Discount Tickets For Family Friendly Theatre Fun Via Chicago Theatre Week Through 2/18/18

Chi, IL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Discount Tickets For Family Friendly Theatre Fun!

PIRATES AND PUPPETS AND POTTER, OH MY!

$15 or $30 TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE  FOR 

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FARE 

DURING THEATRE WEEK 2018

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we adore the Chicago Theatre scene and regularly review an average of 5-7 shows a week! From February 8-18th you too can catch Chicago shows like a critic with huge discounts on shows citywide via Chicago Theatre Week. Here's a rundown of family friendly fare for 2018. Bring the kids and make some fun family memories!

Chicago Theatre Week (#CTW18), an annual celebration of the rich tradition of theatre-going in Chicago, is now offering value-priced tickets for a wide variety of family-friendly theatre productions. Theatre Week tickets, priced at $30, $15, or less than $15, are now on sale at www.ChicagoTheatreWeek.com.

Chicago Theatre Week will take place February 8 – 18, 2018, spanning a week and two full weekends. Heading into its sixth year, Chicago Theatre Week is a program of the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. Over 120 theatre productions are participating in neighborhoods throughout the city and suburbs. A list of participating productions is available online at www.ChicagoTheatreWeek.com.

This year, Chicagoland audiences will have a number of family-friendly options during Theatre Week, including classic plays and crazy comedies. From short Shakespeare to pirates, and puppets to Potted Potter, there is something for every child (or the child within).

The following is a selection of family-friendly shows participating in Theatre Week 2018:

X barks the spot in the new tour PAW PATROL LIVE! THE GREAT PIRATE ADVENTURE! at The Chicago Theatre, February 17 & 18. Ryder and his team of pirate pups need all paws on deck for this new pirate adventure. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/paw-patrol-live!-the-great-pirate-adventure!/43345/

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents SHORT SHAKESPEARE! A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, a 75-minute abridgment of William Shakespeare's riotous tale of mismatched love among mischievous fairies, young lovers and an amateur theatrical troupe of local workers. Tickets available for performances February 10 & 17. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/short-shakespeare!-a-midsummer-nights-dream/43022/

**Click HERE for CHIIL MAMA'S REVIEW

In a Land Beyond the Rainbow, in a room overflowing with beautifully wrapped presents, three children explore their friendship, similarities, and differences at a magical birthday party. MY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY SUIT! at Chicago Children’s Theatre features music, puppetry and a visit to the splendiferous Thinking Tree, February 10, 11, 17 & 18. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/my-wonderful-birthday-suit!/43060/

Full of Hamilton-style hip-hop beats, Emerald City’s MAGIC TREE HOUSE: SHOWTIME WITH SHAKESPEARE at the Apollo Theater is a tuneful tale of time travel and theater. Tickets available for performances February 11, 17 & 18. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/magic-tree-house%3a-showtime-with-shakespeare/42965/

A self-directed creative play experience for children and parents FORTS! BUILD YOUR OWN ADVENTURE at Filament Theatre uses theatrical design elements to inspire the imagination and get families playing together, February 11, 17 & 18. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/forts!-build-your-own-adventure/42920/

Take a leap into the unknown and realize your full potential with MONTAUCIEL TAKES FLIGHT, a world premiere musical inspired by the story of the first living creatures to take to the skies in a human-made flying machine, at Lifeline Theatre, February 11, 17 & 18. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/montauciel-takes-flight/42942/

Junie B. Jones, the star of Barbara Park's sassy and spirited children's book series, takes the stage for a new adventure, JUNIE B. JONES IS NOT A CROOK, presented by DePaul University Theatre School at the Merle Reskin Theatre, February 8, 9, 10, 13, 15 & 17. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/junie-b-jones-is-not-a-crook/42953/

Stupendous sagas and terrific tales. Adventure Stage Chicago presents the first ADVENTURES IN STORYTELLING festival, February 16 & 17. Stories from tellers of all ages will be on display as you’re whisked into unique worlds and narratives. Discover new cultures with bilingual bards, witness the budding talents of youth tellers, participate in numerous workshops, and more. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/adventures-in-storytelling/42964/

Other productions fun for audiences of all ages include:

BLUE MAN GROUP is a multi-sensory experience that combines theatre, percussive music, art, science and vaudeville into a form of entertainment that is like nothing else. BLUE MAN GROUP is performed at the Briar Street Theater, with discount tickets available for performances February 8-11, 15, 17 & 18. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/blue-man-group/43029/

The comedy, magic and mayhem of POTTED POTTER (presented by Broadway In Chicago at the Broadway Playhouse) makes for an entertaining and hilarious visit to the theatre. The fast-paced show, which has made audiences aged 6 to Dumbledore roar with laughter all over the world, is perfect for the entire family. Tickets available for performances February 9-11 and 16-18. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/potted-potter/43296/

**Click HERE for CHIIL MAMA'S REVIEW 


Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to present THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Stories for Change, an evening of stories showcasing the fascinating, poignant and often hilarious ideas students have for the change they’d like to see in their lives and their communities. Tickets available for February 12 performance at The Neo-Futurarium. CTW18 Offer Details: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/thats-weird-grandma%3a-stories-for-change/42689/

Chicago Theatre Week is presented by the League of Chicago Theatres in partnership with Choose Chicago. The official hashtag for Chicago Theatre Week 2018 is #CTW18.

About Chicago theater
Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. Last year alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 100 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, ChicagoPlays.com. Half-price tickets to the current week’s performances as well as future performances are available at HotTix.org and at the two Hot Tix half-price ticket locations: across from the Chicago Cultural Center at Expo72 (72 E. Randolph) and Block Thirty Seven (108 N. State).

OPENING: Chicago Shakespeare Theatre debuts Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night While Filter Theatre from the UK Present Twelfth Night Upstairs

Shakespeare would have been amused. Two different versions of the same show are occupying two different floors of the same theatre simultaneously this March!  

I've always had a soft spot for Twelfth Night since I was Viola's understudy back in college. As a mom, I've also been a long time fan of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's "Short Shakespeare" series. These abridged versions are still full on Shakespearian dialect and keep the plot and characters true to the original, while trimming each piece to an action packed, more accessible hour and 15 minutes. We eagerly anticipate the Short Shakespeare shows every season. Highly recommended. Most of these are reserved for school groups so the few public performances sell out fast, so book now.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents A Shakespeare 400 Chicago event Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night Newly abridged work adapted and directed by Kirsten Kelly Public Performances Saturdays at 11am, March 5–April 9, 2016

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) debuts the newly abridged Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night , a 75-minute production of William Shakespeare’s tale of mistaken identity and unexpected love. In the midst of the 2016 celebration of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, this new adaptation by director Kirsten Kelly makes an outstanding introduction to Shakespeare for audiences of all ages. In addition to public performances each Saturday, this production welcomes 1,000 students each day during its four-week run in the Courtyard Theater, followed by an extensive tour to schools across the Midwest through May 6, 2016. Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night will be performed for the public Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.—March 5, 12, 19 & 26 and April 2 & 9, 2016. After each Saturday morning performance, the actors remain on stage for a question-and-answer session, before joining the audience in the Lobby for one-on-one conversations and photo opportunities. CST strives to make its facility and performances accessible to all patrons through its Access Shakespeare programs. An “Access Shakespeare” performance for Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night occurs on Saturday, April 9 at 11:00 a.m. and includes ASL Duo-interpretation, Open Captioning and Audio Description. When separated from her brother Sebastian in a tragic shipwreck, Viola disguises herself as a man while navigating the unfamiliar land of Illyria. She enters into the service of the handsome Duke Orsino and finds herself caught in the midst of an unrequited love triangle. Misunderstandings and mistaken identities abound in Shakespeare’s romantic comedy. The Short Shakespeare! production of Twelfth Night gives opportunities for families and young audiences to engage with Shakespeare’s play through the text’s use of humor and youthful characters. Music is incorporated throughout the production, as the emotions of the characters are amplified through the diverse sounds of piano, guitar, ukulele, cajon and banjolele. Director and award-winning documentary filmmaker Kirsten Kelly  has been an integral partner of the CST Education team for more than a decade, including co-founding the CPS Shakespeare! program with CST Director of Education Marilyn Halperin ten years ago. The initiative engages Chicago Public Schools students and teachers to create a unique Shakespeare production on the Courtyard stage. Returning with another of her own adaptations of Shakespeare’s canon after 2015’s Short Shakespeare! Macbeth, Kelly approaches Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night  with a diverse audience in mind—making an exciting theatrical encounter for even the newest of Shakespeare fans. The Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night cast includes Rebecca Hurd (Viola), Neal Moeller (Duke Orsino), Nate Santana (Sebastian), Krystel Lucas (Olivia), La Shawn Banks (Malvolio), Lynn Robert Berg (Antonio/Captain), Lydia Berger Gray (Maria), Ronald Conner (Sir Toby Belch), Dominic Conti (Sir Andrew Aguecheek), Donovan Diaz (Fabian), Will Mobley (Feste), Colin Morgan (Valentine) and Nik Kmiecik (Curio). The creative team features Scenic Designer Scott Davis, Costume Designer  Rachel Healy, Lighting Designer Greg Hofmann, Composer and Sound Designer Ethan Deppe and CST’s Resident Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal. With public performances on Saturday, CST’s Short Shakespeare! series is an essential component of the Theater’s celebrated Team Shakespeare  education program. In addition to six weeks of public performances, the production will host student performances in the Theater’s home on Navy Pier and then embark on a four-week tour to urban, suburban and rural schools across the Midwest. With a crew of eight and a 20-foot-long box truck, the production will transform each venue, giving students the experience of a fully realized professional performance. Chicago Shakespeare partners with teachers to extend the experience into the classroom, providing show-specific materials and activities in addition to leading free professional development workshops for teachers. These resources ensure teachers are well-equipped to effectively connect the words and works of the playwright to their students. As the world commemorates the 400 years since Shakespeare’s death in 1616, Shakespeare 400 Chicago  brings together the city’s resident world-class institutions across disciplines, and welcomes leading artists from around the globe to make Chicago their stage. Spearheaded by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this yearlong international arts festival will engage more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors in events spanning theater, opera, music, dance, cuisine, exhibitions, workshops and discussion series—including opportunities for students and teachers like Short Shakespeare! Twelfth Night. Programs like this ensure that Shakespeare 400 Chicago is not only occurring in institutions and theaters downtown, but also in schools across the region. PERFORMANCE LISTING Saturday, March 5, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 12, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 19, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, March 26, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 2, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. Tickets: $22–$34 www.chicagoshakes.com • 312.595.5600 For more information, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/sstwelfth. About Chicago Shakespeare Theater Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a global theatrical force, known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, language and empathy for the human condition. Throughout 2016, CST is spearheading the international arts and culture festival, Shakespeare 400 Chicago, a citywide celebration of the playwright's 400-year legacy. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to creating extraordinary production of classics, new works and family programming; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. CST serves as a partner in literacy to Chicago Public Schools, working alongside English teachers to help struggling readers connect with Shakespeare in the classroom, and bringing his text to life on stage for 40,000 students every year. And each summer, 30,000 families and audience members of all ages welcome the free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour into their neighborhoods across the far north, west and south sides of the city. Reflecting the global city it calls home, CST is the leading producer of international work in Chicago, and has toured its plays abroad to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Canada/North America and the Middle East. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds. The Theater’s tradition of excellence and civic leadership has been honored with numerous national and international awards, including the Regional Theatre Tony Award, three Laurence Olivier Awards, and eighty total Joseph Jefferson Awards. CST’s work with Chicago Public School students and teachers was recognized by the White House in 2014 with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. Among its many international engagements, CST participated in the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 2006 Complete Works Festival and was selected to represent North America at the Globe to Globe festival as part of London’s 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

You can also catch another version of Twelfth Night at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre this March, with actors from the UK, born with British accents! 

"Rock and roll Shakespeare... blessed with wit, style and a sense of magic"

The Daily Telegraph (UK)

Read More

THE PLAY

Two worlds collide in Filter Theatre’s explosive take on Shakespeare’s lyrical Twelfth Night, originally commissioned for the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Complete Works Festival in 2006. This story of romance, satire and mistaken identity combines dynamic narrative drive with a torrent of sound and music. Olivia’s melancholic, puritanical household clashes head on with Sir Toby’s insatiable appetite for drunken debauchery. Orsino’s relentless pursuit of Olivia and Malvolio’s extraordinary transformation typify the madness of love in Illyria: land of make-believe and illusion. Experience the madness of love in this heady world where riotous gig meets Shakespeare. 

- Click HERE to see more

FLASH GIVEAWAY: WIN 4 Tickets ($124 Value) To CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE'S SNOWFLAKE

It's Snow Season Ya Know, So ChiIL out With ChiIL Mama and Chicago Children's Theatre for Chi, IL's best Snow Shows!

Good for opening night, Friday, January 29 @ The Ruth Page Center for the Arts 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago **ENTER THROUGH 1PM TODAY 1/28!** 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.   Pre-show activities  Take a break from the cold weather and enjoy free  hot chocolate, snacks, face painting, crafts and more!  7 - 8 p.m.    Snowflake Disclosure: Chicago Children's Theatre has long been a favorite of ours here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows. We're thrilled to partner up with them once again, on a giveaway for our readers. They have provided us with review and giveaway tickets. As always, all opinions are our own.

Opening Night Is THIS Friday 1/29. ENTER HERE for your chance to 

WIN a FREE FAMILY 

4 PACK of TICKETS ($124 Value)! 
ENTER HERE  

Celebrating the 25th anniversary of Snowflake, recently seen in Minneapolis, actor Gale LaJoye brings his unique and inspiring story to Chicago Children's Theatre. As Snowflake, Lajoye stages a tale of a kindhearted soul who, with little more than imagination and hope, breathes life into what others regard as useless, transforming the simplest of objects into comedic treasures.  Without uttering a single word, this incredibly versatile actor amazes an all-ages audience while speaking volumes about humanity, innocence and our need for compassion, understanding and joy. Broadwayworld.com called Snowflake "heartwarming and hilarious." FAMILIES, WARM UP TO CHICAGO'S WINTER WITH THE 2ND OF CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE'S COZY TRIO OF "SNOW" SHOWS Snowflake (January 27-February 14) and Snow Angel (February 16-21).  Snowflake is an All Ages show. Performances are January 27-February 14 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.  Show times are Tuesday through Friday at 10 a.m., Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.  (Exception: show times Saturday, January 30 (only) are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.) Tickets are $10 to $39. Note: Autism-friendly performances are Friday, February 5 at 12 p.m. ($10 tickets). The performance Saturday, February 13 at 2 p.m. is also autism-friendly. Tickets are $20. For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call  (877) 222-9555. COMING SOON:  Snow Angel Chicago Children's Theatre will present a limited, one-week-only engagement of Snow Angel, devised by Quest Theatre in Calgary.  This original, wordless piece cleverly uses movement, masks and music to tell the story of a brother and sister who discover a magical winter wonderland in a new snowfall. Their only obstacle is the bird-loving old man who lives next door and wants to keep them off his property.  Full of fun, creative staging, physical antics and audience interaction, Snow Angel also gently teaches lessons about caring and friendship. Toronto Fun Places raved, "Your kids will be thrilled." Snow Angel is a Younger Stages show, ideal for ages 3 to 8. Performances are February 16-21 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.  Show times are Tuesday at 10 a.m.; Wednesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and noon; Friday at 10 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 11 a.m. Purchase tickets at chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (877) 222-9555. Chicago Children's Theater offers deeply discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups. For group sales, email GroupSales@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (773) 227-0180 x 13.   SAVE THE DATES: When spring breaks, Chicago Children's Theatre's 20155-16 season continues with Spring shows include Jabari Dreams of Freedom, a world premiere play by celebrated Chicago playwright and actress Nambi E. Kelley (April 5-May 1), and Seedfolks, a Children's Theatre Company of Minneapolis production (May 3-22). Note: Chicago Children's Theatre is committed to barrier-free theater for persons with disabilities, and regularly schedules performances with sign language interpretation for the hearing impaired, set touch tours for the visually impaired, and autism-friendly performances. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org for access dates and more information.  About Chicago Children's Theatre Chicago Children's Theatre focuses on the professional production of first-rate children's theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Since the company was launched in 2005, Chicago Children's Theatre has presented the world premieres of The Selfish Giant, The Hundred Dresses, Jackie and Me, Dot and Ziggy, The Houdini Box, The Elephant and The Whale (in association with Redmoon), Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, Leo Lionni's Frederick and Wonderland, Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure. Chicago Children's Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical and educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us. The company strives to provide affordable and accessible theatre for families and area school children. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, Chicago Children's Theatre offers educational materials and programs for families and educators.  Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Board Chair Todd Leland, the company is supported by a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business. Officers include David Saltiel, President; Lynn Lockwood Murphy, Vice Chair and Secretary; and David Chung, Treasurer.  Chicago Children's Theatre is sponsored in part by ComEd, Goldman Sachs Gives and Target. For more information about Chicago Children's Theatre visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, call CCT's dedicated box office line, (872) 222-9555, or the administrative office, (773) 227-0180. Disclosure: Chicago Children's Theatre has long been a favorite of ours here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows. We're thrilled to partner up with them once again, on a giveaway for our readers. They have provided us with review and giveaway tickets. As always, all opinions are our own.

LAST CALL: Adventure Stage Chicago’s “New Kid” at Vittum Through This Weekend Only

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

(Family Friendly)

Adventure Stage Chicago’s “New Kid”  Explores Immigration and Related Issues  During Runs at Vittum and North Park Theaters

Adventure Stage Chicago Collaborates with North Park University for its Fall Production (limited run) While politicians argue, banter and opine about immigration, Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) tackles the issue from a child’s perspective in its newest production. Presented in collaboration with North Park University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, ASC, a program of Northwestern University Settlement House, is pleased to present New Kid, written by Dennis Foon. The program runs October 29 – 31 at North Park University Theatre, 3225 W. Foster Ave. and November 7, 14, 20 and 21 at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago.  New Kid follows sixth-grader Nick and his family as they depart their Homeland for a new future in America, battling bullies, making friends and learning a strange new language. While trying to fit in, Nick and his family also don’t want to lose their own values and culture.  “If you look at what’s going on in the world, immigration stories are more important than ever. Whether it’s the current crisis making news in Europe or the ongoing debate about our own border with Mexico. And young people are paying attention to this stuff. In fact, some of the students in our audience are directly affected by these events,” says Tom Arvetis, producing artistic director. “They’re just like Nick.”  Per the script, Nick speaks English, while those in his new home in America speak “gibberish.” This allows the audience to fully experience the difficulties and frustrations trying to function in a world where you can’t converse or understand conversations and others can’t understand you. Nick and his new classmates eventually discover that friendship speaks every language. All shows are presented with Spanish subtitles.  “With New Kid, we’re exploring the immigrant experience from the inside out. It’s a play that will give the audience a different perspective on what it means to leave the familiar and make a life in a new place. We’ve all been new to something at some point in our lives. New Kid offers an important reminder that, no matter where you come from, friendship and tolerance are vital to feeling like you belong,” adds Arvetis.  Each performance is framed by Curtain Conversations, pre- and post-show discussions with the audience members moderated by ASC that encourage interaction between the audience and curiosity and reflection long after leaving the theater.  This production is a collaboration between ASC and North Park University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. This is the company’s first collaboration of this sort, and is being spearheaded by Brandon Wardell (scenic design) and Jessica Kuehnau Wardell (costume design), who are ASC ensemble members as well as professors at North Park.  “Adventure Stage Chicago is thrilled to be partnering with North Park University on this production. For the first time, we’ll be bringing together professional and university student actors and designers to collaborate on an important story for Chicago’s youth,” says Chad Eric Bergman, professor and department chair. “NPU has a long tradition of teaching the values of service through education and ASC, as a program of the Northwestern Settlement, creates and tells heroic stories intended to nurture, educate and inspire our neighbors to overcome obstacles in their lives. It feels good to be offering a meaningful artistic experience to NPU students that synthesizes artistic practice with social service.”  New Kid Dates, Times and Ticket Information:  North Park Theatre show dates: Oct. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2 p.m.  Adventure Stage Chicago at Vittum Theater show dates: Nov. 7 and 14 at 4 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. (closing night).  Tickets for all shows are $17 for adults; $12 for children aged 14 and under; $10 previews and $7 for school groups. A special $10 ticket is available to neighbors in the 60622 and 60642 zip codes. For more information, call 773-342-4141 or visit www.adventurestage.org.  About Adventure Stage Chicago:  Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC), a program of Northwestern University Settlement House, is a professional theatre production company that creates new work and tells heroic stories about young people. They do this to engage the community and inspire people to be heroes in their own lives. Housed in the historic Vittum Theater in Noble Square, Adventure Stage Chicago produces fall and spring shows. The Vittum Theater also hosts other public performances and educational programming throughout the year.  About North Park University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies:  North Park University’s Theatre and Performance Studies program is developed around a storefront model of production. Utilizing small venues—like converted storefronts—companies create intimate spaces that require innovation and creativity to put on a show. Working alongside of professional theatre artists from the community, students have the opportunity to learn the full spectrum of what it takes to put on a production: building sets, writing scripts, stage managing, operating sound and light boards, designing props, writing grants, and all that goes into becoming a well-rounded theater artist. North Park Theatre aims to: ask good questions and seek answers through dialogue; look beyond our experiences to understand our own; encourage students to act truthfully with each performance, and recognize the responsibility and power of live theatre.

EXTENDED: “Mr. Popper’s Penguins” At Lifeline Theatre Now Playing Through Dec 13th

Lifeline Theatre’s Hit “Mr. Popper’s Penguins”

Adds Two Week Extension, 

Through Sunday, Dec 13

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

Mr. Popper (Jonathan Schwart) and Mrs. Popper (Heather Currie) hit the road with their “Popper’s Performing Penguins” act; in Lifeline Theatre’s world premiere production of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,” Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries presents Mr. Popper’s Penguins, now running through Dec. 13 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Lifeline Theatre also offers “Name Your Price” tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request.  A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties.  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). 

To accommodate ticket demand, Lifeline Theatre announces eight added performances of its KidSeries production of Mr. Popper’s Penguins, a world premiere musical adaptation by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Robert Kauzlaric, with music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Paul S. Holmquist, based on the novel by Richard and Florence Atwater. Money is tight and times are tough in the town of Stillwater. With no houses to paint till spring, Mr. Popper is stuck at home daydreaming of adventures in far-off lands, while Mrs. Popper must scrimp and save just to put beans on the table. But with the unexpected arrival of a spirited penguin named Captain Cook, a new horizon opens before them. As a quiet partnership expands into a boisterous flock, the Poppers learn that there’s no problem that can’t be solved with steady determination, lots of love, and a dash of unconventionality. This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs one hour with no intermission.

The penguin Captain Cook (puppet operated by Josh Bernaski) arrives at the home of Mr. Popper (Jonathan Schwart); in Lifeline Theatre’s world premiere production of “Mr. Popper’s Penguins,”  Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

UPDATED CLOSING DATE: Mr. Popper’s Penguins runs through Sunday, Dec. 13 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave.  Performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m, with an added relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, Nov. 7, 11 a.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 10 a.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Saturday, Nov. 14, 1 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And there will be a relaxed/sensory-friendly performance on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

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

The complete cast and production team for Mr. Popper’s Penguins includes:

CAST: Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie (Mrs. Popper); with guest artists Josh Bernaski (Reporter, Admiral Drake & others), Amanda Roeder (Mrs. Callahan, Artie Greenbaum & others), and Jonathan Schwart (Mr. Popper). With understudies Nate Buursma, Michelle Jasso, Anthony Kayer, and Sierra Nibbe.

CREW: Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Paul S. Holmquist (Director) and Robert Kauzlaric (Adaptor); with guest artists Elyse Balogh (Properties Designer), Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Sarah Espinoza (Sound Designer), Noah Ginex (Puppet Designer), George Howe (Composer, Lyricist, Musical Director), Izumi Inaba (Costume Designer), Jordan Kardasz (Lighting Designer), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Kate Reed (Stage Manager), and Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer, Technical Director).

 Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

Now in its 33^rd 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; a 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.; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; Netrix LLC; The Polk Bros. Foundation; S&C Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Lookingglass' Moby Dick Highly Recommended and Extended Through 8/28 (Ages 12+) #ChiILPicksList

MOBY DICK

“★★★★” “exceptionally enjoyable”
– Chicago Tribune

Moby Dick is on ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List for the best family friendly theatre this summer. Got tweens or teens? This show is HOT and highly recommended for kids 12 and up and their theatre lovin' parents! It's been extended through August 28th but must close then. Don't miss THIS! 

All production photos are from Lookingglass Theatre

Set sail on this summer’s biggest adventure! Madness rages like the angry sea when man pits himself against leviathan in Melville’s epic and poetic tale furiously reimagined on the Lookingglass stage by director David Catlin (Lookingglass Alice). Set sail with Captain Ahab and the crew of the Pequod in this harrowing and intoxicating exploration of fate vs. free will.

Extended by popular demand! Must close August 28, 2015

Venue Water Tower Water Works

Most enjoyed by seafarers ages 12 and older

Run time 2 hours and 30 minutes with two ten minute intermissions

Remaining Reflect Post-Show Panel Discussions

Panel Discussions take place directly following the 2:00 pm matinee on select days at Lookingglass Theatre. Reflect panel discussions are free and open to the public. Seating is subject to availability.

• Sunday, August 2: Moby Dick, Chicago theatre, and interpretations of Melville’s classic tale

Magnify Book Club

Your opportunity to look closer at the source materials that inspire the plays you see on our stage. Participation is free but RSVPs are required. Click here to RSVP for Magnify.

• Tuesday, July 21 at 5:30 pm: Session 2 (Chapters 37 – 79)
• Tuesday, August 18 at 5:30 pm: Session 3 (Chapters 80 – Epilogue)

See Moby Dick for only $40

Subscribe to the 15-16 Season and add-on tickets to Moby Dick for only $40 each. Offer valid for new subscribers only.

Click here to learn more about subscribing to the 15-16 Season.

Moby Dick is Adapted and Directed by Ensemble Member David Catlin, one of our favorite Chicago directors for years!

From the book by Herman Melville
Produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium

Groups of 8 or more save up to 20%
Email groupsales@lookingglasstheatre.org for information.

GIVEAWAY: WIN 4 Tickets (up to $136 value) To Disney's The Little Mermaid at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier!

DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID

SUMMER FAMILY MUSICAL ON NAVY PIER, 

JULY 3 – AUGUST 16

(best enjoyed by ages 5 and up )

Here at ChiIL Mama we have been long time fans of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's excellent shows from their fabulous family friendly fare to their serious adult dramas and everything in between. 

Ursula (Rebecca Finnegan) offers Ariel (Rachel Eskenazi-Gold) the chance to become human in exchange for her voice, as her minions Jetsam (Adam Fane) and Flotsam (Sean Blake) peer on. Photo by Liz Lauren.  

We're thrilled to partner up with CST once again, to offer a free family 4 pack of tickets (up to $136 value) to Disney's The Little Mermaid at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre on Navy Pier. Winners choice of any remaining July show dates pending availability. Enter through midnight Tuesday 7/21.

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Ariel (center, Rachel Eskenazi-Gold) and her loyal friends Flounder (left, Matthew Uzarraga) and Sebastian (right, Joseph Anthony Byrd) in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell, in the Courtyard Theater now through August 16, 2015.

Photo by Liz Lauren.  

We've had such a busy summer we couldn't make the opening but we'll be out to review this Saturday, so check back shortly for the full scoop. In the mean time, we're running a great GIVEWAY. 

The sea witch Ursula (Rebecca Finnegan) in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, directed and choreographed by Rachel Rockwell, in the Courtyard Theater now through August 16, 2015.

Photo by Liz Lauren.  

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) continues its summer tradition of bringing exceptional family entertainment to Navy Pier with Disney’s The Little Mermaid, a Broadway musical adaptation of the beloved film, staged by Jeff Award-winning director and choreographer Rachel Rockwell. 

This 75-minute production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid is best enjoyed by ages 5 and up and will be performed July 3–August 16 in CST’s Courtyard Theater. Tickets are $22-$34 with special discounts available for groups of 10 or more. All patrons receive a 40% parking discount at Navy Pier garages. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600.

Children and adults alike will delight in the dazzling production and unforgettable music as the spunky mermaid Ariel goes on an adventure, finding true love—and her voice. Rockwell and CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton have collaborated to bring this new 75-minute production for family audiences to the Courtyard Theater, July 3–August 16, 2015. Every performance features opportunities for audiences to interact with the actors for one-on-one conversations and photos in the Lobby.

Based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale, the musical follows Ariel, a young mermaid that longs for a life beyond the sea. Over the course of her adventure, she defies her father King Triton, makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula and ultimately finds her home on land and happiness with the handsome Prince Eric. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater and book by Doug Wright, Disney’s The Little Mermaid features favorite songs including “Part of Your World,” “Kiss The Girl” and the Academy Award-winning “Under The Sea.” 

Celebrated Chicago musical theater director Rachel Rockwell returns to Chicago Shakespeare to stage her fourth summer family musical. In addition to directing Shrek (2013) and Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2012), Rockwell has directed CST-commissioned world premiere musicals The Adventures of Pinocchio (2011) and The Emperor’s New Clothes (2010). Rockwell’s Chicago-area directing and choreography credits include Jeff Award-winning productions at The Marriott Theatre, The Goodman and Drury Lane Oakbrook, where Rockwell garnered a Jeff Award for Best Director for Ragtime. Rockwell returns to CST in the fall to direct and choreograph the offbeat new musical,  Ride The Cyclone.

In her Chicago Shakespeare debut, Rachel Eskenazi-Gold performs the role of Ariel, the independent and determined mermaid who yearns to be a part of the world beyond the sea. Three-time Jeff Award winner Rebecca Finnegan portrays Ursula, the sea witch who plots to steal Ariel’s voice. Matthew Jones plays Ariel’s father and ruler of the Sea—King Triton. Brandon Springman takes on the role of Prince Eric, Ariel’s handsome and brave love interest. Ariel’s loyal companions are Sebastian, played by Joseph Anthony Byrd and Flounder, played by Matthew Uzarraga whose previous CST credits include Young Shrek and Baby Bear in Shrek The Musical. Returning for his fifth CST production, Jeff Award-winner Mark David Kaplan takes the stage as Prince Eric’s servant and confidant Grimbsy, while Matthew Crowle plays Ariel’s loveably eccentric seagull friend, Scuttle. Ursula’s eel minions are portrayed by Adam Fane (Jetsam), who appeared in CST’s productions of Gypsy and Shrek The Musical, and Sean Blake (Flotsam), who has also been seen in Aladdin and Timon of Athens. King Triton’s other daughters, the Mersisters, are played by Missy Aguilar, Allyson Graves, Hanah Rose Nardone and Erica Stephan. The cast also includes ensemble members Este’Fan Kizer, Peter Scharbrough and Steven Spanopoulos.

The production's team features Music Director Roberta Duchak, Associate Music Director Valerie Maze and Doug Peck, who is coordinating orchestration for the live 4-piece music ensemble. Scenic Designer Scott Davis returns to Chicago Shakespeare after designing recent productions of Road Show, Othello: The Remix and Pericles. Also returning to CST is Costume Designer Theresa Ham who has created the imaginative costumes for Seussical, Shrek the Musical and Beauty and the Beast. Lighting Designer Yael Lubetzky, Projection Designer Shawn Sagady and Puppet Designer Chelsea Warren will transform the Courtyard Theater stage into an underwater wonderland. Four-time Jeff Award-winning Sound Designer Josh Horvath returns after designing As You Like It (2011) and Follies. CST’s resident Jeff Award-winning Wig and Make-up Designer Melissa Veal, who has designed over seventy-five productions at Chicago Shakespeare, completes the creative team.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater continues its successful collaboration with the Chicago Children’s Museum, presenting the following series of programs around Disney’s The Little Mermaid:

CCM staff and volunteers offer free hands-on art activities in the Theater’s lobby from 12:15 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. between the Thursday and Friday performances.

The cast of Disney's The Little Mermaid performs at the museum’s Free Family Night on Thursday, July 23rd at 5:30 p.m. as a part of the Made in Chicago season.

Access Shakespeare performances for Disney’s The Little Mermaid include:

ASL Duo-interpreted Performance: Wednesday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m.

Audio-described Performance: Wednesday, July 29 at 11:00 a.m.

(Optional Touch Tour at 9:15 a.m.)

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s CST Family Series presents a wide range of affordable programming especially for families. Offerings year-round include Short Shakespeare! abridgments of Shakespeare plays and Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, which produces free Shakespeare performances in neighborhood parks throughout the city. These programs reach more than 45,000 patrons each season—making Chicago Shakespeare one of the largest providers of family programming in Chicago.

Visit www.chicagoshakes.com/mermaid for a complete performance listing and additional production information.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company and the recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to creating extraordinary production of classics, new works and family programming; to unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 650 performances, CST attracts 225,000 audience members annually. One in four of its audience members is under eighteen years old, and today its education programs have impacted the learning of over one million students. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds.