Ugly Duckling

Ugly Duckling is playing at Union Station's City Stage Theatre, a production that opened on October 6 and runs through the fall. It's a reimagining of Hans Christian Andersen's old fairy tale, and the whole thing is set to a lush score of classical music.

The story follows the lonely duckling as he works his way through doubt, rejection, and discovery, held up by the unwavering love of his adopted mother. He eventually finds acceptance and inspiration in the graceful dance of the swans — a heartfelt look at belonging, love, and becoming exactly who you were meant to be. It's a familiar story told with a classical soundtrack running underneath.

City Stage is just one part of what's going on inside Union Station. The station opened in 1914 as a working train hub that handled hundreds of thousands of passengers, and these days its walls hold a treasure trove of the city's past and living history. Along with the live theatre at City Stage, you'll find the internationally awarded Science City, the Arvin Gottlieb Planetarium, and films at the Regnier Movie Theatre.

Performances are Tuesday through Thursday at 10 AM, Friday at 10 AM and 12 PM, and Sunday at 2 PM. Tickets are $15 for the general public and $12 for Union Station members.