OVO by Cirque du Soleil Presented at Hoffman Estates’ NOW Arena February 13-16, 2025

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List 

Restaged OVO by Cirque du Soleil 

heads to Hoffman Estates for six performances only Feb. 13-16

After 15 years of success & three world tours, the bugs are back in town!

💚💚 Just in time for Valentine's Day💚💚

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Cirque du Soleil has been a family favorite of ours for decades. We're so jazzed to see them back in post-pandemic action and excited to catch the newly revamped OVO. Circus arts are a wonder and delight; something we could all use more of these days. Current events, life in general, and/or the winter weather bugging you? Take a journey into the colorful microcosm of OVO. We adore Cirque du Soleil's multicultural casts and crews of world class talent. OVO is made up of 100 people from 25 different countries, including 53 artists!

From crickets bouncing on trampolines to a hypnotic spider contorting into all sorts of shapes, OVO exudes an extraordinary sense of spectacle that tickles the imagination. Funny and chaotic, yet adorable and wonderful, OVO enchants one’s inner child with its gentle exuberance. OVO ("egg" in Portuguese) showcases high-level acrobatic acts that redefine the limits of the human body.

Bring your family, friends, and/or Valentine to the all new ‘metamorphosis’ of OVO by Cirque du Soleil. I'll be out for opening night of their Chicago area run the 13th, so check back soon for my full review. 

Between a triumphant European tour and a highly anticipated return to North America, OVO by Cirque du Soleil has undergone a full ‘metamorphosis’ under the watchful eye of its original creators. The renewed show will be presented in Hoffman Estates at the NOW Arena in six performances only, February 13-16, 2025. Tickets for this family-friendly bug invasion are available now by visiting www.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.

After performing in 40 countries and delighting audiences in the Middle East, Egypt, and Europe in recent years, the OVO insect colony returned to Cirque du Soleil’s headquarters in Montreal for a new look. Over the past year, a team of more than 135 professionals (including 53 artists of the show) and the original creators of OVO have developed this restaging, including a revamped set design, new acrobatic acts and characters, freshly designed costumes, and reinvented music.

"The challenge was to find the balance between preserving the essence of the show that made it a success and allowing it to continue evolving. Like the insects that bring it to life, the show is in constant transformation, in perpetual motion: that’s the magic of live arts! Revisiting a production created 15 years ago, with the original creators and the touring team that has made it shine around the world, is an exceptional adventure!" shared Chantal Tremblay, Director of creation in 2009 and 2024.

Cirque du Soleil is thus preparing to offer its audience an even more captivating experience, celebrating both its rich artistic heritage and its constant ability to innovate. To purchase tickets and for more information visit www.cirquedusoleil.com/OVO.

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the artistic entertainment company brings its creative approach to a large variety of artistic forms such as live shows, multimedia productions, long-from content, music, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from more than 80 different nationalities. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

Follow #OVOCirque and #cirquedusoleil on Social Media

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ALL-NEW DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S DANCE! January 23 – February 9, 2025

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

JOIN AN EPIC PARTY WITH PLENTY OF MUSIC, ENERGY & AUDIENCE INTERACTION AT THE ALL-NEW 

DISNEY ON ICE PRESENTS LET’S DANCE!

The all-star cast includes fan-favorite stories from Frozen 2, Wish, The Lion King, The Little Mermaid and Moana

**Brand-New Production Skating Into Chicagoland from January 23 – February 9, 2025**

Disney On Ice is bringing the party to hometowns across the country, and the guest list is jam-packed with audience favorite Disney characters! Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy have become DJ’s, remixing Disney tunes into colorful stories at this all-new state-of-the-art ice show. Get ready to turn up the fun when Disney On Ice presents Let’s Dance! visits Allstate Arena in Rosemont from January 23-26 and February 6-9 plus the United Center in Chicago from January 30–February 2, 2025!

This production invites guests to belt out Disney’s chart-topping tunes, as their favorite stories are brought to life on and above the ice. Fans are sure to be wowed by the cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. 

Audiences will experience a nonstop party that encourages them to journey to unforgettable places, laugh, sing, dance, and make magical memories together. Through the magic of music, what started as a party transforms into a fantastic adventure! This all-new and thrilling Disney On Ice production features fan-favorite stories including:

WISH

Last year, Disney On Ice became the first live entertainment show to debut Asha before the animated film’s release. Now, the entire Kingdom of Rosas will magically come to life, featuring even more characters from Wish. Asha, Valentino, Star, and King Magnifico come together to bring to life “This Wish,” “I’m a Star,” and “This Is The Thanks I Get?!”

FROZEN 2

Journey to Arendelle and the Enchanted Forest in Frozen 2 with Anna, Elsa, Kristoff, and Olaf as they are reminded that “Some Things Never Change.” Visit the river full of memory, Ahtohallan, as Elsa asks memories of the past to “Show Yourself,” and Olaf thinks this will all make sense “When I’m Older.”

MOANA

The audience will immediately “Know The Way” when Moana shows them “How Far I’ll Go,” as she journeys from the island of Motunui to save her home from Te Kā. Along the way she meets Maui who reminds everyone “You’re Welcome.” The duo comes face to face with Tamatoa who hasn’t always been this “Shiny.”

THE LION KING

Escaping to the Pride Lands with Simba and Nala from The Lion King, audiences should “Be Prepared” as Scar and the hyenas plot to take over the throne. Timon and Pumbaa remind us it’s best just to say “Hakuna Matata” as everyone celebrates the “Circle of Life.”

THE LITTLE MERMAID

Skilled maestro, Sebastian, strikes a chord “Under the Sea” when he conducts Ariel, her seven sisters, and a colorful orchestra of sea creatures from The Little Mermaid. Guests will be singing along as Ariel serenades Prince Eric with a wish to become “Part of Your World,” and a symphony of lagoon insects perform “Kiss the Girl.”

R O S E M O N T 

WHEN:       

Thursday, January 23 7:00 PM                     

Friday, January 24 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                     

Saturday, January 25 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 26 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:      Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of family-friendly ticket pricing options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

C H I C A G O

WHEN:       

Thursday, January 30 7:00 PM                     

Friday, January 31 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                     

Saturday, February 1 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 2 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:      United Center – 1901 West Madison St. Chicago, IL 60612

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of family-friendly ticket pricing options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

R O S E M O N T 

WHEN:       

Thursday, February 6 7:00 PM                     

Friday, February 7 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                     

Saturday, February 8 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, February 9 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

WHERE:      Allstate Arena – 6920 North Mannheim Rd. Rosemont, IL 60018

TICKETS: Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or in-person at the venue box office.

*Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

“Frozen Fun” Character Experience

Guests can enhance their Disney On Ice show ticket with a preshow Character Experience that includes games, crafting, a sing-along and interactive photo opportunities with Anna and Elsa. 

NOTE: Each guest (ages 2 and up) must have both a Character Experience ticket and a Disney On Ice show ticket to attend; children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice’s social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & TikTok.  

Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce

About Feld Entertainment®

Feld Entertainment®, family owned and operated, is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that bring people together and uplift the human spirit. Properties include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®, Monster Jam®, Disney On Ice, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the Super Motocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 80 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information

Marriott Theatre Presents MEREDITH WILLSON’S THE MUSIC MAN April 10 Through June 2, 2024

 ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:

MEREDITH WILLSON’S THE MUSIC MAN

Peter Blair, Executive Producer 

Peter Marston Sullivan, Artistic Director 

Presents

Broadway’s Beloved Classic

Marriott Theatre continues its thrilling 2024 season with MEREDITH WILLSON’S THE MUSIC MAN, the six-time Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed and choreographed by Katie Spelman (Broadway: The Notebook, Moulin Rouge!, Amelie; Writers Theater: Once) with Music Direction by Jeff Award Winner Ryan T. Nelson. By turns wicked, funny, warm, romantic and touching, THE MUSIC MAN is family entertainment at its best. THE MUSIC MAN previews April 10, opens Wednesday, April 17 at 7:30 pm and runs through June 2, 2024. I'll be there for opening night, April 17th, so check back soon for my full review.

A cherished story to be shared with every generation, The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman, Harold Hill, as he cons the people of River City, Iowa, into buying instruments and uniforms for a band that he vows to organize – despite the fact that he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian, the librarian. With the help of Marian and River City, Harold sees himself turned into an upstanding citizen by the curtain's fall.

“THE MUSIC MAN is a timeless story, and one that showcases the enduring charm of the Golden Age musical,” said director Katie Spelman. “The idea that love, community, and redemption are all inextricably intertwined with one another is a wonderful reminder in these turbulent times.”

THE MUSIC MAN will star KJ Hippensteel as “Harold Hill” (Broadway: The Book of Mormon, Some Like it Hot, Mrs. Doubtfire; Marriott Theatre: Something Rotten!) along with Alexandra Silber as “Marian Paroo” (Broadway: Fiddler on the Roof, Master Class; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: Lend me a Soprano);  Emily Ann Brooks as “Zaneeta” (Marriott Theatre: Big Fish, Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Beauty and the Beast); Janet Ulrich Brooks as “Mrs. Paroo” (Marriott Theatre: Beautiful; Goodman Theatre: The Cherry Orchard); Kai Edgar as “Winthrop” (Marriott Theatre: Oliver!, Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach; Music Theater Works: Billy Elliott); Alex Goodrich as “Mayor Shinn” (Marriott Theatre: Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story; Chicago Shakespeare Theater: Hamlet); Michael Earvin Martin as “Marcellus Washburn” (Marriott Theatre: Beautiful; Chicago Shakespeare Theatre: The Comedy of Errors);  Sam Linda as “Tommy Djilas” (Marriott Theatre: Damn Yankees; Writers Theater: The Band’s Visit); Melanie Loren as “Eulalie Shinn” (Drury Lane Theater: The Color Purple, Little Shop of Horrors; TV: “Chicago Med”, “The Chi”); Ron E. Rains as “Charlie Cowell” (Marriott Theatre: Damn Yankees; Paramount Theatre: Billy Elliot: The Musical); and Elin Joy Seiler as “Amaryllis” (Marriott Theatre: A Christmas Story, The Musical, Gypsy; Paramount Theater: Billy Elliot) with Bridget Adams-King, Elliot Angsurat, Emma Grace Bailey, Logan Becker, Caron Buinis, Lillian Castillo, Brandon Dahlquist, Morgan DiFonzo, Kalea Edgar, Matt Edmonds, Kelly Felthous, Max Antonio Gonzalez, Darian Goulding, Laura Guley, Naya Rosalie James, Maya Keane, Kevin Kulp, Irene Lo, Charlie Long, Michael Lunder, Michael Mahler, Christine Mayland Perkins, Michael Potsic, Quinn Rigg, Ayana Strutz, and Matthew Weidenbener.

The artistic team features Scenic Designer Collette Pollard, Costume Designer Raquel Adorno, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Wig Designer Miguel A. Armstrong, Props Designer Sally Zack, Associate Choreographer Kim Hudman, Conductor Kevin Reeks, Production Manager Meg Love, Stage Manager Jessica Banaszak, Dialect Coach Sammi Grant, Assistant Director Laura Rook and Assistant Stage Manager Richard Strimer.

This production is dedicated to the Music Man in everyone’s hearts, the late Bernie Yvon (1964-2014). A veteran of countless theatres across the country, Bernie was especially beloved for his performances on the Marriott Theatre stage. Bernie considered Marriott Theatre home, and their patrons considered him family. A scholarship fund in Bernie’s name ensures that the next generation of theatre artists are given the same opportunity to learn and light up the stage as Bernie did. To play a part in honoring his legacy, please visit BernieYvon.com.

THE MUSIC MAN is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Ticket prices start at $60 (excluding tax and handling fees). Call for student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations are strongly recommended. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.tickets.marriotttheatre.com. 

Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information. This production of THE MUSIC MAN was licensed by Music Theatre International.

Movies On Our Radar: DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES MARCH 31, 2023

 

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: 

HONOR AMONG THIEVES

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES 

SNEAK PREVIEW MARCH 26

EARLY ACCESS FAN EVENT MARCH 29

WIDE IN THEATRES MARCH 31, 2023

TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW!

A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers undertake an epic heist to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people. Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves brings the rich world and playful spirit of the legendary roleplaying game to the big screen in a hilarious and action-packed adventure. 

I'll be out for an advance screening this Saturday, March 25th, so check back soon for my full review. Both my son and daughter play D & D, so we're pretty excited to check out this new release, out in theatres everywhere on my birthday, March 31st.

TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGvv-Hhft3U 

WEBSITE: https://www.dungeonsanddragons.movie/

#DnDMovie

  CLICK TO WATCH THE NEW “TEAM VS. EVIL” FEATURETTE!

Paramount Pictures Presents

In Association with eOne

A Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Film

Directed by:

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley

 

Screenplay by:

Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley and Michael Gilio

 

Story by:

Chris McKay & Michael Gilio

 

Based on HASBRO’S DUNGEONS & DRAGONS

 

Produced by:

Jeremy Latcham, p.g.a., Brian Goldner, Nick Meyer

 

Executive Producers:

Denis L. Stewart, Jonathan Goldstein,

John Francis Daley, Chris Pine, Zev Foreman, Greg Mooradian

Cast:

Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Regé-Jean Page, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Chloe Coleman, Daisy Head and Hugh Grant

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS: HONOR AMONG THIEVES Official Channels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DungeonsandDragonsMovie/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dungeonsanddragonsmovie/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DnDMovie

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dungeonsanddragonsmovie

#DnDMovie

 

REVIEW: Basil Twist's Symphonie Fantastique Film Via The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

I was eager to see Basil Twist's Symphonie Fantastique Film, but woke up yesterday with a stomach bug. Fortunately I have some fabulous friends who were more than happy to review in my place. I'll be back out Puppet Festing this Thursday at The MCA, reviewing Macunaíma Gourmet by Pigmalião Escultura que Mexe (Brazil) for ChiILLiveShows.com. Bonnie Kenaz-Mara ChiIL Live Shows/ ChiIL Mama  Review by Catherine Hellmann, Guest Critic    Basil Twist is a New York-based puppeteer (born in Chicago!) who has made a film involving feather and fabric puppets in a 1,000 gallon tank of water. It’s set to one of my favorite pieces of music, Hector Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. Inspired by the serendipitous finds of locating a 100-gallon aquarium and a record of the symphony in a box on the street, one must admire his creativity. Making a movie/abstract puppet show based on found items from the sidewalk would never cross my mind. He found the title of the symphony and its length (just under an hour) to be perfect for his project. As Twist observed,”Even dropping fabric into water can be beautiful.”    The piece has five movements with a storyline of an artist who is obsessed with a beautiful woman...that ends badly (spoiler!) with him facing the gallows. Basil Twist matched each movement with a color theme to mark the mood: the first section has many colors, followed by black and white with bits of red, section three features blues, four has oranges and greens. The final movement brings all the colors together.    The music is a piano solo by the extremely talented Christopher O’Riley who plays the entire score (adapted by the brilliant composer Franz Liszt) from memory.  The film shows the live action of the puppet show, the pianist, and some of the backstage movement which is like a well-planned ballet. Five puppeteers must navigate around each other in a choreographed dance. As Twist told the audience at the post-show discussion: “Puppetry is movement.” It would be fun to see this show live which includes a backstage tour of the (tsunami?) water mess.  Upstairs on the 4th floor at the gorgeous Fine Arts Building is a puppet “pop up” of fun displays. We enjoyed getting our photo taken with a giant girl puppet in the cafe. It’s neat that Chicago hosts this worldwide event. Catherine Hellmann teaches Psychology and Humanities at a downtown charter school where she is the ooooooldest teacher in the building. (Thank you, Abbott Elementary!) Rather than get a sensible night’s sleep, she’s usually at the theater on a school night…

Review

by Flo Mano, Guest Critic 

I was mesmerized by the movement & colors & texture! I saw Matisse in the first transparent cutouts! Then Dolphins & eels in a sensual, flirting, playful romance! When the music got intense -the red & black feathers felt like predators-sharks. When it was dark I saw outer space-stars- nebulas & comets! The sparkling broken waves like crystal gems! Then the inward  folding of the fabric like a sea urchin-no needles. The red squiggly fiber optics looked like jellyfish & the interwound, colorful tinsel felt like seaweed! The lighting was magic throughout-eliciting emotions to the music- like a tight Tango-not missing a beat! The Q&A was enlightening. It was also fun being silly at the cafe before the show.

Flo Mano is a CPS elementary teacher-aide/librarian, hairdresser, and theater/film fanatic who catches hundreds of Chicago shows annually. She volunteers at numerous film venues and theaters.

Symphonie Fantastique Film A film by Basil Twist (U.S./New York) Presented by the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Studebaker Theater, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago Tickets: $15/$10 students and seniors One show only: Tuesday, January 24 at 6 p.m. Family Friendly - ALL AGES ADA accessible 55 minutes

In 1998, puppeteer Basil Twist debuted his boundary-breaking response to Berlioz's 1830 "Symphonie Fantastique" to universal acclaim. In the two decades since, Twist became an internationally recognized artist in opera, ballet, and on Broadway, winning countless awards including the illustrious MacArthur Fellowship. In 2018 Twist revisited his legendary masterpiece in its original home, the HERE Arts Center in NYC with live accompaniment by the virtuosic Christopher O'Riley playing the exquisite Liszt transcription for concert piano and in a significantly larger aquarium. Symphonie played a critically lauded and sold-out six-month run, allowing the finest performances to be captured on film in front of, behind, and inside the 1,000-gallon water tank by Twist and director Bobby Sheehan.  Soon after, while on a Rome Prize fellowship, Twist collaborated with master Italian film artisans to edit and refine the definitive filmed version of this iconic theatrical experience. The result, Twist’s first full-length film, is not just a document of a performance but an artistic expression in its own right, weaving imagery seen by the audience with the unseen backstage ballet of the puppeteers and the emotional synergy of the live musical performance. It received its world premiere at the 2019 World Puppetry Festival in Charleville Mézières, France, where Twist was the guest of honor.  

While Basil Twist's Symphonie Fantastique Film was a one and done showing for Chicago, Basil Twist's “Dogugaeshi,” is still coming up

Basil Twist, the internationally acclaimed master puppeteer and recipient of the Rome Prize, unfolds an intimate, abstract, contemporary journey of images and emotions. A feast for the eyes, heart and soul, this Chicago premiere is influenced by “Dogugaeshi,” a rarefied tradition of Japanese sliding screen stage technique, and Twist’s own encounters with the remaining rural caretakers of this once popular art form. Winner of the 2005 Bessie Award and an UNIMA Award for Excellence in Puppetry, Dogugaeshi features original shamisen compositions created and performed live by authorized master musicians Yumiko Tanaka and Yoko Reikano Kimura. Basil Twist, a third generation puppeteer, has significantly contributed to the art of puppetry since 1998, known worldwide for creating original abstract adult puppet works focused on their integration with music. His famous work Symphonie Fantastique, which takes place in a tank of water, is performed to the symphony of the same name. (A new film version is screening Tuesday, January 24 at 6 p.m. at the Studebaker Theater as part of this year’s festival.) n 2010, Twist created the puppetry for the Broadway productions of The Pee-wee Herman Show and The Addams Family. Other works include La Bella Dormente nel Bosco, Petrushka, Hansel and Gretel, Master Peter's Puppet Show, the Araneidae Show, Behind the Lid, and Arias with a Twist. He has received national and regional recognition through numerous awards, including a Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome, an Obie Award, a Creative Capital Award in the discipline of Performing Arts and a Guggenheim fellowship. He was a Fall 2015 MacArthur Fellow at the NYU Center for Ballet and the Arts. He attended Oberlin College and graduated from the École Supérieure Nationale des Arts de la Marionnette in Charleville-Mézières, France. He is founder and director of the Dream Music Puppetry Program at Here Arts Center in NYC. His newest project is leading the puppetry in the Royal Shakespeare Company adaptation of My Neighbor Totoro at the Barbican Theatre, London. basiltwist.com 

ONLINE Visit chicagopuppetfest.org for tickets and information about the 5th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, and sign up for the festival’s e-news. Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo or Twitter, hashtag #ChiPuppetFest.

REVIEW: Theodora Skipitares' Grand Panorama Via The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival January 22-24th, 2023

 ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Theodora Skipitares' Grand Panorama

Family Friendly - 9 and up

REVIEW:

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

It was my great pleasure to catch the Chicago opening of Theodora Skipitares' Grand Panorama. We are so fortunate to have world class offerings right here in town, and free for CPS students (as space allows). Grand Panorama is a mini history lesson, but so entertaining and engaging, you'll hardly realize you're learning something, not only about Frederick Douglass, but about photography and human nature itself. Through cello, song, spoken word, projections, and an incredible array of puppetry styles, this production brings history to life on stage with state of the art storytelling. As an avid photographer, I enjoyed this foray into the early days of the art form. Far from dry history though, this show takes the concept and evolution of photography all the way up to present day selfies and the dark side of social media and our collective loss of privacy.

Photos by B. Kenaz-Mara

Directed and designed by Greek artist, Theodora Skipitares, using her trademark larger-than-life size puppets, artforms blend with panorama, magic lantern, shadow theater and crankies to articulate Douglass’s belief that “Rightly viewed, the whole soul of man is a sort of picture gallery, a grand panorama.” Featuring music by Mazz Swift, performed by Brittany Harris, and puppetry direction by Jane Catherine Shaw.

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara

Extra bonus for location. It's always a treat to see the interesting architecture at Harold Washington Library, and the Cindy Pritzker Auditorium is a great venue. It's a short walk from here to the Studebaker Theatre building's 4th floor, where the pop-up puppet cafe and puppet HUB are located for the duration of the fest. Check it out and catch some world class puppet shows before they're gone. Highly recommended. Don't miss this! 

Photo by B. Kenaz-Mara

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

Grand Panorama Theodora Skipitares (U.S./New York) Presented by Harold Washington Library and the Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival Harold Washington Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St., Chicago (Plymouth Court entrance ) January 22-24 Three performances: Sunday, January 22 at 2 p.m.; Monday January 23 at  5 p.m.; Tuesday, January 24 at 6 p.m.  Tickets: $30/$20 seniors, CPS students free, limited availability Family Friendly - 9 and up ADA accessible 52 minutes 

Frederick Douglass is widely recognized as the most photographed person in the 19th century. In Grand Panorama, his obsession with photography takes center stage illuminating the power of image to “tell the truth” about humanity and the African-American experience during slavery.  Theodora Skipitares is a visual artist and theater director. Born in San Francisco of Greek parents, she moved to New York in 1970. She began creating personal solo performances in the mid 1970s. She began to examine social and historical themes using realistic, life-size puppet figures, as well as miniature ones, that became the “performers” in large-scale works including live music, film, video, and documentary texts. She has collaborated with prominent composers such as Virgil Moorefield, Bobby Previte, Scott Johnson, and most recently, Sxip Shirey. These works included The Age of Invention, an examination of three centuries of American invention featuring 300 puppets, Defenders of the Code, a history of eugenics, and The Radiant City, a music-theater work based on the life of Robert Moses. More recent projects include Under the Knife, a site-specific story of medicine which took an audience to twelve different theater environments, and Body of Crime, a history of women in prison. theodoraskipitares.com ONLINE Visit chicagopuppetfest.org for tickets and information about the 5th Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival, and sign up for the festival’s e-news. Follow the festival on Facebook, Instagram, Vimeo or Twitter, hashtag #ChiPuppetFest. Always a joy to see Blair Thomas, the Founder and Artistic Director of The Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival. Photos by B. Kenaz-Mara Seeing Double: On a playful note, many puppeteers have a doppelgänger or double in puppet form, but this puppeteer has a doppelgänger in publicist form! Every year, many Chicago International Puppet Theater Festival attendees see both Blair Thomas and Jay Kelly, fest publicist, attending many of the puppet productions, and mistake them for each other. I thought this year would be different, with Blair's new green hairdo, but 2 people have already told me personally that they though Jay was Blair and one actually said to Jay, "Oh, you washed the green out!"   How many others have made the same mistake? Fess up... Want to learn more about Frederick Douglass? Check out The American Writers Museum in downtown Chicago.  Now available, the Frederick Douglass Tours introduce you to all of our exhibits with a focus on Douglass's work and impact. This 15-minute tour highlights writers who influenced Douglass, as well as the writers who carried the torch after him. The focal point is our current special exhibit Dark Testament: A Century of Black Writers, in which Douglass is prominently featured. Tours are included with museum admission. Thursdays—Mondays Daily at 3:00 pm Central. Click HERE for tickets and more information on the American Writers Museum Frederick Douglass Tours.