WIN TICKETS: Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival Returns With Family Friendly and Adult Circus Acts March 9-12, 2023

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar   

Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival

FLASH GIVEAWAY: 

ENTER AT THE END OF THIS POST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Any Family Show and/or 

A Pair of Tickets to Any Adult Circus Act!

March 9-12 at Wicker Park’s Den Theatre, Opening Gala March 9

Chicago-Based Ensembles Offer Circus, Burlesque, Dance & Comedy

Chicago Circus & Performing Arts Festival, the Windy City’s newest multidisciplinary fest, will run March 9-12, 2023, at Wicker Park’s Den Theatre at 1331 N. Milwaukee. Thirteen unique performances from Chicago-based companies include traditional circus acts, avant-garde sideshow and burlesque offerings, family-friendly juggling and clowning shows, queer-themed work, plus several evening-length pieces that also include dance. Several shows are double features: twice the fun for the same price!

Single tickets are $15-40 and are available online or at 773-697-3830. The lobby features cashless cocktails from the newly renovated Haven Lounge before and after performances. The Opening Gala is on March 9, from 6-10 PM and includes vendor tables from local businesses and Chicago circus schools, door prize giveaways, and a silent auction. Exclusive previews for media and donors will be performed throughout the night. Metered street parking is available, and the apps ParkChicago, Spot Hero, Park Whiz, and Parq Ex are recommended to secure a 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 sponsors are The Actors Gymnasium and CircusTalk.

 

SCHEDULE

Thursday, March 9

Heath Mainstage & Lobby: 

6:00-10:00 pm Opening Gala: Show previews for media and donors, silent auction, local vendors.

 

Friday, March 10

Bookspan Stage: 

6:00-7:30 pm Creature Double Feature by Such Creatures (circus + dance fusion, queer-themed)

7:45-9:15 pm BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest (classic circus cabaret, all BIPOC cast)

9:30-11:00pm the Back Side Show by Yes Ma’am Circus (side-show, burlesque, circus, ages 18+)

 

Saturday, March 11 

Bookspan Stage: 

12:45- 2:15 pm Distillations & Don't Try This At Home- Double Feature by Luther Bangert & Dinder Brothers’ Circus (juggling solo show, family circus troop, side-show, family friendly)

2:30- 4:00 pm Double Feature- Poised & The Reluctant Mind Reader by Raphael Entertainment (solo juggling + solo magic, family friendly)

4:15- 5:45 pm BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest (classic circus cabaret, all BIPOC cast)

6:00- 7:30 pm Autobiography of a Late Bloomer by Lucid Banter Project (dance, queer-themed, ages 13+)

7:45- 9:15 pm Circus Dungeon Crawl by Yes Ma’am Circus (circus cabaret, burlesque, nerd-themed, ages 18+)

9:30- 11:00 pm Queer Double Feature: And They Were Shipmates, A Queer Pirate Romance Adventure & Queer Dance Freakout by Counterfeit Combat & Gender Fucked Productions

 

Sunday, March 12 

Heath Mainstage: 

10:30 am- 12:00 pm Serious Cirque by Duo Refraction+ (circus, clown, family friendly)

12:15- 1:45 pm Circus Cabaret of Wonder by the Amazing Prizzini Brothers (classic circus cabaret, clowning, family friendly)

 

Bookspan Stage: 

12:15- 1:45 pm Double Feature- Poised & The Reluctant Mind Reader by Raphael Entertainment (solo juggling + solo magic, family friendly)

2:00- 3:30 pm Distillations & Don't Try This At Home- Double Feature by Luther Bangert & Dinder Brothers’ Circus (juggling solo show, family circus troop, side-show, family friendly)

SHOWS/ENSEMBLES

The Amazing Prizzini Brothers’ Circus Cabinet of Wonder: The Amazing Prizzini Brothers’ classic circus cabaret features family-friendly circus acts and clowning. The goal is simple: to make the audience complicit in the mischief. 

Autobiography of a Late Bloomer: Lucid Banter Project presents Autobiography of a Late Bloomer, a collection of work created over a span of 15 years, following the choreographer's coming-out journey. Following Paula, Lucid Banter Project's director, through professional growth, family drama, religious realizations, sexual awakenings, relationship highs and lows, injury, and emotional abuse, the audience is brought along through the experiences, emotions, and growth of a late bloomer lesbian.

BIPOC Circus Alliance Midwest Showcase: This circus cabaret features circus artists of Color as they share 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. For ages 13+. 

The Back Side Show: Produced by Yes Ma'am Circus, the Back Side Show features burlesque, sideshow, and variety acts from around Chicago. For ages 18+. 

Circus Dungeon Crawl: Yes Ma’am Circus’ longest running cabaret! Come see the Chicago debut of Circus Dungeon Crawl, previously only shown to the elite crowd of gamers at GenCon in Indianapolis! Journey with Marcus the Bard as they attempt to drink, seduce, and thieve their way through the Multiverse, along with a cast of aerialists, clowns, and burlesque dancers.

Creature Double Feature: Creature Double Feature brings you not one, but TWO new works by Such Creatures Co-Directors Luke Greeff & Ashaand Simone. Missile Kid by Luke Greeff shows a punk-rock apocalyptic horror movement suite on unmasking the Autistic soul within the confines of an Allistic world … or a dancey existential crisis to good tunes… you decide. intimate youniverse by Ashaand Simone transports the audience into an 8-bit arcade world where they’re in charge of helping the protagonist’s disparate parts work towards some amount of peace. In doing so, they will learn firsthand what it looks like to re-wire the brain away from the impacts of (Complex) Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and towards acceptance of intimacy and connection.

Distillations & Don't Try This At Home- Double Feature: A family friendly double feature. A solo contemporary juggling show performed by Luther Bangert, Distillations takes the audience on a multimedia and multidimensional journey through the anatomy of a moment, investigating causality, and emerging into the ground state of the juggling universe. Dinder Brother's Circus is proud to present the "DONT TRY THIS AT HOME SHOW!!!" Seen across the midwest since 2015 this blend of circus, magic, and danger is sure to entertain anyone ages 4 and up!  With mystifying aerials, feats of death, and astounding illusions everyone will find something they enjoy.

Double Feature- Poised & The Reluctant Mind Reader: A funny and dazzling 1-man duo show! Welcome to an experience that aims to have you question the absolute limits of what is humanly possible. Brought to you by one of Chicago's top jugglers, Poised is a family friendly show full of laughs and amazing feats of balance and coordination. Then stay and watch as someone with the ability to read minds shows off his powers while talking about the pains and annoyances that come with always hearing what people are thinking. The Reluctant Mind Reader showcases how some gifts aren’t what they’re cracked up to be.

Serious Cirque: Serious Cirque is a not so serious deconstruction of contemporary circus performance. It transparently and unabashedly reveals the hilarity, failures, successes and discoveries that come out of circus creation. What happens when Siri tries to third wheel your adagio duet opener? What if the duo trapeze porter loses his flyer and must perform only with sock puppets?

Queer Double Feature- And They Were Shipmates, A Queer Pirate Romance Adventure & Queer Dance Freakout: First, Counterfeit Combat presents a gay pirate show full of fights and fun that you can’t miss! Join us onboard Calico Jack’s ship, The Ranger, as we follow the tale of the infamous female pirates, Anne Bonny and Mary Read. This occasionally true story based on historical facts will have you laughing, sighing, and gasping, oh aye! Then stick around for Queer Dance Freakout, an interactive, choose your own adventure spectacle produced by Gender Fucked Productions. This company of queer, trans, and nonbinary choreographers and storytellers will perform up to 30 dances that will have audiences booty shaking, grooving, and connecting with the queer community.

*Click HERE for your chance to WIN a FREE Family 4 Pack of Tickets to your choice of any family friendly show at the 2nd Annual Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival!

**Click HERE for your chance to WIN a FREE Pair of Tickets to your choice of any Adult Show at the 2nd Annual Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival!

Winners announced at noon Thursday, March 9th.

ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows are thrilled to partner up with the 2nd Annual Chicago Circus and Performing Arts Festival to give away A Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Any Family Show and/or A Pair of Tickets to Any Adult Circus Act!

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: WIN a Family 4 Pack of Tickets ($73 Value/4 winners!) to THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:
Family Friendly Theatre Fun

A New Musical of the Classic Tale Now Playing 
at the Marriott Theatre!

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA 

at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences

Enter Below for your Chance to WIN

a Family 4 Pack of Tickets ($73 Value) to 

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA 
at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences (4 winners) 

Winners' choice of dates through April 19 (pending availability). Enter through midnight March 4, 2020.
*Winners will be asked to share e-mail/phone/mailing address with The Marriott Theatre box office 

Guest Review:

by Kimberly Robb Baker

If you’re looking for a fun new take on a story your little ones are familiar with, you’ll find it in the Marriott Theatre’s production of The Princess and the Pea. Children and their grownups will appreciate the clever script, entertaining musical numbers, multimedia presentation, and gorgeous costumes. (Thanks to the Saturday morning show’s Q&A, we got some insight into how the costumes were designed and built!)

Photo Credit for all Production Photos: Amy Boyle

And did I mention the cast? No fairytale can function without a villain you love to hate, and Jenna Coker-Jones delivers with so much charisma and diva energy, it’s hard to take your eyes off her. She certainly makes a formidable adversary for her son, Prince Wellington, portrayed with appropriate royal comportment, innocence, and courage by Trevor Venderzee whose vocal performance was a standout. Ruth, the prince’s love interest, is brought skillfully to life by Marielle Nada Issa. One of my favorite parts of the play is the sweet relationship between her and her Papa, actor Mark David Kaplan who shows extraordinary range, also jumping in as the larger-than-life media presenter.

Also doing double-duty—as the bride favored by the queen and a “cloudy” meteorologist—is Allison Sill, who fits both bills perfectly and uses her powerful singing voice to much hilarity.

A live musical trio and wondrously imagined set round out this experience and make it a must-see for families.

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.

"Hear ye, hear ye...Prince Wellington is seeking a bride." The classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen comes to life in a new musical THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, from February 8 to April 19. This new spin on the classic tale features music by Marc Robin, book and lyrics by Rick Boynton, and additional lyrics by Curt Dale Clark and Marc Robin. THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Aaron Thielen, with musical direction by Patti Garwood. 



“I'm excited to get the opportunity to direct this production of THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA, written by such talented and dear friends,” says Thielen. “It’s a wonderful story about staying true to who you are and not letting others tell you who you are supposed to be; the lesson is that you get to write your own story.”

Queen Evermean decides it’s time for her son, Prince Wellington, to get married. She creates a reality game show called the “Princess Test” to find the Prince the “perfect” bride. But the Prince doesn’t want to marry someone picked for him from a game show, he wants to marry for love. He escapes to the royal forest where he comes face to face with the girl he knows is the one. But will the Queen allow them to marry? Will she have to pass the Princess Test? Will a tiny pea and a stack of mattresses stand between her and true love? THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA runs one hour and all performances are followed by a question & answer session with the cast. 



Starring in THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA are Marielle Nada Issa as “Ruth,” Trevor Vanderzee as “Prince Wellington,” Jenna Coker-Jones as “Queen Evermean,” Mark David Kaplan as “Papa and Biff,” Allison Sill as “Buffy and Cumula,” and Ian Paul Custer as “Chester.” 



The production will feature set design by Patrick Ham, lighting design by Brian Elston, costume design by Jesus Perez, sound design by Robert Hornbostel, wig design by Megan Pirtle, and media design by Anthony Churchill and Peter Sullivan; with stage manager Tara Kelly and musical superviser by Patti Garwood.



THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA runs most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit www.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) 634-0200or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Enter HERE for your Chance to WIN

a Family 4 Pack of Tickets ($73 Value) to 

THE PRINCESS AND THE PEA 
at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences (4 winners)

Winners' choice of dates through April 19 (pending availability). 
Enter through midnight March 4, 2020. 
*Winners will be asked to share e-mail/phone/mailing address with The Marriott Theatre box office

ENTER HERE

WIN A Pair of Oliver! Tickets ($120 Value/2 Winners) Now Playing at Marriott Theatre Through December 29th, 2019

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

Oliver at Marriott Theatre

Celebrate the holidays with one of the most beloved family musicals of all time, featuring favorites “Food, Glorious Food,” “As Long as He Needs Me,” and more!

ENTER BELOW FOR YOUR CHANCE TO 

WIN A Pair of Marriott Oliver! Tickets 

(Up to $120 Value/2 Winners) 

Now Playing at Marriott Theatre Through December 29th, 2019. Winners' choice of dates/times (pending availability). Enter early and often through midnight, Wednesday, December 11th. 

Terry James, Executive Producer

Aaron Thielen, Lead Artistic Director

Andy Hite, Artistic Director 

Presents

The largest cast ever on the Marriott Theatre stage!

The Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Dr. in Lincolnshire, is proud to bring the Victorian streets of London live to Lincolnshire with Lionel Bart’s OLIVER!, previewing Wednesday, October 30th, opening Wednesday, November 6th at 7:30 p.m., and closing Sunday, December 29th. The Tony Award-winning musical based on the classic Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist, is directed by eight-time Jeff Award winner for Outstanding Direction, Nick Bowling, with musical direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson and choreography by Jeff Award winner Brenda Didier.

Kai Edgar and Gilbert Domally

“Dickens’ original story is a critical examination of the living conditions in Victorian England and the enormous gap between the haves and have nots. He gives us light and dark in equal measure to heighten his incredible story of an orphan who finds his home,” said director Nick Bowling.

“My goal from the beginning was to approach the play from a ten-year old’s perspective; so, people look bigger and the world seems larger. And while the dark can easily turn into a nightmare, the moments of hope and light are like a magical dream.”

Kayden Koshelev and William Brown

Kayden Koshelev 

Kayden Koshelev and Patrick Scott McDermott

Set in the 1800’s, OLIVER! follows the story of a malnourished orphan in a workhouse who becomes the neglected apprentice of an undertaker. Oliver escapes to London and finds acceptance amongst a group of petty thieves and pickpockets led by the elderly Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent victim, Mr. Brownlow, takes him into his care. Fearing for the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap him back, threatening Oliver’s chances of discovering the true love of a family. Nominated for the Best Musical Tony Award, OLIVER! features touching performances of audience favorites including “Food, Glorious Food,” “As Long as He Needs Me,” “Consider Yourself,” and the title song, “Oliver!”

 William Brown

The largest cast ever on the Marriott Theatre stage, OLIVER! stars Kai Edgar (Professional debut!) and Kayden Koshelev (Marriott Theatre Debut; Big Noise Theater: Seussical; Metropolis: A Christmas Carol; That’s Entertainment: Beauty and the Beast; St. James Theatre: Shrek) in the title role of “Oliver”; William Brown as “Fagin” (Marriott Theatre: Cabaret, History Loves Company, Into the Woods, and Arthur); Lucy Godinez as “Nancy” (Marriott Theatre: Footloose; Writers: Into the Woods; Porchlight Music Theater: In the Heights; Paramount Theater: Legally Blonde); Patrick Scott McDermott as “The Artful Dodger” (Marriott Theatre: Seussical, Holiday Inn, Ragtime); with Caron Buinis (“Mrs. Sowerberry”), Jason Grimm (“Mrs. Sowerberry”), Matthew R. Jones (“Mr. Bumble”), Bethany Thomas (“Mrs. Corney”), Dan Waller (“Bill Sikes”), Aubrey Adams, Emily Agy, Tony Carter, Gilbert Domally (“Noah”), Kelly Felthous (“Charlotte”), Terry Hamilton (“Mr. Brownlow”), Michael Haws, Mark David Kaplan (“Dr. Grimwig”), Liam Quealy, Cassie Slater, Elizabeth Telford, Jeremiah Alsop, Lexis Danca, Max DeTogne, and Ziare Paul-Emile (“Bet”).

Dan Waller

The Orphans and Thieves are played by Luke Chichester, Pierce Cleaveland, Connor Henry Daley, Milo J. Flores, Gabriel Gabor, Zachary Scott Fewkes, Cole Keriazakos, Ryder Kirby, Nolan Maddox (also “Dodger” at select performances), Brennan Monaghan, Hogan Porter, Jonathan Z. Protus, Landon Simecek, Trey Thompson, Emmett O. Victorson.

The production will feature set design by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, costume design by Sally Dolembo, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, wig design by Miguel A. Armstrong, and properties design by Sally Zack; with dialect coach Kathy Logelin, fight and intimacy choreographer Gaby Labotka, stage manager David A. Loranca, and musical superviser by Patti Garwood.

 Kai Edgar, Jason Grimm and Caron Buinis 

The performance is scheduled to run 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., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Holiday weeks may have adjusted schedules. 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 and the full, holiday schedule.

 Matthew R Jones and Kai Edgar

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO 

WIN A Pair of Marriott Oliver! Tickets 

(Up to $120 Value/2 Winners) 

Now Playing at Marriott Theatre Through December 29th, 2019. Winners' choice of dates/times (pending availability). Enter early and often through midnight, Wednesday, December 11th. 

ENTER HERE

WIN a pair of tickets to Lifeline Theatre KidSeries' Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile Now Playing Through Nov. 24, 2019

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents 

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile,

Based on the book by Bernard Waber,

Opens October 20

Plus Performances with Touch Tour and Audio Description on October 27,

Open Captioning on October 26, Autism/Sensory-Friendly Performance on November 3, 

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

This production is recommended for children ages five and up and runs approximately one hour with no intermission.

Enter Below

WIN a pair of tickets (Up to $40 Value) to be used for any performances on 

October 26th or 27th 

(2 winners)!
Enter through midnight Wed, October 23rd.

When I was a child, the Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile stories were favorites of mine, and I adored reading them to my own children when they were young. My kids also loved catching Lyle Finds His Mother, on stage at Lifeline back then. I'm so excited a new generation of littles will discover the joys of Lifeline's Lyle productions. Their excellent KidSeries has been a favorite of ours for decades and we're elated to partner with them once again, on a ticket giveaway for our readers. Enter below for your chance to win, and introduce your littles to the joys of theatre arts.

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile, based on the children’s book by Bernard Waber, with adaptation by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Christina Calvit, music and lyrics by George Howe, and directed by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Amanda Link. While the Primm family is busily moving into their new home on East 88th Street, they are shocked to discover a crocodile in their bathtub! His name is Lyle, he performs tricks, and, oh, he only eats Turkish caviar. The Primm’s are quick to welcome Lyle into the family, but not everyone is so thrilled about a crocodile living on the block. Discover the meaning of family in this musical based off the beloved classic by Bernard Waber. 

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile runs Saturday, Oct. 19 – Sunday, Nov. 24 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press Opening is Sunday, Oct. 20 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, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for children (2-18), and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.  

Accessible Performances: The Sunday, Oct. 27, 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, Oct. 26, 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, Nov. 3 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 Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile (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 Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile includes:

CAST: Lifeline ensemble member Heather Currie (Mrs. Primm); with guest artists: Gabriel Fries (Mr. Primm/Mr. Grumps), Matt Patrick (Josh/Hector P. Valenti), Chris Vizurraga (Lyle); Understudies: Grace Bobber, Joe Liolos, and Jordan Moore.

PRODUCTION TEAM: 
Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Christina Calvit (Adaptor), Diane Fairchild (Asst. Director), Amanda Link (Director); with guest artists
Eric Backus (Sound Designer), Emma Cullimore (Props Designer), Noah Ginex (Puppet Designer), Ricky Harris (Music Director), George
Howe (Composer), Sanja Manakoski (Costume Designer), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Sam Moryoussef (Master
Electrician), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Designer), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), Kate Reed (Stage Manager), and Jonah White
(Lighting Designer).

Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile runs Saturday, Oct. 19 – Sunday, Nov. 24 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press Opening is Sunday, Oct. 20 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, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Oct. 19 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 20 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for
children (2-18), 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 37th 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.; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the 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; Illinois Arts Council Agency;  MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

WIN a pair of tickets (Up to $40 Value) to be used for any performances on 

October 26th or 27th 

(2 winners)!
Enter through midnight Wed, October 23rd.

ENTER HERE

WIN a 5-Pack of tickets ($75 Value) To THE 89TH PROGRESSIVE INSURANCE CHICAGO BOAT, RV & SAIL SHOW at McCormick Place January 9-13, 2019

It May Be Winter, But Summer Is Coming...

CELEBRATE SUMMER AT THE LARGEST 

OUTDOOR GATHERING INDOORS 

THE 89TH PROGRESSIVE® INSURANCE 

CHICAGO BOAT, RV & SAIL SHOW®

Shop more than 600 of the Newest Power & Sailboats, 100 RVs, Plus Activities for the Whole Family at McCormick Place January 9-13, 2019

Here at ChiIL Mama, we've covered The Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show® for years, and we're happy to partner up with them on a ticket giveaway for our readers, once again in 2019. 

Enter below through midnight January 8th, for your chance to WIN a 5-Pack of tickets ($75 Value)!

The Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show® cruises into the Windy City showcasing more than 600 boats, 100 RVs, plus the latest in marine accessories, outdoor gear and technology at the best prices of the year.

This year’s Show has many exciting features from an extensive boating and sailing seminar series, which includes some of the biggest names in sailing, to one of the first-ever hybrid yachts, and so much more!

5 Ways to Make the Most of This Year’s Show:

1. Download the App! NEW
Yep, there’s an app for that. Download ‘The Chicago Boat Show Pass’ app for iOs or Android. Why? Here are the top reasons to download today:

§  Access exclusive deals! Before and during the Show, you have access to deals and discounts, from products on the Show floor to popular Chicago restaurants!

§  Win prizes! At the Show, the app will give attendees access to scan their phone at numerous kiosks to win exciting prizes.

§  Put the Show in your pocket! Save paper by managing tickets, navigating the Show, scheduling seminars, accessing a complete exhibitor and product list, plus more!

2. Join in on Nautical Family Fun:
o   NEW! Remote Control Sailboat Racing: Have you ever sailed in January…in Chicago? The remote control sailing pond offers you the chance to do just that. Race against your family, friends and teammates to see who is the fastest sailor in the Midwest!

o   NEW! Chicago Maritime Arts Center Build-a-Boat: Put your boat building skills to the test! Build a boat from a sheet of aluminum foil and compete to see whose design can hold the most golf balls without sinking. Open to kids and adults. Top competitors from all categories will get a prize.

o   Huck Finn Trout Pond: A favorite for children and parents alike, The Huck Finn Trout Pond, which is stocked with rainbow trout, offers free fishing for kids 12 and under.

o   PaddleFest: Free paddle sports demos will be offered throughout the show in an indoor pool. Attendees can get out on the water and experience the fun of stand up paddle boarding (SUP), kayaking and other paddle sports.

3. Take the Helm (or Wheel) – Hands-On Education:
o   Sailing & Boating Seminars: More than 150 hourly boating and sailing seminars are available for sailors of all levels, featuring some of the most recognized names in sailing such as John and Amanda Neal, Pam Wall, Nigel Calder, Brian Adams and Howard Rice. Full and half-day paid seminars will also make for the most comprehensive sailing education program under one roof. See the seminars page for topics and schedule. Full-day advanced seminars are featured here.
o   Progressive® Boat Club: Attendees can test their boating IQ at Progressive’s state-of-the-art Oculus Rift virtual reality experience, putting themselves at the helm of a virtual boat race, navigating simulated waters, all while trying to beat the clock. For those looking to improve their nautical know-how, the Annapolis School of Seamanship will be on deck with an array of hands-on boating courses.
o   Chicago Sailing Sail Simulator: An actual true-to-life sailing experience on dry land! Designed with beginners in mind, users will tack and jibe and use the tiller to keep the boat level on the show floor as fans fill the sails and move the boat from side to side.
o   Boating Skills Virtual Trainer—Test Your Boating Skills: Guests of all ages are invited to set out on a simulated “boat trip” to practice boating skills such as docking, pivot turns, stopping and more.
o   RV Info Center: The nation’s leading RV expert, David Solberg, will be on hand to chat with attendees about the joys of RVing. He will also cover many topics including cool RV tools, gadgets and must-have apps, care and maintenance, things to know before you go, connecting to the campground and even traveling with pets.

4. Dive into the NEW! Boats, Sailboats, RVs & More:
o   Iconic brands returning to the show for the first time in years include Fountain Powerboats, Baja Marine and Donzi Marine. Some of the other can’t miss boats this year, include:

§  The Queen of the Show: Carver Yachts will showcase the largest yacht at the show: the new Carver 52 Command Bridge, a 52-foot yacht showcasing the ultimate in luxury with an open-concept cockpit, an eye-catching design and cutting edge technology.

§  Green Technology: The GreenLine 40 is both energy efficient and stylish; built with Hybrid driving power, solar roofs, and an enhanced design that increases energy efficiency and performance.

5.  Find Your Beach:
o   The Corona Find Your Beach Bar & Cantina, featuring the Island Party Boat, serves up an island resort ambiance along with icy cold beverages and tasty casual fare, and live music. It is the perfect place to take a break, meet up with friends and mingle with other boat and RVers.

Additional Fast Facts
WHEN: The Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show® will be open Wednesday-Sunday, January 9-13, 2019.  Show hours are as follows: 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 9; 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Thursday, January 10 and Friday, January 11; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Saturday, January 12; and 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, January 13.

TICKETS: Through January 9, tickets purchased in advance are $2 off the regular price of $15 for adults. Tickets purchased at the show are $15 for adults, and children 12 years old and younger are free.

MORE INFO: For more information on the Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show® visit www.ChicagoBoatShow.com, download the Chicago Boat Show Pass app or connect on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.  #ChiBoatShow.



About the Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show: The Progressive Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world’s largest producer of boat and sport shows and the leading association representing the recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information, visit www.nmma.org. To learn more about Progressive Boat Insurance, which insures more than one million watercraft, please visit www.progressive.com/boat.

Enter below through midnight January 8th, for your chance to WIN a 5-Pack of tickets 

($75 Value)!

ENTER HERE

Disclosure: Thanks to  The Progressive® Insurance Chicago Boat, RV & Sail Show® for providing complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

WIN A Pair of Tickets (Up To $320 Value) To Jamie Allan's iMAGICIAN High-Tech Magic at Chicago's Harris Theater

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar
U.S. premiere of 
Jamie Allan’s iMagician

Enter below for you chance to 
WIN A Pair of iMagician Ticket 
(Up To $320 Value) 
to the matinee show at 2pm Sunday 12/23 from ChiIL Mama 

& ChiIL Live Shows. 

All our reader also qualify for a 25% discount on all tickets throughout the Chicago run! 

Promo code HERON provides an exclusive 25% off discount.

My family adores magic. My teens have mastered a few card tricks and illusions themselves and we enjoy catching the pros in action. I'll be out with the family Sunday the 23rd for the press opening, so check back soon for my full review. In the meantime, ChiIL Mama's pleased to partner up with iMAGICIAN and the Harris Theater on a stellar ticket giveaway for our readers. 

I have a great 25% off code for my readers good for all tickets throughout the Chicago run at Harris Theater. And one lucky reader will WIN a pair of tickets! Enter below. Tickets make great clutter busting, experiential gift ideas for the holidays. Make memories, not messes! 


Don't miss one of this season’s hottest production coming to Chicago. The producers of Jamie Allan’s iMagician, a show combining trickery and illusion with technology, are delighted to announce the U.S. premiere in Chicago at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph) for a limited two-week engagement beginning Dec. 22, 2018 through Jan. 6, 2019. Perfect for a unique twist on your holiday shopping this year!

Some of the incredible highlights of this production include:

·The Laser Levitation: A jaw-dropping illusion in which performers fly over the stage, supported only by laser beams.

·Houdini 2.0: Tackles the legendary Harry Houdini’s most dangerous illusions while incorporating modern technology, such as combining immersive video mapping technology with a thrilling underwater escape.

Enter HERE for you chance to WIN A Pair of iMAGICIAN Tickets (Up To $320 Value) to the matinee show at 2pm Sunday 12/23 from ChiIL Mama 

& ChiIL Live Shows. 

ENTER HERE

Disclosure: We have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.