'Cinnamon Bear' premieres at Wheaton Drama

Wheaton Drama will present a world-premiere production of the WGN holiday favorite "The Cinnamon Bear," told in an old-time radio show format, complete with live onstage sound effects.

The show begins at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 14 and 15; 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 16; and 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17, at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale St., Wheaton.

Condensed from nearly six hours of the radio serial that debuted in 1937, the story takes children of all ages on an adventure through magical Maybeland. The audience can join twins Jimmy and Judy as they meet the lovable bear Paddy O'Cinnamon and search for their missing Silver Star. Along the way they encounter Crazy Quilt Dragon, Presto the mail-order magician, Captain Taffy and his sweet-toothed pirates, the cackling Wintergreen Witch and many other characters.

Tickets are $15 and can be reserved online at wheatondrama.org or by calling the box office at (630) 260-1820.