WIN 4 Tickets ($80 Value) To The Grammy-Winning Okee Dokee Brothers in Skokie 2/16 and a "Winterland" Album Download!

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LIVE Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar

Enter Below Through Midnight February 13th

One of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will WIN 4 Tickets ($80 Value) To The Okee Dokee Brothers in Skokie this Saturday, 2/16 (choice of 11am or 2pm) and a "Winterland" Album Download ($9.49 value)! *Non transferable. Tickets will be at the box office under the winner's name and must be picked up with a photo ID. Winner will be announced here on 2/14 and on our social media outlets.

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're SO excited to partner up with The Okee Dokee Brothers, to promote their "Winterland" album and tour. They're long time favorites of ours and some of the best kindie musicians out there. They'll be ChiILin' just north of Chi, IL at the North Shore Center for the Arts in Skokie this weekend. They're a ton of fun live, so don't miss this! The Okee Dokee Brothers are doing two shows at the North Shore Center for the Arts on Feb 16.

Blast From The Past: Check out ChiIL Mama's Video Interview With THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS from 2012!

THE OKEE DOKEE BROTHERS
Saturday, February 16 @ 11:00 am
Center Theatre
$12 | $16 | $20 
BUY TICKETS

Performance Schedule:
Sat, Feb 16 at 11am
Sat, Feb 16 at 2pm

Grammy-Winning Folk & Roots Music for Families!

♪ Five-time Parents’ Choice Award Winners

♪ The American Library Association’s Notable Children’s Recording Award

♪ The Grammy Award for Best Children’s Music Album

Justin Lansing and Joe Mailander have been exploring the outdoors together since they were kids. Now, as the Grammy-winning Okee Dokee Brothers, they write songs to encourage kids and families to get outside and get creative. Their brand-new album Winterland (2018), is a tribute to the season of coziness, family time and outdoor fun! This cold-weather project is the follow-up to their wildly popular Adventure Album trilogy which was inspired by their extended canoe trip down the Mississippi River (Can You Canoe?), their month-long trek along the Appalachian Trail (Through The Woods) and a joyous horseback adventure through the American West (Saddle Up).

As we weather the storm by looking inward, we can redefine our seasonal perspectives. In fact, with just the right outlook, winter can become our own sense of paradise, even through the warm months. Join The Okee Dokee Brothers as they welcome you to experience a refreshing, wide-eyed view of the most exciting time of year with their music from Winterland.

In a world where people are all too often pursuing their own individual journeys, Winterland humbly reminds us that we are all human beings living within the uncontrollable motions of Mother Nature. Embracing the cycles of loss and new life, darkness and light, bitter cold and warmth, Winterland reflects that winter is not only a season, but a feeling we carry within. 





With songs written under wide-open skies and harmonies fine-tuned around the campfire, the natural world is at the heart of their Americana folk music. The Okee Dokee Brothers make room for kids to dance, for parents to share stories, and for everyone to gain respect for nature, each other, and the world we live in.

“[The Okee Dokee Brothers] remind us of the American belief that we’re bound for better weather. Their album [Can You Canoe?] celebrates everyday explorers, young and old, who rediscover that notion daily.”

—All Things Considered, NPR

“The lyrics are playful, engaging and subtly filled with life lessons. These are songs that encourage kids to find happiness with fewer material possessions and embrace adventure even in trying situations.”

—Chicago Tribune

“Want to get away from the city? Check out these tunes.”

—The Washington Post

Enter HERE Through Midnight February 13th

One of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will WIN 4 Tickets ($80 Value) To The Okee Dokee Brothers in Skokie Saturday 2/16 (choice of 11am or 2pm) and a "Winterland" Album Download ($9.49 value)! *Non transferable. Tickets will be at the box offic under the winner's name and must be picked up with a photo ID. Winner will be announced here on 2/14 and on our social media outlets.

WIN 4 Skokie Okee Dokee Bros Concert Tickets & Winterland Album Download ($90 Approx Value)

REVIEW: WORLD PREMIERE OF AMERICAN GIRL LIVE AT NORTH SHORE CENTER IN SKOKIE

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There’s not a boy in sight. This is amazing

WORLD PREMIERE OF 

AMERICAN GIRL LIVE

TO LAUNCH NATIONAL TOUR AT NORTH SHORE CENTER IN SKOKIE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Photo Credit: Kimberly Robb Baker

Guest Review: 
Kimberly Robb Baker

About three quarters of the way through the world premier of American Girl Live, my daughter said, “There’s not a boy in sight. This is amazing!”

And she was right. How often is it that a girl can see live theatre about girls in which there is no male love interest, father, brother or male friend vying for the spotlight. This show, directed by Gina Rattan with book and lyrics by Sandy Rustin, is one of those rare gems.



On that front, there was a lot to be happy about with this show in which five girl campers and their young counselor explore their strengths and talents in an environment of camaraderie.



I liked that the cast, like the American Girl dolls themselves, reflected the diversity of America—as did the audience of little girls, many of whom were hugging American Girl dolls that looked like them. And it didn’t end at racial diversity. The show celebrated the athleticism, intellect, caring and artistry of girls.

Prizes were given out for extraordinary displays of girl power—and it was nice that those were often subtle victories, like expressing your needs, even amongst a group of new people or trying hard to build a robot, even if it still didn’t work out.



I had the chance to see the show with my 8-year-old daughter and her two friends. While none of them are big American Girl enthusiasts, they still enjoyed the show. They did wish that it was more about the dolls. While each camper has a doll and their doll is instrumental in helping them overcome their particular challenge by briefly touching on their own story, most of the stage time centers around the campers themselves.

The cast did a great job, especially Monica Poston as the counselor, Jenna Bruce as the new girl and singing powerhouse Laila E. Drew as a wannabe pop star. Poston and Bruce performed an especially fun number full of ‘30s dance moves.



If your girl adores American Girl or just being a girl, you’ll do well to take her to American Girl Live.

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.

American Girl Live, an all-new musical inspired by the popular characters from American Girl® owned by Mattel, Inc., will celebrate its world premiere at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie Dec. 21-23, 2018. Tickets and VIP packages are available now and may be purchased at the North Shore Center box office, NorthShoreCenter.org or by calling 847-673-6300. 

American Girl Live will feature all-original songs and an unforgettable experience for fans of American Girl as they witness some of their favorite characters come to life, including Rebecca, Nanea, Maryellen, Melody, Julie and this year’s, Girl of the Year, Luciana Vega. Audiences will join a group of girls at sleepover camp for an exciting summer away from home. When each camper is faced with a new challenge or experience, she comes to better understand the timeless lessons of her favorite American Girl character through heartfelt story and song. The messages shared provide positive examples of friendship, courage, and hope that will extend beyond the performance and into the hearts of the audience.

American Girl Live is a creative collaboration between American Girl and Mills Entertainment.  The musical features a script and lyrics by Glenview native Sandy Rustin, is produced by Steppenwolf Theatre veteran Simone Gianfrancesco, music by Meg Zervoulis, choreographed by Emilie Renier and is directed by Gina Rattan. The all-female creative team vows to “celebrate girls” and promote positivity and perseverance which audiences can expect to see when the production hits the stage for the first time this holiday season.  

“Director Gina Rattan and I both felt strongly from the get-go that this show needed to have an all-female creative team, both to honor the values of the brand as well as to present a strong message—that every girl is the hero of her own story!” says producer Simone Gianfrancesco. “Who better to bring this message to life than a passionate group of women, aiming to inspire the next generation of creative thought leaders?”

“We’re honored to have been chosen to showcase the world premiere of American Girl Live at the North Shore Center,” said Michael Pauken, General Manager of North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. “We believe that this show will resonate with audiences of all ages and is the perfect production to bring to families this holiday season. Plus, our free parking, numerous affordable area dining options and close proximity to Westfield Old Orchard Mall and the Edens Expressway, have always made the North Shore Center a great place for families.”



About the creative team for American Girl Live: 

Gina Rattan (Director) is a musical theater director and has worked as the Associate Director for a variety of Broadway productions including, “Angels in America,” “Matilda The Musical,” “Soul Doctor,” “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” and “Billy Elliot.” She was also involved in the live TV musicals “Peter Pan” and “The Sound of Music” on NBC. Her regional credits include productions at ART, Old Globe, Guthrie Theater, Lone Tree Arts Center, Theater Raleigh and Theater Workshop of Nantucket. Rattan is currently the director of the “Rodgers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” national tour and is working on several new productions. She is a member of The Wing and champion of the work, thoughts and rights of women and girls.



Sandy Rustin (Playwright and Lyricist) is an award-winning playwright known for her comedic works. Her critically acclaimed Off-Broadway musical “Rated P for Parenthood” was optioned by Kelly Ripa’s Milojo & ABC-TV for TV development. Her comedy “The Cottage” plays all over the U.S. and was most recently directed by Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) and workshopped by Manhattan Theatre Club in New York City. Currently, Rustin is helping to adapt the hit cult film, “CLUE” (Paramount, Hasbro, Araca Group) for the stage. In addition to her work with Mills Entertainment as the writer and lyricist of “American Girl Live,” Rustin is also writing the script for Mills’ production of “Bad Moms Live” (STX Entertainment). Her three other plays – “Struck,” “Houston,” and “Elijah” - play in theatres across the U.S. www.sandyrustin.com

Meg Zervoulis (Composer) is a composer and is known for her work on the musical teams on several big-name Broadway productions including, “Mean Girls” (Associate Music Director), “The Prom” (Associate Music Director/Conductor) and “Great Comet of 1812” (Assistant Conductor). Off-Broadway credits include, “Cagney” and “Rated P.” She also has been involved in new works including, Sondheim’s “Buñuel” (Public Theatre), “Merrily We Roll Along” (Fiasco/Roundabout), Kooman and Dimond’s “Dani Girl” and Andrea Grody’s “Strange Faces.”  Regional credits include, “Mary Poppins,” “Bandstand,” “Ever After” and many more at the Paper Mill Playhouse. Zervoulis is the resident conductor of Hotel Elefant, a contemporary music ensemble in New York City. She has also served an adjunct professor/music director at Montclair State University for several years. She is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and a member of the Lilly Awards Power Network. www.megzmusic.com

Emilie Renier (Choreographer) is a New York City based choreographer who has choreographed and performed in productions both nationally and internationally.  Some of her performing credits include, “Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella” (national tour), Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast” (national and international tour), “Mary Poppins,” “The Sound of Music,” “Singin’ in the Rain,” “Peter Pan,” “She Loves Me,” “A Man of No Importance,” “RENT,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Nine” and others.  Reiner has served as the Assistant Choreographer for the national tour of “Rodger’s + Hammerstein’s Cinderella,” “Hair,” “Kiss Me, Kate,” “Little Women” and many more.  

Simone Gianfrancesco (Executive Producer) is a senior producer and development executive with Mills Entertainment (a CAA company). Her varied portfolio includes such clients and partners as A&E Television Networks (Bring It! Live), John Cleese and Eric Idle, Iyanla Vanzant, Lilly Singh, Tyler Oakley, the Fred Rogers Company (Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live), and the Jim Henson Company (Dinosaur Train Live, Sid the Science Kid Live). Select regional credits include productions with Steppenwolf Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse and About Face Theatre. Upcoming projects include collaborations with the Joan Rivers estate and with Turner Classic Movies. Simone focuses her work on bringing diverse and aspirational content to all communities, specifically to young women; she is proud that this partnership with American Girl® furthers that objective, building girls of strong character.
American Girl Live will perform at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. Tickets range in price from $37 - $47 and are available now. Special VIP packages featuring a pre-show party and post-show photo opportunity with the cast are also available. Please visit, NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847-673-6300 for more information. 

About American Girl 
American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global children's entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products.  Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a girl’s spirit and help develop her strength of character. Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby™, WellieWishers™, and American Girl’s classic historical characters. The company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S. experiential retail stores, as well as at specialty retailers nationwide. By inspiring girls to be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and the praise and trust of parents and educators.

About Mills Entertainment
As the leading producer and promoter of branded live entertainment in the United States, Mills Entertainment, a division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), collaborates with top talent and property holders to create unforgettable live experiences.  With full global distribution and partnerships worldwide, their specialty is taking shows from concept to stage, serving as the complete solution in realizing the vision.  Current projects include Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Carnival of Curi-oddities, Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!, Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience, Bring It! Live and Miraculous. . For more information visit, www.millsentertainment.com.

About The North Shore Center 
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is a dynamic two-theater complex designed by Boston architect Graham Gund and opened in November 1996. The North Shore Center is managed by Professional Facilities Management, Inc. and operates as part of the Village of Skokie’s plan to provide cultural, literary and educational programs to benefit the citizens of Skokie and Chicago’s North Shore. The facility features an 867-seat main theater, and a convertible 318-seat theater, which serves as the home to Northlight Theatre. In addition, there is a 6,000 square foot grand lobby, rehearsal hall and conference rooms. The North Shore Center presents a Feature Series and the curriculum-based Youtheatre program, which has provided supplemental arts education to over a million Chicago area students since its launch in 1980. Located 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop and conveniently across from Westfield Old Orchard Mall, the Center is in close proximity to many excellent dining, shopping and hotel options. Free parking is also abundantly available. For more information or tickets to its diverse programming, please visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

HOLIDAY HITS: Chicago Tap Theatre Tidings of Tap ONE SHOW ONLY: Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m.

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

CHICAGO TAP THEATRE UPDATES ITS HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR, TIDINGS OF TAP!, WHICH RETURNS TO

THE NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, DECEMBER 9

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL
ChicagoTapTheatre.com
773.655.1175
Tickets: $25 - $41

Chicago Tap Theatre makes a major narrative step this year, taking Tidings of Tap! from what was once a holiday revue to a complete production with a strong structure and engaging plot. The story features an expanded role for nationally ranked rhythmic gymnast Dasha Merkulov as well as significant production values. This is the third year that CTT will return to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, after receiving rave reviews and record-breaking attendance for the Company the previous two years. SeeChicagoDance said “It’s charming and gleeful and heart-rending at times.” Tidings of Tap! has been described by the Chicago Tribune as “undeniably charming and wholesome fun.” Tidings of Tap! is choreographed by Yonally, Kirsten Uttich, Richard Ashworth and Caleb Teicher and is a performance that captures the spirit of the holidays through joyful noise—celebrating Christmas, Chanukah, New Year’s and the winter season.



Artistic Director Mark Yonally and Chicago Tap Theatre (CTT) bring audiences live music, a touch of magic and boundless energy with the return of their annual Tidings of Tap!, a warm and wondrous celebration of tap dance and the winter season, Sunday, Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, IL. Tickets range from $25 – $41 and are available now. Group discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more.
  
“This year we are structuring the show around the holiday season in a much more overt way. Beginning with that first blinding snowstorm, continuing into the warmth of Chanukah, the spirit of Christmas and the sheer joy of New Year’s Eve,” said Yonally. “Audiences will also get to see more of the amazing acrobatic skills of Dasha, who is one of the top-ranked Rhythmic Gymnasts in the country. This year they will get to see her use all of her skills in helping tell the
story and engage the audience, young and old alike,” concluded Yonally.

Children will even have the opportunity to be in the show this year, thanks to the expanding Chicago Tap Theatre Fall Intensive, which will be a two day event November 17 and 18 offering rhythm-loving kids the chance to learn technique, tap history and a short dance that will be incorporated into Tidings of Tap! CTT has been making a name for themselves in the past three years as leaders in tap dance pedagogy. “Students will always learn a mix of technique, theory, choreography, history and music knowledge at every one of our educational intensives, and at the Fall Intensive they will learn a dance they can perform in Tidings of Tap!,” added Yonally.

Now in its 16th year, Chicago Tap Theatre prides itself on breaking the mold of traditional tap dance and does the same with holiday entertainment. “Dance has the ability to bridge gaps and bring people together which is especially important at this time of year,” said Yonally. “CTT is excited to return with this holiday production, as it has become one of our favorite things seeing familiar faces and families attending year after year celebrating their holidays with us. This year audiences will feel the magic of the Holidays more than ever in Tidings’ home at the North Shore Center.”

Returning dancers for Tidings of Tap! include Mark Yonally, Kirsten Uttich, Jennifer Yonally, Dasha Merkulov, Aimee Chause, Isacc Stauffer, Anabel Watson, Chris Matthews, Bailey Caves and Sarah Owens. New to the ensemble this year are Sterling Harris, Case Prime, Heather Latakas, and Molly Smith.
The artistic team includes Mark Yonally (choreographer), Kirsten Uttich (choreographer), Kurt Schweitz (music director), Rich Ashworth (choreographer), Valerie Lussac (choreographer) and Caleb Teicher (choreographer).

ABOUT CHICAGO TAP THEATRE
Founded in 2002, Chicago Tap Theatre is a growing and vibrant dance company dedicated to preserving the quintessentially American dance form of tap while taking it to the next level of creativity, innovation and quality. CTT performs exclusively with live music provided by some of Chicago’s finest musicians playing everything from Duke Ellington to David Bowie and many artists in between. Under the dynamic direction of master teacher and performer Mark Yonally, CTT has gained a loyal and sizable following in Chicago and continues to tour both nationally and internationally. Having pioneered the “tap opera” format, which tells stories with compelling characters and intriguing plots, CTT has used the language of tap dance, live music and narration to move Chicago audiences for over 10 years. 847.673.6300 or ChicagoTapTheatre.com.

WIN 4 Tickets (Up to $188 Value) to the WORLD PREMIERE OF AMERICAN GIRL LIVE First National Tour Launch at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie 12/21/18

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List

WORLD PREMIERE 
OF 
AMERICAN GIRL LIVE 

ENTER BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN 4 OPENING NIGHT TICKETS!

First National Tour to Launch at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

December 21-23, 2018

One of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will 

WIN 4 Tickets to Opening Night of 

American Girl LIVE on 12/21/18 

(Up to $188 Value)

Enter through midnight 12/15/18. Tickets good for opening night on 12/21/18.

American Girl Live, an all-new musical inspired by the popular characters from American Girl® owned by Mattel, Inc., will celebrate its world premiere at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd.), Dec. 21-23, 2018. The cast of American Girl Live includes Jenna Bruce as Rebecca, Ashley Diane as Luciana, Laila E. Drew as Melody, Shelby Lysette Miguel as Nanea, Monica Potson as Julie and Kelsey Elaine Pressnall as Maryellen. The cast also features Orisa Gutierrez and Mari Skoultchi. For tickets and more information, please visit, NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847-673-6300.

American Girl Live will feature all-original songs and an unforgettable experience for fans of American Girl as they witness some of their favorite characters come to life. Audiences will join a group of girls at sleepover camp for an exciting summer away from home. When each camper is faced with a new challenge or experience, she comes to better understand the timeless lessons of her favorite American Girl character. The messages shared provide positive examples of friendship, courage and hope that will extend beyond the performance and into the hearts of the audience.

American Girl Live will perform at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie (9501 Skokie Blvd.) on Friday, Dec. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. Tickets range in price from $37 - $47 and are available now. Special VIP packages featuring a pre-show party and post-show photo opportunity with the cast are also available. Please visit, NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847-673-6300 for tickets or more information.

 

About American Girl
American Girl is a premium brand for girls and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mattel (NASDAQ: MAT), a leading global children's entertainment company that specializes in design and production of quality toys and consumer products.  Headquartered in Middleton, WI, American Girl offers an inspiring world of dolls, content, and experiences that nourish a girl’s spirit and help develop her strength of character. Best-selling lines include Truly Me™, Girl of the Year™, Bitty Baby™, WellieWishers™, and American Girl’s classic historical characters. The company sells products through its award-winning catalogue, on americangirl.com, in its proprietary U.S. experiential retail stores, as well as at specialty retailers nationwide. By inspiring girls to be their best, American Girl has earned the loyalty of millions and the praise and trust of parents and educators.

About Mills Entertainment
Mills Entertainment, a live entertainment content studio, and division of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), collaborates with top talent and property holders to create unforgettable live experiences.  With full global distribution and partnerships worldwide, our specialty is taking shows from concept to stage, serving as the complete solution in realizing the vision.  Current projects include Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Carnival of Curi-oddities, Mel Brooks Live! Back in the Saddle Again, and Theresa Caputo Live! The Experience. www.millsentertainment.com

About The North Shore Center
The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie is a dynamic two-theater complex designed by Boston architect Graham Gund and opened in November 1996. The North Shore Center is managed by Professional Facilities Management, Inc. and operates as part of the Village of Skokie’s plan to provide cultural, literary and educational programs to benefit the citizens of Skokie and Chicago’s North Shore. The facility features an 867-seat main theater, and a convertible 318-seat theater, which serves as the home to Northlight Theatre. In addition, there is a 6,000-square-foot grand lobby, rehearsal hall and conference rooms. The North Shore Center presents a Feature Series and the curriculum-based Youtheatre program, which has provided supplemental arts education to over a million Chicago area students since its launch in 1980. Located 30 minutes from Chicago’s Loop and conveniently across from Westfield Old Orchard Mall, the Center is in close proximity to many excellent dining, shopping and hotel options. Free parking is also abundantly available. For more information or tickets to its diverse programming, please visit NorthShoreCenter.org.

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN 4 Tickets to Opening Night of American Girl LIVE on 12/21/18 (Up to $188 Value)

Age range: All
Giveaway Details: Enter through midnight 12/15/18. Tickets good for opening night on 12/21/18.

Disclosure: It's our great pleasure at ChiIL Mama to partner up with lots of local theaters, restaurants, live concert venues and more, to offer great giveaways for our readers. Thanks to all the theaters mentioned here for offering us complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaways. As always, all opinions are my own.