Top Chicago Holiday Theatre Offerings And Half Price Tickets For 2022

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List 

CHICAGO THEATRES GET FESTIVE 

FOR THE 2022 HOLIDAY SEASON

League of Chicago Theatres’ annual Holiday Guide highlights seasonal productions

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we're huge fans of experiential gifts. Theatre tickets are a great, clutter busting way to make lasting memories. As always, check in with Hot Tixs for half price deals on shows all year long. Remember, too, to check in with my two sites, ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) and ChiILMama.com (family friendly) for original reviews, interviews, entertainment news, ticket giveaways and more, for Chi, IL and beyond.  

Chicago theatres will present a wide variety of festive plays, musicals, dance, and comedy offerings this Holiday season. In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will create a comprehensive Holiday Theatre Guide that will be available for distribution in mid-November. The online Holiday Guide is available at https://chicagoplays.com/chicago-theatre-guide/.

An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at www.chicagoplays.com. Additionally, many holiday shows will be available at Hot Tix (HotTix.org), Chicago’s local, half-price ticketing service.

 

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season:

Several theatres present the holiday favorite, A Christmas Carol. Goodman Theatre’s must-see annual production has enchanted audiences for more than four decades, runs through December 31. Metropolis Performing Arts Centre presents an adaptation filled with warmth, humor, music, and holiday cheer, December 1 – 24. Complete with falling snow and magical illusions, Drury Lane Theatre for Young Audiences brings a visually stunning one-hour experience for children of all ages, November 25 -December 30. Told through puppetry and music, the striking holiday experience of Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol comes to brilliant life on stage for the first time at Writers Theatre, November 29 – December 24. A Theater in the Dark presents A Christmas Carol in the Dark, a streaming audio drama perfect for those who love the spookier elements of Dickens’ story, through January 1.

Family-favorite holiday movies come to life in the suburbs with Elf The Musical at Drury Lane Theatre through January 8, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas from Music Theater Works at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, December 15 - January 1, and two productions of A Christmas Story, the Musical – Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, November 25 – December 10, and Marriot Theatre in Lincolnshire through January 1.

For over 20 years, American Blues Theater has treated audiences to a live retelling of the Frank Capra classic in a 1940s radio broadcast tradition, making It’s a Wonderful Life: Live in Chicago!, the second longest-running holiday play in Chicago. Running November 23 – December 23 at the Chopin Theatre. Oil Lamp Theater will perform its version of It’s a Wonderful Life: Live Radio Play on stage November 25 – December 30.

Journey to Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair with The Joffrey Ballet’s reimagined The Nutcracker at Lyric Opera House, December 3 – 27, while Ballet Chicago will perform its production of The Nutcracker at the Athenaeum Theatre, December 9 – 18.

The beloved characters from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice return for the third and final installment of the Pemberley trilogy, Georgiana & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley, at Northlight Theatre, November 25 – December 24.

Holiday spectacle comes to Downtown with A Magical Cirque Christmas, featuring an evening of dazzling performers and breathtaking cirque artists, accompanied by live holiday music at Broadway In Chicago at the CIBC Theatre, December 6 – 11. Then Cirque Dreams Holidaze wraps a whimsical, Broadway-style musical infused with contemporary circus artistry into the ultimate holiday gift for the entire family, December 22 – 24 at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. The Steadfast Tin Soldier, based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story about a little tin soldier who never gives up, brings gorgeous spectacle of music and movement to Lookingglass Theatre, through January 8. 

Four Beatrix Potter favorites come to life in The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party, a mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show at Chicago Children’s Theatre, through December 24.

In this adaptation of the Caldecott Honor-winning book, Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins, a traveling troupe of actors comes to town to find no one celebrating Hanukkah. Will they bring back the spirit of Hanukkah to the town? Will Hershel of Ostropol outsmart the goblins who haunt the old synagogue? Presented by Strawdog Theatre Company at The Edge Off-Broadway, December 11 – January 1.

Watch as the improvisers at ComedySportz sing and dance their way through a made up Hallmark-channel style spectacle that YOU help create in Trapped in a Holiday Musical!, through December 17.

Enjoy some adult comedy this holiday season when Cindy Lou Who, now 40, retells the story of the sordid events after she met the Grinch in the adults-only romp Who's Holiday! Presented at Theater Wit, November 25 – December 30. Then it is guaranteed yule laugh a whole latke as The Second City unwraps the most wonderful time of the year in their nut-cracking-est, jingle-bell-ing-est revue ever, Best of the Holidays, November 21 – December 31, and What The Elf?, the original sketch, variety, and improv celebration of the season, through January 1. At UP Comedy Club.

Holiday concert offerings include Merry, Merry Chicago!, a program of traditional carols and festive holiday songs performed by Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus at Orchestra Hall, December 16 – 23; enjoy one of Chicago’s greatest holiday traditions with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago’s thrilling rendition of Händel’s Messiah at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, December 10 – 11, while Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah brings a totally reinvented rendition to the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, December 3 – 4. Plus, Black Ensemble’s Christmas Cabaret is a musical celebration with Black Ensemble Theater performers and a live band, December 10 – 18.

Popular performers will also present Holiday concerts, including Merry Christmas Darling starring Chicago’s favorite leading lady Heidi Kettenring performing the timeless treasures and holiday hits of Karen Carpenter, November 25 – 27 at the Venus Cabaret at Mercury Theater Chicago. Acclaimed singer, storyteller, and multi-instrumentalist John-Mark McGaha shares Stevie’s musical messages of joy, love, and peace on Earth with Someday at Christmas at the Marriott Theatre, December 12 – 13. Emmy-nominee Angela Ingersoll captures the voices of a dozen divas in a hilarious and heart-warming holiday romp The 12 Dames of Christmas, at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, December 13.

The holidays take an unexpected turn for everyone’s favorite Golden Girls when they find out that the infamous Shady Pines Retirement Community is on the verge of closing, leaving most of Sophia’s friends homeless for the holidays. Can the girls step in and save the day in time for Christmas? The Golden Girls: The Lost Episodes, The Obligatory Holiday Special is presented by Hell in a Handbag Productions at Center on Halsted Hoover-Leppen Theatre, November 26 – December 30.

Some notable non-holiday offerings this season include:

Celebrated director Henry Godinez sets Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure in the turbulence of 1959 Cuba, during the pivotal moments before Fidel Castro seizes power, running at Chicago Shakespeare Theater through November 27.

Porchlight Music Theatre presents RENT, the Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical that has become a cultural phenomenon, through November 27 at the Ruth Page Theater.

The world premiere of Vichet Chum’s Bald Sisters at Steppenwolf Theatre, December 1 – January 15.

Court Theatre’s production of The Island, a sobering glimpse into the social, physical, and psychological wounds of Apartheid, through December 4.

A Mile in the Dark is about the people we think we know but don’t and the hard truth sitting in plain sight. Presented by Rivendell Theatre Ensemble and Interrobang Theatre Project through December 11.

About Face Theatre in partnership with Silk Road Rising presents Mosque4Mosque, a family comedy about a queer Arab-American Muslim man navigating his first real relationship, playing at The Den Theatre through December 17.

TimeLine Theatre Company presents Trouble in Mind, a cutting yet humorous behind-the-curtain drama that examines pervasive racial dynamics within the American theatre and the tolls of superficial representation on stage, through December 18.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, www.chicagoplays.com. Available half-price tickets will be listed at HotTix.org.

Chicago theatres prioritize safely gathering. Patrons are encouraged to confirm current protocols at each theatre. Shows and protocols are subject to change.

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 6 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.

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.

GIVEAWAY: WIN 2 Tickets ($90 Value/3 Winners) To The World Premiere Holiday Musical THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS November 27 – December 29, 2019

CPA Theatricals, Inc and LCG Entertainment, LLC, in collaboration with Greenhouse Theater Center Present

World Premiere Holiday Musical 

THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS  

playing November 27 – December 29

**Use discount code MAMA57 for 20% off of tickets**

**Recommended for ages 10+**

In the plethora of holiday theatrical offerings, most are either family friendly fare that skew young or adult humor. There's a lack of offerings for tweens and teens as well as strong, female leads, so we're excited to partner up with Greenhouse Theatre to introduce our readers to THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS. This female-driven show is a completely original 90-minute musical about a brilliant young woman just out of high school and her quest to save Christmas. I'll be out for the press opening, December 7th, so check back shortly after for my full review. In the meantime, 3 of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will win pairs of tickets (Up to $90 Value), good for any production of THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS at Chicago's Greenhouse Theater through December 29th.

Enter below for your chance to WIN 

through midnight Sunday, 
November 24th.

2 Tickets ($90 Value/3 Winners) 

THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS is a brand new holiday musical featuring Grace.  Grace is a young woman, stuck working in her family’s Sheboygan, WI, toy store three days before Christmas.  She is desperate to leave and do something important in her life.  Suddenly, she is summoned to the LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS where Cassiopeia – the Queen of the Northern Sky – tells her that Santa has been kidnapped by his evil sister Charlotta!  It’s up to Grace and her rag-tag group of forgotten, broken toys to rescue Santa and save Christmas!


This female driven show features women writers and strong three-dimensional female characters including Grace, her sidekick Nikki and of course – Charlotta.  Click HERE to listen to Charlotta’s villain song.

A diverse cast, including 6 children rotating in 4 roles, stunning visuals and a touching story that reminds us that: 

Sometimes a great adventure leads you back home.

Larry Little, lead producer and creator of the story and characters, says, “Finally, children have a new classic Christmas fantasy musical!  I’ve had girl scout leaders come up to me and say – every girl needs to see this story!”

He continues “I see Grace as a female version of Luke Skywalker!  Driven, determined to make a difference in the world, but feeling stuck and unsure about her path forward.  It is her passion in asking for guidance that she is transported to the LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS.”

Every child needs to know that they can be anything and do anything they want – it takes commitment, passion and a powerful dream!

**Use discount code MAMA57 for 20% off of tickets**

Nov 27 – Dec 29.  Th, Fr, Sat at 7:30pm, Sat and Sun at 2pm. Greenhouse Theater Center. Individual tickets, priced at $45.00, are on sale now at www.greenhousetheater.org or by phone at 773-404-7336. Group Tickets, priced at $39 ($25 for student groups over 11 years old), are available at https://www.grouptheatertix.com/. For more information visit www.landofforgottentoystthemusical.com

ABOUT CPA THEATRICALS

CPA Theatricals, Inc. – Creative Productions And Theatricals – is a 501-C-3 non-profit corporation.  Its mission is the development of new musical theatre productions for the benefit of underserved populations.  In recent years, its primary focus has been to serve female audiences and performers, through the development of musicals incorporating strong female leads.  Its first major project with this focus was the musical 57th NATIONAL MATHLETE SUM-IT, which premiered Off Broadway at the New York Musical Festival and was subsequently licensed for international distribution to high school, college, and community theaters by Theatrical Rights Worldwide.  Current projects include THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS, intended for the commercial market, and GIRLHOOD, intended for performance in middle schools and high schools.

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN 

2 Tickets ($90 Value/3 Winners) 

To The World Premiere Holiday Musical 

THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS 

Winners' choice of dates November 27 – December 29, 2019

Enter through midnight Sunday, November 24th.

ENTER HERE

Disclosure: It's our pleasure to partner up with THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS on a ticket giveaway for our readers. They have provided complimentary tickets. As always, all opinions are my own.

4 Shows Only: RUTH PAGE CIVIC BALLET’S THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, DECEMBER 1 AND 2 2018

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List

RUTH PAGE CIVIC BALLET’S FAMILY FAVORITE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION 

THE NUTCRACKER 

RETURNS TO NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, DECEMBER 1 AND 2

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet is proud to present its annual production of The Nutcracker, with original choreography by Ruth Page, and co-directed by Victor Alexander and Dolores Lipinski Long. This production is performed at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, Saturday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $32 for general admission, $20 for seniors and children under the age of 12 years and $10 for NEIU students, faculty and staff, one ticket per I.D. card. Tickets may be purchased at www.ruthpage.org.

Central to the Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s performance schedule is its annual presentation of The Nutcracker, the popular recreation of the beloved holiday classic. Originally presented in the Arie Crown Theater from 1965 to 1997, the Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s performance recreates Ruth Page’s original full-length staging. Exquisite dancing, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets, these performances promise world-class entertainment and holiday joy for children of all ages.

About Victor Alexander
Born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and trained at the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA) in Havana. Alexander has had an extensive performing and choreographic career in the United States. He is the director of the Ruth Page School of Dance and was also included in Dance Magazine’s prestigious “25 to Watch in 2013” list. Alexander is known for his riveting stage presence as he mixes formidable technique he gained in the rigorous training ground of Cuban dance schools with facility at theatrical interpretation.

About Dolores Lipinski Long
Because of her lifetime connection to Ruth Page, Dolores Lipinski Long has been associated with the world's greatest dancers, choreographers, producers and designers. In addition to her role with the Ruth Page School of Dance as its associate director, she is also the co-director of the Ruth Page Civic Ballet. With her celebrated husband of 47 years, Larry Long, (1936-2009), Long co-founded the Ruth Page School of Dance.

About the Ruth Page Civic Ballet
An important component of the Ruth Page School of Dance is the Ruth Page Civic Ballet, its official training company for dancers 18-22 years of age and one of the Center's Artists In- Residence. Dancers are invited to take part in the Civic by it’s artistic director, Victor Alexander, who will guide and mentor each aspiring young artist during the one to two year program. The mission of the Ruth Page Civic Ballet is to identify, nurture and mentor emerging dance artists from around the world through enhanced performance opportunities within an elite training company. Serving as a bridge between training and professional performance, company members will refine their ballet and contemporary techniques in an international environment of performers and educators before moving on to professional careers in dance. The Civic's dancers are joined in performances by notable guest artists and choreographers, expanding their sphere of professional work.
    
About the Ruth Page School of Dance
Offering the highest level of training to young dancers, professionals, and those who study dance for personal enrichment, the Ruth Page School of Dance was founded in 1971 by Ruth Page and Larry Long. Mr. Long, who went on to become the School’s much loved Director until his death in 2009, along with his wife and Co-Director, Dolores Lipinski, helped set the standard of excellence in dance training that continues to this day. Mikhail Baryshnikov in an interview during his dancing career, noted that Mr. Long was one of the ten best ballet teachers in the nation. Through his legacy, hundreds and hundreds of young dancers have gone on to professional careers throughout the world in the field they love.

Led by Director Victor Alexander since 2013, and through an experienced and dedicated faculty of dance professionals and international partners, the Ruth Page School of Dance develops well-rounded dance artists through high-quality training. The School also embraces diverse cultures as a source of inspiration for creativity and human self-expression in dance, creating lifelong ambassadors for the art of dance. By providing the highest level of training and personal development to each student, the School’s philosophy is all students will benefit from the discipline, creative thinking and emotional expressiveness that dance provides. With a strong commitment to international partners and collaborations, the Ruth Page School of Dance has developed a network of exceptional programs and exchanges with esteemed dance training centers in Spain, Italy and Cuba, among others. Significant among these is the relationship with Cuba’s National School of Ballet (Escuela Nacional de Cuba – ENB), which was a pioneering program and cultural exchange in 2015 between the two schools.

About the Ruth Page Center for the Arts
An incubator of artistic energy and excellence and the center of Chicago's dance history, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts carries forward the vision of international dance icon Ruth Page to make dance accessible to everyone, ensuring that children and dance artists have a place to study, work and perform at the highest level of excellence. Located at 1016 N. Dearborn Street, the Center serves the Chicago dance community by being an incubator, providing a home, office space, rehearsal space, performance opportunities, professional dance training and marketing support for the up-and-coming companies and artists of Chicago's vibrant dance scene. Founded by Chicago icon and internationally-renown performer and choreographer, Ruth Page, the Center reflects her vision of supporting dance excellence in Chicago. Emanating from the Illinois heartland, the visionary work of Ruth Page influenced the growth of theater design, opera-ballet and dance. She achieved worldwide recognition as a true pioneer of dance in America by creating at the forefront of social, political and artistic issues. As a prominent force in the Chicago arts community, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts continues that legacy through its initiatives and programs that nurture the art form of dance, and by being an arts incubator for emerging and established artists and organizations.

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet is proud to present its annual production of The Nutcracker, with original choreography by Ruth Page, and co-directed by Victor Alexander and Dolores Lipinski Long. This production is performed at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, Saturday, Dec. 1 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 2 at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $32 for general admission, $20 for seniors and children under the age of 12 years and $10 for NEIU students, faculty and staff, one ticket per I.D. card. Tickets may be purchased at www.ruthpage.org.

For more information about The Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts and its programs visit www.RuthPage.org.

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Season sponsors include Northeastern Illinois University, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Copa Airlines, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

WIN 4 Tickets (Up to $340 value!) to The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Nutcracker AND "Tea With Clara" Cast Meet and Greet 12/3/17

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

RUTH PAGE CIVIC BALLET’S FAMILY FAVORITE HOLIDAY CELEBRATION THE NUTCRACKER RETURNS TO NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY, 

DECEMBER 2nd AND 3rd Only 

Featuring Guest Artists from Cuba’s National School of Ballet

The holidays are here and it's time to make some family memories! We're elated to partner up with The Ruth Page Civic Ballet's classic nutcracker to offer an exciting 4 Pack of Tickets/ “Tea with Clara” opportunity for one of our lucky readers. 

ENTER HERE for your chance to WIN!

Enter early and often through midnight on Monday November 27th. Winner will be e-mailed as well as posted here and on our social media. Ruth Page's classic version of The Nutcracker plays on December 2nd and 3rd only. ChiIL Mama is  offering 4 tickets for adults or children (Up to $340 value!) to not only one of the two shows on Sunday, but also admission to the special “Tea With Clara” event. The special event allows children and adults to meet and greet with the cast while also enjoying hot beverages and snacks after the 1 p.m. performance of The Nutcracker or before the 5 p.m. performance! 



The Ruth Page Civic Ballet is proud to present its annual production of The Nutcracker, with original choreography by Ruth Page, and co-directed by Victor Alexander and Dolores Lipinski Long. This production is performed at Northeastern Illinois University, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Avenue in Chicago, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3 at 1 and 5 p.m. Tickets for the performance are $25 for general admission, $20 for seniors and children under the age of 12 years and $10 for NEIU students, faculty and staff, one ticket per I.D. card. 

Also available is “Tea with Clara,” a delightful tea party which patrons can enjoy with their favorite The Nutcracker characters from 3:15 – 4:45 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3. Tickets for “Tea with Clara” include admission to the tea party and either the 1 or 5 p.m. performance, and are $85 for adults and $50 for children under the age of 12 years. 

Performance tickets and “Tea with Clara” tickets are now on sale and may be purchased at www.ruthpage.org.

Central to the Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s performance schedule is its annual presentation of The Nutcracker, the popular recreation of the beloved holiday classic. Originally presented in the Arie Crown Theater from 1965 to 1997, the Ruth Page Civic Ballet’s performance recreates Ruth Page’s original full-length staging. Exquisite dancing, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of the Sweets, these performances promise world-class entertainment and holiday joy for children of all ages. 

About Victor Alexander

Born in Pinar del Rio, Cuba, and trained at the prestigious Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA) in Havana. Alexander has had an extensive performing and choreographic career in the United States.  He is the director of the Ruth Page School of Dance and was also included in Dance Magazine’s prestigious “25 to Watch in 2013” list. Alexander is known for his riveting stage presence as he mixes formidable technique he gained in the rigorous training ground of Cuban dance schools with facility at theatrical interpretation. 

About Dolores Lipinski Long

Because of her lifetime connection to Ruth Page, Dolores Lipinski Long has been associated with the world's greatest dancers, choreographers, producers and designers. In addition to her role with the Ruth Page School of Dance as its associate director, she is also the co-director of the Ruth Page Civic Ballet. With her celebrated husband of 47 years, Larry Long, (1936-2009), Long co-founded the Ruth Page School of Dance.

About the Ruth Page Civic Ballet

An important component of the Ruth Page School of Dance is the Ruth Page Civic Ballet, its official training company for dancers 18-22 years of age and one of the Center's Artists In-Residence. Dancers are invited to take part in the Civic by it’s artistic director, Victor Alexander, who will guide and mentor each aspiring young artist during the one to two year program. The mission of the Ruth Page Civic Ballet is to identify, nurture and mentor emerging dance artists from around the world through enhanced performance opportunities within an elite training company.  Serving as a bridge between training and professional performance, company members will refine their ballet and contemporary techniques in an international environment of performers and educators before moving on to professional careers in dance. The Civic's dancers are joined in performances by notable guest artists and choreographers, expanding their sphere of professional work.

About the Ruth Page School of Dance

Offering the highest level of training to young dancers, professionals, and those who study dance for personal enrichment, the Ruth Page School of Dance was founded in 1971 by Ruth Page and Larry Long. Mr. Long, who went on to become the School’s much loved Director until his death in 2009, along with his wife and Co-Director, Dolores Lipinski, helped set the standard of excellence in dance training that continues to this day. Mikhail Baryshnikov in an interview during his dancing career, noted that Mr. Long was one of the ten best ballet teachers in the nation. Through his legacy, hundreds and hundreds of young dancers have gone on to professional careers throughout the world in the field they love. 

Led by Director Victor Alexander since 2013, and through an experienced and dedicated faculty of dance professionals and international partners, the Ruth Page School of Dance develops well-rounded dance artists through high-quality training.  The School also embraces diverse cultures as a source of inspiration for creativity and human self-expression in dance, creating lifelong ambassadors for the art of dance. By providing the highest level of training and personal development to each student, the School’s philosophy is all students will benefit from the discipline, creative thinking and emotional expressiveness that dance provides. With a strong commitment to international partners and collaborations, the Ruth Page School of Dance has developed a network of exceptional programs and exchanges with esteemed dance training centers in Spain, Italy and Cuba, among others. Significant among these is the relationship with Cuba’s National School of Ballet (Escuela Nacional de Cuba – ENB), which was a pioneering program and cultural exchange in 2015 between the two schools.


About the Ruth Page Center for the Arts

An incubator of artistic energy and excellence and the center of Chicago's dance history, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts carries forward the vision of international dance icon Ruth Page to make dance accessible to everyone, ensuring that children and dance artists have a place to study, work and perform at the highest level of excellence. Located at 1016 N. Dearborn Street, the Center serves the Chicago dance community by being an incubator, providing a home, office space, rehearsal space, performance opportunities, professional dance training and marketing support for the up-and-coming companies and artists of Chicago's vibrant dance scene. Founded by Chicago icon and internationally-renown performer and choreographer, Ruth Page, the Center reflects her vision of supporting dance excellence in Chicago. Emanating from the Illinois heartland, the visionary work of Ruth Page influenced the growth of theater design, opera-ballet and dance. She achieved worldwide recognition as a true pioneer of dance in America by creating at the forefront of social, political and artistic issues. As a prominent force in the Chicago arts community, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts continues that legacy through its initiatives and programs that nurture the art form of dance, and by being an arts incubator for emerging and established artists and organizations.

The Ruth Page Civic Ballet Season sponsors include David and Lynn Kravis Family Foundation, Northeastern Illinois University, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, Copa Airlines, NIB Foundation, and the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

For more information about The Ruth Page Center for the Performing Arts and its programs visit www.RuthPage.org. 

Disclosure: Once again, ChiIL Mama is elated to partner up with The Ruth Page Civic Ballet's classic nutcracker to offer an exciting 4 Pack of Tickets/ “Tea with Clara” opportunity for one of our lucky readers. Thanks to The Ruth Page Civic Ballet for providing complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

GIFT GUIDE 2017: Click image below for more great giveaways, gift codes & ideas for holiday giving!

REVIEW: “Magic is Real” at The House Nutcracker!

Review by Catherine Hellmann, guest contributor 

The House Theatre of Chicago indeed produces magic. It is tough to be a Scrooge, even this early in the season on the night of our first snowfall, and resist the Christmas spirit with this delightful production of The Nutcracker. Everything feels merry and bright in the theater, from the lovely set with its numerous tall, elegant doors, the decorated Christmas tree, to the cast mingling with the crowd before the performance. There is such a big party atmosphere that gets everyone in the audience involved in the energy and enthusiasm. 

It’s hard to believe that this is the same space where I saw United Flight 232 just two months ago with its tunnel leading to the interior of the airplane. Or flying monkeys in Oz last March. Now the Chopin Theater is transformed with holiday cheer. The creativity and surprises that persist at House Theatre always amaze me. Little touches abound, like when each actor making an entrance from outside tosses a handful of fake snow into the air upon entrance, as if just stepping in from the cold. 



The show begins with a Christmas gathering of family; spirits are high as beloved son Fritz, a soldier, is due home for the holidays. The transition from gaiety to tragedy (spoiler alert!) is shocking as a somber figure appears suddenly at the door, dashing the party, a dreadful, military-folded funeral flag in hand. The Christmas tree is carried out like a coffin with pall bearers. The contrast is astounding. As my new BFF Kait Mikitin, the Audience Services Manager, told me,” Some audience members weep at that part or even walk out.” But that would be a shame to miss Clara’s grand adventure with her animated friends. 





Just as in the familiar version of The Nutcracker, Drosselmeyer is an intense, curious figure, both loving and slightly sinister. Torrey Hanson does not disappoint as the uncle everyone wants to have around for his company and awesome presents. (Everyone should have an Uncle Drosselmeyer who adores them and spoils them.) His gift is an odd one this time, a nutcracker version of her revered brother, Fritz. 



Haley Seda as Clara poignantly sings to her toys, and uses different funny voices to have them “respond” to her.  These toys later come to life and have the voices she portrayed earlier. 



The three toys are all so enchanting and wonderful, it is hard to pick a favorite. Rachel Shapiro as Phoebe the Doll has a good voice she uses to great effect in their songs. (I loved her yarn hair!) Ian Maryfield as the French sock monkey has a hilarious French accent and a couple of the best lines in the show. He was very playful and would startle and interact with audience members which was a hoot. Ben Hartel as Hugo, with his light-up hat, is the...uh...strange clown-like creature, was adorable and had great physical presence. All of them were dancing with children in the audience at intermission which was just charming.



 
Which brings up another point: this is a family-friendly show that kids can attend, although little ones might get a bit freaked out by the rats appearing in Act II. They are a bit creepy…   During one scene, an actor asked a question in the dialogue, and a small voice in the crowd answered. It was sweet and speaks to how this show is magical in its power to draw us in. 

My teen daughter thought “the walls opening up was cool.” Again, this is a trademark of House Theatre and how clever their theatrics are. When I asked my girl what she thought of the show, she answered: “The rats wanted Clara to stay in darkness with her brother, but she chose to enter the light where he was dead. It was like a closure thing.” Sounds like someone is paying attention in English class! 



Be sure to make a point of seeing House Theatre’s The Nutcracker this holiday season.  So much is going on in this show that you can see it repeatedly to catch the magic you missed the first time around. If you have family or out-of-town guests visiting over the holidays, this would be an unusual, hip holiday show for you to share with them that isn’t the typical fare. Be sure to buy a “Magic is Real” or “Time to Make Cookies” button at the Swag counter while you are there. 

For ticket links and further show info click HERE:

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer for the whole family with its eighth annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 3 – December 30. Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley created the adaptation. New to the 2017 holiday production, based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, is director and Company Member Chris Mathews with original direction and choreography by Tommy Rapley. 

Performances are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Additional Saturday matinees at 3 p.m. begin regularly on Saturday, Nov. 25 and additional regular Sunday evening 7 p.m. performances begin on Sunday, Dec. 10. 

Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 – $50. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $15 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com. 

The Nutcracker is adapted from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse,” a story by E.T.A.
Hoffmann by Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell, and Tommy Rapley. 

Note: There are no performances on Christmas Eve, Sunday, Dec. 24th. 

OPENING: Reimagined Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker Set In 1892 Chicago Right Before The World’s Fair

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE JOFFREY BALLET OPENS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH

RETURN OF CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON’S NEWLY REIMAGINED

THE NUTCRACKER

All photos by Cheryl Mann

At the Auditorium Theatre, in 33 performances, 

December 1-30, 2017

Following a wildly successful world premiere in December 2016, The Joffrey Ballet will present its newly reimagined holiday classic The Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon in 33 performances only, at the historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago at 50 East Congress Parkway, December 1-30, 2017.  

“This stunning version of The Nutcracker pays homage to a magical moment in Chicago’s history,” said Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. “Creating a holiday classic that belongs specifically to the Joffrey—one that represents our dedication to unique repertoire and innovative works—has been one of my proudest moments as Artistic Director. Christopher’s work has found fresh meaning at the heart of The Nutcracker story and I am honored to delight Chicago audiences once again with this magical production.”



A ballet in two acts, The Nutcracker opens in Chicago on Christmas Eve, 1892, mere months before the opening of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, also known as the World’s Fair, a marvel unlike anything the city has ever seen. Marie and her younger brother Franz arrive at home, where their immigrant mother—a sculptress of modest means—designs the seminal masterpiece that will preside over the Fair. A festive Christmas potluck ensues, only to be interrupted by the mysterious Great Impresario, creator of the World’s Fair. He entertains with enchanting visions of the what’s to come, distributing gifts in the process, which includes a mercurial nutcracker for Marie. That evening, Marie awakens to an epic battle between toy soldiers and rats led by The Rat King and the now life-size Nutcracker. Unexpectedly, Marie saves the day, as The Great Impresario and the Nutcracker, now transformed into a Prince, set sail on a magical journey into the night.



The second act begins as the trio arrives on the shores of the fairgrounds, greeted by the Queen of the Fair, who grants them a dream-like visit among the sprawling attractions. They move from pavilion to pavilion, represented by countries from around the world. As the dream ends, the Fair explodes with light and Marie suddenly awakens to find it is Christmas Day.

The Chicago Philharmonic, led by Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck, provides live accompaniment of the classic score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky for every performance. The full Joffrey company is also joined onstage by over 90 young dancers from the Chicagoland area and young vocalists from four different local children’s choirs.

The Nutcracker features design by an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shockheaded Peter), Caldecott Medal Award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (author of the New York Times bestseller Wonderstruck, adapted into the film of the same name starring Julianne Moore, which just received its critically acclaimed U.S. release), Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Basil Twist (The Addams Family), six-time Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz (An American in Paris, Frozen) and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy (An American in Paris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch). 



Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 1 through Saturday, December 30. The full schedule is as follows: Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 21 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 22 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2:00pm, Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 2:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 28 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 29 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec 30 at 2:00pm.

Single tickets, which range from $35 - $165, are available for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet’s official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Box Office, by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at Joffrey.org.

About The Joffrey Ballet
Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences, and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works.

The company’s commitment to accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule, an innovative and highly effective education program including the much-lauded Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, Community Engagement programs and collaborations with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations.

Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron.

The Joffrey Ballet gratefully acknowledges the generous support of 2017 The Nutcracker Production Sponsor Jewell Events Catering. Also with gratitude to The Nutcracker Commissioning Sponsors Margot and Josef Lakonishok, Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Hancher Auditorium - University of Iowa, and the many “Believers” including Corporate Sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Gallagher, BrickStreet Insurance, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Sponsors Mary Jo and Doug Basler, Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock, Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Pamella Roland DeVos and Daniel DeVos, Sonia Florian, The Walter E. Heller Foundation, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill, Bill and Orli Staley Foundation, and the Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet.

Special thanks to Co-Sponsors of the 2017-2018 Season: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, NIB Foundation, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Live Music Sponsor the Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music, and Season Partners: pamella roland and Fox Ford Lincoln, Clear Channel Airports, and JW Marriott.

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

OPENING: Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Highly anticipated return of

Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL

in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31

Tickets on sale now

This is one of our all time top favorites in the Christmas genre. Chicago's own world renowned Q Brothers are truly a treat to see in action. We highly recommend Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL and we adore the new space, The Yard. This show has multigenerational appeal and may well be one of the funniest holiday shows out there. Don't miss this!

Back by popular demand, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the highly anticipated return of the cheeky holiday classic Q Brothers Christmas Carol, from hip-hop sensations the Q Brothers Collective and developed with CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton. After three wildly successful runs in 2013, 2014 and 2015 to sold-out houses, the raucous and irreverent musical event now takes the stage of the Theater’s innovative third venue, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31, 2017.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol is on sale now; online at www.chicagoshakes.com or via the Box Office at 312.595.5600.

Written and performed by the Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, Jax, and Pos) and directed by GQ and JQ, Q Brothers Christmas Carol features an irresistible score and a lot of heart. This feisty reinterpretation of the perennial holiday favorite by Charles Dickens is underscored with beats spun live at the turntables, mashing up styles from reggae and dancehall music, to dubstep and epic rock ballads. The production garnered Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for Outstanding New Musical and Outstanding Ensemble. A Chicago Shakespeare production, Q Brothers Christmas Carol is presented by CST and Richard Jordan Productions.

Highlighting the versatility of the dynamic new venue, Q Brothers Christmas Carol will transform The Yard into a festive nightclub with the opportunity for audiences to sit at cabaret tables surrounding the stage, or to watch the performance from traditional theater seating. The party atmosphere of the Q Brothers’ work will be enhanced this year by activating the space surrounding the stage and audience viewing areas with additional bars and seating—perfect for continuing the fun after the show to toast the holiday season.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol joins the previously announced productions in Chicago Shakespeare’s 2017/18 Season: an all-woman The Taming of the Shrew (September 16–November 12, 2017; Courtyard Theater) staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines; James Thierrée’s The Toad Knew (September 19–23, 2017; The Yard); Teatro Línea de Sombra’s Amarillo (October 17–29, 2017; The Yard) from México as part of the inaugural Chicago International Latino Theater Festival; Red Velvet (December 1, 2017–January 21, 2018; Courtyard Theater) directed by Gary Griffin; Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream for families and students (February 3–March 10, 2018; The Yard); Schiller’s Mary Stuart (February 21–April 15, 2018; Courtyard Theater); a supernatural new Macbeth (April 25–June 24, 2018; The Yard) staged by Aaron Posner and Teller; and Druid Theatre’s Waiting for Godot (May 23–June 3, 2018; Courtyard Theater) from Ireland.

More information at www.chicagoshakes.com/QChristmas.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol will be presented in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31, 2017. Tickets ranging from $30 to $52 are on sale now. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. 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.

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 unveils a radical 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 largest and most versatile performing arts venue.

Chicago Shakespeare’s year-round season features as many as twenty productions and 650 performances—including plays, musicals, world premieres, and visiting international tours—to engage a broad, multigenerational audience of 225,000 community members. Recognized in 2014 in a White House ceremony hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, CST’s education programs support literacy and creativity for 40,000 students each year. Each summer, 30,000 family audiences welcome the free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour into their neighborhoods across the far north, west and south sides of the city. The Theater is the leading producer of international work in Chicago, and has toured its own plays across North America and abroad to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, garnering multiple accolades, including the prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, among others. Emblematic of its role as a global theater, during 2016 CST spearheaded the Shakespeare 400 Chicago international arts and culture festival, which engaged an estimated 1.1 million people through 863 events at 231 locations across the city—all in celebration of Shakespeare’s rich, 400-year legacy.

OPENING: The House Theatre Nutcracker Is Back With New Tunes And Emmy Nominated 16 Year Old, Ariana Burks In The Lead

THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY THEATRICAL ADAPTATION OF THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC 

THE NUTCRACKER 

RETURNS, NOVEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 30, 

AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE

The Annual Fan Favorite Offers New Music Additions After This Summer’s Partnership with the Chicago Performance Lab and Stars 16-year old Ariana Burks as “Clara” 

The House Nutcracker has been a long time family fav of ours here at ChiIL Mama. It's a beloved annual holiday tradition and we can't wait to catch the revamped 2016 version with some new tunes and Ariana Burks as Clara! 

Click here for a trip through the way back machine with our past photo features and House Nutcracker coverage.

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer for the whole family with its seventh annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 4 – December 30. Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley created the adaptation. Company Member Rapley reprises his role as director and choreographer of the holiday production based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story. 

Previews take place November 4 – 10 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees. The press opening is Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 – $45. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $15 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.

The House’s fantastical expansion of this holiday classic centers on young Clara’s journey to celebrate Christmas in the face of grief after the death of her brother, Fritz. When Fritz returns to her as a magical nutcracker come to life, this brave little girl fights the Rat King and saves her family. The House’s modern holiday theatrical production weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original song and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope—a fun outing fit for the whole family. 

Freshly revamped during workshop time at the Chicago Performance Lab this past summer, repeat fans of the show have new musical additions to look forward to and new audiences will delight in the production’s creativity and heart. In addition, making her The House Theatre debut is 16-year old Ariana Burks as “Clara.”  The production premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2007 under the Visiting Company Initiative and has enjoyed highly acclaimed new productions at The House from 2010 through 2015, as well as simultaneous productions in Chicago and Miami in 2012. 

AGES: 5 to 105! Read more in the Parent's Guide from co-writer Jake Minton

RUN TIME: 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Nutcracker is adapted from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse,” a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann by Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell, and Tommy Rapley.

The cast for The Nutcracker includes Company Member Joey Steakley (Hugo) and returning guest artists Rachel Shapiro (Phoebe) and Desmond Gray (Fritz). New cast members this year are Torrey Hanson (Drosselmeyer), Amanda de la Guardia (Martha), Nicholas Bailey (David), Ariana Burks (Clara) and Ian Maryfield (Monkey).

ABOUT ARIANA BURKS, “Clara”

Ariana Burks is an Emmy nominated, young actress with many film/theatre credits to date including most recently The Compass at Steppenwolf. Other theatre credits include “Little Inez” in Hairspray at Paramount, Alice in Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure with Chicago Children’s Theatre, “Emma” in The Black & White Ball  at FWD Theatre, “Elf” in Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer  at the Broadway Playhouse, “Belinda/Fan” in A Christmas Carol at the Goodman and “Little Inez” in Hairspray at Drury Lane.  Burks's film and television credits include Chicago Fire on NBC, Prank Stars on the Disney Channel and The Jr. Cuisine Cooking Show (Emmy Nominated) on PBS.

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO 
The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between community and storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 66 Joseph Jefferson Awards (23 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing—founder of the Tony Awards. The 15^th anniversary year of original work began in September 2016 with the world premiere of The Comedical Tragedy of Mister Punch. The House  continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of storytelling.