Carmela Full of Wishes — Chicago Children's Theatre

Tickets through the theatre's OvationTix page; lap seats are reserved by calling Guest Services at (312) 374-8835 or bought at the box office on the day. A pre-show social story is linked from the event page.

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About this adventure

Chicago Children's Theatre opens its 2026–2027 season with Carmela Full of Wishes, a play adapted by Alvaro Saar Rios from the picture book by Matt de la Peña, with original illustrations by Christian Robinson. On her birthday, Carmela is finally old enough to join her big brother on the family errands. On the way to the laundromat she finds a dandelion growing in the pavement and has to decide what to wish for: her Mami, who works long hours at a downtown hotel, or her Papi, a migrant worker who is away. The theatre describes the show as an ode to family, to dreamers and to finding hope, and the production uses puppets designed for the show. Public performances are on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. (11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. on November 14) in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre at 100 S. Racine Ave through November 15. The show is called ideal for ages 6 and up, with a run time of about 75 minutes. A program book, study guide and pre-show social story are linked from the event page. Lap seats for children 18 months and under cost $13 per show plus fees.