Sunday, February 27, 2022

Adventures at Monster Jam at Allstate Arena in Rosemont February 25-27th, 2022

ChiIL Mama Exclusive:

Guest Review and Photo Filled Recap 

by Bridget Bodo and her son, Sebu Bodo

All Photos by Sebu Bodo

When I showed my fifteen year old son a photo of a monster truck standing on two wheels and asked if he would like to go to Monster Jam, he may have lacked the exuberance of a five or six year old, but he said sure and that it looked “fun”. He had been to stock car racing in the suburbs years ago and found that exciting, so we both assumed this would be in the same ballpark. He asked if we could bring his friend and when the plans were set, we started the journey Friday evening from Chicago to Rosemont. This was at 5:30pm and right in the middle of rush hour, so it was a solid hour to get to the show which was being held at Allstate Arena.

Unlike going to a Chicago Wolves game at Allstate Arena, the traffic for Monster Jam started a mile or so down the road. Clearly it has a LOT of fans! Even with people working the traffic and parking detail, it still took about twenty to thirty minutes to park. Unfortunately, this put us right at the 7pm start time. The $25 parking fee didn’t help to brighten the moment, either. Luckily the security check was quick and no one had to stand outside in the twenty degree temperatures, but it definitely would have been better to plan for the parking delay in advance.

As we hurried to our section, we were startled by the sudden sound that was clearly blaring engines. Alas....the signature sounds of Monster Jam, I’m sure!!! Luckily, I am a person who has always valued hearing and has taken ear protection very seriously, so once we found our seats and sat down, I quickly handed my son and his friend some colorful pairs of earplugs I brought from home and put the remaining pair in my ears. In no time, we were all wearing them and were able to focus on the show. Upon checking the Monster Jam website, I found out that ear protection, including novelty wear, is sold at the show while supplies last. That was reassuring as the noise level would have made watching the show without them extremely uncomfortable.





Something else that was slightly uncomfortable was the air quality. Even with giant fans blowing and seemingly no heat (our winter coats and hats stayed on the entire time), dust particles from the trucks spinning their tires were airbound. One time there were chunks of mud thrown up into the audience, even striking a teenager two rows in front of us. He found it amusing and it may just be what every seasoned fan in the closer rows looks forward to at Monster Jam, but in case someone is new to the event like we were, it is something to consider when choosing seats, especially the seats in the rows closer to the action. The seating that we were in also had very little leg room. Considering I’m a person who, courtesy of an accident, only has one real leg to deal with, it still was a tight fit. I learned that there was more spacious seating for people with disabilities as well as VIP seating, but as for the general seating, at least in section 113, it was a little tight.

But then, none of that seemed to matter. Almost instantly, we were caught up in the energy of what must truly be “Monster Jam”! Families everywhere, with children from toddlers to  teens, were smiling, laughing and cheering on the various trucks as each one tried to get the highest scores racing each other around the track. There was a scoreboard and an announcer and judges were mentioned, but the announcer kept reminding the fans that they were the ones to truly decide the scores by way of an online vote. 

As we didn’t receive any sort of program and I didn’t see anything about a QR code for a program, it took me about half the show to see that there was a website being displayed. Clearly my contact lens prescription needs updating because I read the website as judgezone.com instead of judgeszone.com (which I found the next day from the official Monster Jam website). This small mistake took me to an unsecure website which had various choices regarding monster trucks and Monster Jam but otherwise seemed spammy. After a few attempts, I gave up but realized it didn’t affect the experience we had with the show. 

The results of each competition, from monster truck races to freestyle dirt bikes to monster truck donuts to monster truck freestyle, were clearly displayed after each event. Recaps of each truck and dirt bike’s standing in the overall competition were also displayed from time to time. What was remarkable, too, was the general feeling in the room. Competitors would win, they would lose, and always they would stay in good spirits. Arms up and jumping up and down to elicit crowd reaction and support for doing something well, or a shrug and arm stretched out to give credit for a job well done to a fellow competitor in times of a loss, with a name like “Monster Jam” and the idea of tough-looking monster trucks in general, I never would have guessed that is how it would have played out. It truly was a family-friendly event full of good sportsmanship....which everyone can learn from.





After about four events with breaks in between, each with their own set of entertainment as well as and an opportunity to stand up and stretch, get a bite to eat from one of the numerous vendors, or use the restrooms, the event was over and we were left with an overall feeling of an evening well-spent. With all of the otherwise unimaginable tricks and flips that we saw, Monster Jam certainly will be unforgettable.




Bridget Bodo is an actor, writer, speaker, sailboat racer, survivor and a mom. Despite losing her left leg traumatically, she’ll never tire of “Break a leg” being said to her. She finds humor in the irony of it all.

All Photos above by Sebu Bodo


ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List:
Family Friendly Fun



Here at ChiIL Mama, we've been covering Monster Jam for years and we're thrilled to see them roaring back, post pandemic. We're even more stoked that the freestyle dirt bikes jumps are back in the lineup, as that's always been a huge hit with our family and a big fan favorite.

Rosemont fans will witness a fierce battle for the event championship with each skilledMonster Jam athlete tearing up the dirt with gravity-defying feats in 12,000-pound Monster Jam trucks going head-to-head for points in Freestyle, the Skills Challenge and Racing competitions. Watch your favorite Monster Jam trucks and drivers go head-to-head in a competitive format that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seat. 

Monster Jam is working closely with our venue partners to adjust protocols for the safety and wellness of guests based on state and local requirements. 


For details about Monster Jam’s Ultimate Lineup, Tckets, and Fan Wellness, click here.   



 

Grave Digger: Krysten Anderson

El Toro Loco: Elvis Lainez

Soldier Fortune Black Ops: Tony Ochs

Wild Side: Zack Garner

Terminal Velocity: Jon Zimmer Jr.

Max-D: Blake Granger

Raminator: Mark Hall

Rammunition: Kurt Kraehmer


Happy to see Krysten Anderson is driving one of the top favorites, Grave Digger, inspiring mighty girls, and proving that big trucks aren't just for boys!

**ChiIL Tips: Remember ear plugs or over ear protection for everyone and for children in particular. Monster Jam can be LOUD.** 

Scroll down and check out lots of ChiIL Mama's past original photo and video filled Monster Jam features here!


STUDENT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2022 AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE AND DESIGN COMPETITIONS

 NEW “AUGUST WILSON LEGACY PROJECT” PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE AUGUST WILSON ESTATE, GOODMAN THEATRE AND DERRICK SANDERS TO REIMAGINE THE FAMED AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE COMPETITION, ESTABLISH CHICAGO AS A WILSON HUB AND INVIGORATE THE PULITZER PRIZE WINNER’S WORK FOR A NEW GENERATION

***STUDENT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE 2022 AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE AND DESIGN COMPETITIONS; CHICAGO FINALS SET FOR MAY 2 AT THE GOODMAN, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE LEAGUE OF CHICAGO THEATRES***


The classic, timeless, epic work of seminal American playwright August Wilson endures as a new partnership—the “August Wilson Legacy Project”—forms between the August Wilson Estate, Goodman Theatre and Derrick Sanders. In honor of her late husband and as Executive Director of August Wilson Legacy LLC, Constanza Romero-Wilson taps longtime Wilson collaborator Derrick Sanders/AW-Chicago and Willa J. Taylor/Walter Director of Education and Engagement at Goodman Theatre to reestablish and build on the success of the national August Wilson Monologue Competition and “Designing August” (the scenic and costume design arm of the competition) for a new generation. The new partnership roots the famed Monologue and Design Competitions in Chicago—the first city to have experienced all 10 of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright’s American Century Cycle plays produced by Goodman Theatre (where a critically acclaimed major revival of Gem of the Ocean directed by Chuck Smith appears on stage through Sunday, February 27). Building on the robust partnerships with schools in Chicago, this new national collaboration will reinvigorate relationships with theaters across the country, creating educational and performance opportunities that allow students to connect to Wilson and his work through the study of history, social studies and literature. As the “August Wilson Legacy Project” partnership gets underway, the 2022 August Wilson Monologue and Design Competitions now welcomes student applications (see competition timeline below); the Goodman will again host the 20 high school students appearing in the final round on May 2, 2022 at 6pm. The Competitions are presented by Sanders and the Goodman in collaboration with the League of Chicago Theatres; for details, visit ChicagoPlays.com.

"I am thrilled that the August Wilson Monologue Competition will be reimagined by Goodman Theatre in partnership with Derrick Sanders of AW-Chicago. There is no other theater I would be more excited about leading the national competition. The Goodman supported August all throughout his career. I have full faith and trust that they will keep his legacy alive,” said Constanza Romero-Wilson.

August Wilson’s 10-play American Century Cycle is a singular achievement in the American theater. Goodman Theatre was first in the nation to produce every play—including two world-premiere productions—of the cycle, each one set in a different decade of the twentieth century, including: Gem of the Ocean (1900s), Joe Turner's Come and Gone (1910s), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (1920s), The Piano Lesson (1930s), Seven Guitars (1940s), Fences (1950s), Two Trains Running (1960s), Jitney (1970s), King Hedley II (1980s) and Radio Golf (1990s). At the plays’ core are lyrical monologues that take the song, laughter and pain of the African American experience and place it in the mouths of the most varied ensemble of characters written since Shakespeare.

"We are honored and excited to work with the Estate of August Wilson to reimagine and expand opportunities for students through the national competition, and to partner with theaters and organizations around the country to ensure that generations of young people will know the poetry of his language, the richness of his legacy and the brilliance of this great American playwright," said Walter Director of Education and Engagement Willa J. Taylor who, during her 15 seasons at the Goodman has created 14 new education and engagement programs—including Teaching August Wilson, which develops educators’ capacity to use Wilson’s American Century Cycle as a lens for American history.

“It’s my profound pleasure to help lead and reimagine the August Wilson Monologue Competition. Over the past 13 years, I’ve seen the powerful impact of August’s words on the self-esteem of thousands of students—and the inspiration of his legacy on teachers and theaters across the nation,” said award-winning director and filmmaker Derrick Sanders, Associate Director of the Drama Division at Juilliard and the producing director of Chicago’s August Wilson Monologue Competition, which has drawn nearly 4,000 students over the past 13 years. In December 2020, Netflix released Giving Voice, a full-length documentary about the national August Wilson Monologue Competition and the importance and influence of Wilson’s work on the students. The inspirational film features footage of the Chicago Monologue Competition and Sanders, along with interviews of Viola Davis, Denzel Washington and Stephen Henderson; watch the film's trailer.


2022 AUGUST WILSON MONOLOGUE AND DESIGN COMPETITIONS’ TIMELINE

The free August Wilson Monologue Competition gives Chicagoland youth an opportunity to explore and share the richness of Wilson’s American Century Cycle through master classes and offering college scholarships. The newest aspect of the competition—“Designing August,” focusing on scenic and design elements—returns for its second year. Program participants from around Chicago encounter Wilson’s ten-play cycle and receive coaching from teaching artists to prepare their monologues for competition.


March 4 Deadline for teachers and administrators to apply for their students


March 15 Individual student application deadline for acting and design


March 21 Deadline for final “Designing August” submissions


March 21-23 Preliminary Monologue Auditions (at Roosevelt University and Logan Center for the Arts)


April 18 Semi-Final Monologue Auditions (at Victory Gardens Theater)


April 23 Masterclass, coaching for finalists


May 2 Final Monologue and Design Competition (at Goodman Theatre, 6pm)


Born and raised in the Hill District of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, August Wilson (1945-2005) authored the American Century Cycle of 10 plays, including Gem of the Ocean, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, The Piano Lesson, Seven Guitars, Fences, Two Trains Running, Jitney, King Hedley II and Radio Golf. These works explore the heritage and experience of African Americans, decade by decade, over the course of the 20th century. Goodman Theatre was the first in the country to have produced every play in Wilson’s cycle. In 2003, Wilson made his professional stage debut in his one-man show How I Learned What I Learned. Wilson’s work garnered many awards, including Pulitzer Prizes for Fences (1987) and The Piano Lesson (1990); a Tony Award for Fences; Great Britain’s Olivier Award for Jitney; as well as seven New York Drama Critics Circle Awards for Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Fences, Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, The Piano Lesson, Two Trains Running, Seven Guitars and Jitney. Additionally, the cast recording of Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom received a 1985 Grammy Award and Wilson received a 1995 Emmy Award nomination for his screenplay adaptation of The Piano Lesson. On October 16, 2005, Broadway renamed the theater located at 245 West 52nd Street the August Wilson Theatre.

Willa J. Taylor is the Walter Director of Education and Engagement at Goodman Theatre. In her 15 seasons, she has created 14 new education and engagement programs, including InterGENS, which partners seniors and teens to create original narrative performances that address community concerns; Stage Chemistry, a unique interactive curriculum for students based on science and math concepts onstage; NOURISH, which mentors community organizations interested in finding art-based solutions to community-identified problems; and Teaching August Wilson, which develops educators’ capacity to use Wilson’s American Century Cycle as the lens for American history. Taylor was the 2020 inaugural recipient of the Exemplar Award from the August Wilson Society for her advocacy for teaching August Wilson’s work in schools; and was honored with the 2021 Leadership in Community-Based Theatre and Civic Engagement Award from the Association for Theatre in Higher Education. She is adjunct faculty at DePaul University where she teaches dramaturgy for youth, and leads workshops nationally on facilitation, intergenerational organizing, and trauma-informed pedagogy. Taylor is a writer and storyteller who performs nationally. She is a contributor to Arts Integration in Education: Teachers and Teaching Artists as Agents of Change, published by Intellect LTD; and to Applied Theatre with Youth: Education, Engagement, Activism, published by Routledge. Her scholarship will also be featured in the forthcoming edited collection: August Wilson In Context with Cambridge University Press. She holds a Masters of Fine Arts from American University, Masters of Education from Concordia University, and a culinary degree from Kendall College.

An award-winning director and filmmaker, Derrick Sanders is the Associate Director of the Drama Division at Juilliard. He has been the producing director of Chicago’s August Wilson Monologue Competition and an associate professor in the theater department at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He was also the founding artistic director of Congo Square Theatre, one of the country’s leading ensembles dedicated to work rooted in the African diaspora. Richard Feldman (faculty 1987-present), who had been serving as associate dean for 16 years, will continue teaching and directing in the division. Sanders received a BFA from Howard University and an MFA from the University of Pittsburgh. His directing credits include the world premiere of Jonathan Norton’s Penny Candy (Dallas Theater Center); Kelvin Roston Jr.’s Twisted Melodies (Baltimore Center Stage, Apollo Theater, Mosaic Theater Company); Athol Fugard’s The Island and Carlyle Brown’s The African Company Presents Richard III (American Players Theatre); Will Power’s Fetch Clay, Make Man (Round House Theatre); Katori Hall’s The Mountaintop (Virginia Stage Company); Bruce Norris’ Clybourne Park and Kwame Kwei-Armah’s Beneatha’s Place for “The Raisin Cycle” (Baltimore Center Stage); Lydia Diamond’s Stick Fly (True Colors Theatre Company); Javon Johnson’s Sanctified (Lincoln Theatre); Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s Gee’s Bend (Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park); Suzan-Lori Parks’ Topdog/Underdog (American Theater Company); David Ingber’s Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money (world premiere), Christopher Paul Curtis’ Bud, Not Buddy, and Dan Gutman’s Jackie and Me (Chicago Children’s Theatre); and the world premiere of Five Fingers of Funk (Children’s Theatre Company of Minneapolis). Perfect Day, the short film he wrote and directed, garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards. In addition to founding the August Wilson Monologue Competition, which is featured in the film Giving Voice, Sanders has directed numerous Wilson plays, including King Hedley II (Signature Theatre, Kennedy Center); Joe Turner’s Come and Gone (Baltimore Center Stage); Fences and Radio Golf (Virginia Stage); and Jitney (True Colors Theatre Company). He was also the assistant director of the Broadway premieres of Radio Golf and Gem of the Ocean.

Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including five which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve five million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago typically produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year, Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world.


League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement

Theater is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theater industry. Through our work, we ensure that theater continues to thrive in our city.


ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago ’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Robert Falls and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earner two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades. The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of the theatrical profession, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand the cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered free of charge for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

As a cultural and community organization invested in quality, diversity and community, Goodman Theatre is committed to using the art of theater for a better Chicago. Goodman Theatre’s Action Plan for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Anti-Racism and Access (IDEAA) was born out of the belief that progress means action, which includes building on the decades-long commitment to using art, assets and resources to contribute to a more just, equitable and anti-racist society.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation on the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre leadership also includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Rebecca Gilman, Dael Orlandersmith, Henry Godinez, Steve Scott, Kimberly Senior, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor and Mary Zimmerman. Jeff Hesse is Chairman of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Fran Del Boca is Women’s Board President and Craig McCaw is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals. 

Thursday, February 24, 2022

The Music Box Theatre Presents 2022 OSCAR-NOMINATED SHORT FILMS Starting Friday, February 25, 2022

Adult Night Out

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: What We're Watching

Get Your Oscars Shorts On With Chicago's Own Music Box Theatre

For the 17th consecutive year, Shorts HD and Magnolia Pictures present the Oscar-Nominated Short Films. The Music Box Theatre will open the 2022 OSCAR-NOMINATED DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS on Friday, February 25, 2022. 

**Note: These shorts contain mature themes. The animated shorts in particular this season are not kid friendly.**


A perennial hit with audiences around the country and the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place Sunday, March 27.

In addition, the Music Box Theatre will begin playing the 2022 OSCAR-NOMINATED LIVE ACTION and ANIMATED SHORT FILMS programs, beginning Friday, March 4, 2022.

For showtimes and information on the Documentary Shorts, click here: https://musicboxtheatre.com/films/2022-oscar-nominated-documentary-shorts

For showtimes and information on the Live Action Shorts, click here: https://musicboxtheatre.com/films/2022-oscar-nominated-live-action-shorts

For showtimes and information on the Animated Shorts, click here: https://musicboxtheatre.com/films/2022-oscar-nominated-animated-shorts


“Unsung but worth your time.” — The New York Times

“Big issues tackled in brief films.” — Variety


About the 2022 OSCAR-NOMINATED DOCUMENTARY SHORT FILMS (begins Feb. 25):


AUDIBLE – Dirs: Matt Ogens and Geoff McLean, USA, 39 min.

AUDIBLE is a cinematic and immersive coming-of-age documentary following Maryland School for the Deaf high school athlete Amaree McKenstry and his close friends as they face the pressures of senior year and grappling with the realities of venturing off into the hearing world. Amaree and his teammates take out their frustrations on the football field as they battle to protect an unprecedented winning streak, while coming to terms with the tragic loss of a close friend. This is a story about kids who stand up to adversity. They face conflict, but approach the future with hope – shouting to the world that they exist and they matter.


LEAD ME HOME – Dirs: Pedro Kos and Jon Shenk, USA, 39 min.

500,000 Americans experience homelessness every night. LEAD ME HOME captures the experience from multiple perspectives. This immersive, cinematic film personalizes the overwhelming issue by telling the real-life stories of those going through it as a first step toward challenging uninformed attitudes and outmoded policies and gives the audience a rare, in-depth look at the scale, scope and diversity of unsheltered America today.


THE QUEEN OF BASKETBALL – Dir: Ben Proudfoot, USA, 22 min.

She is one of the greatest living women’s basketball players. Three national trophies. Scored the first basket in women’s Olympic basketball at the 1976 Olympics. Drafted to the NBA. But have you ever heard of Lucy Harris? From executive producer Shaquille O’Neal.


THREE SONGS FOR BENAZIR – Dirs: Elizabeth Mirzaei and Gulistan Mirzaei, Afghanistan, 22 min.

The story of Shaista, a young man who—newly married to Benazir and living in a displacement camp in Kabul—struggles to balance his dreams of being the first from his tribe to join the Afghan National Army with the responsibilities of starting a family. The film’s remarkable access sheds light on the experience of modern-day Afghans who live, love, and seek space for themselves amid constant instability. Nominated for the 15th Annual Cinema Eye Honors and winner of six jury awards, including Best Short at Full Frame.


WHEN WE WERE BULLIES – Dir: Jay Rosenblatt, USA/Germany, 36 min.

A mind-boggling coincidence leads the filmmaker to track down his fifth-grade class and teacher to examine their memory of and complicity in a bullying incident 50 years ago.



About THE 2022 OSCAR-NOMINATED LIVE ACTION SHORT FILMS (begins March 4):


ALA KACHUU - TAKE AND RUN – Dirs: Maria Brendle and Nadine Lüchinger, Kyrgyzstan/Switzerland, 38 min.


THE DRESS – Dirs: Tadeusz Łysiak and Maciej Ślesicki, Poland, 30 min.


THE LONG GOODBYE – Dirs: Aneil Karia and Riz Ahmed, UK/Netherlands, 12 min.


ON MY MIND – Dirs: Martin Strange-Hansen and Kim Magnusson, Denmark, 18 min.


PLEASE HOLD – Dirs: K.D. Dávila and Levin Menekse, USA, 19 min.


 

About THE 2022 OSCAR-NOMINATED ANIMATED SHORT FILMS (begins March 4):


AFFAIRS OF THE ART – Dirs: Joanna Quinn and Les Mills, UK/Canada, 16 min.


BESTIA – Dirs: Hugo Covarrubias and Tevo Díaz, Chile, 15 min.


BOXBALLET – Dir: Anton Dyakov, Russia, 15 min.


ROBIN ROBIN – Dirs: Dan Ojari and Mikey Please, UK, 32 min.


THE WINDSHIELD WIPER – Dirs: Alberto Mielgo and Leo Sanchez, USA/Spain, 14 min.


Pricing & Scheduling: Ticket prices are $11 ($8 for Music Box members). Become a member: https://www.musicboxtheatre.com/membership/become-a-member

About Music Box Theatre:

Operating since 1929, the Music Box Theatre has been the premier venue in Chicago for independent and foreign films for more than three decades, playing host to over 200,000 patrons annually. It currently has the largest theater space operated full time in the city. The Music Box Theatre is independently owned and operated by the Southport Music Box Corporation. SMBC, through its Music Box Films division, also distributes foreign and independent films in the theatrical, DVD, and television markets throughout the United States; and through its Music Box Direct subsidiary, operates an online streaming service offering the best of foreign and independent films.

Regular events produced, presented and hosted at Music Box Theatre include the 70mm Film Festival; the genre film festival Cinepocalypse; the annual 24-hour horror-movie marathon Music Box of Horrors; and Noir City: Chicago, co-presented by the Film Noir Foundation.

Follow the Music Box Theatre on Facebook (www.facebook.com/musicboxchicago/), Twitter (@musicboxtheatre), and Instagram (@musicboxchicago)

Monday, February 21, 2022

Award Winning Musical Come From Away Returns To Cadillac Palace Theatre February 22 – March 6, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

COME FROM AWAY 

Returns To 

Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre

February 22 – March 6, 2022


On September 11, 2001, the world stopped.  On September 12, their stories moved us all.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore COME FROM AWAY and are eager to see it again on opening night, February 23rd. Check back soon for my full review. A close friend of mine, Flo and her mother experienced the true story this musical is based on in real life. They were enroute back to Chicago from Greece when the 9/11 attacks happened and their plane was diverted to Gander! Check out this award winning musical that will renew your faith in human kindness and humankind. 

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to welcome COME FROM AWAY, a Broadway musical about the true story of the small town that welcomed the world, back to Chicago by popular demand at Broadway In Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W. Randolph Street) for a limited engagement from February 22 through March 6, 2022. COME FROM AWAY tickets are on sale now! 


★★★★ (out of 4)

“The show offers comfort, understanding, and hope. 

It touches the heart, and Chicago audiences are loving it!” 

– Chicago Tribune


The touring production of COME FROM AWAY will star Marika Aubrey (Lincoln Center’s South Pacific), Kevin Carolan (Disney’s Newsies), Harter Clingman (Peter and The Starcatcher), Nick Duckart (In the Heights), Chamblee Ferguson, Sharriese Hamilton, Christine Toy Johnson (The Music Man), Julie Johnson (Memphis), James Earl Jones II (The Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess), Julia Knitel (Beautiful), Andrew Samonsky (South Pacific), Sharone Sayegh (The Band’s Visit), Jenny Ashman, Jane Bunting, Amelia Cormack, Aaron Michael Ray, Kilty Reidy, and Brandon Springman.

COME FROM AWAY features a book, music and lyrics by Olivier, Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Award winners and Grammy and two-time Tony Award nominees Irene Sankoff & David Hein, direction by Tony Award winner and Outer Critics Circle Award winner Christopher Ashley, musical staging by Olivier Award winner and two-time Tony Award nominee Kelly Devine, and music supervision by Olivier Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Ian Eisendrath. 


★★★★ (out of 4)  

“Brilliant, Moving, and Marvelous.”

 – Chicago Sun-Times


COME FROM AWAY features scenic design by Tony Award winner Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Tony Award nominee Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by two-time Tony Award winner Howell Binkley, sound design by Olivier & Outer Critics Circle Award winner and Tony Award nominee Gareth Owen, orchestrations by Olivier Award winner and Grammy & Tony Award nominee August Eriksmoen, and music arrangements by Olivier Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Ian Eisendrath and casting by Telsey + Company.

COME FROM AWAY tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships.


The Tony & Olivier Award-Winning “Must-See Musical”

– NPR


A “Best Musical” winner all across North America, the smash-hit musical has won the Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Musical” (Christopher Ashley), 4 Olivier Awards (London) including “Best New Musical,” 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding New Broadway Musical,” 3 Drama Desk Awards (NYC) including “Outstanding Musical,” 4 Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Awards (North American Tour) including “Best Production,” 4 Helen Hayes Awards (D.C.) including “Outstanding Production of a Musical,” 4 Gypsy Rose Lee Awards (Seattle) including “Excellence in Production of a Musical,” 6 San Diego Critics Circle Awards including “Outstanding New Musical,” 3 Toronto Theatre Critics Awards including “Best New Musical,” 3 Dora Awards (Toronto) including “Outstanding New Musical/Opera” and “Outstanding Production,” and the 2017 Jon Kaplan Audience Choice Award (Toronto). 

The Grammy Award-nominated original Broadway cast recording of COME FROM AWAY is available digitally and in stores everywhere. Grammy Award winner David Lai and Grammy Award nominees Ian Eisendrath, August Eriksmoen, Irene Sankoff & David Hein served as album producers. 

Apple Original Films’ filmed version of the Tony & Olivier Award-winning hit musical COME FROM AWAY, produced by eOne, Hasbro’s entertainment studio, will premiere globally on Apple TV+ on Friday, September 10. COME FROM AWAY, which marks the first Broadway show to be streamed by Apple TV+, is directed by Tony Award-winner Christopher Ashley, who directed the original Broadway production, and stars an ensemble cast led by members of the Broadway show. The live performance of COME FROM AWAY was filmed in New York at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in May 2021, where the Broadway production is staged, for an audience that included 9/11 survivors and front-line workers; and, employed over 200 people including members of the Broadway crew, staff, and creative teams. 

COME FROM AWAY is produced by Junkyard Dog Productions (Randy Adams, Marleen and Kenny Alhadeff and Sue Frost), Jerry Frankel, Latitude Link, Smith & Brant Theatricals, Steve & Paula Reynolds, David Mirvish, Michael Rubinoff, Alhadeff Productions, Michael Alden & Nancy Nagel Gibbs, Sam Levy, Rodney Rigby, Spencer Ross, Richard Winkler, Yonge Street Theatricals, Sheridan College, Michael & Ellise Coit, Ronald Frankel, Sheri & Les Biller, Richard & Sherry Belkin, Marlene & Gary Cohen, Allan Detsky & Rena Mendelson, Lauren Doll, Barbara H. Freitag, Wendy Gillespie, Laura Little Theatricals, Carl & Jennifer Pasbjerg, Radio Mouse Entertainment, The Shubert Organization, Cynthia Stroum, Tulchin Bartner Productions, Gwen Arment/Molly Morris & Terry McNicholas, Maureen & Joel Benoliel/Marjorie & Ron Danz, Pamela Cooper/Corey Brunish, Demos Bizar/Square 1 Theatrics, Joshua Goodman/Lauren Stevens, Adam Blanshay Productions/Judith Ann Abrams Productions, Bill & Linda Potter/Rosemary & Kenneth Willman, and La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre. 

COME FROM AWAY was originally co-produced in 2015 by La Jolla Playhouse and Seattle Repertory Theatre, and presented in 2016 by Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC and Mirvish Productions at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in Toronto, CA. COME FROM AWAY (NAMT Festival 2013) was originally developed at the Canadian Music Theatre Project, Michael Rubinoff Producer, Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada and was further developed at Goodspeed Musicals’ Festival of New Artists, in East Haddam, CT. The Canada Council for the Arts, The Ontario Arts Council, and the Fifth Avenue Theatre in Seattle WA also provided development support. 


PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Tuesday-Friday at 7:30 pm (with 2 pm matinees on Wednesdays)

Saturdays at 2 pm & 8 pm

Sundays at 2 pm


TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for COME FROM AWAY are now on sale and range in price from $35 - $105 with a select number of premium tickets available. Individual tickets will be available by calling the Broadway In Chicago Ticketline at (800) 775- 2000, visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com, or by visiting any Broadway In Chicago venue box office during their open hours, which can be found here. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com.


ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 21 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre. 



COVID-19 Protocol:  Audience members are required to be masked and show proof that they are fully vaccinated. Those with exemptions, including children, must show proof of a negative COVID-19 test. Vaccine cards and negative COVID-19 test must be shown along with a photo I.D. and valid ticket. No home tests are accepted and due to COVID-19 protocol, children under 2 are not allowed into the theatre. For further information including types of vaccines or testing details visit BroadwayInChicago.com/COVID19.

All Broadway In Chicago schedules, productions, and protocols for attendance will continue to be reviewed as further guidance and recommendations are provided by the CDC, Illinois State, and Chicago Departments of Health. For the latest health and safety procedures and guidelines, visit www.broadwayinchicago.com/covid19.

For more information about the show visit: https://comefromaway.com/


Connect with COME FROM AWAY on

Facebook ● Twitter: @Wecomefromaway ● Instagram: @Wecomefromaway


For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com,

Follow Broadway In Chicago: Facebook ● Twitter ● Instagram ● #broadwayinchicago

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

FOODIE FUN: Greektown Restaurant Week March 1-7 And More Mark Month of Greek Independence

Greektown Chicago celebrates month of 

Greek Independence in March  


Greektown Chicago celebrates Greek Independence Day all month long in March with a series of public programs. The popular Greektown Restaurant Week returns for a second year, March 1-7, 2022, with discounts and special offers from restaurants throughout the neighborhood—including the legacy Greek restaurants that have been in Greektown for decades. Next up is the Chicago Bulls Greek Heritage Night on Friday, March 4, where the Bulls face off against the Milwaukee Bucks and "Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokounmpo at the United Center. The special Greektown ticket promotion includes an exclusive Greek flag/Bulls logo beanie hat for attendees while supplies last. The month ends with a Greek Independence Day virtual event on Friday, March 25, showcasing last year’s special 200th anniversary Greek Independence Day celebration with stories from prominent Greek Americans across Chicago.

For more information about Greektown Chicago’s March programming, visit GreektownChicago.org and follow Greektown on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for updates.


Second annual Greektown Restaurant Week March 1-7 

Greektown Chicago brings back its popular Greektown Restaurant Week for a second year, March 1-7, 2022, featuring special offers and dishes from restaurants throughout the neighborhood. All specials are valid for dine-in only unless otherwise specified. Must mention “Greektown Restaurant Week” when ordering.

Participating Restaurant Week businesses March 1-7 include legacy Greek restaurants Artopolis Bakery and Café (20% off Cafe menu, excluding coffee, Bakery and Agora), Athena Restaurant (free saganaki with any entrée order), Greek Islands Restaurant (50% off bottles of wine and beer), Mr. Greek Gyros (buy a Gyros Plate and get a slice of strawberry cheesecake free, valid 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily) and Spectrum Bar & Grill (a glass of Greek wine for $1 with the purchase of any entrée). Other participants include Dugan’s (half-price Guinness beer on March 1 only) and Taco Burrito King ($5.99 special on Mexican tortas, dine-in and carryout).

Additionally, Spectrum Bar & Grill is offering a special signature Ouzo Blue cocktail during the entire month of March, in celebration of Greek Independence Day!

Contact restaurants directly for their latest offers.

 

 

Chicago Bulls Greek Heritage Night on March 4

vs. Milwaukee Bucks and "Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokounmpo

Coinciding with Greektown Restaurant Week is the Chicago Bulls Greek Heritage Night on Friday, March 4 at 6:30 p.m. The Greektown community will cheer on the Bulls at the United Center as they go up against the Milwaukee Bucks and "Greek Freak" Giannis Antetokounmpo. Each ticket purchased includes a special edition Bulls/Greek hat (Bulls logo on the front and Greek flag on the back) while supplies last. Limited tickets are available for purchase here. Ticket holders can pick up their hats at the table outside section 114 on the 100 Level concourse until the beginning of the second quarter. Those who attend are encouraged to take advantage of Greektown Restaurant Week specials by dining in Greektown before or after the game!


Greek Independence Day virtual celebration on March 25

To cap off the month of Greek heritage celebrations, Greektown commemorates Greek Independence Day on Friday, March 25 by sharing its virtual celebration from last year’s 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence across Greektown social media channels. The free virtual program includes a special recorded performance from popular Greek singer Glykeria of the song “Να 'τανε το '21” (Let it be ‘21), which commemorates the start of the Greeks’ fight for independence in March 1821. It also includes a dynamic history of Chicago’s Greek American community, with stories from prominent Chicagoans and archival photos highlighting the city’s Greek Independence Day celebrations and parades over the past 126 years. Audiences can follow Greektown on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to join the March 25 virtual celebration.

 

About Greektown Chicago

Greektown is a dining, nightlife and cultural district located on the Near West Side of Chicago. A popular destination for tourists and Chicago residents alike, Greektown offers the best sampling of Greek heritage outside of Athens—from authentic restaurants, cafes and shops to the National Hellenic Museum and annual Taste of Greektown festival. Greektown Special Service Area #16 is the business improvement district for the neighborhood, administered by sole service provider the West Central Association and guided by a volunteer commission of local business owners, property owners and residents. For more information, visit GreektownChicago.org.

Casting announced for Six The Musical North American Tour Launching in Chicago, March 29-July 3, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

SIX

The Musical

By Toby Marlow & Lucy Moss

Directed by Lucy Moss & Jamie Armitage

Choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille 


 

In May of 2019 it was my great pleasure to catch opening night of the North American Premiere of SIX at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre just before they went on to huge success on Broadway despite the pandemic. I loved this high energy, femalecentric reclaiming of "herstory" then, and can't wait to see the North American tour of SIX, launching right here in sweet home Chicago, once again. It's one of the first musicals I recommend to folks looking for family friendly theatre fun that's likely to be a major hit with tweens, teens, and young adults. Don't miss this! 

Producers Kenny Wax, Wendy & Andy Barnes, George Stiles, and Kevin McCollum are proud to announce tour casting for the North American tour of SIX, the new musical by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss. The tour of SIX will launch with a return engagement of the show to Chicago and will play at Broadway In Chicago’s CIBC Theatre from March 29-July 3. Tickets for the first tour stop are on sale now at BroadwayInChicago.com. Additional tour cities will be announced later this month and throughout the Spring.

Check out the official trailer here

The North American tour cast features Khaila Wilcoxon as Catherine of Aragon, Storm Lever as Anne Boleyn, Jasmine Forsberg as Jane Seymour, Olivia Donalson as Anna of Cleves, Didi Romero as Katherine Howard, and Gabriela Carrillo as Catherine Parr. The cast also includes Erin Ramirez, Cassie Silva, Kelsee Sweigard and Kelly Denice Taylor.



Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the SIX wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over.  The New York Times says SIX “Totally rules!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails SIX as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for! The Broadway season just got supercharged!” 

SIX is co-directed by Lucy Moss and Jamie Armitage and features choreography by Carrie-Anne Ingrouille. The design team includes Emma Bailey (Scenic Design), Gabriella Slade (Costume Design), Tim Deiling (Lighting Design), and Paul Gatehouse (Sound Design). The score features orchestrations by Tom Curran with music supervision and vocal arrangements by Joe Beighton and U.S. Music Supervision by Roberta Duchak. Casting is by Tara Rubin Casting / Peter Van Dam, CSA with original US casting by Bob Mason. Theater Matters is General Manager, Sam Levy is Associate Producer and Lucas McMahon is U.S. Executive Producer.

SIX is currently on-stage at the Brooks Atkinson Theatre (256 W. 47th St) on Broadway in New York City, the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End and on a UK tour. www.SixOnBroadway.com

 

KHAILA WILCOXON (Catherine of Aragon) is excited to be joining the Queendom!  Broadway: Ruben & Clay’s Christmas Spectacular, Hadestown. First, Thank You God! Thank you tribe & family, I Love Ya’ll! To my agents Marc & Dustin, thanks for always believing in me! Thank you to the entire SIX team! Lastly, young Black artists, if the sun doesn’t ask permission to shine neither should you! @thekhailawilcoxon

STORM LEVER (Anne Boleyn). Broadway: Duckling Donna in Summer: The Donna Summer Musical. Off-Broadway: Dorothy in The Wringer (City Center). Regional: Sheila in Hair and Polexia in Almost Famous (The Old Globe); Wendy in Fly (La Jolla); Savanah in Freaky Friday (Signature Theater); Emotional Creature (Berkeley Rep). TV/Film: No One Called Ahead. Love to my chosen family, OG family, B.F.A.mily University of Michigan and BRS/Gage. @stormlever

JASMINE FORSBERG (Jane Seymour) is overjoyed to be making her North American Tour debut! Off Broadway: Broadway Bounty Hunter. Regional: Love in Hate Nation (Two River Theater), A Grand Night for Singing (Goodspeed), Wild Fire (Denver Center). TV: “One December Night” (Hallmark). BFA from Penn State. Love and thanks to the Queendom, A3, Tara Rubin Casting, and all my loved ones for their endless support. www.jasmineforsberg.com @jasmine_forsberg

OLIVIA DONALSON (Anna of Cleves) is thrilled to make her principal debut with SIX! She was last seen in Aladdin the Musical on Broadway and the First National Tour. A huge thank you to the SIX team, Tara Rubin Casting and Headline Talent Agency for this ferocious opportunity! Love you, Mother! And thank you, friends and family, for the endless support. Instagram: @oliviadonalson

DIDI ROMERO (Katherine Howard). Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Didi Romero graduated from AMDA and promptly started working in "In The Heights" as Nina (WCP, BROADWAY SACRAMENTO, COLISEUM OF PUERTO RICO) "Broadway Rising Stars" "Mixtape The Movie" "Gina Yei" and now excited to be joining “Queendom” in SIX. She's been a social media influencer for 5 years trying to be an example for her #DIDIOKREZ. @didiromero_8

GABRIELA CARRILLO (Catherine Parr) is overjoyed to be making "herstory" in SIX! Gabriela is a first-generation Mexican-American raised in Chicago, and a graduate of Berklee College of Music. She is also a YouTuber/vlogger, and has released original music under the name 'Gabriela Francesca'. Endless love and gratitude to Mama & Papa, and special thanks to Ashley and Mark at KMR. IG/TikTok @officialgabrielacarrillo 

ERIN RAMIREZ (Alternate). Tour: Les Misérables (u/s Éponine). NYC Workshop: Romy & Michele. Regional: Spamilton (PCLO), Jersey Boys (Ogunquit Playhouse), Hairspray (Amber, KC Starlight), Mamma Mia (ACT of Connecticut). International: Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. BFA in MT, Emerson College. Gratitude to Daniel Hoff Agency, Tara Rubin Casting and the entire SIX team. Love to my endlessly supportive husband and family. To God be the glory. @erinpalmerramirez

CASSIE SILVA (Alternate, Dance Captain). Joining the SIX Queendom is a dream come true! Favorite credits include: Rock of Ages Broadway, Matilda (Broadway & 1st National). TV/Film: “Hairspray,” “Walk Hard,” “Happy Texas,” “The Wayward Guide,” “Dexter,” “Legally Blonde: The Search…” Special thanks to the incredible Creatives, Crew, Tara Rubin Casting, Daniel Hoff Agency, loved ones & the other 9 "badass monarchs.” God is good! @CassieMSilva

KELSEE SWEIGARD (Alternate) is royally stoked to join the Queendom! National Tours: RENT (Maureen), Pretty Woman 1st National Tour (u/s Kit de Luca, u/s Violetta), Kinky Boots (Pat). NYC Workshops: Ragtime Ellis Island, Agent 355 (Anna Strong). BFA Shenandoah Conservatory. Endless thanks to CLA, TRC, all the SIX team members, and Mom. To all women, everywhere: may your stories be forever celebrated. www.kelseesweigard.com @kelseesweigard

KELLY DENICE TAYLOR (Alternate) is a member of The Recording Academy and best known for her role in Walt Disney Records' a cappella singing sensation 'DCappella'. International: Disney Cruise Line, Universal Studios Japan. Kelly has made a variety of TV appearances on Disney+, Disney Channel, and ABC. Kelly extends special thanks to her team at Morrison Rothman, her friends, and Tara Rubin casting for the love and support! @kellydenicetaylor

TICKET INFORMATION

Individual tickets for SIX are now on sale and start at $39.00-$119.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO

Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 21 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.

 


COVID-19  PROTOCOL

Our audiences are required to wear masks and show proof of vaccine. For details or further requirements visit broadwayinchicago.com/covid19.

 


For more information & performance schedule, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.


Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter #broadwayinchicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago

 

Northwestern University's MFA Collaboration Series 21/22 presents: PEERLESS February 18–20, 2022

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar 

MFA Collaboration Series 21/22 presents:

MFA Collaboration #2: 

PEERLESS

By Jiehae Park. Directed by Ji Won Jeon


The estimated running time for this production is 1 hour and 30 minutes with no intermission. 

This production is part of the MFA Lab series, matching Northwestern's emerging MFA directors and designers for exciting and unexpected collaborations with contemporary theatre.

A modern twist on Macbeth, peerless follows M & L, twins who are determined to gain admission to The College. When they discover someone else has been awarded “their” spot, the twins decide to resort to alternative methods to get what they want and let nothing stand in their way. This shocking play provides a wildly satirical look at academia, teenagers, and race and confronts the cut-throat world of college admissions as well as the extremes to which people will go to succeed.



ALL ATTENDEES INCLUDING KIDS UNDER 12 will be required to show proof of full vaccination or proof of a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the start of the event.


By Jiehae Park

Directed by Ji Won Jeon

February 18–20, 2022

Fri., 2/18 @ 7:30 p.m.

Sat., 2/19 @ 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sun., 2/20 @ 2 p.m.


Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts

Hal & Martha Hyer Wallis Theater

1949 Campus Drive

Located on the southeast part of the Evanston campus just off Sheridan Road on Campus Drive. The Wallis studio theatre space is on the west side of the Wirtz Center/Theater building facing west.

Tickets

Ticket Pricing

General Public $15

Senior Citizens (62+) $15

NU Faculty, Staff and Emeriti $15

Full-Time non-NU Students (under 35 and children) $12

Full-Time NU Students $6 in advance, $10 at the door


A per ticket service charge will be added to all online ($3 per ticket), phone ($2 per ticket), and mail purchases ($3 per ticket). A $5 charge per each Wirtz Center FLEXPASS order.


Monday, February 7, 2022

Discount Tickets Now On Sale For 10th Annual Chicago Theatre Week February 17 – 27, 2022

 Chicago Theatre Week marks its 10th year,

February 17 – 27, 2022 

Tickets NOW on sale

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've been reviewing and covering Chicago's impressive theatre scene since 2008. We've promoted Chicago Theatre Week (#CTW22) since its inception 10 years ago, and we're elated that this fabulous resource is back again with deep ticket discounts on top shows. Enjoy Chicago's legendary, world class theatre scene without breaking the bank.

Chicago Theatre Week, an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago during which visitors and residents can access value-priced tickets, returns for its 10th year and will take place February 17-27, 2022. Tickets now on sale at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com

Chicago Theatre Week is back in-person after a quieter and mostly online 2021 theatre scene during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chicago Theatre Week, spanning a week and two full weekends, is heading into its 10th year. As a program of the League of Chicago Theatres, in partnership with Choose Chicago, theatres in neighborhoods throughout the city and suburbs are expected to participate.

“Chicago Theatre Week 2022 is the perfect occasion to support and celebrate Chicago’s resilient theatre industry,” comments League of Chicago Theatres Executive Director Deb Clapp. “We have been hearing time and time again from theatre patrons how excited they were to see their first show after a long hiatus during the worst months of the pandemic. Chicago Theatre Week is the perfect occasion to explore the theatre world by taking advantage of the discounted tickets and wealth of theatrical offerings.”

A list of confirmed participating productions is available at ChicagoTheatreWeek.com. The value-priced CTW tickets will be $30, $15, or less.

Check out CTW's Promo Video Here

Theatres expected to participate include: 

Aguijon Theatre Company, A Red Orchid Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, Bienen School of Music, Briar Street Theatre, Broadway In Chicago, Broken Nose Theatre, Buffalo Theatre Ensemble, Chicago Heights Drama Group, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, Chicago Children’s Theatre, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chopin Theatre, City Lit Theater, ComedySportz, The Den Theatre, DePaul School of Music, Drunk Shakespeare, Drury Lane Theatre, First Folio Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Greenhouse Theater Center, Harris Theater for Music and Dance, The Imposters Theatre, Invictus Theatre Company, Joffrey Ballet, Manual Cinema, Marriott Theatre, McAninch Arts Center, Mercury Theater Chicago, Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, The Neo-Futurists, Northlight Theatre, North Shore Center for Performing Arts, Nuns4Fun, Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, PrideArts, The Second City, Shattered Globe Theatre, A Theater in the Dark, Theater Wit, Theatre Above the Law, The Theatre School at DePaul, TimeLine Theatre, Trap Door Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater, Windy City Playhouse, and The Wirtz Center at Northwestern.

In a typical year, more than 100 participating productions offer value-priced tickets to 600+ individual performances during Chicago Theatre Week. The program continues to bring in new audiences to area theatres with an average of 2/3 of attendees visiting their chosen theatre for the first time.

“Chicago’s theatre scene is a critical cultural differentiator for our City. With more than 250 theatres, Chicago offers something for everyone throughout the City,” said Glenn Eden, Chair, Choose Chicago Board of Directors. “Chicago Theatre Week 2022 is more important than ever as we celebrate the reopening of live theatre. Chicago Theatre Week is an amazing opportunity to experience all that Chicago has to offer for both locals and visitors alike.”

Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Subscribe to the Theatre Week email newsletter or follow @ChicagoPlays on Twitter for updates and announcements.

The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2022 is #CTW22 so follow along on social media and tag your own experiences too.

About Chicago theatre 

Chicago theatre is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theatres throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theatres to the most renowned resident theatres in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theatres serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Each year Chicago theatres send new work to resident theatres across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. For more information, visit www.chicagoplays.com #ChiTheatre and as always, check out ChiILMama.com (family friendly) and ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) for original theatre reviews, entertainment news, giveaways and more, in Chi, IL and beyond. 


The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement

Theatre is essential to the life of a great city and to its citizens. The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theatres, which leverages its collective strength to support, promote and advocate for Chicago’s theatre industry. Through our work, we ensure that theatre continues to thrive in our city.

 

About Choose Chicago

Choose Chicago is the official sales and marketing organization responsible for promoting Chicago as a global visitor and meetings destination, leveraging the city’s unmatched assets to ensure the economic vitality of the city and its member business community. Follow @ChooseChicago on Twitter and on Instagram @choosechicago. Like us on Facebook. For more information, visit www.choosechicago.com. #CaptureChicagoExcitement | #ChicagoHome | #Only1Chicago

 


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