GIVEAWAY: WIN a Family 4 Pack of Tickets ($75 Value) To Pinkalicious at Marriott Theatre

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:
Pinkalicious

ChiIL Mama's thrilled to partner up with Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences on an excellent giveaway. One of our lucky readers will WIN 4 free tickets ($75 Value), valid for any performance to Pinkalicious (subject to availability) until August 19, 2018. Enter below through midnight August 5th. PINKALICIOUS runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. 

Want to bring friends? You may also order additional tickets to the same performance at 20% off. This discount is only available on full price tickets and must be ordered at the same time this certificate is being redeemed.

Here at ChiIL Mama we love to ChiIL out at Chi, IL productions for the whole family. We caught Pinkalicious at the Broadway Playhouse years ago, and it's a favorite of ours, with a great message and catchy score. We've been covering Marriott  Theatre for Young Audiences for nearly a decade and their professional productions are always impressive. Theatre in the round is fabulously fun, and their hour run time on kids' shows makes this doable for squirmy littles and a pleasure for parents too. Check it out.

Starring in PINKALICIOUS will be a cast of Chicagoland all-stars, including Landree Fleming (a top fav of ours here at ChiIL Mama) as Pinkalicious, Lillian Castillo as Mrs. Pinkerton, Wade Elkins as Peter, Adam LaSalle as Mr. Pinkerton, and Allison Sill as Allison and Dr. Wink!

Terry James, Executive Producer

Aaron Thielen, Lead Artistic Director

Andy Hite, Artistic Director

Present

You’ll be tickled pink!

Additional performances recently added!

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Family Friendly Theatre Fun

Experience a young girl’s journey to find her true colors with the musical adaptation of the popular children’s book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, PINKALICIOUS at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, from July 14 through August 12, 2018. Filled with a series of adventures and important life lessons, this fun and whimsical tale will be directed and choreographed by Amanda Tanguay (The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Velveteen Rabbit), with musical direction by Michael Mahler (Mary Poppins, My One and Only, The Music Man, composer/lyricist of October Sky, Hero).

This is the tale of Pinkalicious, a little girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, she must figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament.

“Different than most productions of PINKALICIOUS, we have drawn inspiration from children’s instruments to enhance the amazing score and script,” says Director Amanda Zimmerman. “With various character journeys taking place and the use of instruments on-stage, this production provides the perfect theatrical experience for the whole family to engage, interact, and learn together.”

This production will feature set and properties design by Rachel Rauscher, costume design by Jesus Perez, lighting design by Nick Belley and Aaron Lorenz, and sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin.

PINKALICIOUS runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Single ticket prices are $18.23 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

ENTER HERE

PINKALICIOUS GIVEAWAY

ChiIL Mama's thrilled to partner up with Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences on an excellent giveaway. One of our lucky readers will WIN 4 free tickets, valid for any performance to Pinkalicious (subject to availability) until August 19, 2018. Enter below through midnight August 5th. PINKALICIOUS runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. 

Want to bring friends? You may also order additional tickets to the same performance at 20% off. This discount is only available on full price tickets and must be ordered at the same time this certificate is being redeemed.

Disclosure: Thanks to Marriott Theatre for providing us with complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

OPENING: PINKALICIOUS The Musical at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Terry James, Executive Producer

Aaron Thielen, Lead Artistic Director

Andy Hite, Artistic Director

Presents

You’ll be tickled pink!

Additional performances recently added!

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Family Friendly Theatre Fun

Here at ChiIL Mama we love to ChiIL out at productions for the whole family. We caught Pinkalicious at the Broadway Playhouse years ago, and it's a favorite of ours, with a great message and catchy score. We've been covering Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences for nearly a decade and their professional productions are always impressive. Theatre in the round is fabulously fun, and their hour run time on kids' shows makes this doable for squirmy littles and a pleasure for parents too. Check it out.



Experience a young girl’s journey to find her true colors with the musical adaptation of the popular children’s book by Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, PINKALICIOUS at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, from July 14 through August 12, 2018. Filled with a series of adventures and important life lessons, this fun and whimsical tale will be directed and choreographed by Amanda Tanguay (The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Velveteen Rabbit), with musical direction by Michael Mahler (Mary Poppins, My One and Only, The Music Man, composer/lyricist of October Sky, Hero).

This is the tale of Pinkalicious, a little girl who can’t stop eating pink cupcakes despite warnings from her parents. Her pink indulgence lands her at the doctor’s office with Pinkititis, an affliction that turns her pink from head to toe – a dream come true for this pink loving enthusiast. But when her hue goes too far, she must figure out a way to get out of this pink predicament.

“Different than most productions of PINKALICIOUS, we have drawn inspiration from children’s instruments to enhance the amazing score and script,” says Director Amanda Zimmerman. “With various character journeys taking place and the use of instruments on-stage, this production provides the perfect theatrical experience for the whole family to engage, interact, and learn together.”

Starring in PINKALICIOUS will be a cast of Chicagoland all-stars, including Landree Fleming as Pinkalicious, Lillian Castillo as Mrs. Pinkerton, Wade Elkins as Peter, Adam LaSalle as Mr. Pinkerton, and Allison Sill as Allison and Dr. Wink.

This production will feature set and properties design by Rachel Rauscher, costume design by Jesus Perez, lighting design by Nick Belley and Aaron Lorenz, and sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin.

PINKALICIOUS runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Single ticket prices are $18.23 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

SEE PINKALICIOUS IN GREEN-D! AT THE BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE AT WATER TOWER PLACE

GO GREEN! ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEKEND
 
Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that Emerald City Theatre’s 2010 hit PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL will Go Green! for St. Patrick’s Day weekend performances, March 17 and March 18, 2012, playing at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St).  Individual tickets are on sale now.
 
In celebration of St. Patrick’s Day, patrons will be able to wear “green-tinted glasses” during the performance and will see PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL like no other performance.  Patrons are also encouraged to wear green to the show and will be greeted with fun festivities and St. Patrick’s Day décor the second they step into the lobby at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place.
 
SPECIAL TICKET OFFER
Go Green with PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL March 17 and 18!
Special Offer - 3 Tickets for $45!*
Use Code GREEN When Ordering
 *Valid on all March performances. Offer ends March 24 at 11:59pm. Not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability. Normal ticketing fees apply. Other restrictions may apply.

**Check out ChiIL Mama's interviews with Pinkalicious and her little brother and our show review by clicking here.**  
 
Chris Jones with the Chicago Tribune exclaims, “…Ernie Nolan’s well-paced production is sassy and on target.” Hedy Weiss with the Chicago Sun-Times says, “Gregor’s score is a zestful pastiche that ranges from jazzy blues and quasi-operatic numbers to half-time pom-pom-shaking cheers. And Ernie Nolan’s lively direction and choreography…make the most of it.” Phil Potempa with the Northwest Indiana Times raves, ““…this storybook-brought-to-life adventure combines just the right amount of music and comedy with themes that audiences of every age can learn from.”
 
When Pinkalicious Pinkerton eats one too many pink cupcakes, she catches a serious case of “Pinkititis” and turns pink from head to toe!  Will her broccoli-eating brother be able to help cure her before it’s too late?  Find out in the colorful musical adventure, remounted from Emerald City Theatre’s sold out production at their Chicago home at The Apollo Theater. This heartwarming musical’s Gateway Theme of healthy eating is sure to strike a chord among parents and picky eaters alike.  Emerald City’s Gateway Themes are a topic of conversation adults can have with their early-learner.  Education and Artistic staff create materials in the playbill to provide support for adults. All performances will include an age appropriate pre-show activity in the lobby and an autograph session with the cast after the performance.
 
PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL is a Midwest premiere directed and choreographed by Ernie Nolan, with a book by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann and music and lyrics by John Gregor.  Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann are co-authors of the New York Times best-selling children's picture books Pinkalicious (HarperCollins, 2006), Purplicious (HarperCollins, 2007), Goldicious (HarperCollins, 2009) and Silverlicious (HarperCollins, 2011) also illustrated by Victoria Kann.  Elizabeth and Victoria are sisters who grew up in Brooklyn, New York. Victoria's award-winning artwork has graced the covers and pages of many magazines, newspapers and books. Elizabeth's writing has appeared in a variety of newspaper and print publications.
 
Individual tickets for PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL are on sale now and range in price from $16-$22.  Exclusive St. Patrick’s Day Ticket Discount: 3 tickets for $45! Use code GREEN When Ordering. *Valid on March 17-18, 2012 performances. Not valid with any other offer or on previously purchased tickets. Subject to availability.  Normal ticketing fees apply. Other restrictions may apply.
 
A select number of premium seats are also available. Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St.,151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775-2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations(including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores), and online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com. 

For groups of 15 or more, call (312) 977-1710. Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount on most shows by calling (312) 977-1710.  Gift certificates, which can be redeemed for any production or for season ticket packages, can be obtained at Broadway In Chicago box offices, or by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 775-2000. Performance schedule varies – for information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
 
About Emerald City Theatre
Emerald City Theatre is one Chicago's most attended non-profit theaters with an annual attendance of nearly 80,000 between its performance home at Apollo Theater and regional tours. Emerald City serves as a Child's Gateway to the Arts, inspiring early learners through play. Emerald City is proud to be the home of 28 world premiere productions. 

Emerald City employs nearly 100 of Chicago's top artistic and teaching talent to bring magical, interactive productions and programs that entertain children and their grown-ups in all parts of Chicagoland. The company's year-round programming includes live productions at the Apollo Theater and other venues, theater class offerings, summer theater camps, an extensive touring program, and an annual Celebrate Reading literacy initiative. 

Emerald City continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Executive Director Karen Cardarelli, Producing Artistic Director Ernie Nolan, and a twenty-member Board of Directors.  Emerald City is a non-profit company, supported by The MacArthur Fund for the Arts and Culture, Katten, KPMG, Chicago Community Trust, Illinois Arts Council, City Arts, Deloitte, Winston & Strawn, La Rabida Children’s Hospital, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs. For more information on the Emerald City Theatre, please visit www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.

Act Out: Theatre Round Up-Broadway in Chicago Special including Fiddler on the Roof, Memphis, Ann, Pinkalicious, Love Loss and What I Wore

Chi-Town is undoubtedly a theatre town.

We'll have longer reviews, photo filled features, and loads of interviews coming up soon.    But there are some amazing shows that just opened, so we'll do a quickie highly recommended list here first.    

Theatre is a great way to entertain family members who are in for the holidays.    And show tickets or season subscriptions are a great clutter buster gift idea.    Shows make lasting memories and don't end up in landfills or storage, like many well intentioned presents.   

We'll have an Act Out feature specific to holiday themed shows and one on other highly recommended productions that just opened.   First, we have an all Broadway in Chicago feature.    They've got a lot going on, and some are short runs that should not be missed!   Check out ChiIL Mama's quick reference guide below.


Broadway in Chicago:
We are extremely lucky to have Broadway in Chicago.   They have been bringing world class touring productions to the windy city for 10 years now!


Fiddler on the Roof  

opens tonight at Auditorium Theatre.   I can't wait to check out the Broadway version.   This was one of my high school musicals that I played a part in, back in the day, so I've always had a soft spot for it.  I was almost cast as Yentl, the matchmaker, and got a special call back, but was beaten out for the part by Julie Greenberg.   Ah, well.   She did an excellent job, so it was all for the best.   We'll have a full review up soon. This one's a classic with multigenerational appeal.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is the Tony Award®-winning musical that has captured the hearts of people all over the world with its universal appeal. Based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF has been lauded by critics again and again, and won the hearts of people all around the world. Filled with a rousing, heartwarming score, which includes “Tradition,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker,” “If I Were A Rich Man” and “Sunrise, Sunset,” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF is a timeless classic. No other musical has so magically woven music, dance, poignancy and laughter into such an electrifying and unforgettable experience. Relive a glorious tradition of the musical theatre with FIDDLER ON THE ROOF.

Ticket prices are $26 to $85

Theatre : Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Chicago Illinois

Dates : November 22, 2011 - November 27, 2011

Memphis 

opened last night at Cadillac Palace.   This fantastic, award winning production wholeheartedly deserves all the praise.   I can see why it won 4 Tony Awards in 2010.   We loved it!   The show was particularly interesting to me, since I saw it book ended by two Fitz and The Tantrums Shows.   Both feature an incredibly talented black, female singer, a white boy and R&B music!   

Fortunately, we're no longer in 1950's Tennessee, where interracial marriage was illegal and racism was rampant, like the setting of Memphis the musical.  Thankfully, in 2011 racists rarely throw bricks through windows, beat people with baseball bats, or fire guns about white kids dancing to "race music".   However, even in 2011 Chicago, neighborhoods are racially and economically divided and some archaic stereotypes still resurface.   We highly recommend Memphis for the whole family.   The Performers, the score, and the story line are superb and serve as an entertaining and enlightening reminder of an era.   Ultimately, great music triumphs, to unite a new generation and trump the race card.

TURN UP THAT DIAL...From the underground dance clubs of 1950s Memphis, Tennessee, comes a hot new Broadway musical that bursts off the stage with explosive dancing, irresistible songs and a thrilling tale of fame and forbidden love. Inspired by actual events, MEMPHIS is about a white radio DJ who wants to change the world and a black club singer who is ready for her big break. Come along on their incredible journey to the ends of the airwaves -- filled with laughter, soaring emotion and roof-raising rock 'n' roll.

Winner of four 2010 Tony Awards including Best Musical, MEMPHIS features a Tony-winning book by Joe DiPietro (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change) and a Tony-winning original score with music by Bon Jovi founding member David Bryan. Directing is Tony nominee Christopher Ashley (Xanadu), and choreography is by Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys).
 

Ticket prices are $32 to $100.
 

Theatre : Cadillac Palace Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : November 22, 2011 - December 04, 2011

ANN - A New Play Written and Performed by Emmy-Winner Holland Taylor  

We caught opening night and were blown away by the show.    This one's only here through December 4th, so don't miss out.   We may be the 2nd city, but we get to see Ann first, in this sweet, pre-Broadway engagement!   Holland Taylor's writing and acting is something to see.   This show gives me hope for politics.   We need more outspoken, feisty women in seats of power.    Ann had the mouth of a trucker, the soul of a liberal, and the energy, passion and charisma of a true leader.    I enjoyed getting to know her better, through such an entertaining production.   Highly recommended!   Here's our prior Ann coverage.

 

 Pre-Broadway Engagement!

A hilarious new play that reveals the complex and iconic female Governor of the Lone Star State. Written and performed by Emmy® Award-winning actress Holland Taylor (from “Two and a Half Men”) this play delivers a no holds barred look at Texan Ann Richards that captivates and packs an emotional and inspiring punch.

Ticket prices are $20 to $85.

Theatre : Bank of America Theatre, Chicago Illinois
Dates : November 13, 2011 - December 04, 2011

Pinkalicious 
We've reviewed, interviewed and been tickled pink about Pinkalicious since it opened at Broadway Playhouse in July.   Check out ChiIL Mama's review here and our print interview with Pinkalicious and her brother, here.

“Can’t I have just one more?” When Pinkalicious eats one too many pink cupcakes, she catches a case of Pinkititis and turns pink from head to toe! It'll take the wisdom of her broccoli-eating little brother to help her get out of this predicament. Don't miss Chicago’s Emerald City Theatre production of this smash hit musical based on the popular book by Elizabeth and Victoria Kann. Best suited for cupcake lovers ages 3 and up. 




Ticket prices are $16 to $22.
 

Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois
Dates : July 08, 2011 - January 07, 2012 
Emerald City Theatre
presents
PINKALICIOUS

Love, Loss & What I Wore
We saw the original cast on opening night and thoroughly enjoyed this production.   The cast rotates, and always features a powerhouse line up of great theatre women.    Since the show is set up as a staged reading, rather than a blocked production, it's got a casual coffee with friends vibe.    The stories come off as intimate recollections of events, and are all the more powerful for the presentation.

I laughed when I saw the production disclaimer that there is nothing particularly inappropriate for kids, but that they might be bored by it, like they are by adult chats.   This is very true.   While the adults in the audience laughed frequently and empathetically, and gave the show a unanimous standing ovation, I didn't bring my kids to this one.    It's more of a girls' night out or date play.  I brought my neighbor and we enjoyed a glass of wine, a lot of laughs, and no little people who needed the bathroom.

Rotating Cast includes Roni Geva, Cindy Gold, Taylor Miller, Loretta Swit, Dawn Wells and Whitney White!
 

Proving that a great show is always in fashion, Love, Loss, and What I Wore, with its starry rotating cast and compulsively entertaining subject matter, has become an international hit. This intimate collection of stories by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron is based on the best-selling book, as well as on the recollections of the Ephrons’ friends. Like the popular book, the show uses clothing and accessories and the memories they trigger to tell funny and often poignant stories that all women can relate to, creating one of the most enduring theatergoing experiences in New York and now across the country.

“Goes directly to the heart, soul and vanity
of every woman, young and old.”
–Liz Smith, Variety

“Funny and Poignant!”
-Associated Press

“A show about matters of the heart and matters of the closet!”
-The New York Times

Ticket prices are $68 to $78

Theatre : Broadway Playhouse, Chicago Illinois


Dates : September 14, 2011 - January 01, 2012


Running time: Approximately 100 minutes with no intermission

Check out Broadway in Chicago's main site for ticket information, videos, and detailed production information for all shows.  

We're looking forward to a bunch of upcoming productions, including The Book of Mormon, La Cage Aux Folles, The Addams Family, and Cats!   Highly recommended.

ChiIL Mama's Interviews With Pinkalicious and Her Brother, Peter

production photo

PINKALICIOUS: THE MUSICAL has been extended Through January 7th, 2012.

ChiIL Mama caught up with the colorful Pinkalicious herself, Lara Mainier, and her charismatic little brother, Peter Pinkerton, played by Mark Kosten.   We were curious to see what they thought about the news, and we wanted to get a little sneak peek into the brains and personalities behind the wildly popular characters.   Here are our interviews with both of them.   Enjoy!

Lara Mainier/Pinkalicious:

Mark Kosten/Peter Pinkerton:

1.  ChiIL Mama:  So, you've just been extended into next year, January 7^th to be exact. How do you feel about that?

Laura (Pinkalicious):   I'm very excited that we are extended!

Mark (Peter):   It is wonderful! We feel so elated that we get the opportunity to be at the Chicago Playhouse a little longer and continue what has already been a very successful run.

2.  Now your original Pinkalicious production for Emerald City got rave reviews and was extended as well. Do you notice a difference in the Broadway Playhouse audiences versus the Apollo Theater crowd?    Did the show change much from the first production?

The audience at the Broadway Playhouse appear to be more tourists and families visiting the city from the suburbs. For the latest production Nathan Roher made me 4 brand new costumes and also added some other costumes for the other actors. Other than that (and the addition of Mark Kosten) not too much has changed.

3.  How did you draw inspiration for your character? Are your mannerisms based on a child in your real world life?

I try to play Pinkalicious as real as possible. I base her character on myself as a young girl.

The inspiration is right there in the audience every day.  There is no better motivator than an eager audience that is waiting to be entertained.  After the show we get to meet some of our younger audience members, and that is a time that one can really hone in on the silliness of a child.  To see and hear how excited they are on a day to day basis is such a treat.

4.    When did you begin acting?

I was in my first play when I was 12. After that, I was hooked.

I began acting in Jr. High School when I was in the 7thgrade.  I played Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof Jr. it changed my life forever. I suppose now would be as good a time as ever to thank Mrs. Castañeda for casting me in the show!

5. Is it difficult to play a child convincingly without getting into stereotypes?

I play a lot of children on stage so I try very hard to make them all different. Children are just like adults, they all have their own personalities and idiosyncrasies that make them unique.

I don’t think so.  My focus every day is to have a good time and I think that that mantra stays true youthfulness. 

6. What was the most challenging part of the production for you, personally?

Definitely just memorizing the material and getting in the flow of the show. Also keeping up my endurance from start to finish. Pinkalicious has A LOT of energy!

7.  Are there any funny bloopers stories from rehearsals or the run of the show?

None that stick out above the daily antics that we get into! 

8.   Now, Pinkalicious is a midwest premier based on a great series by Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann. Did you have a chance to work with the authors? Did they give any creative input on the production?

We did not have a chance to work with the authors, although I know that our director Ernie Nolan was able to have a short meeting with one of them.

9.      How many and which of the Kann's books have you read?

I have only read Pinkalicious.

I have a copy of Pinkalicious at my home.  Recently I have been reading it a little more frequently!

10.      What's your favorite “message” kids take away from the show?

Pinkalicious sums it up in the final scene when she says "I'm beautiful just the way I am."

My favorite message from the show is about love and acceptance, and not just loving those around you, but loving and accepting yourself.  I think it is so important for young people to understand this in developmental stages in their lives.  It is not a primary message, and it is definitely not thrown in your face throughout the show, but when I talk to audience members after the shows that grab on to that truth it is extremely gratifying.  There are definitely things to be found underneath the surface of the material.

11.     Pinkalicious has a pretty radical twist that it's OK for boys to love pink. Are boys coming to the show and do you think they're embracing that message?

There are plenty of boys coming to the show and quite a few of them are wearing pink!

Yes and yes!  Some of our most enthusiastic audience members are boys, and they absolutely love the show!  I’m sure that their guardians are still dressing them at home, but these boys show up wearing their pink attire extremely proud.

12.  Tell me how it is working with Ernie Nolan, who directed and choreographed the show.

Ernie is so fun to work with and he makes the process really comfortable. He's never afraid to try something new, and is always willing to hear input from the cast members.

It is a hoot!  Ernie is such a joy to work with and he has made this experience so wonderful.  I have a plethora of fun whenever I am working with him.  He recently became the Artistic Director of Emerald City Theatre and it has been great to be a part of this experience with everyone in the company.

13.     You also had a chance to work with award winning composer, John Gregor, who wrote the music and lyrics. How was it collaborating with him?   Do you have a favorite song/dance number? Do you hear the songs now, in your sleep?

The songs do tend to stick in my head from time to time, but that is not a bad thing in the slightest.  The music is very enjoyable.  I do have to say that my favorite song is probably Green Food, and I really enjoy the solo number that I get to sing, I Got the Pink Blues.

14.   What advice do you have to kids who want to grow up and be actors?

Work hard and stay positive and keep having fun!!

I know it sounds kind of hokey and lame, but my advice is to have fun!  Just go and have a good time and you cannot go wrong!  

ChiIL Mama and Sagezilla has a chance to catch the opening at Broadway Playhouse.   Even Sagezilla, the anti-princess, was tickled pink by the production, despite her goth garb.  Check out our Pinkalicious review HERE.   http://www.chiilmama.com/2011/07/pinkalicious-turns-gender-stereotypes.html. 

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce that Emerald City Theatre’s 2010 hit is extending by popular demand through Jan. 7, 2012 at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut St). Individual tickets are on sale now.

Tickets are available at all Broadway In Chicago Box Offices (24 W. Randolph St., 151 W. Randolph St., 18 W. Monroe St. and 175 E. Chestnut), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Kiosk at Water Tower Place (845 N. Michigan Ave.), the Broadway In Chicago Ticket Line at (800) 775‐2000, all Ticketmaster retail locations (including Hot Tix and select Carson Pirie Scott, Coconuts and fye stores), and online at Broadway In Chicago For groups of 15 or more, call (312) 977‐1710.

Pinkalicious Turns Gender Stereotypes On Their Heads

News Flash.  Pink is A-OK for boys and dads to love, too.   Think pink this summer for family fun.   Broadway in Chicago has teamed up with Emerald City to present their hit musical, Pinkalicious, downtown at the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place through September 3rd.

production photo 

Sagezilla and I checked out opening day, Friday, and were both tickled pink by the colorful costumes and sets, catchy tunes, and open minded gender message.  Pinkalicious is The Hairspray Musical for the kindie set, with a larger than life, wild haired heroine, bucking convention and signing autographs.

Emerald City's Pinkalicious compels kids to eat their greens as a cure for pinkititis, and we're all about encouraging fresh, healthy veggies.   But there is a deeper and more colorful theme we really dug.   Men and boys can love pink, too, and girls can love a host of colors beyond pink.   Wow!    Thank you.    


It seems so straightforward, but this is a pretty radical concept for mainstream children's theatre.    It's also one dear to our hearts.   In high school, my husband was the rebel skate punk with the pink trimmed board while I wouldn't be caught dead in such a girly girl color.   We've both mellowed with age, but the sentiment still stands.


I'll be honest with you, we skipped Pinkalicious when it first played at Emerald City's home base, The Apollo Theatre.   Their productions tend to skew young and I thought the world needed another pink pushing, pastry tasting excuse for little girls to embrace a monochromatic existence like I need a pointy toed, anorexic Barbie Doll as a role model for my daughter.


Sagezilla is somewhat of a self proclaimed "anti-princess" and not a big fan of the color pink, just because every other little girl in her 2nd grade class universally picked it as their favorite.    But we are big fans of literature based theatre and Sagezilla had read some of the Pinkalicious books at school and she surprised me by really wanting to see the show.   The message turned out to be a pleasantly unconventional one, encouraging individuality and expanding beyond gender stereotypes.

My little rebel without a clue is the one who horrified her conservative, suburban Grammy by belting out, "MY FAVORITE COLOR IN THE WORLD IS BLAAAAAACCCCKKK," at the tender age of 3.    She still loves black at age 8 and was quite happy at the Pinkalicious premier, to be the ONLY punk in head to toe black and all black Chucks high tops in a sea of poofy pink girls (her wardrobe choice).   The only hint of hot pink she conceded to were the skull laces on her shoes.    No Pepto Bismol hued princess tote for this grrrrl.   The pink polo wearing theatre boys adored her!  

One of them even recommended we check out this book, Not All Princesses Dress in Pink which I'm looking forward to.

Like I said before, we're big fans of book based theatre.   When shows encourage kids to read or books spark a love of theatre, it's a win win situation. 


  


A number of books by sisters Elizabeth Kann and Victoria Kann, who co-wrote Pinkalicious, are available in the lobby.    They come in a whole rainbow of colors beyond pink, too, in case the show's message sunk in, that girls can love a wide range of hues.   Check out the books, Purplicious, Goldicious and Silverlicious.

Kids can meet the cast and collect autographs in the lobby after the show.   One thing we've always enjoyed about Emerald City Productions is their play bills.    The adults get one version and the kids get a smaller version that's big on fun, with pre-show games and show related questions.


Check out Pinkalicious and make a whole, fun, downtown day of it.   We went to The Cheesecake Factory for lunch after the show, to rest our eyes from all that pink in their golden, cave like, spiral filled space.    While you're at Water Tower Place drop by American Girl Place, The LEGO® Store and Marbles:  The Brain Store for kid centered shopping fun.


Pinkalicious runs Thursdays through Sundays at 10AM with alternating Thursdays and Sundays.   For an exact performance schedule visit Broadway in Chicago.

We're working out the details, but ChiIL Mama may have exclusive video interviews with members of the cast for you in the next few weeks, so check back in early and often.