Sesame Street Live

Elmo, Ernie, Big Bird, and the fully costumed gang (you were expecting nudity?) from Sesame Street fly into Playhouse Square this weekend for eight performances of 1-2-3 Imagine!: a typically sweet journey to far-away places fueled by song, dance, and the power of imagination. The 90-minute show is aimed at small fry ages 1 to 6, but 'rents in attendance will likely appreciate the Broadway-quality stage craft, polished production values, and cleverly written script — not to mention the chance to renew acquaintanceships with their own childhood friends from "the Street." Today's performance is at 7 p.m., and shows continue through Sunday; tickets start at $10 and top out at $55 — which snags you a special Sunny Seat package with front-row seating and a celebrity puppet meet-and-greet. Purchase them by phone at 216-241-6000 or online at playhousesquare.org. The State Theatre is at 1519 Euclid Ave. in Playhouse Square. — Niehaus