PLAY LOCALLY: The Velveteen Rabbit at The Marriott Theatre Through August 14th

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 ©Kenaz-Mara 2016

The Marriott Theatre 

Presents a New Twist 

on the Enchanting Family Musical

Now through Aug 14, 2016

The cherished children’s tale springs to life for a whole new generation in a wonder-filled 
musical production.

Here at ChiIL Mama we've been beyond busy shooting travel features and exploring Chi, IL in all it's summer glory. So sadly we have not made it out to The Marriott Theatre yet to review The Velveteen Rabbit. The Marriott Theatre is one of our top picks for presenting professional productions with phenomenal talent. Their intimate theatre in the round makes for stellar staging and they consistently cast excellent actors. The Velveteen Rabbit has been a favorite tale for generations, so this show make an excellent multigenerational memory maker. Don't miss this. Summer is the perfect time to ChiIL out at the theatre. Hop on out to catch this one before August 14th. 



A joyous testament to the eternal power of a child's imagination, The Velveteen Rabbit springs to life July 8 through August 14, continuing The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences’ 2016 season. A musical adaptation of the classic Margery Williams’ tale, with music by composer Jimmy Roberts (I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change), book and lyrics by James Still, and direction and choreography by Amanda Tanguay (Pinocchio at The Marriott Theatre), The Velveteen Rabbit fuses the power of childhood play and fancy with the timeless need for unconditional love. Followed by a special Q&A session with the cast, The Velveteen Rabbit is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.

When Steve comes upon one of his long lost toys, it sparks a memory that takes him back in time to when he was an inspired 6-year-old. We meet his 12-year-old brother, Ben, a typical tween who’s more interested in playing video games and meeting girls then playing with his little brother. Left alone with his toys, Steve’s imagination leads him on exciting adventures with his new best friend, the Velveteen Rabbit, whose dream is to someday become “real”. As Steve and the Velveteen Rabbit’s bond grows, the other toys’ spirits are brought to life on stage as they learn what it means to love, and be loved in return. Return to a simpler time with this heartwarming retelling of the enchanting children’s story, reminding audiences of all ages of the true power of love.

The Velveteen Rabbit stars Jeff Award nominee Devin DeSantis as “Steve” (City of Angels, Godspell and Pinocchio at The Marriott Theatre), Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as “Ben” (Sister Act and Dreamgirls at The Marriott Theatre), Jeff Award nominee Dara Cameron as “Velveteen Rabbit” (Sister Act, ELF and October Sky at The Marriott Theatre), Jeff Award nominee Sharriese Hamilton as “Boat” (Sister Act at The Marriott Theatre; World Premiere: Thaddeus and Slocum: A Vaudeville Adventure at Lookingglass Theatre Company), Jeff Award winner Mark David Kaplan as “Rocking Horse” (The Lion King Broadway National Tour; Anything Goes and The Wizard of Oz at The Marriott Theatre), and Zoe Nadal as “Wild Rabbit” (ELF and City of Angels at The Marriott Theatre; West Side Story at Paramount Theatre).

The production features musical direction by Ellen K. Morris, set and properties design by Greg Pinsoneault, costume design by Theresa Ham, lighting design by Nick Belley and sound design by Bob Gilmartin.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences has presented numerous original works as well as classic fairy tales. Through these special one-hour productions, over 2 million children have experienced the joy and magic that is live theatre. To date, The Marriott's Theatre for Young Audiences has presented more than 75 productions to critical (and kids’!) acclaim.


©Kenaz-Mara 2016

The Velveteen Rabbit plays most Tuesdays through Sundays at 10 AM. July 28 is a special hearing impaired interpreted performance. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates vary. Single ticket prices are $17.23 per person (includes fees and taxes). 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.


©Kenaz-Mara 2016

OPENING: Lifeline Theatre Presents The Velveteen Rabbit #Theatre #FamilyFriendly

Single Tickets and 2014–15 Subscriptions Now On Sale

Plus Stories Come Alive! Hour Workshops Every Saturday and Sunday During the Run

Here at ChiIL Mama, we've loved Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries for years. When my own two were young, we never missed one of their shows. They're one of our top favorites for excellent, professional book based adaptations. See stories leap off the pages to come alive on stage. Highly recommended.

Lifeline Theatre opens its 2014-15 KidSeries season with 

The Velveteen Rabbit, 

based on the beloved classic 

by Margery Williams, 

adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member 

Elise Kauzlaric, 

and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member 

Amanda Link. 

One Christmas morning, a shy stuffed bunny enters the world of a young boy’s nursery. Initially ignored in favor of more modern toys, she waits patiently to be noticed, wondering if she will ever be loved like the others. When the wise old Skin Horse reveals the majesty and mystery of what it means to become real, the Velveteen Rabbit begins an odyssey of the heart to make a lasting connection with her boy that will endure for always. Return to a simpler time with this heartwarming story about the transformative power of love. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

The Velveteen Rabbit runs Saturday, Oct. 18 – Sunday, Nov. 23 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.)  Ticket prices are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of The Velveteen Rabbit (following the 11 a.m. show, or before the 1 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! Hour. Children will get up close and personal with the book behind the play with an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $5 per child. Parents are welcome to join the fun, though not required to stay. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

The complete cast and production team for The Velveteen Rabbit includes:

CAST: Guest artists Christopher Acevedo (The Boy), Jamie Cahill (Velveteen Rabbit), Mykele Callicutt (Skin Horse), Jenna Schoppe (Nana/Toy Soldier), and Danielle Davis (Model Boat/Doctor). With understudies Shannon Nishi and Andres Enriquez.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Elise Kauzlaric (Adaptor) and Amanda Link (Director); with guest artists Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Diane D. Fairchild (Lighting Designer), Amanda Hermann (Properties Designer), Anthony Ingram (Sound Designer), John Kelly (Master Electrician), Michelle Lilly (Scenic Designer), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), Jessica Kuehnau Wardell (Costume Designer), and Ellen Willett (Stage Manager).

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents The Velveteen Rabbit, Saturday, Oct. 18 – Sunday, Nov. 23  at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.  (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 18 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.)  Ticket prices are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre also offers “Name Your Price” tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request.  A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties.  Free parking is available at the designated lot west of the theatre (NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood) with free shuttle service before and after the show.  Street parking is also available and Lifeline Theatre is handicapped and CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/busses).

Now in its 32nd season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; The Arts Work Fund; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; CityArts grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Flex Print , Inc. ; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Netrix LLC; The Polk Bros. Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.