REVIEW: Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Drury Lane Theatre Through January 27, 2019

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List:

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast 

at Drury Lane Theatre 

Music by Alan Menken 

Lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice 

Book by Linda Woolverton 

Originally Directed by Robert Jess Roth

Originally Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions

Through January 27, 2019

**Beauty and the Beast is suitable for all audiences but most enjoyable for ages 5 and up** 

Guest Review by
Lori Morrison-Contreras

“A Tale as Old as Time”, Beauty and the Beast is a story of longing, determination, strength, courage and standing up for yourself and others even when it is the unpopular thing to do.



This new version at Drury Lane is a fresh new take on an old classic. We had the pleasure of sitting next to someone who had never seen any version of Beauty and The Beast so was seeing it for the first time here live. Her laughter and sheer delight were a joy to experience! 

The main set piece, a revolving, curved, grand staircase (a scenic design from Kevin Depinet) was fantastic! 



Although at times it was a stretch to see what was happening below the stairs, “Belle’s room in the castle for example, it did much to transform the stage from castle, to woods to town. It added a majestic quality to the castle and an eariness to the battles with wolves in the woods. 

The music (by Alan Menken with lyrics by Howard Ashman and Tim Rice) and dancing (choreographed by Ron De Jesus) was beautifully done! 

I brought my 11 Belle loving daughter with me! This was her first live version of Beauty and The Beast. Be Our Guest was so incredibly done and was easily both of our favorite part of the entire night! Along with the singing and dancing, the costuming (Ryan Park) and lighting (Ryan O’Gara) really made this scene come alive. It really was a magical moment!

My daughter takes Costume Design classes herself was in love with all the costume, especially Belle’s dress at the end. 

Finally, not to give too much away, but we were both fascinated with the unique way they created the Beast’s rose. 

I would definitely recommend it for all ages!

Lori is an unschooling Chicago mom who lives in Little Village with her husband, three kids, and two dogs. She is a 2nd degree black belt in TKD and a burlesque dancer, who teaches self defense and works for Edge Theatre, NFP.

The cast of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast includes Brandon Contreras (Beast), Erica Stephan (Belle), Mark Banik (Gaston), Sophie Ackerman (Chip), Graham Carlson (Chip, at certain performances), Tony Carter (Lumiere), Nick Cosgrove (Cogsworth), Mark David Kaplan (Maurice), Catherine Smitko (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Bri Sudia (Mrs. Potts), Allison Sill (Babette), and Paul Michael Thomson (Lefou). The ensemble includes Jeremiah Alsop, Anthony Avino, Greg Blackmon, Isaiah Silvia-Chandley, Liz Conway, Shantel Cribbs, Timothy P. Foszcz, Samuel Gardner, Maya Kitayama, Ivory Leonard IV, Omar Madden, Courtney Martin, Conner Wayne Milam, Zach Porter, Emma Rosenthal, Billy Rude, Monica Thomas, and Shanna VanDerwerker.

The creative team includes Kevin Depinet (Scenic Design), Ryan Park (Costume Design), Ryan O’Gara (Lighting Design), Ray Nardelli (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Claire Moores (Wig & Hair Design), Amber Wuttke (Makeup Design) and Kate DeVore (Dialect Consultant).

Based on the beloved Academy Award-winning Disney film, this nine-time Tony nominated musical continues to win the hearts of people all over the globe. Trapped in her provincial town life, an intelligent, young beauty risks everything to become the heroine of her own story and break a wicked spell imprisoning a castle full of enchanting misfits and a terrifying beast.


Featuring:
Brandon Contreras (Beast), Erica Stephan (Belle), Mark Banik (Gaston), Sophie Ackerman (Chip), Graham Carlson (Chip, at certain performances), Tony Carter (Lumiere), Nick Cosgrove (Cogsworth), Mark David Kaplan (Maurice), Catherine Smitko (Madame de la Grande Bouche), Bri Sudia (Mrs. Potts), Allison Sill (Babette), and Paul Michael Thomson (Lefou). The ensemble includes Jeremiah Alsop, Anthony Avino, Greg Blackmon, Isaiah Silvia-Chandley, Liz Conway, Shantel Cribbs, Timothy P. Foszcz, Samuel Gardner, Maya Kitayama, Ivory Leonard IV, Omar Madden, Courtney Martin, Conner Wayne Milam, Zach Porter, Emma Rosenthal, Billy Rude, Monica Thomas, and Shanna VanDerwerker.

Creative Team: 
Kevin Depinet (Scenic Design), Ryan Park (Costume Design), Ryan O’Gara (Lighting Design), Ray Nardelli (Sound Design), Cassy Schillo (Properties Design), Claire Moores (Wig & Hair Design), Amber Wuttke (Makeup Design) and Kate DeVore (Dialect Consultant)

Dates:
Regular run: Through January 27, 2019 

Schedule:
Thursdays: 1:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Fridays: 8:00 p.m.
Saturdays: 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. 
Sundays: 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Location: Drury Lane Theatre at 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace

Tickets:
Single Tickets: $60 – $75
Wednesday and Thursday matinees: $60
Thursday and Sunday evenings: $70
Friday and Saturday evenings and Saturday and Sunday matinees: $75
Senior Citizens start at $55 for matinees
Student group tickets available
Dinner and show packages available 

Box Office: 100 Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace
630.530.0111, Ticketmaster at 800.745.3000
or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com



2019/2020 Season and Subscription Information
Drury Lane's 2018/2019 season will conclude with the global smash-hit Mamma Mia! featuring the music of ABBA (February 7 – April 14, 2019). The 2019/2020 season will include two award-winning Regional Theatre premieres – the imaginative Matilda (April 26 – June 23, 2019), based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, and the beautifully captivating Gershwin musical An American in Paris (January 31 – March 29, 2020). The thrilling season also includes the revival of the exhilarating The Color Purple (September 13 – November 3, 2019), based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel; the magical musical for all ages Mary Poppins (November 15 – January 19, 2020); and Agatha Christie’s edge-of-your-seat murder mystery And Then There Were None (July 12 – September 1, 2019).

Subscriptions for the 2019/2020 Season are priced from $157 to $187 and are currently on sale. Subscribers receive special offers on dining, flexible ticket exchanges, and early notification and priority seating for added events and concerts. For more information, visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.

The performance schedule for all productions during the 2018/2019 season is as follows: Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m., Thursdays at 1:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Student group tickets start as low as $30 and Senior Citizens start at $40 for matinees. Dinner and show packages are also available. For individual ticket on-sale dates and ticket reservations, call the Drury Lane Theatre box office at 630.530.0111 or TicketMaster at 800.745.3000 or visit DruryLaneTheatre.com.

About Drury Lane Theatre 
Under the leadership of President Kyle DeSantis and Artistic Director William Osetek, Drury Lane Theatre is a major force in the Chicagoland theatre scene, presenting world-class productions in collaboration with some of the nation’s leading actors, artists, writers, and directors. Over the past 30 years, Drury Lane has staged more than 2,000 productions and has been nominated for more than 360 Joseph Jefferson Awards. Drury Lane is committed to breathing new life into beloved classics and introducing audiences to exciting new works. 


Throughout its 30-year history, Drury Lane has employed more than 7,500 actors and 10,000 musicians, designers, and crew members to entertain upwards of nine million audience members. Originally founded by Anthony DeSantis, Drury Lane Theatre remains a family-run organization known for producing breathtaking Broadway classics, top-rated musicals, bold new works, hilarious comedies, and unforgettable concert events.

REVIEW: Filament Theatre's Snow Queen and Enter To Win 4 Tickets ($70 Value)

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

THE SNOW QUEEN

Written by Tyler J. Monroe

Directed by Allegra Libonati

Based on the Fairy Tale by Hans Christian Andersen

Dates: Saturdays & Sundays Through December 23, 2018

Running time: About 60 minutes

Enter below for your chance to WIN 4 Tickets to your choice of show times/dates (pending availability).

Guest Review 
by Lori Morrison-Contreras

The Snow Queen is a classic fairytale brought to life in an interactive and engaging manner. When we first arrived, there was a table set up for us to make snowflakes. Inside, there was material on each table to make roses. These snowflakes and roses, as we were told, would help the story to come to life.

This adaptation is about an hour which is the perfect length for the younger audiences for which this is geared.

The Snow Queen’s (Lindsey Dorcus) mirror is stolen and broken. Kai, (Christian Libonati), excellent at puzzle solving, is kidnapped by the Snow Queen to coerce him into fixing her mirror.

Kai’s brave and determined best friend Gerda (Mara Dale) faces freezing cold water as well as many interesting characters along the way including trolls, reindeer, swallows and ravens.  It is a tale of the lengths you will go to to help a beloved friend, even when they don’t know they need it.


The talented actors play many different parts in this wonderful story! The props are simple yet amazing! The Snow Queen’s giant, menacing mask and the bird puppets with their moving wings add a magical element to the experience!

Times: Saturday @ 10am & 2:30pm; Sunday @ 1pm

Price: $14 – $17.50

Contact: Boxoffice: Filamenttheatre.org; (773) 270-1660

Address: 4041 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641

About the Show:

Filament’s 2014 hit is back and better than ever! When her best friend Kai is lured to the wicked Snow Queen’s palace, Gerda embarks on an unexpected quest to the ends of the world to save him. This epic story of courage and friendship across the wintry wonders of the North Pole and beyond will warm your heart with music, puppetry, and lots of theatrical magic.

Run time:
About 60 minutes; Audiences are encouraged to come early and stay up to 30 minutes after the performance to play with the actors and participate in activities.



What Parents said about our 2014 production:

“This play blew me away! My wife and 5 yr. old son and I went last Saturday and it really was an excellent play. I thought that it would be fun for my son but it turned out that we all enjoyed it! The actors are excellent. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!”

– Brian Lovegod Smith, Audience Member via EveryBlock
“The Snow Queen was great! My 5 year old son and my 58 year old mom both loved it.”

– Naomi Millan, Audience Member via Facebook
“(We) went to this show on Saturday – it was fantastic!”

– Tammy Estes Woods, Audience Member via Facebook
“What a great experience! We saw the snow queen show and could not be happier. It was easy to use my imagination and to laugh. Loved the inclusion of the audience too! Great job. :-)” – Katie Gerson, Audience Member via Facebook

What Critics said about our 2014 production:

“Sometimes a simple snowstorm is all that’s needed to warm the heart.” – Bob Bullen, Chicago Theatre Addict

“Full of little surprises…it’s a sprinkling of magic in which brutal winter finally gets some comeuppance.”
– Dan Jakes, TIMEOUT CHICAGO (Recommended)

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN 4 Tickets

($70 Value)

Winner's choice of dates/times (pending availability). Enter through midnight November 26th, 2018. Winner will be announced here and on our social media channels on Tuesday the 27th.

Disclosure: Thanks to Filament for providing complimentary tickets for our giveaway and review purposes. As always, all opinions are our own.

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING: Show Dogs Movie

Looking for Family Friendly Comedy Fun?

Show Dogs is Open Nationwide May 18th

 Natasha Lyonne, Max, voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Will Arnett in SHOW DOGS.

Photo credit:  Adrian Rogers / Distributor:  Global Road Entertainment

SHOW DOGS is a family comedy about the unlikely pairing of a human detective (Will Arnett) and his canine partner (voice of Chris "Ludacris" Bridges), who has to go undercover at the world's most exclusive dog show to solve his biggest case yet.

Max, voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, in SHOW DOGS.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Global Road Entertainment

GUEST REVIEW: 
Lori Morrison-Contreras

A baby panda goes missing. Other exotic animals and "Best in Show" dogs have gone missing as well. It is up to Max, a rough and tumble canine street detective, and his often clueless human partner to solve the case.

This movie had it's funny moments. Like a lot of family movies, much of the humor is more adult and will probably go over the heads of most kids. Many Turner and Hooch references also. 

Max, voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Will Arnett in SHOW DOGS.

Photo credit:  Adrian Rogers 

My 10 and 6 year olds really liked it. My 10 year old thought it was a lot like Scooby Doo with the detective work and hijinks ensuing. Max is a lot braver than Scooby Doo and eagerly walks into dangerous situations even when he shouldn't though. 

Sprinkles, voiced by Gabriel Iglesias, Philippe, voiced by Stanley Tucci, and Max, voiced by Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, in SHOW DOGS.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Global Road Entertainment  

My 8 year old and I thought it was just ok. It did have it's funny moments. The pigeon sidekicks were hilarious. Lessons are learned, friendships develop.

It was good to see Natasha Lyonne, the actress who plays Nikki on Orange is the New Black, in a very different role. Will Arnett is great. It would be good to see these two together again in a different movie. 

Director: Raja Gosnell

Writers: Max Botkin and Marc Hyman

Cast: Will Arnett, Natasha Lyonne, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jordin Sparks, Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias, Shaquille O’Neal, Alan Cumming, Stanley Tucci

Starring Will Arnett, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, Natasha Lyonne, Jordin Sparks, Gabriel Iglesias, Shaquille O'Neal, Alan Cumming, and Stanley Tucci.

Philippe, voiced by Stanley in Tucci, in SHOW DOGS.

Photo credit:  Courtesy of Global Road Entertainment 

Get Social:

OFFICIAL FILM SITE: www.ShowDogs-Movie.com

OFFICIAL HASHTAG: #ShowDogsMovie

OFFICIAL FACEBOOK: facebook.com/ShowDogsMov

OFFICIAL TWITTER: twitter.com/ShowDogsMov

OFFICIAL INSTAGRAM: instagram.com/ShowDogsMovie

WHAT WE'RE WATCHING: National Geographic's ONE STRANGE ROCK

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List for Fabulous Family Friendly TV Shows

New episodes of One Strange Rock air every Monday at 9pm CT on The National Geographic Channel.  You can also catch up on demand.

Guest Post by Lori Morrison-Contreras
We were invited to Chicago's Adler Planetarium to see the first episode of National Geographic's ONE STRANGE ROCK, and get a sneak peek inside the traveling four minute immersive space helmet, for a feature for ChiIL Mama. I'm a homeschooling mom of 3 curious kids ages 6, 8 and 10 so this was a great fit for my family.

All photos by Lori Morrison-Contreras, shot at Adler Planetarium in Chicago 4/27/18 unless noted

The episode we saw was visually stunning and informative. I definitely look forward to watching the series. It was a little hard to understand for my youngest (who just turned six). She was genuinely interested though and asked a lot of questions. 



The space helmets were amazing and a great follow up to the first episode. My six year old found it a little scary having the images be so up close. I had difficulty with it as I am claustrophobic. I am glad I did it but probably wouldn't again. My eight and ten year olds greatly enjoyed it and were fascinated by being able to have such a close up look at space and the things they had just learned. 

National Geographic's ONE STRANGE ROCK

Hosted by Will Smith, One Strange Rock is a mind-bending, full-sensory journey that explores the fragility and wonder of our planet. It’s the extraordinary story of why life as we know it exists on Earth, brought into perspective by the only people to have left it behind: astronauts. This 10-part series, which was filmed across 45 countries, on six continents and from outer space, reveals the twists of fate that have allowed life to emerge, survive and thrive on Earth. 

One Strange Rock is executive produced by Darren Aronofsky and Ari Handel from Protozoa Pictures and Jane Root and Arif Nurmohamed from Nutopia and features astronauts Nicole Stott, Jeff Hoffman, Leland Melvin, Mike Massimino, Peggy Whitson, Jerry Linenger, Chris Hadfield and Mae Jemison.

Photo by Eduardo Munoz, shot in NYC

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC CELEBRATES 

THE EPIC STORY OF OUR PLANET IN GROUNDBREAKING SERIES, ONE STRANGE ROCK, WITH ONE-OF-A-KIND, IMMERSIVE SPACE PROJECTION HELMET

Wearable Technology Simulates Astronaut Point of View Using Footage from One Strange Rock at The Adler Planetarium           

On Friday, April 27, 2018 lovers of outer space were invited to experience the One Strange Rock: Space Projection Helmet, an immersive technology that made a stop at Chicago’s Adler Planetarium for one day only. Through the One Strange Rock: Space Projection Helmets, users instantly blast off into outer space and float through the cosmos as they see the universe through the eyes of an astronaut.

Additionally, guests were treated to a screening of the first episode of One Strange Rock at the Johnson Star Theater. The One Strange Rock helmet experience was held in the The Room of Requirement located on the 2nd level of the Planetarium. 

One Strange Rock, the latest from executive producers Darren Aronofsky, Jane Root and Arif Nurmohamed, tells the extraordinary story of Earth, told from the only people who have ever left it: astronauts. Inspired by the innovative storytelling in One Strange Rock, National Geographic created the Space Projection Helmet to bring this unique astronaut vantage-point even closer to those on Earth. The limited-edition gear will go on tour to schools and planetariums in select cities this Spring- including the stop in Chicago.

One Strange Rock premiered on Monday, April 16 at 9pm CT on The National Geographic Channel.

Housed in a replica space helmet, the projection technology creates an immersive viewing experience through a unique combination of laser projection, custom fish-eye optics and in-built audio. Unlike in-market VR headsets, the helmet offers an exceptionally wide field of view and is designed so the user can freely move their head inside of the dome to look around the entire field of vision, just as an astronaut would within their helmet in space.

“One Strange Rock is an unprecedented television experience; we were inspired by the innovative storytelling, mesmerizing footage and the unique accounts of astronauts to create a specialized viewing mechanism that would elevate and emulate their first-hand experience,” says Jill Cress, chief marketing and brand officer, National Geographic Partners. “The OSR Space Projection Helmet furthers National Geographic’s commitment to make science fun, entertaining, and accessible to new audiences.”

About National Geographic Partners LLC
National Geographic Partners LLC (NGP), a joint venture between National Geographic and 21st Century Fox, is committed to bringing the world premium science, adventure and exploration content across an unrivaled portfolio of media assets. NGP combines the global National Geographic television channels (National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo WILD, Nat Geo MUNDO, Nat Geo PEOPLE) with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, global experiences and events, archival sales, licensing and e-commerce businesses. 

Furthering knowledge and understanding of our world has been the core purpose of National Geographic for 129 years, and now we are committed to going deeper, pushing boundaries, going further for our consumers … and reaching millions of people around the world in 172 countries and 43 languages every month as we do it. NGP returns 27 percent of our proceeds to the nonprofit National Geographic Society to fund work in the areas of science, exploration, conservation and education. 

For more information visit natgeotv.com or nationalgeographic.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn  and Pinterest.

REVIEW: You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? Lifeline Theatre KidSeries' World Premiere Family Musical Through Sunday, April 22

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents

You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy?

World Premiere Family Musical Through Sunday, April 22

**NOTE: Author Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt visits Lifeline Theatre for a Book Signing on April 21**

Review:
Guest Post by Lori Morrison-Contreras

You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?

Lifeline Theatre’s “You Think It’s Easy Being the Tooth Fairy?” is an upbeat, musical tale of learning that your dream job isn’t always as it seems and desire isn’t enough, you need hard work and training as well.

Plucky, go getter fairy D.D. (Dew Drop) hears an announcement that due to an influx of kids losing their teeth, they are looking for a new tooth fairy. Her dream has always been to be the tooth fairy! She has Grand Visions of the beautiful dress she will wear and all the accolades she will receive.

Once she gets accepted into the training program, she learns that the reality of the job, is nowhere near the same as her dream. It takes intense physical and mental training and she must learn all the ins and outs of every aspect before she can even begin to be considered for the job of Tooth Fairy.  Thankfully she has a team of energetic, hard working and fun loving lightning bugs and the Tooth Fairy herself as a strong support team rooting her on all the way!



With a fun “Command Central” stage that looks like a DJ station, giant props to remind us these are fairies and great music that will keep you dancing in your seats, this is a must see!  I highly recommend it!

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy?, a world premiere family musical with book by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie and Derek Czaplewski, music and lyrics by Laura McKenzie, and directed by Heather Currie; based on the book by Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt; illustrated by David Slonim. 

Dew Drop just landed her dream assignment: training to become the next Tooth Fairy! But after coming on board, she learns that there’s more to the job than simply being sparkly: it’s going to take guts, skill, and a whole lot of training to succeed. Working closely with her mentor – and a flashy flock of firefly assistants – Dew Drop must learn the rules of Command Central, master “Tooth-o-Finder” technology, and bench press mountains of quarters before she can fly on her own. Tackle a new challenge and learn what it takes to succeed in the fast-paced tooth collection industry with this world premiere musical based on the 2007 book. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. The book is on sale in the lobby.

NEW: Lifeline Theatre welcomes You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? author Sheri Bell-Rehwoldt on April 21. Bell-Rehwoldt will sign copies of You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? in the theatre’s lobby at 12 p.m. (this is a free event and copies of the book will be on sale).

You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? runs Saturday, March 17 – Sunday, April 22 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (no performances Easter Sunday, April 1). Press opening is Sunday, March 18 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, March 18 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.  

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, March 24, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Sunday, March 25, 11 a.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 10 a.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. And there will be an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, April 15 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? (following the 11 a.m. show, or before the 1 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! Hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $5 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

The complete cast and production team for You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? includes:

CAST:        
Guest artists Christopher Causer (Flash), Diana Coates (The Tooth Fairy), Benjamin Ponce (Twinkle), Darian Tene (Dew Drop), and Brian Tochterman Jr. (Fresnel). With understudies Trevor Bates, Gabriel Fries, Shea Lee, and Stephanie Stockstill.


PRODUCTION TEAM:    
Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Heather Currie (Director/Co-Adaptor) and Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Designer); with
guest artists Lizzie Bracken (Scenic Designer), Derek Czaplewski (Co-Adaptor), Joe Griffin (Sound Designer), Collin Helou
(Master Electrician/AV Supervisor), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Laura McKenzie (Composer/Lyricist/Music
Director), Jenny Pinson (Properties Designer), Kate Reed (Stage Manager), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), and
Brenda Winstead (Costume Designer).

You Think It’s Easy Being The Tooth Fairy? runs Saturday, March 17 – Sunday, April 22 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (no performances Easter Sunday, April 1). Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, March 17 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, March 18 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.  

Lifeline Theatre also offers “Name Your Price” tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request. A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties. Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on Greenview Ave. just south of North Shore Ave.) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

When my own kids, Dugan & Sage, were young, we bought a season subscription to the excellent Lifeline KidSeries every year, so they grew up with world class, book based adaptations. Here they are in 2010 & a few years later, rockin' the photo ops, ChiILin' in Chi, IL in Lifeline Theatre's fun, oversized lobby chair.

Now in its 35th season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; A.R.T League Inc.; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Michael and Mona Heath Fund at The Chicago Community Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; Lagunitas Brewing Co. Community Grant Program; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Disclosure: It's been our pleasure to partner up with Lifeline Theatre for decades now. Thanks to them for providing tickets for review purposes and for giveaways for our readers. As always, all opinions are our own.