Chicago Loves ChiILin' at Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars Through February 4, 2024

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List: Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars

features the most Disney characters in one show!

All Production photos courtesy of Disney on Ice

Highlighted by the on-ice debuts of Raya from Raya and 

the Last Dragon and Frozen 2 with Elsa & Anna

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker 

Guest Review

by Kimberly Robb Baker

There's no better place to ChiIL than Disney on Ice! Whether you have kids or are just a kid at heart, get ready to make a wish and watch imagination come to life at the brand new show, Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars, happening now through February 4 at the United Center and Allstate Arena.

While we've rarely missed a chance to see our favorite characters skating their hearts out, my crew was especially enchanted with this show. To start with, you'll want to arrive early to explore swag, branded treats (we loved the snow cones in our choice of Disney cups), photo ops, and character experiences with Elsa and Mirabel.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker

With Mickey and friends MC-ing and setting the stage for lots of wishing on stars, the performance was engaging from the first second. And, let me say, it is super fun to see everyone's favorite mouse in some sparkly jeans! What follows are heartfelt performances by talented skaters, pulling the audience in to see everyone from Tiana to Lightning McQueen following their dreams. 

My 9-, 13-, and 14-year-old were each entranced throughout the show, which had all of the production value you've come to expect from Disney on Ice, and an inspiring theme that wishes really do come true.

A fresh remix of Snow White's wishing well song was one of the first stops on the journey, and it was fun for my kids to enjoy a modern take on this classic. We all enjoyed the beautiful high romance of couples skating, with Aladdin and Jasmine's number giving athleticism, synchrony, and incredible lifts that were especially noteworthy. Oh, and Magic Carpet on skates was absolutely whimsical. 

My favorite appearance was Raya from The Last Dragon. While several of the skaters seem to have learned some aerials for their parts, it's clear that Raya's skills above the ice are just as strong as her skating, and it makes for a powerful and exciting performance. 

She's far from the only strong feminine figure, though. From From visiting Tiana's restaurant to Asha, from the recent film Wish, making her Disney on Ice debut, there are plenty of sheros to enjoy.

This show also offered a richness of ensemble numbers, including Genie (and his many copies--suuuuper fun!), all the princesses, and--the hands-down big-kid fave, Encanto, in which they absolutely DO talk about Bruno!

My youngest loved seeing his favorite Frozen characters, especially Olaf and Elsa! He also loves the tradition of everyone in the audience bringing fun light-up Disney gear to wave at special moments. I don't want to ruin the surprise, but I will say that this comes quite in handy for helping Buzz Lightyear out of a fix, and there are opportunities throughout for audience participation.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker

If your wish is to shake off those winter blues, Disney on Ice: Magic in the Stars! is just the thing!

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker

 Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.

**All-New Show Debuting in Chicagoland 

January 18-February 4, 2024**

Chart a course through the night sky to Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars where every story begins with a wish! Witness the captivating on-ice debut of Asha from the epic Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated musical adventure Wish, releasing in theaters on November 22. Asha and her friend Star will dazzle audiences as they skate to “This Wish,” written by Julia Michaels and Ben Rice and performed by Academy Award®- winning actress Ariana DeBose. 

This all-new production brings the brightest Disney stars to life through cutting-edge figure skating, high-flying acrobatics, unexpected stunts, innovative lighting, thrilling special effects, eye-catching costumes, and stunning set designs. Experience the dynamic moments that take place on the ice and in the air when Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars visits Allstate Arena, January 18-21, 2024, and February 1-4, 2024, and the United Center, January 25-28, 2024.

Join Disney On Ice for a magical journey with Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy through timeless tales and today’s favorites. The adventure begins when the North Star shines brightly and descends upon Jiminy Cricket as he welcomes and reminds the audience that the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish.

Journey to Rosas, the kingdom of wishes, to meet optimistic and sharp-witted Asha, from Disney’s newest animated musical feature Wish. She makes an impassioned plea to the stars, which is answered by a cosmic force, a little ball of boundless energy named Star. Together they face the most formidable of foes to save her community and prove that when the will of one courageous human connects with the magic of the stars, wondrous things can happen.

Watch as Raya from Raya and the Last Dragon debuts live on ice and ascends into the air, lifting the show to higher heights as the strong warrior performs an aerial acro-pole routine. And for the first time on ice, escape “Into the Unknown” with Elsa and Anna from Frozen 2. 

Travel to the mountains of Colombia where the Madrigal family lives, unlock the magic in the family’s casita, and discover why “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” 

Set sail with Moana on her canoe into the open ocean, to witness her encourage Te Kā to “Know Who You Are” and transform into Te Fiti. 

Prepare to hit the road with Disney and Pixar’s Lightning McQueen and Tow Mater as they cruise on the ice to “Life Is A Highway,” 

and reconnect with Toy Story’s Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Jessie, Rex, and Hamm.

Pursue your dreams with Tiana, from The Princess and the Frog, as she strives to make her wish of opening a restaurant come true. Discover the power of three wishes with Aladdin when he finds a magic lamp in the Cave of Wonders. 

Reminisce with Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Rapunzel as they remind us to never stop wishing and dreaming.

In the end, audiences will learn that everyone has dreams they want to come true, but the brightest light shines inside of YOU! Every one of you is a STAR! So, shine bright and let your stories light up the night sky!

R O S E M O N T

Thursday, January 18 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 19 – 10:30 AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 20 – 1:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 21 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

Thursday, February 1 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, February 2 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

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

Sunday, February 4 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

 

WHERE:           

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

C H I C A G O

Thursday, January 25 – 7:00 PM                                       

Friday, January 26 – 10:30AM & 7:00 PM                                       

Saturday, January 27 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Sunday, January 28 – 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

WHERE:           

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

TICKETS:          

Tickets now available for purchase online at Ticketmaster.com or visit the venue Box Office. It’s easier than ever to experience the Disney magic. With a variety of ticket options, choose what fits best for an enchanted experience. 

*Ticket prices subject to change – additional venue/ticketing fees may apply

“Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” Character Experience

Enhance your Disney On Ice presents Magic in the Stars show ticket with a preshow Character Experience. “Family Fun with Elsa and Mirabel” includes crafting and interactive time with Elsa and Mirabel, and great photo opportunities.

Please 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.

Follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and 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, Marvel Universe LIVE!, Jurassic World Live Tour, Monster Energy AMA Supercross, and the SuperMotocross World Championship. Across the brand portfolio, Feld Entertainment has entertained millions of families in more than 75 countries and on six continents. Visit feldentertainment.com for more information.

REVIEW: The Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont Now Open Through January 1, 2023

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

VILLAGE OF ROSEMONT WELCOMES

SPARKLE LIGHT FESTIVAL 

TO IMPACT FIELD 

  

Photo Credit for all: Kimberly Robb Baker 

Tickets On Sale Now for Chicago’s Premier Holiday Festival Featuring

Five Illuminated Villages, Winter Tubing Slide, Train Rides and

Mazes Alongside Festive Food & Drink Options

New Attractions This Year Include “Rudolph’s Kids Zone” and “Deck The Walls” Maze  

Guest Review 

By Kimberly Robb Baker

If you’re looking to make lasting memories this holiday season, grab some tickets to the Sparkle Light Festival at Impact Field in Rosemont. It’s truly a taste of the North Pole right here in Chicagoland.

Our party of four ranged in age from 7 to 47, and a magical time was had by all. Of course, the stars of the show are the millions of lights that make up the many holiday scenes. This experience is perfect for family photos you’ll treasure forever with sparkling features including horse-drawn carriages, a giant Christmas tree, ornaments you can explore from the inside, a gorgeous tunnel of lights and many, many more. The light decorations cover most of the field with plenty of open space for kids of all ages to explore.

The two-story ice slide was also a favorite of our group. We were delighted to get endless rounds of sledding in—especially since our all-inclusive tickets covered hot drinks and a very tasty buffet at Rivers Stadium Club onsite, looking out across the lights. The kids loved the mac-n-cheese, hotdogs, bottomless hot chocolate and tasty desserts. After warming up and refueling, we returned to the field for more sledding and a few rides on the Holly Trolly train.

Adding greatly to our experience was the absolutely fantastic staff. From ticket takers to ride operators to the catering team, every interaction was full of warmth. My twelve-year-old said the staff reminded her of “those friendly neighbors in old Christmas movies.”

The kids went to bed with full bellies and happily exhausted. We’ll definitely be back again!

 Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.

This holiday season, Rosemont’s Impact Field (9850 Balmoral Ave.) will shine a little brighter with the debut of Sparkle Light Festival. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking immersive display of millions of holiday lights amongst outdoor holiday activities including train rides, winter tubing and themed mazes. Tickets are now available at www.sparklerosemont.com.  

While visiting Sparkle Light Festival, guests are invited to explore five illuminated villages: the Frozen Forest, Snowflake Circle, Winter Wonderland, the North Pole and Deck the Walls, an all-ages maze of lights. Families can also visit “Rudolph’s Kids Zone” and enjoy a children’s maze, see-saws and other interactive activities. Additional attractions include winter tubing on the “Alpine Slide” and free train rides on the “Holly Trolly.” A special menu of festive food and beverage options will also be available.  

“This season, we’ve reimagined our holiday light experience at Impact Field to create the ultimate destination for holiday magic,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “We are thrilled to partner with the Chicago Dogs to bring what is sure to be the area’s premier light festival to Rosemont.”   

Sparkle Light Festival will be open through January 1, 2023. General admission tickets will be available for $25 for adults and $20 for children ages two through 12. 

Premium ticket packages and add-on experiences are also available and include:

Tubing rides on the "Alpine Slide" ($22 per person): allows unlimited rides on the Alpine Slide during designated timeframe. 

Rivers Stadium Club Tickets ($70 per person): this all-inclusive ticket allows access to Impact Field's "Rivers Stadium Club" complete with a premium buffet, house beer and wine, non-alcoholic beverages and unlimited tubing.

Parking is available at Impact Field’s onsite parking garage for $5 per vehicle. 

 

About Impact Field 

Impact Field is a 6,300-seat stadium located in Rosemont at the intersection of Balmoral Avenue and Pearl Street, west of I-294, at 9850 Balmoral Avenue. The ballpark serves as the home of the American Association of Professional Baseball team, the Chicago Dogs. Sponsored by Impact Networking, Impact Field offers a variety of different spaces and experiences for visitors including a private club, suites, field-level experience and more.  

  

About The Village of Rosemont 

Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently

located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Easily accessible via the area’s major highways, Rosemont is home to the Allstate Arena, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, Rosemont Theatre, Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Parkway Bank Park entertainment district and Impact Field. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. For more information, visit Rosemont.com. 

REVIEW: The Wizard of Oz Via The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences Now Playing playing Through August 7th, 2022

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A musical adventure for all ages!

Theatre for Young Audiences returns to the Marriott Theatre.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audience’s production of the Wizard of Oz transported three generations of my family to a just-dangerous-enough world of magic and brought us safely, satisfyingly home.

My mom, I, and two of my kids, ages 12 and 7, were immediately drawn into Campbell Krausen’s sincere and engaging Dorothy. We were quickly introduced to the Kansas crew; an adorable, living and breathing Toto; and ensemble players Laura Savage, Mandy Modic, and Matthew Bettencourt who created, with the surrounding screens and inventive costuming, a very convincing tornado.

When Glinda (Harriet Nzinga Plumpp, who also plays Aunt Em) appeared along with her shower of bubbles, my 7-year-old was not alone in leaping out of his seat and exclaiming, “Joy, joy, joy!”

Jacquelyne Jones as the Wicked Witch of the West (and Miss Gultch) was a perfect villain for the beloved crew to conquer. We all appreciated the non-traditional casting of Allison Sill in the role of the Scarecrow (with very entertaining physical comedy), the heartfelt performance of Michael Turrentine as Tin Man (his excellent tap skills were a super fun dynamic for his character), and Lorenzo Rush Jr.’s “Cowardly” Lion, who is very funny and, of course, courageous in the end. Kevin McKillip was the perfect well-intentioned bumbler as the Wizard of Oz (and Uncle Henry).

All production photos by Liz Lauren

Artistic Director Peter Marston, props and scenic designer Sally Zack, costume designer Amanda Vader Byl, lighting designer Jesse Klug, sound designer Brandon Reid, and media designer Tony Churchill—along with other tech and stage pros—made this an experience that held my digital-native kids captive.

The Wizard of Oz is playing through August 7th. Don't miss this!

 Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences returns this summer with THE WIZARD OF OZ! Families will relive this beloved tale of four unlikely friends on the adventure of a lifetime at the Marriott Theatre, located at 10 Marriott Dr. Lincolnshire, running July 8, 2022 through August 7, with a press opening on July 16 at 10:00AM. The production returns November 15 through December 31. THE WIZARD OF OZ features the classic musical score that has entertained audiences for generations including "Follow the Yellow Brick Road," "Ding Dong the Witch is Dead," and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." This special one-hour presentation is directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller and choreographed by Tiffany Krause. Musical Direction is by Cameron Miya with Musical Supervision by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.

“I am so thrilled to be a part of this special production of THE WIZARD OF OZ in the round,’’ said Johanna McKenzie Miller. “With the eve of Judy Garland’s 100th birthday this year, we thought this would be the perfect time to bring back this classic tale and relive the special moments that will continue to bring generations together and have the whole family humming along.”

THE WIZARD OF OZ tells the classic tale of young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto who are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the colorful and enchanting Land of Oz. To get back home, Dorothy must first embark on a journey to the Emerald City, where the Wizard of Oz resides. On the way down the Yellow Brick Road, Dorothy and her dog are accompanied by three new friends they meet along the way– a Scarecrow who wants a brain, a Tin Man who wants a heart and a Cowardly Lion who wants courage. All on the quest to have their wishes come true, they come across the Wicked Witch of the West out on her own quest for revenge.

This production of THE WIZARD OF OZ stars Campbell Krausen as “Dorothy,” Lorenzo Rush Jr. as “Lion,” Michael Turrentine as “Tin Man,” Allison Sill as “Scarecrow,” Harriet Nzinga Plumpp as “Auntie Em/Glinda,” Jacquelyne Jones as “Miss Gultch/Wicked Witch” and Kevin McKillip as “Uncle Henry/Oz”. The ensemble features Laura Savage, Mandy Modic and Matthew Bettencourt, with understudies Isabella Abel-Suarez, Grace Bobber, Emily Ann Brooks, Jake Elkins, Michael Earvin Martin, Jenna Napolitano, and Nolan Fizoires Robinson II.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences team will be led by Artistic Director Peter Marston Sullivan, with artistic associate Emily Marso, props and scenic design by Sally Zack, costume design by Amanda Vander Byl, wig design by Megan Pirtle, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Brandon Reed, projection and media design by Tony Churchill. The stage manager is Jessica Banaszak.

Marriott Theatre is committed to providing healthy and safe facilities for audiences, performers, and staff. Please check www.MarriottTheatre.com prior to your visit for the most recent COVID-19 protocols.

THE WIZARD OF OZ plays most Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10am, Fridays at 6pm, Saturdays at 10am and 12.30 pm and Sundays at 10am. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates vary. Tickets are $15, excluding tax and handling fees. Call for group discounts over 20 tickets. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Summer Fun Abounds With The Netflix Family Summer Truck Tour

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List

Netflix Activity Truck at Navy Pier

Photo Recap by Guest Reviewer

Kimberly Robb Baker and Family

If your kids are anything like mine, they BLOW UP your Netflix account! So it was an extra pleasure to bring my kids to the Netflix Activity Truck at Navy Pier this weekend.

All event photos by Kimberly Robb Baker

They got to take pictures with Blippi and Po (of Kungfu Panda fame). Netflix didn’t even mind when I got in on the greenscreen action, put in-scene of The Sea Beast, their new girl-hero water adventure! Did I mention there were generous swag bags for the kids?!

The truck tour began in California and brought a taste of Hollywood to the Windy City. You can get your own kid-friendly experience with Netflix as they appear in Minneapolis at the Mall of America’s Toddler Tuesday 10-3 on July 19th, at the New England Aquarium in Boston on July 23 and 24 9-5, and finally in Atlanta at The Battery from 9:30-4:30.

To keep the fun going at home, download the activity guide here and check out the “Summer Break” collection at www.netflix.com/netflixfamilysummer for even more summertime viewing suggestions. 

The Netflix Family Summer Truck Tour features a kids and family friendly film & series-themed truck which is making its way across the U.S. during July and August with stops at MLB games, aquariums, malls, piers and a host of other locations. Family fun includes giveaways, character meet-and-greets and an immersive photo experience highlighting the best “what to watch” films and series for families this summer.

To get the latest on Netflix Family Summer, follow on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest @NetflixFamily #NetflixFamilySummer 

REVIEW: Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors at Chicago Shakespeare Theater Through February 29, 2020

SHORT SHAKESPEARE!

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

75-minute comedy is perfect introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages

Saturdays at 11:00am, January 25–February 29, 2020

Guest Review 
By Kimberly Robb Baker

What a gift it was to enjoy Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors from a cast that was so clearly connected to each other, the material, and the audience. Deftly adapted by David H. Bell, the 75-minute rendition felt complete and engaged our audience of children and adults from pre-show antics to closing bows.

 Mistaken identities abound as two sets of long-lost twins—Dromio of Ephesus (Sam Linda, far left) and Dromio of Syracuse (Ian Maryfield, far right) and Antipholus of Ephesus (Casey Hoekstra, center left) and Antipholus of Syracuse (Adam Wesley Brown, center right)—cross paths on one bewildering day. All Photos by Liz Lauren.

Directed originally by Bell and on this stage by Eli Newell, the talented cast helped us understand and enjoy The Bard, with many moments of bated breath and uproarious laughter. There was not a single weak link in costuming, lighting, set, sound, or performance.

Adriana (Nora Carroll, at left) shares a moment with her sister Luciana (Phoebe González, at right) before mistaken identities threaten to pull them apart. 

Shakespeare being a product of his time, there is plenty of sexism and gender conformity built into the play, but Nora Carroll as an Adriana, Lillian Castillo as both Amelia and an empowered sex worker of a courtesan, and Phoebe González as Luciana all inhabit their roles and interpret their lines with such power that I could be convinced the Bard had a feminist bent.

The two sets of twins and the rest of the versatile cast, including the lusty kitchen wench Luce who chases her mate’s lookalike all over the theater to much hilarity, make every moment of the play perfect. As a bonus, it’s set in the WPA era with back story and costume to match—a fun shift for Shakespeare.

 An infuriated Antipholus of Ephesus (Casey Hoekstra) is detained by the officers (Samuel Douglas, Dan Plehal, Jack D. Olin)

In short, whether you’re young or old, a Shakespeare newbie or seasoned connoisseur, get thee to the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. This new take on an old goodie will not disappoint.

Kimberly Robb Baker is a Chicago based writer, blogger, consultant, story teller, and mother. You can find her worky stuff here: ThisLittleBrand.com and her artsy fartsy stuff here:  DisruptiveMama.com.

 The Bumbellini (Jack D. Olin, Dan Plehal, Samuel Douglas) delight audiences with acrobatics and slapstick antics

Spend your Saturday with Shakespeare:

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents

SHORT SHAKESPEARE!

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS

Chicago Shakespeare Theater invites audiences to spend their Saturday with Shakespeare in this cleverly abridged, 75-minute production of Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors on Saturdays at 11:00am, January 25–February 29, 2020 in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Filled to the brim with acrobatics and mayhem, the hilarity and hijinks of Shakespeare's comedy are larger-than-life in this vibrant and fast-paced production, making it the perfect introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages.

 Mistaking him for her husband, Adriana (Nora Carroll) makes romantic advances towards a befuddled Antipholus of Syracuse (Adam Wesley Brown)—as Dromio of Syracuse (Ian Maryfield) looks on aghast 

Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors is directed by Eli Newell, with adaptation and original direction by David H. Bell. After each performance, the actors remain on stage for a question-and-answer session before joining the audience in the Lobby to mingle and take photos. Tickets start at just $24 for students ages 18 and under.

The story unfolds when Antipholus and his lifelong companion Dromio find themselves in Ephesus as they search the world over for a twin, lost in infancy. Everywhere they go in this foreign land, complete strangers insist that they’re best of friends. Is everyone here quite mad? Mistaken identities abound, as one bewildering day in Ephesus makes for hysterical complications—and a bewitching theatrical experience.

The company of The Comedy of Errors features Adam Wesley Brown (Antipholus of Syracuse), Nora Carroll (Adriana), Lillian Castillo (Troupe Manager/Courtesan/ Emilia), Samuel Douglas (Second Merchant/Hamlet/Waiter), Phoebe González (Luciana), Casey Hoekstra (Antipholus of Ephesus), Sam Linda (Dromio of Ephesus), Ian Maryfield (Dromio of Syracuse), Jack D. Olin (Waiter/Messenger/Jailer), Dan Plehal (First Merchant/Officer/Waiter), Nima Rakhshanifar (Angelo), Drew Shirley (Egeon/Luce/Dr. Pinch), and Laurence Stepney (Duke of Ephesus/ Balthazar).

Creating the world of The Comedy of Errors are Original Scenic Designer Tom Burch with Additional Scenic Elements by Alan E. Schwanke, Costume Designer Ana Kuzmanic, Lighting Designer Michelle E. Benda, Sound Designer Eric Backus, and Wig and Make-up Designer Richard Jarvie. Also joining Newell on the creative team are Composer Jonathan Bauerfeld and Verse Coach Chaon Cross, as well as Assistant Director Megan Gray, Intimacy Choreographer Tristin Hall, Movement Coach Max Fabian, and Movement Assistant Wesley Truman Daniel.

In addition to public performances on Saturdays, Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors will welcome 30,000 students during its six-week run of weekday matinees in The Yard, followed by a two-week tour to schools across the region through March 12, 2020.

Chicago Shakespeare’s Short Shakespeare! series is part of the Theater’s nationally recognized Team Shakespeare education programs, which have impacted two million students to date. Chicago Shakespeare brings Shakespeare’s work to life in the school curriculum—through live performance, professional learning for educators, comprehensive teaching resources, and opportunities for students to perform Shakespeare. These initiatives—in concert with the free citywide Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour and summer family musical series—exemplify the Theater’s steadfast commitment to young audiences and ensure that one in four audience members is age 18 or under.

Chicago Shakespeare strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons through its Access Shakespeare programs. 

Accessible performances for Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors include:

Audio-described Performance – Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 11:00am
A program that enables patrons who are blind or have low vision to more fully experience live performances by providing spoken narration of a play’s key visual elements.

ASL Duo-interpreted Performance – Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:00am
All dialogue and lyrics are translated into American Sign Language by two certified interpreters.

Open-captioned Performances – Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 11:00am
A text display of the words and sounds heard during a play, synced live with the action onstage.

Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors will be presented on Saturdays at 11:00am from January 25–February 29, 2020 in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, Single tickets ($24 for audience members age 18 and under; $36 for adults) are on sale now. Special discounts will be 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.

Clutching his twin sons, Egeon (Drew Shirley, at center) fears for his life during a storm at sea as the crew (from left to right: Dan Plehal, Nora Carroll, Laurence Stepney) abandon ship

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
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—a company that defies theatrical category. This Regional Tony Award-winning theater’s year-round season features as many as twenty productions and 650 performances—including plays, musicals, world premieres, family programming, and presentations from around the globe. Chicago Shakespeare is the city’s leading presenter of international work, and has toured its own productions across five continents. The Theater’s nationally acclaimed arts in literacy programs support the work of teachers, and bring Shakespeare to life on stage for tens of thousands of students annually. Each summer, the company tours a free professional production to neighborhood parks across Chicago. In 2017 the Theater unveiled The Yard, which, together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs, positions Chicago Shakespeare as Chicago’s most versatile performing arts center.

A company of traveling players comes together to present Shakespeare’s riotous comedy  in Chicago Shakespeare’s 75-minute abridged production of Short Shakespeare! The Comedy of Errors, directed by Eli Newell with adaptation and original direction by David H. Bell, on Saturdays at 11:00am, January 25–February 29, 2020. Photo by Liz Lauren.