Family fun takes the stage this summer

Popular musicals abound around central Illinois this summer. Whether you’re into dancing paper boys or have a soft spot for recalcitrant beasts, pack your bug spray and your rosé.

New Salem’s Theatre in the Park Aladdin Jr. June 2-4, 9-10. Based on the Disney film of the same name, for children. State Fair June 23-25, 29-30, July 1. A musical for fair enthusiasts. High School Musical July 14-16, 20-22. A contemporary musical about high school hijinks.

Arsenic and Old Lace Aug. 3-6. A classic comedy.

Loose Lips Sink Ships Aug. 18-20, 24- 26. A musical about women working in the shipyards in World War II. 632-5440. Theatreinthepark.net.

The Hoogland Center for the Arts The Wiz Aug. 25-27, Sep 1-3. An African-American reimagining of The Wizard of Oz. 523-2787. hcfta.org.

The Legacy Theatre Newsies July 7-9, 12-16, 19-23. A musical about the newsboy strike of 1899. 800-838- 3006, Atthelegacy.com.

The Muni Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka June 9-11, 14-18.

A boy, a candyman and a golden ticket.

Mary Poppins June 30-July 2, 5-9. The flying nanny lands at The Muni.

White Christmas July 21-23, 26-30. A holiday musical featuring Irving Berlin’s songs.

Grease Aug. 11-13, 16-20. 1960s teens are hopelessly devoted to fast cars and summer nights. 793-MUNI (6864),Themuni.org.

Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Bloomington A Midsummer Night’s Dream June 30-Aug. 11. Mischief, fairies and young love are loose in the forest.

Shakespeare’s Amazing Cymbeline July 1-Aug. 12. An adaptation of Shakespeare’s romance featuring only six actors.

I Heart Juliet July 9-Aug. 8. The Q Brothers bring hip-hop and humor to their adaptation of Romeo and Juliet.

The Improvised Shakespeare Company July 11, 18, 25. Aug. 1, 8. Acclaimed Chicago improvisers present their take on the Bard.

Sleeping Beauty July 12-Aug. 12. This twist on the classic fairy tale is presented for young audiences Wednesday and Saturday mornings. 309-438-2535, illinoisshakes.com.

The Little Theatre on the Square, Sullivan Disney’s Beauty and the Beast June 7-18. Based on the animated film.

Thoroughly Modern Millie June 21-July 7. A tap dance extravaganza set in New York in the jazz age.

Smokey Joe’s Café July 5-16. A musical revue featuring songs like “Hound Dog” and “Love Potion #9.”

The Lion King, Jr. July 7, 8, 11, 13-15.

Presented by young performers in the STAR dance and drama program.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat July 19-30. A musical tale of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son.

Mamma Mia! Aug. 2-20. A feel-good musical featuring the music of ABBA.

Curious George – The Golden Meatball.

Aug. 4, 5, 8, 10-12. A new musical for young audiences about everyone’s favorite mischievous monkey.

Steel Magnolias Aug. 23-Sept 3. Humor and bonding in a Louisiana beauty salon.728-7375, thelittletheatre.org.

The Muny, St. Louis Jesus Christ, Superstar June 12-18. The classic rock musical about the original icon.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid June 20-29.

Based on the Disney film about a restless mermaid who longs for legs.

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum July 5-11. Based in ancient Rome, this hilarious farce features music by Stephen Sondheim.

All Shook Up July 13-19. A 1950s romp through Elvis Presley tunes.

The Unsinkable Molly Brown July 21-27.

A feel-good musical about a winsome lady from Missouri who went through it all.

A Chorus Line July 29- Aug. 4. Dancers vie for a spot in a Broadway show.

Newsies Aug. 7-13. Newsboys dance, sing, and strike. 314-534-1111. Muny.org.