How to Train Your Dragon Live - one word, awesome - review

When you have an opportunity to see a dragon fly you don't say no. You know that dragons can flight, right?  I'm not talking about a movie, but live in person. I saw dragons fly and you can too in Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon Live.

Like many families, we have watched the Dreamworks movie many, many times. The adventures of Hiccup, Toothless and the Vikings continually bring the awes, gasps and cheers. My sons favorite parts involve the dragons. From battle sequences to soaring flights, the dragons steal the movie.

This week in Chicago the dragons from the beloved movie take flight in the United Center in How To Train Your Dragon Live. This show definitely captures the thrill, adventure and heart of the movie. The show follows the storyline that we all know with a few modifications. The designs, technology and artistry make the audience feel as if they are in the scenes of the movie (the underwater scene is incredible).

The actors are energetic and acrobatic throughout the show. From sword fights to aerial maneuvers, this talented group keeps pace with their animatronic partners.

But everyone wants to see the dinosaurs. In one word these characters are awesome. From fire breathing Monstrous Nightmare to the farting Gronckle, these dinosaurs look like live beings. The details and life like movements are truly amazing. But the most breath-taking moment is when Hiccup and Toothless fly around the arena. It is visual and technical achievement that makes the audience believe that dragons are real.

My kids summed up the night in a single word, awesome. Their favorite items were Toothless flying, the second act fight sequence and the final battle against Red Dragon. This show is full of action, adventure and even a little fire. Still, the heart of the show is that life can and sometimes should change.

Of course, we couldn't leave the show without a souvenir. The men of our house all purchased Viking helmets. This morning the boys have brandished their helmets (and nerf swords) and are recreating the battle sequences from the show. This production is definitely memorable and made quite an impact on my kids.

Dreamworks How to Train Your Dragon Live will play Chicago's United Center now through July 29. The performances are Thursday, July 26 at 7:00 PM; Friday, July 27 at 7:00 PM; Saturday, July 28 at 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM; and Sunday, July 29 at 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM with free parking at official United Center parking lots for all performances.


To purchase your tickets for the Chicago performances, please visit Ticketmaster or www.unitedcenter.com. Ticket prices start at $26.50 plus applicable facility fees and service charges. . A limited number of special premium Dragon Hot Seats, VIP and family packages are available.

Discount tickets are available for weekday performances. Receive 25% off select seats with promo code MOM. Please use this code on ticketmaster.com.

Don't miss this unique opportunity before it leaves Chicago. Afterall, how often does your family get to see dragons live?


Disclosure: My family received tickets to see this show.