Imagine U brings this children’s tale of wit, wisdom, and whimsy to the stage with an eye-popping blend of live-action, puppetry, music, and rhyme. Despite the sign outside stating that they do not treat predators, the De Soto mouse family dentist practice takes pity on a suffering fox with a rotten tooth. But once he opens his jaws and they must step inside, they begin to rethink their decision. Full of excitement and laughter, this modern-day fable proves that even the smallest creatures can make a big difference with kindness and a little quick thinking. (Wirtz Center)

Thousands of young students from Evanston/Skokie School District 65 elementary schools take field trips to the Wirtz Center to watch the show and speak with the actors afterward.

Doctor De Soto Based on the book by William Steig | Adapted by Idris Goodwin Role: The Fox Directed by Jamal Howard Imagine U Productions, Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts
October-November 2025

“From laughing along with their parents as the sneaky fox screams in pain when he realizes his mouth is glued shut, to covering their eyes in the fox’s slightly scary moments — the energy of ‘Doctor De Soto’ captivated children. ”

- The Daily Northwestern

Stage scene with actors and a large dog puppet on a set designed like a house interior. The puppet has a head resembling a dog, dressed in human clothing, with a big nose and leashed tail. A sign with text about dental relief is visible on the left.
Children on stage wearing animal head costumes, including a bear, a fish, and a rabbit, as part of a playful theater production set resembling a veterinarian's office.
A theatrical performance featuring a person in a mouse costume with a large mouse head, a person with a painted face holding a cylindrical object, and a young boy on a ladder wearing props, all on a stage with painted set pieces.
Children watching a puppet show with a large puppet horse inside a colorful, cartoon-style set.
Children and adults in costume rehearsing a scene from a play with a giant anthropomorphic dog wearing a suit, with a child in a lion mask and costumes and others. The scene is set in a colorful, cartoon-like indoor stage.
Stage scene with a person in a plaid blazer and glasses, smiling and holding a puppet of a dog's head. The puppet is oversized, with a cheerful expression, and is part of a puppet show. A sign in front reads "Relief to all teeth, Even if they only have Two, They always think of us When they chew." The background has large plants and a stylized door or wardrobe.
The image shows a theatrical stage scene with actors in animal costumes and colorful set design. One actor dressed as a mouse is standing on a yellow ladder, another actor with a horse head mask is in the center, and a third actor with a fox mask is holding a prop. A fourth person in a suit is pushing a large door with a fluffy smoke puff coming out.
Two children in school costumes interacting with a large puppet of a dog with a yellow scarf, set on a colorful stage with a backdrop resembling a wooden room.
A theatrical stage with a large animal character costume, resembling a fox, in the center. Several people in colorful costumes are interacting with the character, with some kneeling or stretching. The background features cartoonish house set pieces, a window with sunset scenery, and a coat rack. The scene is lit with vibrant, colorful stage lighting.
A group of actors on a stage, smiling and posing after a performance, with a set depicting a house interior in the background.

Photos by Justin Barbin

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