ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Free Family Friendly Theatre Fun:
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks has been a family favorite of ours since they began offering the free show tours in Chicago parks in 2012. This year we're extra excited for the shows since CST founder and Artistic Director, Barbara Gaines is directing this 75-minute abridged production! Check out our review of CST's Short Shakespeare version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream production for school groups and the public at The Yard, earlier this year. We were thrilled to partner up with CST on a 4 pack ticket giveaway for one of our lucky readers. The best news is, now all of Chicago can catch A Midsummer Night’s Dream for free in the great outdoors! Gather a picnic, chairs, family and friends, and come catch the show at a Chicago park this summer.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST), the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, and Boeing partner to present the annual citywide summer tradition, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks. Made possible by production sponsor BMO Harris Bank, 25 performances of Shakespeare’s timeless classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted and directed by the Theater’s founder and artistic director Barbara Gaines, will tour free for all to 18 neighborhood parks across the City, July 25–August 26, 2018.
“Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks brings world-class theater to neighborhoods across the city and gives residents the chance to experience the best of what Chicago has to offer right in their own backyard,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “I look forward to watching many of our top local performances in this summer’s rendition of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. ” The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream kicks off at Polk Bros Park on Navy Pier with four performances: Wednesday, July 25 through Saturday, July 28—all beginning at 7:00pm. Parks scheduled to be visited, rain or shine, include: Wednesday, July 25 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) Thursday, July 26 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) Friday, July 27 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) Saturday, July 28 at 7:00pm | Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier (600 E. Grand Ave.) Tuesday, July 31 at 6:30pm | Ellis Park (3520 S. Cottage Grove Ave.) Wednesday, August 01 at 6:30pm | Gage Park (2411 W. 55th St.) Thursday, August 02 at 6:30pm | Kelvyn Park (4438 W. Wrightwood Ave.) Friday, August 03 at 6:30pm | Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.) Saturday, August 04 at 6:30pm | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) Sunday, August 05 at 4:00pm | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) Tuesday, August 07 at 6:30pm | Columbus Park (500 S. Central Ave.) Wednesday, August 08 at 6:30pm | Tuley Park (501 E. 90th Pl.) Thursday, August 09 at 6:30pm | Humboldt Park (1301 N. Sacramento Ave.) Friday, August 10 at 6:30pm | Humboldt Park (1301 N. Sacramento Ave.) Saturday, August 11 at 6:30pm | Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.) Sunday, August 12 at 4:00pm | Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.) Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30pm | Ridge Park (1817 W. 96th St.) Wednesday, August 15 at 6:30pm | Garfield Park (100 N. Central Park Ave.) Thursday, August 16 at 6:30pm | Dvorak Park (1119 W. Cullerton St.) Tuesday, August 21 at 6:30pm | Calumet Park (9801 S. Ave. G) Wednesday, August 22 at 6:30pm | Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine Ave.) Thursday, August 23 at 6:30pm | Piotrowski Park (4247 W. 31st St.) Friday, August 24 at 6:30pm | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) Saturday, August 25 at 6:30pm | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) Sunday, August 26 at 4:00pm | Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.) “We are proud to partner with Chicago Shakespeare Theater to bring free Shakespeare to our beautiful neighborhood parks,” said Chicago Park District Superintendent and CEO Michael P. Kelly. “This is just one of the 1,200 multidisciplinary and multicultural Night Out in the Parks offerings that everyone is invited to come, see and experience in Chicago’s parks this summer.” The citywide tour is made possible by a renewed civic, cultural, and corporate partnership between Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Boeing, and production sponsor BMO Harris Bank. Since the inception of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program seven years ago, more than 130,000 Chicagoans have taken advantage of free performances in their communities. “The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks program has become a local symbol for increased access to and participation in the arts” said John Blazey, Vice President of Boeing Global Engagement. “This unique partnership among city agencies, community-based organizations, local artists, and neighborhood residents is a powerful example of how investment in the arts helps to bring vitality to our communities by engaging families and building connections with one another.” David Casper, President and CEO, BMO Harris Bank said, “BMO Harris Bank is proud to sponsor this summer’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, a magical story that has been delighting audiences for over four hundred years. Chicago Shakespeare Theater shares our commitment to ensuring that great theater is accessible to all, and we look forward to partnering with them in bringing this production to neighborhoods across the city.” For the first time since the establishment of the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour in 2012, director Barbara Gaines is directing this 75-minute abridged production for audiences across Chicago. Gaines has always treasured the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour, which carries on the tradition of free Shakespeare that she established in the early years of the Theater. Gaines brings a vision of merriment to the enchanting story of four young lovers who set out for the forest, in which an amateur theater troupe is rehearsing. When the Fairy Court discovers these mortals in their midst, mischief ensues until dawn. The Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast includes Jasmine Bracey (Titania/Hippolyta), Adam Wesley Brown (Bottom), Richard Costes (Snout), Danielle Davis (Starveling), Lane Anthony Flores (Flute/Fairy), Kevin Gudahl (Oberon/Theseus), Jarrett King (Egeus/Quince), Tyrone Phillips (Demetrius), Cage Sebastian Pierre (Puck), Laura Rook (Helena), Faith Servant (Hermia), Christopher Sheard (Lysander), and Hannah Starr (Snug/Fairy). Joining Gaines on the creative team is Scenic Designer Kevin Depinet, Costume Designer Mieka van der Ploeg, Sound Designer Mikhail Fiksel, and Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie.
Partnering with the Chicago Park District, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is offering ASL-interpreted performances at six of the eighteen Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour stops:
Friday, August 03 at 6:30pm | Eckhart Park (1330 W. Chicago Ave.) Saturday, August 04 at 6:30pm | Welles Park (2333 W. Sunnyside Ave.) Wednesday, August 08 at 6:30pm | Tuley Park (501 E. 90th Pl.) Tuesday, August 14 at 6:30pm | Ridge Park (1817 W. 96th St.) Saturday, August 25 at 6:30pm | Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave.) Sunday, August 26 at 4:00pm | Ping Tom Memorial Park (1700 S. Wentworth Ave.) Sign-interpreting the performances are Elizabeth Bartlow Breslin and Will Lee. Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks will also offer an Audio-described performance on Sunday, August 12 at 4:00pm at Frank J. Wilson Park (4630 N. Milwaukee Ave.) for audience members who are blind or have low vision, in which a describer provides a description of visual elements of the production transmitted through headphones. Assistive-listening devices are available for all performances. For more information on Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/parks.
ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER A global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be, putting forward a company that delights in the unexpected and defies theatrical category. A Regional Tony Award winner, the Theater produces acclaimed plays at its home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. In 2017, the Theater unveiled a new stage, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard positions Chicago Shakespeare as the city’s most versatile performing arts venue.
ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Family Friendly Theatre Fun
SHORT SHAKESPEARE! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Abridgment brings Shakespeare’s enchanted comedy
to students and families in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, Through March 10th
Running Time: 75-minutes * Family Friendly
Puck (Travis Turner) surveys the enchanted world of Chicago Shakespeare’s abridged production of Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream, adapted and directed by Jess McLeod, February 3–March 10, 2018 in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare.
Photo by Liz Lauren.
Disclosure: Thanks to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for partnering up with ChiIL Mama once again and providing complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are our own.
Congrats to Maryellen C. who won 4 tickets (up to $136 value)
To Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream From ChiIL Mama Out Of 230 Entries.
Check back with us early and often for great giveaways, original reviews, interviews, photo recaps, entertainment news, and more, in Chi, IL and beyond.
Hermia (Faith Servant) beams at her true love, Lysander (Christopher Sheard).
Photo by Liz Lauren.
Review: by Catherine Hellmann, Guest Critic
“The course of true love never did run smooth,” according to Lysander, one of the confused lovers in this charming production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. But this abridged version, at 75 minutes, does run smoothly and somehow does not feel like Shakespeare’s story is slighted in the least. The show is intended to be very family-friendly, and it was encouraging to see so many children in the audience. In fact, the introduction by actress Christiana Clark reviews basic rules of etiquette for the young crowd, such as reminding viewers that this isn’t television, the actors can hear you. “So if a cell phone goes off over here, you open a bag of Doritos over there, or you are arguing over whether to watch the Super Bowl or the Puppy Bowl,” the actors hear it. (A cell phone kept buzzing, incredibly loudly, when I saw the play Nice Girl, last week at Raven Theater. Perhaps more grown-ups need this refresher course, too.) She also encouraged audience positive feedback because “your reactions fuel our performance.” One of my favorite moments in the show was when Bottom threw his arms wide while in “rehearsal” for the play-within-a-play of Pyramus and Thisbe. In a bit of physical comedy, he hit “Thisbe” twice, and a little kid in the audience kept giggling, showing how Shakespeare can be accessible for all.
Bottom (Adam Wesley Brown ) takes center stage as The Mechanicals assign roles for their upcoming theatrical performance.
Photo by Liz Lauren.
Midsummer is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, ever since my teen years when I was in a community theater production as Hippolyta. It was amazing how fresh and clever this production is and how the cast elicits laughs in unexpected places. The “amateur theatrical troupe of local workers” rehearsing and performing their ridiculous play for the finale was especially funny. When their roles are assigned by Peter Quince, they obviously had no idea what the play was about, and it was delightful to watch their comfort levels grow into the roles. The “lion” is extremely shy and timid as a kitty initially, but by the end, she is roaring at random and enjoying startling people. Adam Wesley Brown as Bottom is appropriately over-the-top from the get-go; his performance is just a hoot, especially his overly dramatic death scene as Pyramus, which rivals any opera diva’s demise.
Playful Puck (Travis Turner) delights in creating mischief.
Photo by Liz Lauren.
Many of the actors doubled up on their roles. Ms. Clark and Sean Fortunato have a great chemistry as both Duke Theseus and his bride, then the fairy world’s Oberon and Titania.(Their costumes in the fairy world were especially cool, as Titania arms seemed to be covered in bark like the limbs on a tree. Bottom gets a cape to wear covered in flowers which had been Tatiana’s blanket during her long slumber.) After the performance, there was a question-answer session with the cast. A child asked if it is hard to play two roles. The actor replied that it is fun to be someone else, and in this show, they got to do that twice.
The king and queen of the fairies, Oberon (Sean Fortunato) and
Titania (Christiana Clark) come face to face.
Photo by Liz Lauren.
My teen companions loved the show, and I asked them their favorite parts. Our friend Camelia liked the physical comedy, like when there was a reference to Helena’s tall stature, and the actress, who was already on a high rock, threw her arms up to be even taller. My daughter Savannah liked the sound effect of the magical droplet being placed by Puck into sleeping eyes. A young audience member asked why all the characters at the end got married. Lysander replied simply:”Because they were in love.”
Hermia (Faith Servant) and Helena (Ally Carey) rejoice.
Photo by Liz Lauren.
You will simply love this abbreviated version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Take your kids and go see it. Or borrow someone else’s kids and go see it. For “reason and love keep little company these days.”
Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:
Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we've been fervent fans of Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) for so many decades we've seen them perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream in it's entirety and as a Short Shakespeare 75-minute abridgment, several times over the years. Each production is fresh and new, and this 2018 version is extra exciting, because it's the first Shakespeare play to be performed in their new space, The Yard! Never fear, despite it's name, The Yard is indoors, heated, and awesome. Public Performance Dates: Saturday, February 3, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/ssmidsummer. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., February 3–March 10, 2018. Tickets are on sale now for $22–$34 (subject to change). For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com.
CST strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons through its Access Shakespeare programs. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will have an Audio-Described Performance on Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. and an Open-captioned and ASL Duo-interpreted Performance on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m.
An enchanted Titania (Christiana Clark) is overcome with desire for Bottom (Adam Wesley Brown), who has been transformed into an ass by a spell. Photo by Liz Lauren.
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream —a 75-minute abridgment of William Shakespeare’s riotous tale of mismatched love among mischievous fairies, young lovers, and an amateur theatrical troupe. Directed and adapted by Jess McLeod and featuring a power-packed ensemble cast, this production will bring the magic to life for more than 1,000 students each day in the innovative, new venue The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare during its six-week run. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed for the public on Saturdays February 3–March 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a question-and-answer session before joining the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversation and photo opportunities. This year, Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will have an extended run in The Yard, allowing thousands of additional students and families to engage with this education program. The Yard will be configured as an intimate thrust stage, with audiences surrounding the stage on three sides and runway aisles for actor entrances and exits.
Jess McLeod makes her Chicago Shakespeare debut with Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream, although her work has reached thousands of audiences as resident director of Chicago’s Hamilton. In 2016, she was awarded the Michael Maggio Fellowship by Goodman Theatre and has directed at a range of local theatres including Victory Gardens, Haven Theatre, and Steppenwolf’s Next Up! Program. McLeod is also a teaching artist at Storycatcher’s Theatre and a program manager for the annual “Louder Than a Bomb” youth poetry festival.
The Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast features Adam Wesley Brown (Bottom, through March 18), Ally Carey (Helena), Christiana Clark (Titania/Hippolyta), Richard Costes (Snout/Fairy), Lane Anthony Flores (Flute/Fairy), Sean Fortunato (Oberon/Theseus), Jeremy Peter Johnson (Bottom, beginning March 19), Jarett King (Egeus/Quince), Andrew L. Saenz (Demetrius), Faith Servant (Hermia), Christopher Sheard (Lysander), Drew Shirley (Starveling), Hannah Starr (Snug/Fairy), and Travis Turner (Puck). Collaborating with Jess McLeod to transform The Yard into an enchanted forest setting is Scenic Designer Lauren Nigri, Costume Designer Izumi Inaba, Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, Sound Designer Mikhail Fiksel, Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie, Fight Choreographer Jerry Galante, Verse Coach Kathryn Walsh, and Assistant Director Héctor Alvarez. Chicago Shakespeare’s Short Shakespeare! Series is rooted in the Theater’s steadfast commitment to young audiences, which has resulted in one in four audience members being age 18 or under. Chicago Shakespeare partners with teachers to extend the experience into the classroom, providing show-specific materials and activities in addition to leading free professional development workshops for teachers.
Adam Wesley Brown as Bottom and Christiana Clark as Titania.
Photo by Bill Burlingham.
Coming Soon 2/21-4/15:
ChiIL Mama will be ChiILin' at Chicago Shakespeare Theater for the press opening of Schiller's Mary Stuart, so check back soon for my full review at ChiILLiveShows.com.
ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER A global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be, putting forward a company that delights in the unexpected and defies theatrical category. A Regional Tony Award-winning theater, CST produces acclaimed plays at its home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. In 2017, the Theater unveiled a new stage, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard positions CST as the city’s most versatile performing arts venue.
Disclosure: Thanks to Chicago Shakespeare Theatre for partnering up with ChiIL Mama once again and providing complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are our own.
to students and families in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, beginning February 3rd
Running Time: 75-minutes * Family Friendly
ENTER HERE for your chance to WIN 4 tickets (up to $136 value) for your choice of 11am or 2pm on Saturday, February 10, 2018 ONLY.
SHORT SHAKESPEARE! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
Enter through midnight Monday, February 5th. Winner will be e-mailed and announced on our site and ChiIL Mama's social media networks.
Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we've been fervent fans of Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) for so many decades we've seen them perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream in it's entirety and as a Short Shakespeare 75-minute abridgment, several times over the years. Each production is fresh and new, and this 2018 version is extra exciting, because it's the first Shakespeare play to be performed in their new space, The Yard! Never fear, despite it's name, The Yard is indoors, heated, and awesome.
Travis Turner as Puck. Photos by Liz Lauren
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream —a 75-minute abridgment of William Shakespeare’s riotous tale of mismatched love among mischievous fairies, young lovers, and an amateur theatrical troupe. Directed and adapted by Jess McLeod and featuring a power-packed ensemble cast, this production will bring the magic to life for more than 1,000 students each day in the innovative, new venue The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare during its six-week run. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed for the public on Saturdays February 3–March 10, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a question-and-answer session before joining the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversation and photo opportunities. This year, Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will have an extended run in The Yard, allowing thousands of additional students and families to engage with this education program. The Yard will be configured as an intimate thrust stage, with audiences surrounding the stage on three sides and runway aisles for actor entrances and exits.
Titania (Christiana Clark) beckons Bottom (Adam Wesley Brown), who has been transfigured into an ass, and her Fairy attendants (Hannah Starr and Lane Anthony Flores). Photo by Liz Lauren.
Jess McLeod makes her Chicago Shakespeare debut with Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream, although her work has reached thousands of audiences as resident director of Chicago’s Hamilton. In 2016, she was awarded the Michael Maggio Fellowship by Goodman Theatre and has directed at a range of local theatres including Victory Gardens, Haven Theatre, and Steppenwolf’s Next Up! Program. McLeod is also a teaching artist at Storycatcher’s Theatre and a program manager for the annual “Louder Than a Bomb” youth poetry festival.
Adam Wesley Brown as Bottom and Christiana Clark as Titania.
Photo by Bill Burlingham.
The Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream cast features Adam Wesley Brown (Bottom, through March 18), Ally Carey (Helena), Christiana Clark (Titania/Hippolyta), Richard Costes (Snout/Fairy), Lane Anthony Flores (Flute/Fairy), Sean Fortunato (Oberon/Theseus), Jeremy Peter Johnson (Bottom, beginning March 19), Jarett King (Egeus/Quince), Andrew L. Saenz (Demetrius), Faith Servant (Hermia), Christopher Sheard (Lysander), Drew Shirley (Starveling), Hannah Starr (Snug/Fairy), and Travis Turner (Puck). Collaborating with Jess McLeod to transform The Yard into an enchanted forest setting is Scenic Designer Lauren Nigri, Costume Designer Izumi Inaba, Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, Sound Designer Mikhail Fiksel, Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie, Fight Choreographer Jerry Galante, Verse Coach Kathryn Walsh, and Assistant Director Héctor Alvarez. Chicago Shakespeare’s Short Shakespeare! Series is rooted in the Theater’s steadfast commitment to young audiences, which has resulted in one in four audience members being age 18 or under. Chicago Shakespeare partners with teachers to extend the experience into the classroom, providing show-specific materials and activities in addition to leading free professional development workshops for teachers. Public Performance Dates: Saturday, February 3, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 3, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 10, 2018 – 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/ssmidsummer. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will be performed in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, Saturdays at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., February 3–March 10, 2018. Tickets are on sale now for $22–$34 (subject to change). For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com. CST strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons through its Access Shakespeare programs. Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream will have an Audio-Described Performance on Saturday, February 17 at 11:00 a.m. and an Open-captioned and ASL Duo-interpreted Performance on Saturday, February 24 at 11:00 a.m.
ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER A global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be, putting forward a company that delights in the unexpected and defies theatrical category. A Regional Tony Award-winning theater, CST produces acclaimed plays at its home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. In 2017, the Theater unveiled a new stage, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard positions CST as the city’s most versatile performing arts venue.
ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: Free Fam Friendly Fun in Chi, IL
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
FREE FOR ALL
by William Shakespeare
directed and adapted by David H. Bell
July 18–August 17, 2014
Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we ADORE Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. They have high caliber, professional, world class productions. And if that's not enough to get you out to a show, every summer they take it to the parks for FREE. Yes, outside... for free. Bring a picnic and chiIL out in Chi, IL this summer with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's fabulous fantasy, A Midsummer Night's Dream. All ages welcome.
Here were our prior predictions on this production when it was performed in schools across the city & publicly in a sold out run at Chicago Shakespeare's Navy Pier home:
A new generation is realizing Shakespeare wasn't as snooty as they thought and he wrote about wacky, cross dressing, unfaithful, confused, hilarious, murderous, magical characters.
A zillion jr high and high school students are crushing on the charismatic cutie, Puck (Steven Lee Johnson)! It was already starting with the tweens as early as opening day-- "No... you go talk to him..." "No, YOU. Giggle giggle."
More than a few students are inspired to see more theatre and/or try their hand at writing plays and poetry.
More than a few students are inspired to check out more circus arts, thanks to the best. wall. ever. and his uber creative block juggling work. Kudos to you!
The complete performance listing for the Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks production of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, touring FREE FOR ALL to 18 neighborhood parks across Chicago is below.
Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Back by citywide demand! Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks returns this summer and brings William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, FREE FOR ALL, to 18 neighborhood parks across Chicago. A specially equipped truck rolls into each park, a stage unfolds and a company of professional actors shares the delight of Shakespeare with families and neighbors of all ages.
In this popular Shakespearean comedy, a quartet of mismatched lovers, a gaggle of hapless actors and mischievous sprites cross paths with the king and queen of the fairies, entangled in their own domestic dispute. Audiences will be transported to a wondrous wood brimming with paramours and possibilities where the inexplicable magic of falling in love—and the marvel of waking up from the sweetest of dreams—is discovered. Director David H. Bell has adapted this Shakespeare favorite into an acrobatic and riotously entertaining version of the play.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Gateway Park South Lawn, Front of Navy Pier
Friday, July 18, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 19, 6:30 p.m. 600 E. Grand Ave.
Books, Bards and Stars... Oh MY! If you thought Easter and 4/20 coinciding this year was big... check out the forecast for 4/23! Tonight brings thousands of FREE books being given away on the streets, to reluctant readers around the world, Shakespeare's 450th birthday, and an ultra rare Lyrid Meteor Shower peaking. It only orbits the sun every 415 years... so maybe you can celebrate the bard under the same shooting stars that inspired HIM!
Our undying affection for Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Short Shakespeare Series continues with their awesome production of A Midsummer Night's Dream (see our full set of shots in the slideshow above). Public shows have ended, but we'll give them another shout out since they're still touring schools and inspiring kids through the end of April. We LOVED the David Bowie-esque wigs for the fairies, (by Melissa Veal) reminiscent of the Troll King in Labyrinth. The wigs were custom made on site for the show! It was such a cooler, punk look and made their trickery (and plan to steal the changeling child-sound familiar) all the more sinister. Great edgy costume choices and so much more refreshing than the usual fairy tulle and flowers.
An enchanted Titania (Lanise Antoine Shelley) desires Bottom (Alex Weisman), surrounded by her fairy attendants (left to right: Max Fabian, Justin Cornwell, Wesley Daniel, Michael Finley). Photo by Michael Brosilow. - See more at: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/ssdream#sthash.akMIUOI6.dpuf We also really dug the use of simple objects in unusual ways, like the umbrellas and the ever changing string that blocked & opened paths through the forest.
Puck (Steven Lee Johnson, far right) concocts magical mischief in the woods while Hermia (Tiffany Yvonne Cox) sleeps cradled in the boughs of a tree created by the fairies. Photo by Michael Brosilow. - See more at: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/ssdream#sthash.akMIUOI6.dpuf
Demetrius (Ryan Hallahan) finds himself ensnared in the shadowy vines of the woods. Photo by Michael Brosilow. - See more at: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/ssdream#sthash.akMIUOI6.dpuf The whole show is packed up on tour now, making the rounds and blowing the minds of school kids all over Chicago. ChiIL Mama had a great chat with resident Scenic Designer, Scott Davis, and he gave us the scoop. They pretty much tour with the whole cast and most of the set... except the moon which is just too huge to move. You might recognize it from the recent production of Cyrano. It's not only too big to tour, it's too big for the Chi-Shakes set storage area! So it just may be waxing poetic over more productions before it wanes. That's cool with us. That orb is pretty impressive and worth mooning over.
Our predictions on this production:
A new generation is realizing Shakespeare wasn't as snooty as they thought and he wrote about wacky, cross dressing, unfaithful, confused, hilarious, murderous, magical characters.
A zillion jr high and high school students are crushing on the charismatic cutie, Puck (Steven Lee Johnson)! It was already starting with the tweens as early as opening day-- "No... you go talk to him..." "No, YOU. Giggle giggle."
More than a few students are inspired to see more theatre and/or try their hand at writing plays and poetry.
More than a few students are inspired to check out more circus arts, thanks to the best. wall. ever. and his uber creative block juggling work. Kudos to you!
Bewitched by a fairy’s spell, Bottom (Alex Weisman) is transformed into an ass. Photo by Michael Brosilow. - See more at: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/ssdream#sthash.akMIUOI6.dpuf
As queen and king of the fairy kingdom, Titania (Lanise Antoine Shelley) and Oberon (Eric Parks) share passion both in love and in conflict. Photo by Michael Brosilow. - See more at: http://www.chicagoshakes.com/plays_and_events/ssdream#sthash.akMIUOI6.dpuf
Next Up: Henry V. We can't wait!!
ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips for Chi-Shakes:
Kids love to get their programs signed by the actors who pose for photo ops and gladly sign in the lobby after each show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
Go to the TOP floor and check out the coolest bathroom view in the city that we know of! Seriously. Go already.
A view from the loo:
Sure Navy Pier is all torn up and inconvenient at present, but snap some photos. We love to see things in the development stages... in the process of becoming. It'll never look like that again, even in a few days. Catch & keep that moment in time.
SUPPORT THE ARTS: Buy some of their fun Shakes swag. Their water bottles and mugs are remarkably reasonably priced and they have unique gifts like Shakespearian insult bandaids, dolls, tees and Shakespeare quotes playing cards!
Birthday Bashes First--Happy Birthday to the bard. Shakespeare is 450 today! Here at ChiIL Mama, we dig the bard. I was in Twelfth Night in college and even now I catch every show at Chicago Shakespeare Theater (Shakes and non alike--they have a diverse, world class lineup of shows!) My kids have see at least 3 different productions of A Midsummer Night's Dream, multiple Macbeths and a host of others.
We'll be reviewing Henry V opening night as well as Joffrey's Romeo and Juliet, so check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often!
**Today is talk Like Shakespeare Day: April 23** Everyone is dared on Shakespeare's Birthday on April 23 to break out your "thee-s" and "thou-s" and stock of Shakespearian insultsin observation of the annual Talk Like Shakespeare Day. Today is an opportunity for citizens across the globe to bring the spoken words of Shakespeare into their daily lives. Penning 154 sonnets and 38 plays, Shakespeare is credited with contributing over 1,700 words and countless phrases to the English language, including "bedazzled," "swagger," and "new-fangled." Shakespearean tips and useful expressions can be found at www.TalkLikeShakespeare.org.
On the Occasion of William Shakespeare's
450th Birthday April 23
Chicago Shakespeare Theater joins Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute of Chicago and Joffrey Ballet in celebration of the Bard’s legacy and lasting vitality in Chicago
"Our City, Our Shakespeare" premieres
on WTTW Channel 11
Additional Shakespeare Birthday Programs and Collaborations
Also Announced
Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) along with Chicago’s civic and cultural leaders celebrate William Shakespeare’s 450th Birthday with the premiere of "Our City, Our Shakespeare," a documentary exploring Shakespeare’s enduring presence in Chicago, featuring Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Art Institute of Chicago, Joffrey Ballet, among others. Produced by Emmy award-winning HMS Media, the program premieres May 1 at 8:00 p.m. on WTTW Channel 11. Shakespeare’s 450th birthday on April 23 begins the internationally recognized Shakespeare Quadricentennial Celebration through 2016, marking 400 years of Shakespeare’s legacy since his death in 1616. On this occasion, Chicago’s cultural community heralds the prolific poet and playwright’s lasting impact on our lives—through our everyday speech and in cultural institutions, schools and neighborhoods across the city. All Chicagoans can join in on the birthday celebrations with activities, events and performances for everyone, everywhere to bring Shakespeare into their lives.
"Our City, Our Shakespeare" examines Chicago's special relationship with the world's most translated and performed playwright. By weaving together footage from theater, opera, dance and improv performances on Chicago's stages and interviews with civic and cultural leaders, theater critics and artists alike, it is clear that Shakespeare lives on in Chicago. The 30-minute program features interviews with notable Chicagoans, including: Mayor Rahm Emanuel; Michael P. Kelly, Chicago Park District General Superintendent/CEO; William J. Brodsky, Navy Pier, Inc. Chairman; Barbara Gaines, CST Artistic Director; Criss Henderson, CST Executive Director; Renée Fleming, Lyric Opera of Chicago Creative Consultant; Anthony Freud, Lyric Opera of Chicago General Director; Ashley Wheater, Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director; Douglas Druick, Art Institute of Chicago President; Martha Gilmer, Chicago Symphony Orchestra VP for Artistic Planning and Audience Development; Amina Dickerson, Arts Advisor/Non-Profit and Philanthropic Consultant; Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune Chief Theater Critic; Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times Theater and Dance Critic; Mike Nussbaum, Ora Jones and Kevin Gudahl, actors; Kirsten Kelly, CPS Shakespeare! director; the Q Brothers, GQ and JQ, actors/writers/musicians; Dr. Karen Boran, John Hancock High School Principal; Vincent Pinelli, Benito Juarez Community Academy Theater Director; Blaine Swen, The Improvised Shakespeare Company Creator and Director; and Robert Kameczura and Maureen Warren, visual artists.
"Our City, Our Shakespeare" producer HMS Media has received 17 Emmy Awards, 23 Emmy nominations, four Ruth Page Awards, the Arts & Business Council's ABBY Award and Gold and Silver Plaques from the Chicago International Film Festival for its broadcast specials about theater, dance, music and social issues, which have aired locally on WTTW and nationally on PBS. "Our City, Our Shakespeare" airs on WTTW Channel 11 on May 1 at 8:00 p.m., May 2 at 2 p.m. (WTTW Prime) and 7:30 p.m., and May 4 at 5:30 p.m.
All Chicagoans can join in on the birthday celebration in the coming weeks—whether at the bus stop, around the water cooler, inside the classroom, at home or out and about in the city. The following activities, events and performances offer a way for everyone, everywhere to bring Shakespeare into their lives:
Will's 450 is the New 30 Quiz: April 21–May 11
After all this time, he continues to influence the movies we watch, the books we read, and even the way we speak. To prove it, we created a quiz. When you take it, you’ll get a discount on tickets to our thrilling, upcoming rendition of Henry V and a chance to win awesome Shakespeare prizes.
Proving that Shakespeare's words have passed the test of time, Will's 450 is the New 30 Quiz features multiple-choice questions dealing with Shakespeare in pop culture and everyday speech, such as "Which Shakespearean phrase is the title of a current song?" and “Which of the following Shakespeare quotes inspired the title for a hit TV mini-series?” Not sure of an answer? Quiz-takers are encouraged to Google search answers, so they can see how "with-it" Will still is today. The quiz will be available between April 21 and May 11 atwww.chicagoshakes.com/birthday.
Shakespeare at the Newberry Library: April 21 at 6:00 p.m. & April 22–June 21
Those who want to dig deeper into Shakespeare's vast and varied contributions to literature and theater can join CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines in "Conversations at the Newberry" on April 21 at 6:00 p.m. for a discussion. Gaines will share the stage with Gail Kern Paster, director emerita of the Folger Shakespeare Library. This free event launches the Newberry's The Bard Is Born exhibition of Shakespeare-related artifacts, including the Library's treasured First Folio and Barbara Gaines's personal annotated copy of the play script for Henry V from CST's inaugural production in 1986. The exhibition is free and open to the public, April 22 through June 21.
Preview of "Our City, Our Shakespeare" on Chicago Tonight: April 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Host Phil Ponce welcomes CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley Wheater to Chicago Tonight on WTTW Channel 11 and presents a sneak preview of "Our City, Our Shakespeare" on April 23 at 7:00 p.m. In honor of the Bard's birthday celebrations, Gaines will discuss CST's upcoming production of Henry V and Wheater will preview Joffrey Ballet's Romeo & Juliet.
Shakespeare's Henry V at CST: April 29–June 15
To experience Shakespeare up close and personal, theatergoers can catch a performance of Henry V, beginning on April 29 and running through June 15 in CST's Courtyard Theater. This rousing finale to the 2014 season is directed by distinguished British director Christopher Luscombe in his Chicago debut. Confronted by the ferocity of war on the fields of Agincourt, the charming, freshly crowned King Henry must prove his worth as a man and king in the ultimate test of his leadership.
Joffrey Ballet's Romeo & Juliet: April 30–May 11 Joffrey Ballet presents a modern retelling of Shakespeare's tale of star-crossed lovers set to Sergei Prokofiev's formidable score. Choreographed by Krzysztof Pastor and with live music performed by the Chicago Philharmonic, this production of Romeo & Juliet makes its United States debut at The Auditorium Theatre, April 30 through May 11.
"Our City, Our Shakespeare": May 1 at 8:00 p.m., May 2 at 7:30 p.m. & May 4 at 5:30 p.m.
Produced by HMS Media, "Our City, Our Shakespeare" explores how Shakespeare comes alive in Chicago through theater, opera, ballet, improv and visual art. "Our City, Our Shakespeare" premieres on WTTW Channel 11 on May 1 at 8:00 p.m., with additional broadcasts on May 2 at 2 p.m. (WTTW Prime) and 7:30 p.m., and May 4 at 5:30 p.m.
CST and Chicago Philharmonic in Romantic Rapture: May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
The extended birthday concludes with a collaboration between CST and the Chicago Philharmonic on Sunday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Pick-Staiger Hall in Evanston. Together, the two organizations present Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet as part of the evening's Romantic Rapture event. Directed by Scott Weinstein and conducted by Scott Speck, actors and musicians bring to life one of Shakespeare's most passionate and tragic tales.
For a full line-up of activities and events surrounding Shakespeare’s 450th birthday, see www.chicagoshakes.com/450.
Tonight ChiIL Mama will again be a book giver for the 3rd year. We're proud to have been a part of World Book Night since it's first year in the US. Check out our past coverage here. Last year we gave away 20 copies of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho--and even gave a copy to a homeless man, looking for something to pass the time.
This year we're giving away 20 copies of Bridge to Terabithia
By Katherine Paterson at our neighborhood park district.
Check back for our photo filled recap later this week.
Bridge to Terabithia
Jess Aaron's greatest ambition is to be the fastest runner in the fifth grade. He's been practicing all summer and can't wait to see his classmates' faces when he beats them all. But on the first day of school, a new kid, a new girl, boldly crosses over to the boy's side of the playground and outruns everyone.
That's not a very promising beginning for a friendship, but Jess and Leslie Burke become inseparable. It doesn't matter to Jess that Leslie dresses funny, or that her family has a lot of money -- but no TV. Leslie has imagination. Together, she and Jess create Terabithia, a magical kingdom in the woods where the two of them reign as king and queen, and their imaginations set the only limits. Then one morning a terrible tragedy occurs. Only when Jess is able to come to grips with this tragedy does he finally understand the strength and courage Leslie has given him.
Middle Reader.
Author biography
Katherine Paterson was born in China, where she spent part of her childhood. After her education in China and the American South, she spent four years in Japan, the setting for her first three novels. Ms. Paterson has received numerous awards for her writing, including National Book Awards for The Master Puppeteer and The Great Gilly Hopkins, as well as Newbery Medals for Jacob Have I Loved and Bridge to Terabithia. Ms. Paterson lives with her husband in Vermont. They have four grown children.
World Book Night is an annual celebration dedicated to spreading the love of reading, person to person. Each year on April 23, tens of thousands of people go out into their communities and give half a million free World Book Night paperbacks to light and non-readers.
World Book Night is about giving books and encouraging reading in those who don’t regularly do so. But it is also about more than that: It’s about people, communities and connections, about reaching out to others and touching lives in the simplest of ways—through the sharing of stories.
World Book Night is a nonprofit organization. We exist because of the support of thousands of book givers, booksellers, librarians, and financial supporters who believe in our mission. Successfully launched in the U.K. in 2011, World Book Night was first celebrated in the U.S. in 2012. Thank you to our U.K. friends for such a wonderful idea!
Thank you for visiting us! We hope you explore our site to learn more about World Book Night, keep updated on new developments, support our organization, and apply to be a World Book Night U.S. book giver!
As if all that isn't enough... April showers are upon us. The Lyrid Meteor Showers that is!
Lyrid Meteor Shower Peaks Tonight:
How To Watch Live
"The annual Lyrid meteor shower occurs every year when Earth passes through debris left behind by Comet Thatcher, which makes a full orbit of the sun once every 415 years.At its peak this year — which is expected to happen in the pre-dawn hours Tuesday (April 22) — the Lyrid shower should produce about 20 meteors per hour. You can watch the Lyrid meteor shower webcasts on Space.com via the online Slooh community telescope and NASA."
