Ticket Giveaway for Inaugural Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival April 21-24, 2022 at The Den Theatre

FEST ALERT

ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List:

Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival

Premieres April 21-24 at Wicker Park’s Den Theatre

Ten Chicago-Based Ensembles Offer Circus, Burlesque, 

Dance & Comedy

Surface Tension-Company to x for 

**Some are family friendly, all ages shows. Some are recommended for teens. Some are adult night out material. Welcome spring with circus arts, dance, partner acro, juggling, aerial arts, and more! **

ChiIL Mama's giving away pairs of tickets to three Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival Shows (3 winners). Enter at the bottom of this post for your chance to WIN tickets to:

Surface Tension

Alice in CircusLand (Family Friendly)

Freaklesque (18+)

Live and breathe circus arts? CPAF is coming for you. Wish you could run away and join the circus... or sell your active offspring to a circus? Get a bit of FOMO as folks fly through the air with the greatest of ease? Or do you want to increase your empathy and support LGBTQ+ performers as they share their stories and bare their bodies and souls. Yep. It's all there, encompassed in 10 unique performances at The Den Theatre, each with a couple show times. 

Family Friendly shows are designated with an FF in the shows descriptions below. As for the others, here at ChiIL Mama we aren't fans of censorship. Everyone matures at different rates, and we encourage parents and children to explore complicated themes together, to spark discussions and increase empathy. Many of our friends have LGBTQ+ family members and friends. We're also seeing a record number of non binary tweens and teens confident enough to explore their own truths. In our current era of "Don't say gay" legislation and protections being overturned, it's never too early to counteract hate and bullying with understanding and love. Use your best judgement and bring an open mind and an open heart.

Check back with ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. Leading up to the Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival, we have exclusive interviews with several talented Chicago performers coming your way, as well as a great ticket giveaway. Don't miss this! 

Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival, the Windy City’s newest multidisciplinary fest, will run April 21-24, 2022, at Wicker Park’s Den Theatre at 1331 N. Milwaukee. Performances from ten different Chicago-based companies include traditional circus acts, avant-garde sideshow and burlesque offerings, family-friendly juggling and clowning shows, sketch comedy, queer-themed work, plus several evening-length pieces that also include dance.

Single tickets are $10-35, including some pay-what-you-can options, and are available online or at 773-697-3830. The lobby features cashless cocktails from The Haven Lounge before and after performances, as well as vendor tables for local circus companies and schools. Metered street parking is available via the ParkChicago app, or try Spot Hero, Park Whiz, or Parq Ex to secure a discounted lot spot. The venue is also accessible to the Blue Line (north of Division, south of Damen stops) and via various bus routes. The Festival’s media sponsor is The Actors Gymnasium.

SCHEDULE

Thursday

Bookspan Stage:

5:30-7:00 Surface Tension- to x for - Queer friendship explored through acrobatics, juggling, and dance. 

7:30-8:30 Bo(ix)y(e) Division- Such Creatures - Trans-masculine identity recounted through aerials and dance. 

​

Theater 2B:

5:30-7:00 Stop Trying to Make Sketch Happen - Darkly funny sketch comedy portraying Mother Earth and her ungrateful children. Tickets

7:30-9:00 The Princess Strikes Back - One-woman comedy show about finding love and Star Wars. Tickets

​

Friday

Bookspan Stage:

5:30-7:00 BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest - Cabaret of circus acts themed on post-pandemic life. Tickets

7:30-9:00 Surface Tension- to x for - Queer friendship explored through acrobatics, juggling, and dance. Tickets

9:30-10:30 Bo(ix)y(e) Division- Such Creatures - Trans-masculine identity recounted through aerials and dance. Tickets

​

Theater 2B:

5:30-7:00 The Princess Strikes Back - One-woman comedy show about finding love and Star Wars. Tickets

7:30-9:00 Freaklesque: A Yes Ma'am Circus Cabaret - Burlesque, circus, and sideshow meld for a sexy, scary, and silly cabaret. Tickets

​

Saturday

Bookspan Stage:

5:30-7:00 Shoop - Whisper Theatre - Physical theater, acrobatics, and comedy create a whirlwind comedy. Tickets

7:30-9:00 Alice in CircusLand - Yes Ma'am Circus - Family friendly circus acts, clowning, and juggling. Tickets

9:30-11:00 BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest - Cabaret of circus acts themed on post-pandemic life. Tickets

​

Theater 2B:

3:30-5:00 Double Feature - Amazing Prizzini Brothers and Poised by Arik - Family friendly circus acts, clowning, and juggling. Tickets

5:30-7:00 Masquerade - Laughingstock Theatre - Sword fighting, acrobatics, and queer love put a twist on traditional commedia dell'arte. Tickets

7:30-9:00 Stop Trying to Make Sketch Happen - Darkly funny sketch comedy portraying Mother Earth and her ungrateful children. Tickets

9:30-11:00 Freaklesque: A Yes Ma'am Circus Cabaret - Burlesque, circus, and sideshow meld for a sexy, scary, and silly cabaret. Tickets

​

Sunday

Bookspan Stage:

2:00-3:30 Shoop - Whisper Theatre - Physical theater, acrobatics, and comedy create a whirlwind comedy. Tickets

4:00-5:30 Alice in CircusLand - Yes Ma'am Circus - Family friendly circus acts, clowning, and juggling. Tickets

Theater 2B:

2:00-3:30 Double Feature - Amazing Prizzini Brothers and Poised by Arik - Family friendly circus acts, clowning, and juggling. Tickets

4:00-5:30 Masquerade - Laughingstock Theatre - Sword fighting, acrobatics, and queer love put a twist on traditional commedia dell'arte. Tickets

SHOWS/ENSEMBLES

*Family Friendly shows are designated with an FF in the shows descriptions below.

Alice in CircusLand: (FF)

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole to meet Wonderland’s snarky residents. Meet the White Rabbit, the Caterpillar, a Most Annoyed Pigeon, the Cheshire Cat, and the Mad Hatter, before finally ending up in the Queen's Court for a most unfair game of croquet. Chicago’s Yes Ma'am Circus produces full- length circus shows that reinterpret classic stories for modern audiences.

The Amazing Prizzini Brothers and Poise:  (FF)

This 2-in-1 show starts with the Amazing Prizzini Brothers’ classic circus cabaret featuring family-friendly circus acts and clowning. The goal is simple: to make the audience complicit in the mischief Up next is Arik Mendelevitz of Raphael Entertainment and his one-man juggling show, which uses hilarity on a destructive journey of bricolage.

BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest Showcase: (Suggested for ages 13+)

This themed circus cabaret tracks the lives of People of Color as they re-engage with the outside world two years after the pandemic began, and shares individual stories that depict human emotions and unique challenges faced by POC in contemporary America. Disciplines will include rope, straps, aerial hammock, diabolo, and silks. 

Bo(ix)y(e) Division: 

contemporary movement work, recounting and re-experiencing physical and neurological evolutions related to their trans-masculine identities. Bo(ix)y(e) Division exposes the intricate practice of controlled, curated metamorphosis, which places audiences in an intimate relationship with concepts often boiled down to digestible nuggets at the expense of the trans and gender nonconforming community, or extracted without consent or context.

Dancers Ashaand Simone and Luke Greeff present “Trans Audacity”

Freaklesque: (18+)

Produced by Yes Ma'am's Maggie Karlin and Slightly Spitfire, Freaklesque features burlesque, sideshow, and variety acts from around Chicago. 

Masquerade, or Love is Queer to Stay:

Laughing Stock Theatre spreads joy by creating commedia dell’arte from a modern perspective that reflects the humor in humanity. In this production, the cast explores queer themes with a timeless art form.

SHOOP: 

Employing physical comedy, partner acrobatics and multiple characters, Whisper Theatre Collective invites audiences to SHOOP, a luxury shipping and packing facility. Clients spend top dollar to receive the best treatment for themselves and their packages, complete with healing energy rituals. According to CEO and lifestyle guru Gabriel, SHOOP is not only a business of luxury, but also the business of one’s spirit. When a computer malfunction causes the company to spiral into chaos, the employees must uphold the spirit of SHOOP, even as company and client secrets threaten to be revealed.

Stop Trying to Make Sketch Happen:

Using a series of sketches, black-outs, original songs, parody songs, dramatic scenes, group game scenes, and improv shells, the story of Mother Earth is told, and how she is mistreated by her ungrateful children. This fast-paced, Pandora's Box comedy show is half-scripted, and half based on audience suggestions. 

The Princess Strikes Back:  (For ages 13+)

In 1997, 13-year-old Victoria Montalbano was introduced to her perfect man, Han Solo, and she’s been looking for him ever since. In this one woman show called "delightful" and "highly energetic" by Around the Town Chicago, Victoria grows from awkward theater kid to professional out-of-work actress while swiping her way through a galaxy far, far away!

Surface Tension: 

A daring look at two queer men's friendship. At points ecstatic, dark, searching, and loving, this contemporary circus show encapsulates the complexities and honesty of two people who love to create together. Company to x for is a contemporary circus ensemble that creates intimate work through juggling, acrobatics, and dance.

WIN tickets to Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival Shows:

Surface Tension

Alice in CircusLand (Family Friendly)

Freaklesque (18+)

ChiIL Mama's giving away pairs of tickets to three Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival Shows- 1 winner (2 tickets) per show. Please check the show schedule above to be sure you're available. Then write in any or all of the three choices you'd like to win. Enter early and often through midnight Monday 4/18. Winners will be emailed and announced here and on our social media outlets on Tuesday 4/19. If winners want to purchase additional tickets at that time, that will be an option.

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN:

Good luck and thanks for reading ChiIL Mama!

GIVEAWAY: WIN A Family 4 Pack to Lifeline Theatre's KidSeries, Neither.

**Canceled due to Coronavirus Closures**

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List:

Family Friendly Theatre Fun

ChiIL Mama's giving away a family four-pack ticket giveaway for Lifeline's newest production in their KidsSeries, Neither. This is a family-friendly show recommended for children ages 5 years and older. 

Enter below through midnight March 17th, for your chance to win  A Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Lifeline KidSeries' Neither! 

Winner's choice of any March show date/time pending availability. 

My fabulous freelancer, Kim, and her kids will be out to review at the press opening this Sunday, so check back soon for her full review. 

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents Neither, a world premiere based on the children’s book by Airlie Anderson, co-adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Bilal Dardai, with guest artists Oly Oxinfry, Emilie Modaff, and Jeff Trainor, music and lyrics by Emilie Modaff, and directed by Oly Oxinfry. 

In the land of “this and that” there are only two kinds of animals, “these and those.” Until one day something different hatches! But it isn’t this or that. Is it both, or is it neither? What do you do when you feel you don’t belong? Based on the book by Airlie Anderson, explore the things that make us unique in this world premiere musical that teaches that it’s our differences that make us special. This production runs approximately one hour with no intermission. 

Neither runs Saturday, Mar. 14 – Sunday, Apr. 19 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press Opening is Sunday, Mar. 15 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Apr. 19 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Mar. 14 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 15 at 11 a.m.) 

Don't miss the final show in Lifeline's 19-20 KidSeries season with Airlie Anderson's Neither!

Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children (up to 18 years of age)
To order your tickets today call the box office at 773-761-4477 or book online.

Accessible Performances
Open Captioning:
Saturday, March 28 @ 11am & 1pm

Audio Description & Touch Tour
Sunday, March 29 (10am Tour & 11am Show)

Sensory-Friendly Performance
Sunday, April 19 @ 3pm

LOOKING FOR MORE FUN?
Join us any Saturday or Sunday (following the 11am show or before the 1pm show) for our Stories Come Alive Hour!

Stories Come Alive
Kids get up close and personal with the book behind the play with on-your-feet theatre GAMES exploring the characters, plot, and themes of the book. This experience will make positive connections with your child and books for years to come, and it's super FUN!

Only $5 per child! Reservations are recommended (though not required). Contact the Box Office at 773-761-4477 for more info!

Enter HERE through midnight March 17th, for your chance to win  A Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Lifeline KidSeries' Neither! 

Winner's choice of any March show date/time pending availability. 

ENTER HERE

GIVEAWAY and REVIEW: WIN a Pair of Tickets to Grease at Marriott Theatre Now Playing Through March 15, 2020

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar
Grease
It's the energetic and electric musical comedy tribute 
to the age of rock ‘n roll!



Terry James, Executive Producer
Andy Hite, Lead Artistic Director
Aaron Thielen, Artistic Director

Presents

WIN a Pair of Tickets to Grease 

(Up to $120 value/2 winners) 

at Marriott Theatre

Enter Below 

(Winners' choice of dates pending availability.)

Photo Credit for all: Liz Lauren

Unless Otherwise Noted

Review:

by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Rydell High may be a fond figment of the imagination of author, Jim Jacobs, but the actual inspiration is William Howard Taft High School on Chicago's north west side, where he attended. I was amused to see that Marriott gives props to Taft with a Bryn Mawr street sign, and an Eagles mascot banner, both of which are true, though their real school colors are blue and white. I'm quite familiar with this high school, as my daughter, Sage, tested in to their junior high Academic Center IB program as a 7th grader. She's now a Taft High Junior, where she's been a cheerleader, on poms squad, and in numerous plays. 






Much has changed since the 1950's, era of the fictional fav, Grease, that first opened at Chicago's Kingston Mines in 1971, yet much remains the same. There are still school dances, cliques, drama, dropouts, cheerleaders, gear heads, partiers, sleep overs and summer love. 



Hopefully, though, in 2020, girls aren't quite so quick to change their entire look and persona for a guy, like the cringeworthy climax of Grease. At least the show has fully fleshed out women characters with hopes, dreams, disasters, failures, unexpected pregnancies, and friendships/rivalries with one another, apart from the men they're dating. That's not always a given, especially in musicals. 



Marriott's period piece is sure to be a fan favorite, with big dance numbers, a talented ensemble, and plenty of eye candy. The Beauty School Dropout number is a particular standout with Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (“Teen Angel”). We also love that Greased Lightening, the beater/ race car wannabe, is actually drivable, and enters and exits the theatre in the round stage during scenes. 





On the down side, we're not crazy about Sandy (Leryn Turlington). Most of the women characters' dialogue and songs, with the exception of Rizzo's (excellently played by Jacquelyne Jones), tend toward a stylized, squeaky register which grates after a while. 



The only one who pulls it off exceedingly well is Landree Fleming as “Frenchy”. She's a joy to see in action. 



We were also a bit let down that Sandy is the only one doing the big transformation to "greaser gal". In other versions, Danny simultaneously alters his look and lifestyle to "square" to please  her, and that doesn't happen in Marriott's production.

On the up side, the costumes, choreography and casting are overall excellent, especially the men, headed up by charmer, Danny Zuko (Jimmy Nicholas). This retro romp makes for a fun filled evening. The set design, while not as elaborate as many of Marriott's past productions, is clever and provides a perfectly fine playground for this fifties reverie, complete with neon signs. All signs point to a great run and another hit for this stellar, suburban theatre. Recommended.

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara is a Chicago based writer-theater critic-photographer-videographer-actress-artist-general creatrix and Mama to two terrific teens. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly). 

Marriott Theatre is proud to present the electrifying smash hit GREASE
now playing through Sunday, March 15th.

The Tony Award-nominated musical is directed by four-time Jeff Award winner, Scott Weinstein (Something Rotten!, Murder for Two, Shrek), with musical direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and choreography by Jeff Award winner William Carlos Angulo. 

“I grew up on GREASE and getting to direct it for the first time and at the Marriott Theatre is a real thrill,” said director Scott Weinstein. “It premiered here in Chicago nearly 50 years ago and still has so much to say about growing up, teenage rebellion, pop culture and of course, rock and roll. I can't wait to explore this timeless rock musical in the city for which it was meant."

GREASE follows the story of Sandy Dumbrowski, the new girl in town, and Danny Zuko, the school’s coolest greaser, who have a secret romance over summer break away from school. However, when the pair find themselves face to face upon returning to school, everything is different. Sandy attempts to navigate the tricky social circles of Rydell High School and reignite her summer romance, but bad boy Danny is more concerned with maintaining his tough-guy reputation. 

Join in the fun of the hilarious antics of Rydell High's class of '59 and rock to songs like “Beauty School Dropout,” “Summer Nights,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “You’re the One That I Want.”

GREASE stars Jimmy Nicholas in his Marriott Theatre debut as “Danny” (Broadway: The Book of Mormon) and Leryn Turlington as “Sandy” (Chicago Shakespeare Theater: The Wizard of Oz, Writers Theatre: Parade). The cast also features Curt Bouril (“Vince Fontaine”), Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (“Teen Angel”), Jack Cahill-Lemme (“Sonny”), Kelly Anne Clark (“Mrs. Lynch”), Kevin Corbett (“Kenickie”), Jake Elkins (“Roger”), Landree Fleming  (“Frenchy”), Jacquelyne Jones (“Rizzo”), Michael Kurowski (“Doody”), Michelle Lauto (“Marty”), Garrett Lutz (“Eugene”), Jessica Palkovic (“Cha Cha”), Billy Rude (“Johnny Casino”), Tiffany T. Taylor  (“Jan”), and Alaina Wis (“Patty”), with ensemble members Nicholas Haas, Allison Sill and Kyra Sorce. 

GREASE will showcase set design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, costume design by Amanda Vander Byl, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Sarah Ortiz, wig design by Miguel A. Armstrong, and properties design by Sally Zack; with intimacy director Tonia Sina, stage manager Maegan Burnell and musical supervisor Patti Garwood.

The performance is scheduled to run most Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, excluding tax and handling fees. Call for student, senior, and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of dinner-theatre packages available for purchase through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Reservations strongly recommended. Free parking is available at all performances. 

To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

WIN a Pair of Tickets to Grease 
(Up to $120 value/2 winners) 

at Marriott Theatre

(Winners' choice of dates pending availability.)
*winners will be asked to share their phone #, address, and e-mail privately with Marriott Theatre's box office in order to redeem their $120 winning ticket voucher. Enter early and often through midnight 2/23/20. Winner will be announced here, on our social media channels and by private e-mail on 2/24/20.

ENTER HERE

REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: WIN 4 Tickets ($60 Value) to Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents The World Premiere of The Time Warp Trio Through April 20, 2019

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents 

World Premiere of The Time Warp Trio,

Based on the book series by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith

Now playing through Sunday, April 20

**ages 5+**

(L to R) Brian Tochterman Jr. as Sam, Delvin James as Joe, Darian Tene as Freddie, Jennifer Betancourt as Queen Guinevere, and Drew Johnson as Merlin

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

Guest Review:
by kimberly robb baker

This is my second time attending a KidSeries show at Lifeline, and so far they really can’t be beat in terms of creating enriching entertainment that is relevant for my three kids, from toddler to tween.

It was a pleasure to experience the company’s take on The Time Warp Trio, a series of books by Jon Scieszka, artfully adapted for Lifeline by ensemble member heather Currie.

The story begins when Joe gets a book for his birthday from his namesake uncle, a mysterious magician. The book is just as mysterious as the giver, for Joe and his two friends Sam and Freddie (yay for adding some gender diversity where the original story had three boys) find that the book transports them to three very different eras in time.

As if birthday parties weren’t enchanting enough for the young audience, they get to spend some time in King Arthur’s court, with pre-historic humans and woolly mammoths, and a hundred years into the future where the very intimidating robots have a surprising purpose.

My 10-year-old’s favorite part was the prehistoric era—perhaps because the plot centered around a very lax hygiene routine?

(L to R) Darian Tene as Freddie, Delvin James as Joe, 

Brian Tochterman Jr. as Sam, and Drew Johnson as Duh

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

We all loved the puppets and costumes throughout—especially a very convincing giant (the farting sound effects were a big plus here), an absolutely gorgeous dragon puppet, and some smaller puppets in the future scene that gave us the “pulled back” view we could otherwise only have in a movie theatre.

The trio, played with full enthusiasm by Delvin James, Brian Tochterman Jr., and Darian Tene, were smart and proactive. There were fun riddles, audience interactions, and plenty of learning opportunities (Did dinosaurs and humans exist at the same time? What is a fulcrum? How can you convince Merlin you’re a great magician?)

My 8-year-old daughter loved the ending best of all. Let’s just say there’s more to mom than meets the eye.

Oh, and the book was available for sale in the lobby. The kids were already reading aloud to each other in the car, so score one for the book lovers’ team.

(L to R) Brian Tochterman Jr. as Sam, Delvin James as Joe, Darian Tene as Freddie, 

and Jennifer Betancourt as Mom

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

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.

Plus Performances with 
Touch Tour and Audio Description on March 24,

Open Captioning on March 23, Autism/Sensory-Friendly Performance on April 14, and Stories Come Alive! Hour Workshops Every Saturday and Sunday During the Run

Enter Below for your chance to

WIN 4 Tickets ($60 Value) to Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents The World Premiere of 

The Time Warp Trio  
(*Winner's choice of the following dates ONLY:  March 30 - April 7. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m or 1 p.m.) 

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents the world premiere of The Time Warp Trio, based on the children’s series by Jon Scieszka, Illustrated by Lane Smith, with adaptation by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Frances Limoncelli, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Heather Currie. 

When Joe receives a magical book for his birthday, he and his pals are unexpectedly hurled across time and space. They first arrive in Camelot, a land menaced by an evil knight, a terrible giant, and a fire-breathing dragon. With quick thinking and a dash of courage the newly formed “Time Warp Trio” manages to survive, but the mysterious Book soon thrusts them into further adventures – each more challenging than the last! Save the day with wit and bravery in this adaptation of stories from Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith’s Time Warp Trio series. This production is recommended for children ages five and up and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.


The Time Warp Trio runs Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, April 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Mar. 17 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Apr. 14 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Mar. 16 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 17 at 11 a.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 Sunday, Mar. 24, 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, March 23,
11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And there will be an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, April 14 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 The Time Warp Trio (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 The Time Warp Trio includes:
          
CAST:
Guest artists: Jennifer Betancourt (Ensemble), Delvin James (Joe), Drew Johnson (Ensemble), Darian Tene (Freddie), Brian Tochterman (Sam); Understudies: Anthony Kayer, Amanda Roeder, and RJ Cecott.

PRODUCTION TEAM:
Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Heather Currie (Director), Frances Limoncelli (Adaptor), and Diane Fairchild (Lighting Designer); with guest artists Mark Blashford (Puppet Designer), Tristan Chiruvolu (Stage Manager), Joe Griffin (Sound Designer), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Angela McIlvain (Scenic Designer), Jenny Pinson (Properties Designer), Joe Schermoly (Technical Director), Jonah White (Master Electrician), and Brenda Winstead (Costume Designer).

The Time Warp Trio runs Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, April 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, March 17 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., with an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Apr. 14 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Mar. 16 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Mar. 17 at 11 a.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 one 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. Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave., lot located on the corner of Bosworth Ave. and Albion Ave., with the entrance on Albion) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.



Now in its 36th 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; A.R.T. League Inc.; Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; CIG Management; CNA Foundation; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; FlexPrint Inc.; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Michael and Mona Heath Fund at The Chicago Community Trust Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The National Endowment for the Arts; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; The Steele Foundation; Th Manufacturing; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

(L to R) Drew Johnson as Sellbot, Darian Tene as Freddie, Delvin James as Joe, and Brian Tochterman Jr. as Sam; in Lifeline Theatre’s “The Time Warp Trio,” adapted by Frances Limoncelli, directed by Heather Currie, based on the book series by Jon Scieszka, illustrated by Lane Smith; previews begin Saturday, March 16, 2019, Opening Sunday, March 17 and running through Sunday, April 20. Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Chicago, IL 60626. For tickets call the box office at 773-761-4477 or visit www.lifelinetheatre.com. Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

WIN 4 Tickets ($60 Value) to Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents The World Premiere of 

The Time Warp Trio
(*Winner's choice of the following dates ONLY:  March 30 - April 7. Performances are Saturday and Sunday at 11 a.m or 1 p.m.) 
Enter through midnight 3/25/19.  Winner will be e-mailed and announced here and on our social media outlets.

ENTER HERE

Disclosure: It's our pleasure to partner up with Lifeline Theatre once again on a ticket giveaway for our readers. They have provided complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are our own.