In Your Dreams with Craig Robinson
When Craig Robinson walks into a room, the energy shifts—joy settles in, shoulders drop, and suddenly everything feels a bit lighter. That was certainly the case when he joined Whitney in the studio to share his latest project, the animated adventure In Your Dreams. Before cameras were even rolling, Craig had everyone laughing, reminding us why he remains one of Chicago’s most beloved talents.
This time around, Craig lends his voice to Baloney Tony, an unforgettable character in In Your Dreams, a new animated film which hit theaters November 14th. The movie takes audiences into a wildly imaginative dreamscape where two siblings—Stevie and Elliot—set out on a mission to track down the Sandman and ask for the one thing their hearts want most. Along the way, they encounter everything from overconfident stuffed animals to breakfast food with an attitude problem, all while navigating the sometimes-messy terrain of family.
Baloney Tony, the character Craig brings to life, is a scrappy, sarcastic little creature whose personality is as bold as his backstory. Craig shared how fun—and freeing—it was to build the voice and spirit of this pint-sized troublemaker. Voice acting, he explained, offers a different kind of creative space: one where you can experiment, revisit moments, and shape the character until he feels completely alive. Working with director Alex Woo, gave Craig the encouragement and room to play—a partnership that shines through in every scene.
But at the core of In Your Dreams is something deeper. The movie explores what it means to stay connected even when life feels complicated. Craig talked about how the story ultimately points back to togetherness—how families weather the tough moments, how siblings can grow closer even when they seem like opposites, and how choosing joy often comes down to sticking by the people who matter.
We are so thankful Craig came home to share his latest chapter with us. In Your Dreams is funny, heartfelt, and filled with imagination—and Craig’s performance brings an extra spark of joy to the adventure.
Catch Craig and Whitney’s conversation on PBS or watch below!
