels

AllTrails helps connect us to the outdoors and makes getting outside easier and more accessible. Home to the largest collection of hand-curated trail guides, with AllTrails you can search for and navigate trails, parks, and green spaces, or use filters to find your next favorite trail.

 

 

 

 

Many consider the release of Starbucks red cups as the unofficial launch of the holiday season. Starting Fri. Nov. 6, the coffee chain’s fan-favorite holiday beverages are back. Plus they are giving away a free collectible red holiday cup to customers who order a handcrafted holiday beverage tomorrow. 

Starbucks Holiday

Head over to Starbucks to enjoy a Peppermint Mocha, Toasted White Chocolate Mocha, Caramel Brulee Latte, Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte. The bakery case is also getting a seasonal upgrade with the new Cranberry Orange Scone and returning Sugar Plum Danish, Cranberry Bliss Bar, Snowman Cookie and Snowman Cake Pop.

Starbucks Holiday

The chain is releasing four new cup designs this year: 

  • Ribbon: This design brings forward all the joyful elements of the holiday season in ribbons of brand greens and a jolly red like a cozy holiday sweater. Look closely and you’ll see a familiar crown, tail, and scales. The design is repeated on this year’s collectible Starbucks red holiday cup.
  • Dot: Stripes swirl around a field of Starbucks house green punctuated by playful polka dots, sharing the sentiment to “carry the merry.”
  • Sparkle: This red cup has vintage vibes, with cutout shapes in green like glittering holiday ornaments. The motif is repeated in a snowy white on Starbucks cold beverage cups.
  • Brand Wrap: This modern, scaled-up version of the ribbon design features bold bands of holiday color and the Starbucks wordmark, designer street style.

Starbucks Holiday

If you are looking to enjoy your favorite seasonal beverages from the comforts of home you can find Christmas Blend whole bean coffee when you pick up your holiday beverage at Starbucks. You can also pick up your favorite Starbucks seasonal flavors like Holiday Blend and Peppermint Mocha in Roast & Ground, K-Cup pods and ready-to-drink formats wherever groceries are sold.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Starbucks

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Isn’t fall just the most beautiful time of year in Boston? We think so! With November on the horizon and Halloween around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan all your fall family activities in Boston. From corn mazes to stargazing, there are tons of ideas here to your family out and exploring this fall. Which activity will be your favorite!

Wickham Farms via Yelp

1. Pick the perfect gourd at one of these local pumpkin patches.

2. While you are there, run through a corn maze and see how fast you can make it out! 

3. Then snag one of these pumpkin carving templates and go to town!

4. Bake up some pumpkin treats to get your house smelling like fall.

Maria Lindsey via Pexels

5. Apple picking season is still in full effect and you can head to one of these orchards to see what's available. 

6. Up your family movie night game with a projector that is totally kid friendly

7. Plan a movie night and watch It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

8. Cook up a ghoulishly good dinner to add a spooky flair to your dinner table. 

9. Build a bonfire and make s'mores. While you can do this anytime, there's something about those chilly nights that really make this special. Amp up your s'mores game with these unique takes on the classic treat.

10. Plan out a day of fall science experiments

11. Tea parties are always fun. But, an apple cider tea party? That screams fall all over.

pexels

12. Pizza picnics at Appleton Farms are just about the best way to spend a Friday night. 

13. Build a fort outside. The weather is still nice enough for long outdoor afternoons. Take advantage and help your kids get set up with their own pad

14. Watch the birds fly south for the winter. Look up to see those V-shaped groups of feathered friends heading for warmer pastures.

iStock

15. When the days cool down a bit, it's the perfect time to head out on a family hike

16. Shop your local farmer’s market. Glossy red apples, stew-worthy root veggies and a cornucopia of squashes are waiting for you at your local farmer’s market in autumn. Get yours before the markets go on hiatus for the winter.

17. Make a pillow fort and read Halloween books. Our favorites can be found here.

18. Head to Chestnut Hill Farm to read and hike your way through the Storywalk

19. Find constellations in the night sky. Fall’s shorter days and longer nights mean kids don’t have to stay up too late to find dazzling patterns overhead. Here's our step-by-step guide to stargazing with kids.

—Kate Loweth

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Ready, set, purge! Get ahead of the game by donating your gently used toys to make room for the mountain of goodies that will make their way into your homes this holiday season. Whether you involve the kiddos in the chore or you sneak the loot out while they sleep, you’ll be making a difference not only to the organization of your house, but to Chicago families in need. Read on to find local organizations that will happily accept your generosity.

photo: FeeLoona via Pixabay

Share Our Spare
This non-profit started by 10 Chicago women with a desire to help mothers less fortunate than themselves provides families living in low-income and homeless situations with the essentials they need to thrive. They typically take baby gear, diapers and other necessities, but a complete list of accepted items is available on their website.

935 W. Chestnut St., River West
Online: shareourspare.org

Lurie’s Children’s Hospital
If your child receives a duplicate gift this Christmas, consider giving the extra to Lurie’s Children’s.  Due to health risks with their patients, they can only accept new, recently purchased toys and games for children of all ages. Have cause/effect toys, play medical kits, blocks, musical toys, peaceful aquariums, books, linking toys? These are all items on their toddler wishlist.

225 E. Chicago, Streeterville
Online: luriechildrens.org

photo: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay

Cornerstone Community Outreach
Cornerstone has a long standing commitment to providing shelter and finding homes for families and individuals who are at the greatest risk of being excluded from necessary services. They take a very wide variety of things for their residents and neighbors in Uptown, 7 days a week. They’ll not only take your used toys but other things like cribs, winter coats, sleeping bags, mittens, maternity clothing, jeans, diapers, wipes, as well as toiletries like toothpaste, soap, shampoo and everyday necessitates. Check their website for a complete list.

4628 N. Clifton Ave., Uptown
Online: ccolife.org

Toy Box Connection
This option is perfect for those in the South suburbs and accepts all clean and working toys, especially legos, puzzles, games, video games/systems, sports equipment, bikes, trikes and infant toys. TBC supports a myriad of non-profits that need them the most, including battered women shelters, orphanages, cancer camps, the Ronald McDonald House and more. Drop offs are on Mondays and Wednesdays and the occasional Saturday. Check their website for details.

159th & LaGrange Rd., Orland Park
Online: toyboxconnection.com

photo: mentatdgt via Pexels

Bookfirst
While you’re cleaning out the toy bins, consider making a separate stack of kids books for the friendly folks at Booksfirst. Booksfirst is an organization made up of local families that collect books to start libraries in Chicago Public Schools that wouldn’t otherwise have them. These schools have at least 25% homeless students. They truly believe that every family, every child can make a difference in the life of another child, another family. This is a great way to get your kids involved. For drop off locations, click here.

—Christa Reed

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Take a popular fairy tale (one involving a very tempting gingerbread house). Adapt it for the stage, giving every character a fun new twist (like a witch that sings show tunes). Add new music created by one of the nation’s most influential kindie rock artists (Justin Roberts … perhaps you’ve heard of him?). Put this all together and what do you get? Hansel & Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat, a world premiere by Emerald City Theatre and Broadway in Chicago. It runs through January 4, 2015, and will be this winter’s big hit.

The Not-Too-Scary Story
You know the plot: Siblings Hansel and Gretel lose their mother and classmates and go in search of them deep within The Forbidden Forest. When they come across a candy house (and the witch who lives there), their bond and beliefs are put to the test until love saves the day. The show is for ages 4-12. With the younger set in mind, Emerald City Theatre has toned down the scary details — aka: there’s no shoving witches into fiery-hot ovens — and beefed up the fun. Imagine a wise-cracking witch that is played by a man. And a duck that quacks out witty one-liners for comedic relief. That’s not to mention irresistible Justin Roberts songs that will make you wiggle and jiggle in your seat.

The Music
This is the first-ever musical scoring by the Chicago-based Grammy nominee, who worked with nationally produced playwright Ernie Nolan to bring it all to life. Justin usually writes power-pop kids’ songs, as well as soothing lullabies. But for Hansel and Gretel, he tried a few new styles. “There are American songbook-type songs … which was fun because I am a huge Frank Sinatra fan and love the early musicals written by Cole Porter and George Gershwin,” says Roberts.

The actors are also the musicians, plus there’s a band on stage (named The Grimm Brothers Band, naturally). As the story unfolds, characters play various instruments, including piano, bass, drums, electric and acoustic guitar, cello, violin, glockenspiel, ukelele and mandolin. The adventure bounces between everything from big Broadway-style numbers to ’70s soft rock. And, true to Roberts’ form, they’re all songs you won’t easily shake from your head.

Moments You’ll Love
Your kiddo’s eyes will light up from the very beginning, as the musical opens with a song called “This Place.” Villages are talking about how their town has changed since the king disappeared, and their chorus is a strong, melodic reminiscing about the former beauty of the town. There’s also no forgetting everybody’s favorite scene in which Hansel and Gretel drop breadcrumbs to find their way home as they meander through the Forbidden Forest. Of course, there’s a song to match it; “Crumb by Crumb” is a climactic number that’s happier than you’d expect.

To reveal the ending or tell more would give away too much about this musical’s magic. Best you see it for yourself — before all the seats get gobbled up!

Hansel & Gretel: A Wickedly Delicious Musical Treat
On thru Jan. 4, 2014
Ages: 4-12
Tickets: $29
Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place
175 E. Chestnut St.
Downtown
Online: broadwayinchicago.com

What show are you flipping out about this season? Let us know in the Comments!

— Kelly Aiglon

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photos: Johnny Knight