Vampire bunny in biting kids’ comedy

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A pet bunny is supected of being a vampire in “Bunnicula — A Rabbit Tale of Mystery.” The musical-comedy will be performed through Feb. 25 at Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences.

Updated: January 20, 2012 11:12AM

Nobody listens to Chester. Maybe that’s because of the cat’s attitude.

“He’s a little bit elitist, he’s a bit neurotic and he’s also paranoid,” said Michael Witwer, the Glenview native who plays Chester in “Bunnicula — A Rabbit Tale of Mystery,” 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturdays, Jan. 21-Feb. 25 at Northbrook Theatre for Young Audiences, 3323 Walters Ave.

Chester is convinced that the bunny that the Monroe family found at a screening of “Dracula” is actually a vampire. “He’s kind of amazed that he seems to be the only one seeing this so he’s doing everything he can to get the others involved,” Witwer said. Chester attempts to enlist the support of Harold, the family’s dog, by singing, “Vampire Theory.”

“It’s really a cute show,” Witwer said, noting that the musical is based on the classic children’s novel by James and Deborah Howe.

Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 online or at the door.

For details, call (847) 291-2367 or visit www.nbparks.org.

Hair-lowering tale

Most suitors would shy away from pursuing a girl who lives in a tower, particularly if her mother is a witch. But those obstacles don’t deter one prince in Winnetka Theatre’s Especially for Kids production of “Rapunzel,” 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Jan. 21-Feb. 5, at Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. Tickets are $12 for the one-hour musical for ages 3-10.

For details, call (847) 604-0275 or visit www.winnetkatheatre.org.

Bitter to sweet — what a treat!

Your 4-to-10-year old and you will learn how chocolate is made from bitter cacao beans at HOT Chocolate, 9:30-11 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 4 or 18 at the Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe. Participants take home chocolate mint and chocolate pepper plants. Cost is $22 per nonmember child; discounted for members.

For details, call (847) 835-6801 or visit www.chicagobotanic.org.

Lesson plan

It won’t cost a penny to learn “How to Train Your Dragon.” The PG-rated film is being shown at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 as part of the Free Kids Film Festival at Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette.

For details, call (847) 849-3272 or visit www.wilmettetheatre.com.

Sounds like an Aesop fable

... But Sing Along with Fox and Branch is actually a performance by a popular family music duo, 2:30-3:15 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at Winnetka Public Library, 768 Oak St. Prepare to sing and dance to the music.

For details, call (847) 446-7220 or visit www.winnetkalibrary.org.