OPENING: Little Shop of Horrors at Mercury Theater March 1 through April 28, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

March 1 through April 28

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS has long been one of my favorite musicals and I can't wait to see Mercury Theater's unique take on this classic. My son and I are beyond excited to be catching the press opening Sunday, March 10th, so check back soon for my full review. This is a great pick for multigenerational appeal.

Seymour Krelborn is in search of an escape from his poverty-stricken life on an urban skid-row. He discovers a mysterious carnivorous plant, which survives on human blood.  This man-eating plant quickly blossoms into a fully-fledged local attraction and propels Seymour to success. Before long, Seymour discovers the plant’s extra-terrestrial roots and its’ ultimate desire for world domination.

This hit sci-fi musical has devoured the hearts of audiences around the world for more than 30 years, following the story of floral assistant who stumbles across a new breed of carnivorous plant that promises to grant him fame, fortune and all his desires – as long as the blood keeps flowing. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will feature the creative talents of Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director) and Christopher Carter (Choreographer)

Walter Stearns, Executive Director of Mercury Theater Chicago, announced the cast and creative team of the upcoming LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, running on the main stage from March 1 through April 28. 

Leading the cast of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is Christopher Kale Jones as Seymour, Dana Tretta as Audrey and Tommy Novak as Mr. Mushnik.  LITTLE SHOP also features Shantel Cribbs (Chiffon), Nicole Lambert (Crystal), Adhana Reid (Ronnette), David Sajewich (Dr. Orin and Everyone Else), Jonah Winston (Audrey II Voice) and Sam Woods (Audrey II Puppet). The creative team includes Walter Stearns (director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), Christopher Carter (Choreographer), Alan Donahue (Set Designer), Scott Deter Flores* (Assistant Stage Manager), Kristof Jarezic (Lighting Designer), Kristi J. Martens* (Production Stage Manager), Serena Sandoval (Costume Designer) and Carl Wahlstrom (Sound Designer).









Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is based on a Roger Corman thriller from the 1960’s (which featured a young Jack Nicholson).  As a musical it has delighted and enthralled audiences since it’s opening off-Broadway in 1982. The original production won several awards, including the 1982–1983 New York Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, and the Outer Critics Circle Award. 

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS runs from March 1 through April 28. The press opening is Sunday, March 10 at 7:30pm. The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 8pm, Thursdays at 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 5pm and 8:30pm and Sundays at 3pm. Individual tickets range from $35-$65 and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at the Mercury Theater box office at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

About the Cast of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS:

CHRISTOPHER KALE JONES* (Seymour) is thrilled to be making his acting debut at Mercury Theater Chicago, revisiting a role he first tackled at famed Ford's Theatre in Washington D.C. Perhaps best known for playing Frankie Valli in the 1st National Tour of Jersey Boys (including a Tonight Show appearance), Chris's other favorite roles include Chris in Miss Saigon (Foothills Theatre), Sebastian in Twelfth Night (Orlando Shakespeare Theatre) and Mercury in Olympus on my Mind (Bristol Riverside Theatre). Chicago-area credits include: Miracle on 34th St. (Theatre at the Center), The Ballad of Little Jo (Steppenwolf), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Chicago Shakespeare Theatre), The King and I and 2018’s Jeff-award winning production of Ragtime (Marriott Theatre). Also, a recording artist, Chris recorded four albums and toured internationally with his former band, PBS sensation “Under the Streetlamp”. Chris is a graduate of Northwestern, a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association, and thankful to be partnered with Gray Talent Group. Love to his wife and original Audrey, actress Jenna Coker-Jones, and of course to his little Audrey II, daughter Presley Rose Jones.  Last year, Chris partnered with Mercury Theater Chicago to record his latest album DARIN: Live at the Mercury, a celebration of the hits of Bobby Darin.

DANA TRETTA* (Audrey) returns to the Mercury Theater Chicago, having last appeared as Gilda Radner in Bunny Bunny. Other Chicago theatre credits include work with TimeLine Theatre (In the Next Room, or the vibrator play, Fiorello!), Paramount Theatre (Hair, A Christmas Story), About Face Theatre (The Homosexuals, We Three Lizas), Porchlight Music Theatre (A Class Act, Mack and Mabel), Marriott Theatre (Wizard of Oz, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown), Writers Theater (The Frog Prince), Route 66 Theatre (High Fidelity), Griffin Theatre (Company), Theo Ubique (Cabaret, Some Enchanted Evening),The House Theatre (Rose and the Rime), and Boho Theatre (The Glorious Ones, Pippin - Non-Equity Jeff Award). Dana is represented by Shirley Hamilton Talent.

JONAH WINSTON* (Audrey II - Voice) is overjoyed to be returning to The Mercury Theatre Chicago where he was recently seen as Trekkie Monster in the Mercury's smash hit production of Avenue Q! Fresh off of his performance as Little John in The Cleveland Playhouse's production of Ken Ludwig's Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood in Cleveland, Ohio, some of Jonah's favorite Chicago credits include: Mr. Fezziwig in A Christmas Carol (Goodman Theatre), the Maître d' in The Merry Widow (Lyric Opera of Chicago), and Newt Lee/Riley in Parade (Writers Theatre). Jonah has also worked regionally at The Indiana Repertory Theatre, The Green House Theatre, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Porchlight Music Theatre, American Blues Theatre, and Beef and Boards Dinner Theatre. Television and Voice Over credits include Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., Senor Wolley, Skittles, Kool Aid, and Nestle. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Jonah holds duel bachelor's degrees in Theatre Performance and Vocal Music from the Butler University Jordan College of the Arts, as well as a Master of Letters Degree from the Flinders University Drama Center in Adelaide, South Australia.

SAM WOODS (Audrey II - Puppet) is overjoyed to be returning to Mercury Theater Chicago after spending time with them on Avenue Q understudying Princeton and Nicky! Some of his favorite regional credits include: Ali Hakim in Oklahoma! (Crane River Theatre Co.), Warner in Legally Blonde: The Musical (Paul Bunyan Playhouse), Mercutio in an immersive re-telling of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and Jamie Wyeth in Nureyev's Eyes, both with the Bluebarn Theater. When not performing theatre, Sam can be found improvising with his team Hero's Journey or writing his next play or sketch.  

TOMMY NOVAK* (Mr. Mushnik) is thrilled to be making their Mercury Theater Chicago debut with Little Shop of Horrors after returning from an international directorial debut in Jinan, China, where they directed a production of Peter Pan, and embarking on a tour of China with a production of Seussical. Select Chicago credits include: Hairspray (Skylight Music Theater), Do Re Mi and Billy Elliot (Porchlight) and Robin Hood at First Stage.

NICOLE LAMBERT (Crystal) Nicole Lambert is thrilled to be making her Mercury debut. Her favorite Chicago credits include: Sour Kangaroo in Seussical (Marriott Theater); Ensemble in Memphis (Porchlight Theater); Daniella u/s and Ensemble in In the Heights (Porchlight Music Theater); Jennifer in Creatives (Chicago Workshop Theater); Peggy in Godspell (St. Sebastian Players); Mimi in Rent (Bright Side Theater); Carmen in Fame the Musical (Real Clear Theater). Nicole received her training from Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

ADHANA REID (Ronnette) is a recent graduate of Northwestern University where she focused on studying musical theatre and marketing. She is thrilled to be making her debut at Mercury Theater Chicago with this talented cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors. Chicago credits include Fantastic Mr. Fox (Emerald City Theatre); Eclipsed (Pegasus Theatre); Big River (Theatre at the Center); Stick Fly; Sweet Charity (Northwestern University); and Spring Awakening (Marriott Theatre).

SHANTEL CRIBBS (Chiffon) is excited to make her Mercury Theater Chicago debut. Chicago credits include: Beauty and the Beast (Silly Girl, Ensemble, Babette u/s) at Drury Lane Theatre; Memphis (Ethel, Ensemble, Felicia u/s, Jeff nominated) at Porchlight Music Theatre; Marie Christine (Women 2, Beatrice, Marie Christine u/s, Jeff nominated) at BoHo Theatre; Hairspray (Dynamite) at Windy City Music Theatre. Shantel worked with Chet Walker at The School at Jacob’s Pillow where she performed in A Jazz Happening at Ted Shawn Theatre. Shantel is a proud Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit alum. Shantel received her BFA degree in musical theatre performance from Columbia College Chicago in 2017.

About the Creative Team of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS:

L. WALTER STEARNS (Director) As Executive Director of Mercury Theater Chicago, Walter is a champion for Chicago artists and productions and has overseen the physical and cultural revival of a beautiful theatre. He has directed over 40 musicals including his Jeff Award-winning productions of The Addams Family and Ragtime as well as the Jeff Award nominated productions of Mary Poppins, The Producers, The Addams Family, Avenue Q, The Color Purple, Barnum-The Circus Musical, The Christmas Schooner, Nine the Musical, Ragtime, Gypsy, The Secret Garden, Sweeney Todd, Company, A New Brain, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along and Falsettos. He was pleased to produce The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes, which was awarded the Jeff Award for New Work. Most recently, he opened the new Venus Cabaret Theater with Stephen Sondheim’s Company and Stephen Schwartz’s Pippin. Walter has received the Jeff Award, BroadwayWorld Award, After Dark Awards, the Larry Sloan Advocate Award (for his support of Season of Concern), the first Guy Adkins award for his contributions to the art of musical theatre and the Franny Award as a distinguished alumnus of the University of Illinois at Chicago.

EUGENE DIZON (Musical Director) is thrilled to be collaborating with this talented cast and crew of Little Shop of Horrors. Eugene has been musical directing for over two decades garnering 6 Jeff Awards (Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, Amadeus, Company, Into the Woods, Merrily We Roll Along), Jeff nominations for A Grand Night for Singing, Candide, Nine the Musical, Closer Than Ever, A Little Night Music, Passion, Colette Collage, Falsettos; 4 After Dark Awards (Ragtime, Sweeney Todd, A New Brain, Merrily We Roll Along), and BroadwayWorld nominations for Company, Hair, Mary Poppins, The Color Purple. Additionally, he has musical directed Pippin, The Producers and Barnum at the Mercury. He is honored to have been inducted into the Chicago Filipino Hall of Fame. Eugene has co-produced 6 “Season of Carols” CD’s (with Cory Goodrich) which features some of the brightest talent in Chicago theater today, for which Season of Concern awarded him the 2013 Larry Sloan Advocate Award and the Season of Concern 2018 Larry Sloan Legacy Award for consistently and passionately being a trailblazer on behalf of Season of Concern.

CHRIS CARTER (Choreographer) is thrilled to return to Mercury Theater Chicago with Little Shop of Horrors. Selected credits include: Hair (Mercury Theater Chicago); Memphis. Dreamgirls, In the Heights and the Porchlight Revisits productions of They’re Playing Our Song and Chess (Porchlight Music Theatre); Five Guys Named Moe (Court Theater); The Legend of Georgia McBride (Northlight Theater); and Sweeney Todd, Godspell, The Secret Garden, Pirates of Penzance (Grand Valley State University); Show Boat, Oklahoma (Lyric Opera Chicago); Show Boat (San Francisco and Houston Grand Opera); Hairspray (Drury Lane Oakbrook); Duke Ellington’s Queenie Pie (Chicago Opera Theater); Oliver, Carousel, Brigadoon (Music Theatre Works); The Wiz, 42nd Street, Guys and Dolls (Theatre at the Center); Smokey Joe’s Café (Circle Theatre); The Wild Party (Actor's Theater). Chris has been the choreographer for the Grand Rapids Civic's SRT for the past five years. He was a Debbie Allen Dance Academy Scholarship student and has additional credits including national tours, commercial, industrial and concert work.




About Mercury Theater Chicago
The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is located in the heart of the Southport Corridor at 3745 North Southport Avenue, within a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful destination, Mercury Theater Chicago is a live-theater seating 290 people, adjoining Venus Cabaret Theater (seating 80). Guests are taken care of from the moment they arrive with valet service and luxe farm-to-table dining at its adjoining restaurant, Grassroots.

OPENING: Award Winning Mary Poppins Musical Arrives at Mercury Theater Chicago 3/29-5/28

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue – is delighted to announce the cast of the high-flying, family-musical 

MARY POPPINS 

The magical nanny Mary Poppins will be played by newcomer Nicole Armold, and the loveable jack-of-all trades Bert will be played by Jeff Award winner Matthew Crowle. The production will be led by Jeff Award Winners L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Music Director) and Brenda Didier (Choreography). The show plays from March 29 through May 28. 

**Ages 6+. Run time 2 hours w/ 15min intermission**

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Family Friendly Theatre Fun

Disney’s MARY POPPINS is a Supercalifragilistic musical combining the best of the original stories by P. L. Travers and the beloved Walt Disney film. The Tony Award-winning MARY POPPINS is everything you'd hope for in a Broadway musical—and like nothing you'd ever expect. Get swept up in tunes like ‘Spoonful of Sugar,’ ‘Feed the Birds’ and of course ‘Chim Chim Cher-ee’ as young Jane and Michael learn life lessons from their unconventional nanny and the lovable jack-of-all-trades Bert. So, bring the whole family and spend a ‘Jolly Holiday’ with Mary and an irresistible cast of characters.

ChiIL Mama will be there for the press opening is Friday, April 7th, so check back soon for our full review. 

Winner of 44 theatre awards around the globe, MARY POPPINS has captivated audiences for generations with its enchanting story, unforgettable songs and dazzling dance numbers. Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's MARY POPPINS has delighted Broadway audiences for over 2,500 performances and received nominations for nine Olivier and seven Tony Awards including Best Musical.

It takes a lot of imagination and creativity to bring the magical world of Mary Poppins to life.  After bringing mystery to The Addams Family, Neil Tobin is returning to Mercury Theater Chicago as Magic Designer. He is the creator of the solo show, “Supernatural Chicago”, which ran for 10 years of weekly performances at Castle nightclub. Russ Walko is also returning to Mercury Theater Chicago after building the beautiful Jeff nominated puppets of Avenue Q in 2014. Walko has built and performed puppets on the television shows “Community” and “The Simpsons.” His puppets were featured in the Broadway production of The Pee-Wee Herman Show Live, and is no stranger to Chicago theater, having created puppets for multiple StarKids Productions.

MARY POPPINS was written by Julian Fellows (creator of Downton Abbey), with music and lyrics by Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, with new songs and additional music and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles.

After an exhaustive search and casting process, Mercury Theater Chicago is pleased to introduce a bright new talent to Chicago; Nicole Armold as Mary Poppins. Joining her is Jeff Award winner and Broadway talent Matthew Crowle as Bert. Rounding out the cast for this magical adventure will be Kayla Boye, Pearle Bramlett, Timothy Eidman, Dan Gold, Cory Goodrich, Sage Harper, Graham Hawley, Casey Lyons, Ashley Lanyon, Conor McGarry, Kevin McKillip, Leah Morrow, Peyton Owen, Erin Parker, Cameron Turner and Holly Stauder. The scenic design is by Adam Veness with costume design by Rachel Boylan, lighting design by Nick Belley and sound design by Mike Ross. The production stage manager is Kristi J. Martens with assistance by Jeri Fredrickson.

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel box of a theater in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of its guests from the moment they arrive with valet service and dining at its adjoining restaurant, Grassroots.

The performance schedule for MARY POPPINS is Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1pm and 6pm. Thursday matinees at 3pm are available from April 20 - May 28.

Individual tickets range from $30-$65, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

MARY POPPINS runs approximately 2 hours including a 15-minute intermission. We recommend that children be at least six years old to attend a performance of MARY POPPINS.

OPENING: The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” at Mercury Theater

Mercury Theater Chicago Announces a World Premiere Musical “

The Man Who Murdered 

Sherlock Holmes”

Book by John Reeger, Music and Lyrics by Julie Shannon and Michael Mahler, Directed by Warner Crocker 

Pictured, Michael Lindner as Arthur Conan Doyle and Nick Sandys as Sherlock Holmes from “The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” at Mercury Theater Chicago. © Mercury Theater Chicago, Photo By Brett Beiner

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, announces the world premiere of “The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes”, running January 20 through March 20, 2016.  

ChiIL Mama will be there for the press opening tonight. Check back soon for our full review here and on our sister site, ChiIL Live Shows. There's been a whole lot of Sherlock in the microcosm of Chicago's theatre scene lately. We can't wait to catch Mercury Theater's stab at the iconic figure and his mysterious potential. 

Sherlock Holmes confronts his creator and his killer in this new musical by John Reeger, Julie Shannon and Michael Mahler.  The production is directed by Warner Crocker who will lead a cast of award-winning actors including Nick Sandys and Michael Lindner to bring this tale to life. 

Inspired by actual events, with a little fantasy thrown in, “The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” begins with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle writing "The Final Problem," in which his famous detective is killed off.  When it is revealed that the beloved character of Sherlock Holmes has been done in, everyone from Churchill to Doyle's own family is up-in-arms. Besieged by telephone calls and angry mobs outside his home, Doyle flees London to escape the harassment. Surprisingly, he finds a much more challenging problem awaiting him when out of the evening mist steps Sherlock Holmes. And so begins a battle of wits between the author -- who wants his character dead -- and character -- who demands to be revived to preserve his legacy. Next thing you know, the writer and his creation are off together solving the real-life crime of “The Wyrley Ripper”.

The performance schedule for “The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” is 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thursdays, 8 p.m. on Fridays, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 3 p.m. on Sundays.

Individual tickets range from $25-$65, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773-325-1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago. 

The development of “The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” began twenty years ago, when actor/writer John Reeger came across a book by Peter Costello in the local library called “The Real World of Sherlock Holmes” which chronicled the investigation of actual criminal cases by Holmes’ creator Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Reeger realized the dramatic possibilities of this concept and shared his partially completed script with composer and lyricist Julie Shannon.  By spring of 2005, John had completed the first draft and in June 2006, Julie felt ready to record the score. With the generous help of many talented actors and singers Julie and her husband/sound engineer Bill Geller held recording sessions before hosting the first reading of the show at Julie and Bill’s home. Unfortunately, Julie became too ill to continue working after that. After a long and brave struggle, she passed away in 2012. The musical “sat in the drawer” until spring of 2014 when Walter Stearns at the Mercury Theater Chicago organized a third reading of the show. Realizing the musical’s potential, he offered to produce the show at the Mercury. Michael Mahler, composer and lyricist of Hero and October Sky was enlisted as the show’s new collaborator. Much of Julie’s original score remains with exciting new music and lyrics from Michael.

“The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” is written by John Reeger with music and lyrics by Julie Shannon and Michael Mahler and will be brought to life by an award-winning cast including Nick Sandys as “Sherlock Holmes” and Michael Lindner as “Arthur Conan Doyle”. Rounding out the cast for this adventurous tale will be McKinley Carter, Mary Ernster, Johann George, David Girolmo, Jason Grimm, Christina Hall, Ron Keaton, Matthew Keffer, Russell Mernaugh, James Sparling, and Colette Todd. The scenic design is by Scott Davis, with costume design by Bob Kuhn, lighting design Yael Lubetsky and sound design by Mike Ross and Joe Court.

Director Warner Crocker has been working on the development of new musicals, as well as authoring new works, for over 20 years and returns to Chicago after leading a regional theater for the past 15 years. The team of John Reeger (book) and Julie Shannon (music and lyrics) worked together on numerous projects including Mercury Theater Chicago’s annual holiday musical The Christmas Schooner, Stones (starring Felicia P. Fields), and Let the Eagle Fly: The Story of Cesar Chavez. Michael Mahler, composer and lyricist, is praised for his work on Marriott Theatre’s October Sky, and Hero (Jeff Award – Best New Work: Musical), Wonderland: Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, The 9/11 Report, How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?, Knute Rockne: All-American, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey and others. He contributed additional lyrics to Cameron Mackintosh’s West End revival of Miss Saigon which has set its sights on a Broadway return in spring 2017. His songs have been featured in various songwriter showcases around the world, including the National Alliance for Musical Theatre New Works Summit, the MAC/ASCAP Songwriter Showcase, and an evening at the Kennedy Center. 

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel box of a theater in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of its guests from the moment they arrive with valet service and dining at its adjoining restaurant, Deleece. Under the leadership of Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, Mercury Theater Chicago will follow “The Man Who Murdered Sherlock Holmes” with a revival of the madcap musical by Mel Brooks, “The Producers.”

OPENING: From Carol King to Lion King! 5 Fabulous Shows We're Reviewing This Week.

We're back from Thanksgiving Break with family and it's going to be a WHIRLWIND WEEK of theatre openings in Chicago. Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for original coverage, theatre & entertainment news and reviews, great nationwide giveaways and more! 

Here's what's on our plate this week:

Today we'll be taking an elf led press tour and meeting the big man himself, Santa Claus, at Swissotel Chicago.

Tuesday is Opening Night of The Christmas Schooner, one of our annual holiday favs at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 North Southport Avenue, Chicago, IL, US, 60613

Wednesday through Friday we have Broadway In Chicago press openings:

BEAUTIFUL – Wednesday, December 2 at 7:30 PM at the Oriental Theatre (24 W Randolph)

POTTED POTTER – Thursday, December 3 at 7:30 PM at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E Chestnut). heart emoticon this show! It's so creative and fun. 

Click here for show details and ChiIL Mama's past review from 2012.

The last time they played Chicago, a few years back, ChiIL Mama and the kids got in on the opening night action at Potted Potter and we all loved it!  I honestly can't remember the last time an audience full of adults and kids all laughed so hard. This low tech, old school show is brilliant sketch comedy, and supreme silliness coupled with over the top talent. Dan and Jeff are two funny guys. Don't miss this! Get your Potted Potter tixs and enjoy these brilliantly beguiling Brits before they leave Chi-town!

THE LION KING (this one's still a maybe pending availability) – Friday, December 4 at 7:30 PM at the Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W Randolph).

Saturday is one of our all time top holiday favorites, opening night of 

A Q Brothers Christmas Carol at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

JOY!! 

Click here for show details and ChiIL Mama's past reviews from 2013/14.

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OPENING: THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE MUSICAL at Mercury Theater

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue, presents the spooky kooky production of THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE MUSICAL. The weird and wonderful family comes to devilishly delightful life on January 28th and will be laid to rest on April 5th, 2014. ChiIL Mama and the kids can't wait to check it out and we'll be there for opening night to review for you. 

THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE MUSICAL runs January 28th through April 5th 2014. Curtain times are Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays at 3pm (2/8 thru 3/1) and 8pm, Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 3pm and 7pm (3/5 thru 4/2).

Individual tickets range from $25-$65, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

This musical previewed in Chicago before to moving to Broadway. After Broadway, the show was dramatically re-written by its creators with the support of veteran director Jerry Zaks. THE ADDAMS FAMILY-THE MUSICAL is now a wholly new musical which Chicago audiences haven’t seen. Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune described THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE MUSICAL as a “classic, full-tilt, fast paced, old-fashioned musical comedy!” and John Simon of Bloomberg News called it “uproarious! A glitzy-gloomy musical entirely worthy of the macabre drawings by Charles Addams.”

This magnificently macabre new musical comedy is created by Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman & Rick Elice, and Drama Desk Award winner Andrew Lippa. The production will be led by Jeff Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene Dizon (Musical Direction), and Brenda Didier (Choreography).

THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE MUSICAL is an original story, and it’s every father’s nightmare. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. A man her parents have never met. And if that weren’t upsetting enough, she confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before — keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia. Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s “normal” boyfriend and his parents.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY – THE MUSICAL stars Karl Hamilton (Mamma Mia in Las Vegas) as Gomez with Rebecca Prescott (How the Grinch... at Madison Square Garden) as Morticia. The family includes Harter Clingman (Peter and the Starcatcher Tour) as Uncle Fester, Dara Cameron (Marriott’s Hero) as Wednesday, Brennan Dougherty (Mercury’s The Christmas Schooner) as Pugsley, Jeff Diebold as Lurch and Amanda Hartley as Granny. The “square” family who dine with the Addams include Jeff Award winner Cory Goodrich, Jason Grimm and Henry McGinniss. The ghostly chorus of Addams Ancestors includes Sarah Hayes, Leah Morrow, Jared Rein, Tyler Sawyer Smith, Alexander Walker, Lucy Zukaitis.

The spooktacular production is designed by Jeff Award winning scenic designer Robert Knuth, costumes by Frances Maggio, lighting by Nick Belley, sound by Mike Ross and magic by Neil Tobin.

   

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel box of a theater in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of its guests from the moment they arrive with valet service, dining at its adjoining restaurant, Deleece. 

Under the leadership of Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, Mercury Theater Chicago will follow THE ADDAMS FAMILY– THE MUSICAL with RING OF FIRE: THE MUSIC OF JOHNNY CASH opening on April 30th 2015.

OPENING: The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theater

Tonight ChiIL Mama and Sage will be reviewing at opening night of The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theater. We like our holiday sugar and spice with a dash of the macabre, so we're very much looking forward to this tale of ship wrecks and evergreens. Check back for our full review shortly. The Christmas Schooner has been delighting audiences for hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre but this will be our first time to see it!

LIVELY NEW CAST OF THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Avenue. 

A new cast of award-winning actors are set to bring new life to Chicago’s beloved holiday musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER, running November 26 through December 28, 2014. Jeff Award winner Stef Tovar takes the helm as the Schooner’s new captain, alongside Brianna Borger as the Captain’s wife Alma Stossel. 

The whole family will enjoy this heart-warming musical story of the first Christmas tree ship and the family who risked their lives to fill Chicago with the Christmas spirit. Hailed as "A sacred part of a Chicago Christmas!" by the Chicago Tribune, the production features a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. The production is helmed by the Jeff-award winning team of L. Walter Stearns (Director), Eugene

Dizon (Musical Director) and Brenda Didier (Choreographer).

The shipwreck of the Rouse Simmons, known as 'The Christmas Tree Ship,' served as inspiration for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER. Her captain and crew risked the notoriously violent winter lake to bring Christmas trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago's German immigrants. Each year, Captain Herman Schuenemann would sell trees right off of the ship at the Clark Street Docks, and was known to give free trees to the needy. On November 23, 1912, the ship was swept up in a terrible storm. It was not until 59 years later that she was discovered, lying in 170 feet of water. Today the Rouse Simmons and her cargo of 5,500 well stacked trees remain preserved in the cold, fresh waters of Lake Michigan and her legend has grown to mythical proportions. The Blaine Nickelodeon - the silent film theater that now houses the Mercury - opened that very same year.

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER has entertained audiences in hundreds of productions including a twelve year run at Chicago's Bailiwick Repertory Theatre. A timely and uplifting tale of love, THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is a poignant ode to the rich legacy of Chicago and a reminder of our responsibility to celebrate the living while honoring our heritage. In 2011, Mercury Theater Chicago revived THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER with a full orchestra and an all-star cast, garnering a "Best Production" nomination for the 2012 Jeff Awards. The production has been called "A grand family tradition!" by the Chicago Tribune and "An inheritance to be treasured...Highly recommended!" by the Chicago Sun-Times. Time Out Chicago Kids says that "A slice of Chicago history and an emotion-packed, Christmas-themed tale of redemption give the Mercury Theater Chicago's production of THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER all the trappings of a family holiday tradition in the making!"

THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is written by John Reeger (book) and Julie Shannon (music and lyrics) and will be brought new life by cast members Jeff Award winner Stef Tovar as Peter Stossel, Brianna Borger as Alma Stossel, and James Wilson Sherman as Gustav Stossel. Rounding out the crew on this year's schooner voyage are William Anderson, Brian Bohr, Kelly Anne Clark, Jaclyn Dougherty, Elizabeth Lanza, Leah Morrow, Michael Pacas, Eric Parker, Jim Rank and Daniel Smeriglio. The scenic design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, with costume design by Carol J. Blanchard and lighting design by Jason Epperson.

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel box of a theater in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of its guests from the moment they arrive with valet service, dining at its adjoining restaurant, Deleece, and post-show libations at Cullen’s Bar & Grill. Under the leadership of Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, Mercury Theater Chicago will follow THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER with the devilishly delightful THE ADDAMS FAMILY– THE MUSICAL (...which we also can NOT wait to see here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows!!).

The performance schedule for THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER is Wednesdays at 7:30pm, Thursdays at 3:00pm and 7:30pm, Fridays at 8:00pm, Saturdays at 3:00pm and 8:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm and 7:30pm.

Individual tickets range from $25-$65, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

ACT OUT CLOSING: Barnum at Mercury Theater (ages 7+) Closing June 16th

Barnum has been high on our must see list and it's days are numbered.   If you haven't caught this Jeff recommended extravaganza yet, go already!   Barnum closes June 16th.   If you're one of our regular readers you know that both of my kids have taken circus arts for close to 3 years and are on the pre-team track at CircEsteem.  

We special in covering circus arts and have done original interviews with a number of Cirque du Soleil performers, and shots stills and reviewed numerous circus shows from Cirque Shanghai and Cirque Eloize, to Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey for years.   

We are even giving away 5 gorgeous, hard back copies of The Ordinary Acrobat by Duncan Wall, A journey into the wondrous world of circus, this month ($26.95 each)!   Even if you aren't quite as up to your eyeballs in circus arts as we are, we highly recommend you catch Barnum while you still can.

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama also we're huge fans of Chi-town pro and star of this show, Gene Weygandt.   Check out our original interview with him right here, during a rehearsal for A Christmas Story which played at The Chicago Theatre.



Gene not only shared the inside scoop on A Christmas Story but also contributed sweet insights to ChiIL Mama's long running series on How Creatives Parent & How Parents Create.   At the time of our interview two years ago, his son was 13.

**Click here for ChiIL Mama's YouTube Channel with ALL original content (226+ videos).   We've had over 67,573 views!**

BARNUM runs 2 hours and 10 minutes, including a 15 minute intermission

Recommended for ages 7 and up. NO CHILDREN UNDER 5 ADMITTED.

Celebrating its Chicago professional premiere, BARNUM sets this colorful personality inside the center ring of his own circus. Audiences will be thrilled with high flying acrobatics as BARNUM tells the story of America’s greatest showman. This show bursts with toe tapping melodies; ballads, marches, and ragtime tunes by Cy Coleman andMichael Stewart.

Seniors receive $10 off $45 and $55 seats at all Wednesday & Thursday shows by calling 773-325-1700

✭✭✭✭✭
“One of this season’s best productions on any stage!”
-Al Bresloff, Around Town Chicago

“eye-popping”
“bounces with infectious life and enthusiasm”
“a big, fat, family-friendly show”
-Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

“An expertly mounted, talent-filled revival”
“You can almost feel the large, polished cast pumping its last best breath into the material”
-Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times 

“One of the finest shows mounted in Chicago in years!”
“Barnum is a must see theatrical event.”
“An eye-popping, toe-tapping and thoroughly entertaining musical spectacle”
- Tom Williams, Chicago Critic

“whimsical, exhilarating, fresh”
“A genuine must see!”
-Chicago Now

“Ebullient and gorgeous”
“Not only will you want to “Join the Circus,” you’ll want to run away to join the stage”
-stageandcinema.com

Group and Student discounts are available for all performances over the phone at 773-325-1700

The award-winning cast is led by Chicago native and Broadway, TV, and film actor Gene Weygandt as legendary showman P.T. Barnum, with Cory Goodrich as his wife Charity, and Summer Naomi Smart as the “‘Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind.  The Mercury’s production is the first major Chicago revival of the show in over 20 years, led by multiple Jeff Award winners L. Walter Stearns (Director) Eugene Dizon (Musical Director), Brenda Didier and Andrew Waters (Co-Choreographers) and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi of the Actor’s Gymnasium (Circus Director).

The “Greatest Show on Earth” is the setting for this riveting musical, which traces the life and loves of colorful impresario Phineas Taylor Barnum. The tale of the American Museum, the smallest man, the oldest woman, the largest elephant and more is told through stunning acrobatics, hilarious variety acts, whimsical magic and puppetry.  BARNUM was originally produced on Broadway in 1980 and ran for 854 performances.  The score is a pastiche of toe-tapping marches, ballads and ragtime tunes, including “There’s a Sucker Born Ev’ry Minute” and “Come Follow the Band.” It was nominated for ten Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical (Mark Bramble) and Best Original Score (Michael Stewart and Cy Coleman performances with Jim Dale taking home the Tony for the title role, followed by a West End run starring Michael Crawford. A Cameron Mackintosh-produced London revival of BARNUM is slated for later this year.

Gene Weygandt (P.T. Barnum) is best known for his role as “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” in Wicked in Chicago and on Broadway. More recently, he starred as Jean Shepherd in A Christmas Story: The Musical. Weygandt originated the role of Paul in Big: The Musical on Broadway. He is a three-time Jeff Award recipient for A Day in Hollywood/A Night in The Ukraine, Me and My Girl and Little Shop of Horrors, and received an After Dark Award for his role as “Max” in the long-running hit Lend Me a Tenor at The Royal George Theatre. He has been seen in the films The Birdcage, The Babe, and The Pager, and on television on Home Improvement, Cybill, Murphy Brown, The Drew Carey Show, Ellen, and Coach.

Cory Goodrich (Charity Barnum)

Summer Naomi Smart (Jenny Lind)

Actress and recording artist Cory Goodrich(Charity Barnum) is a four-time Jeff nominee who was honored with the award for her portrayal of “Mother” in Ragtime at Drury Lane Theatre. She has appeared as “Alma Stossel” in The Mercury Theater’s The Christmas Schooner for the past two seasons and was recently seen in the critically acclaimed production of A Little Night Music at Writer’s Theatre. Goodrich has recorded two award-winning children’s albums, and has performed in concert at Ravina Festival, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and the Auditorium Theatre.

The Barnum’s marriage is tested by the affections of Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind, depicted by two-time Jeff Award winner Summer Naomi Smart. Smart made her Chicago debut as “Nessarose” in the first national sit-down production of Wicked, and received a Jeff Award for her portrayal of “Charity Hope Valentine” in Sweet Charity at Drury Lane Theatre. She has recently been seen in leading roles in My One and Only, Hero and Legally Blonde at Marriott Theatre where she earned a Jeff Award for her role in The Light in the Piazza.

The cast also features Kevin McKillip as “the Ringmaster and Christian Libonati as the world’s smallest man, “General Tom Thumb.”  The circus performers are Karissa Barney, Nathan Drackett, Kris Hyland, Taylor Krasne-Wilton, Jeremy Sonkin, Ryan Westwood and J. Tyler Whitmer.  Scenic Design is by Jacqueline and Richard Penrod, Costume Design is by Carol Blanchard, Lighting Design is by Jason Epperson and Sound Design is byMike Ross.

The Mercury Theater recently kicked off its first full season, launching the largest musical theater company in Chicago. The rest of the season includes the critically acclaimed production of A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING(running through March 10th), the regional premiere of THE COLOR PURPLE (August-November), and the perennial holiday hit THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER (November-December).

BARNUM runs from March 27 through June 16, 2013.  The performance schedule is: Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.  Tickets range from $25-$59, and are available online, over the phone at 773-325-1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago. Discounts of up to 50% are available for groups of 10 or more.