PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: Midnight Cowboy at Lifeline 2/29 through 4/10

Chi, IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Lifeline Theatre Presents Midnight Cowboy,

A World Premiere Adaptation Of The Book by James Leo Herlihy

Opens February 29, 2016

Performance with Open Captioning on March 5

Performance with Touch Tour and Audio Description on March 19

  

Lifeline Theatre presents a world premiere adaptation of James Leo Herlihy’s 1965 novel, Midnight Cowboy, adapted by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Chris Hainsworth (2015 Non-Equity Jeff nomination: New Adaptation – Monstrous Regiment), and directed by Lifeline ensemble member Christopher M. Walsh. 

ChiIL Mama will be there on opening night, so check back soon for our full review, here and at our sister site, ChiIL Live Shows.

Joe Buck escapes his dead-end life in Texas and heads to New York City with dreams of making his fortune as a hustler for wealthy socialites. But his rugged cowboy persona masks the gullibility of a child, and Joe falls victim to all manner of con artists and predators. At the end of his rope, he partners with street-savvy Rico “Ratso” Rizzo in an alliance that could either save or destroy them both. A meditation on loneliness and the need to form real connections amidst the crushing isolation of 20th-century life. The production runs approximately two hours with one intermission. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

Midnight Cowboy runs February 19 – April 10, 2016 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. (free parking and shuttle; see below). Press opening is Sunday, February 28 at 4 p.m. Opening night is Monday, February 29 at 7:30 p.m. (Previews are Fridays, February 19 and 26 at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays, February 20 and 27 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, February 21 at 4 p.m.)

Regular performance times (March 3 – April 10) are Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 4 p.m. Ticket prices are $40 for regular single tickets, $30 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $30 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half hour before show time, subject to availability), and $20 for previews. Group rate for 12 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, March 5, 4 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, March 19, 4 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 2:30 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Midnight Cowboy includes:

CAST:       

Lifeline Theatre ensemble member Patrick Blashill (Woodsy/Towny); with guest artists Megan DeLay (Cass), Micah Kronlokken (Bobby), Anne Marie Lewis (Sally), Zach Livingston (Joe),

Gregory Madden (O'Daniel), Adam Marcantoni (Ratso), Jack Miggins (Perry), and Heather Smith (Anastasia). With understudies Aislinn Eng, Jay Donley, Shawn Hansen, and Nellie Kay

Ognacevic.

PRODUCTION TEAM:        

Lifeline Theatre ensemble members Chris Hainsworth (Adaptor), Elise Kauzlaric (Dialect Coach), and Christopher M. Walsh (Director); with guest artists Benjamin W. Dawson (Production Manager), Matt Engle (Fight Director), Sarah Espinoza (Sound Designer), Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Theresa Kelly (Assistant Lighting Designer), Ryan McCain (Properties Designer), Lindsey Miller (Stage Manager), Sam Moryoussef (Master Electrician), Patrick Runfeldt (Dramaturg), Joe Schermoly (Scenic Designer, Technical Director), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Designer), and Brandon Wardell (Lighting Designer).

Free parking is available at the designated lot west of the theatre (NE corner of Morse and Ravenswood) with free shuttle service before and after the show.  Street parking is also available and Lifeline Theatre is handicapped and CTA accessible (Red Line Morse stop/busses).

Now in its 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.

Kung Fu Panda 3 Sneak Peeks Via Panda Mei Mei's Vlog

The ribbon-dancing #pandiva is back to share her style expertise.

Mei Mei, Po’s new and fabulous friend, covers how to “Be a Fashion Pan-DO!” while sharing sneak peeks from Kung Fu Panda 3 in her latest vlog on DreamWorksTV.  

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama and watch it right here:

Voiced by Kate Hudson, Mei Mei is a crazy and confident fashionista who will make her debut on the big screen when Kung Fu Panda 3 hits theaters on January 29. Pandiva is one of the first looks at Mei Mei ahead of the franchise’s third theatrical installment.

Visit http://www.dreamworks.com/kungfupanda/ for more about the film.

About DreamWorksTV

DreamWorksTV combines DreamWorks Animations’ expertise as a global family entertainment brand with the digital savvy of AwesomenessTV to create a YouTube channel featuring original live action and animated content. Helmed by AwesomenessTV’s Brian Robbins, DreamWorksTV showcases original short-form content that is laugh-out-loud funny, introducing fresh new voices as well as iconic characters.  Family-friendly versions of reality TV and original animated web series from top creators are featured along with Vlog posts from DreamWorks Animation’s stable of fan favorite characters.  Visit DreamWorksTV at www.YouTube.com/DreamWorksTV, “like” them on Facebook using keyword “DreamWorksTV” and follow them on Twitter @DreamWorksTV.

OPENING: MARC SALEM’S MIND OVER CHICAGO IS COMING TO THE APOLLO THEATER CHICAGO

MARC SALEM’S MIND OVER CHICAGO

The world’s foremost mentalist and purveyor of mind games, Marc Salem

takes Chicago audiences on a thrilling journey into the human mind

“Hide your thoughts! Marc Salem is in town!”  –The New York Times

“Jaw dropping and very funny!” –The New Yorker

Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago begins previews on Sunday, February 7 and will run through Sunday, March 27. 

ChiIL Mama will be there for opening night so check back soon after for our full review both here and at our sister site, ChiIL Live Shows.  

The newly designed and renovated Apollo Theater Chicago, 2540 N Lincoln Ave, is excited to present a special limited engagement of Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago, the latest interactive show in Marc Salem’s Mind Over… series, created with tasty local flavor specifically for the Windy City.

Amazing and amusing, Marc’s theatrical creations have been hailed as “NOT TO BE MISSED!” by ABC News and “A SUREFIRE ‘you-gotta-see-this-show’ SHOW!” by Variety. Both fascinating and psychological, his performances have been enjoyed by millions around the world from Broadway and the West End to the Sydney Opera House and Singapore, earning him the name “The King of the Mind-Readers” by Time Out.

Marc’s mystifying techniques and quick wit “break the lock” on the minds of randomly selected audience members. He has had the pleasure of outwitting such well-known celebrities as Sting, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Donald Trump, Arthur Miller, Paul Newman, Prince Andrew, Judi Dench, Ronald Reagan, Michael Strahan, Bruce Willis, Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, Vice President Joe Biden, New York Mayors Koch, Giuliani & Bloomberg, Chicago’s own Oprah Winfrey, and many more.

Most performances will be Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a special Monday night performance on February 29 at 7:30 p.m. Some performances may vary so call the box office or visit the website to confirm. Tickets are: $50 ($35 for previews). Student, Military and Group discounts are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Apollo Theater Chicago at 773.935.6100 or visit http://www.apollochicago.com/.

PERFORMANCES:

FEBRUARY

Sunday, February 7; 2:30 p.m. (Preview)

Saturday, February 13; 4:00 p.m. (Preview)

Saturday, February 13; 8:00 p.m. (Press Opening)

Sunday, February 14; 3:30 p.m. (Special VALENTINE’S DAY show)

Saturday, February 20; 5:00 p.m.

Saturday, February 20; 8:00 p.m.

(NO SUNDAY SHOW THIS WEEK)

(NO SATURDAY SHOW THIS WEEK)

Sunday, February 28; 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, February 28; 7:00 p.m.

Monday, February 29; 7:30 p.m. (Special LEAP DAY show)

MARCH

Every Saturday, 5:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.

Every Sunday, 3:30 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.

TICKETS:

$50 ($35 Previews); Student, Military & Group discounts available

773.935.6100 or visit http://www.apollochicago.com

Marc Salem’s Mind Over Chicago is produced by Richard Friedman and Rob Kolson. “I am delighted to be working again with my old friend Rob Kolson,” said Friedman. “We first worked together on his smash hit show Do the White Thing at the Organic Theater and then we co-produced the long-running Always….Patsy Cline during its extended run at the Apollo Theater Chicago and Victory Gardens Theaters. Marc Salem twice performed his show at my home company, Theater at the Center in Munster, IN, and I realized that, although he's performed on Broadway, the West End, and in many other countries, he’d never had a show within the Chicago city limits. That is about to change in a few short weeks and I think Chicago’s collective mind is about to be blown.”

Marc Salem (creator/performer)

As the world’s leading mentalist, Marc Salem has been featured on: Through the Wormhole (narrated by Morgan Freeman); the fascinating series Brain Games; a 60-Minutes profile; and his own upcoming series on the National Geographic Channel, Mind Games, set to premiere in May. Holding degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and New York University, Marc Salem has been an authority on non-verbal communication for over 30 years, serving on the faculty of major universities for nearly 20 years. This jaw-dropping entertainer has traveled the world, amazing audiences while exploring the fascinating potential of the human mind. Marc completed three sell-out seasons in London and has had two extended runs on Broadway. He is seen regularly on COURT TV, and was a director of research at Sesame Street for ten years. He has been featured on The O’Reilly Factor, The Howard Stern Show, Montel, Maury, Regis, and CNN, along with hundreds of other television and radio appearances.

Apollo Theater Chicago

The Apollo Theater Chicago, located in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park since 1978, has been home to many of the city’s biggest hits including, most recently, Million Dollar Quartet, which became the longest-running Broadway musical in Chicago history. Resident companies of the Apollo Theater Chicago include Emerald City Theatre Company and Baby Wants Candy, and many up-and-coming companies can be seen nightly in the theater’s 50-seat downstairs studio. Recently renovated and fully accessible, the Apollo Theater Chicago’s intimate 435-seat mainstage continues to deliver world-class theater as one of the city’s premiere off-Loop houses.

FLASH GIVEAWAY: WIN A Free Family 4 Pack to Disney On Ice Wed 1/20 at Allstate Arena

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:

DISNEY ON ICE CELEBRATES 

100 YEARS OF MAGIC

PRESENTED BY STONYFIELD YOKIDS ORGANIC YOGURT

HEADED FOR CHICAGO, JAN. 20 - FEB. 7

ENTER HERE for your chance to win through midnight 1/18. Winner MUST leave a valid full adult name for the press list in the comments section to qualify and present a matching ID. Winner will be chosen at midnight and announced here, on social media and e-mailed privately. Good luck! 

  

Click HERE for loads of ChiIL Mama's photo filled original Disney on Ice features (28 in fact!) We've been thrilled to partner up with FELD and Disney on Ice for years, for giveaways for our readers and original photo features.

Join Anna, Elsa, Mickey, Minnie & an ensemble of more than 50 beloved characters as they celebrate 100 Years of Magic with award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.   The celebration of the century comes alive in Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt. This monumental ice skating spectacular is slated to open at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., Jan. 20 - 24, then move to Chicago’s United Center, Jan. 27 - Feb. 7, 2016.

Audiences will be a part of the magic of Disney as Mouse-ter of Ceremonies Mickey Mouse leads a parade of more than 50 beloved characters starring Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy and featuring an ensemble of Disney Princesses including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Ariel, Snow White and Tiana. The wintry wonderland of Disney’s Frozen also comes to life with Anna, Elsa, and the hilarious Olaf, as they discover that true love is the greatest magic of all. 

Exciting moments from Disney•Pixar’s Finding Nemo, Disney’s Aladdin and Beauty and the Beast will leave the whole family with memories to last a lifetime.

The legacy of Disney is displayed through 14 classic and modern stories in this epic production that features an international team of award-winning figure skaters, high-energy choreography and a breathtaking set.  With over 30 melodious masterpieces such as “Let It Go!,” “You’ve Got A Friend in Me” and “Hakuna Matata,” Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic is the ultimate Disney fan experience.

Allstate Arena performances of Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic are scheduled for:

7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 20, and Thursday, Jan. 21; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, and 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 23, and Sunday, Jan. 24. United Center shows are 7 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 27; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, and Friday, Jan. 29; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 30; 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 31; 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 3; 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 4, and Friday, Feb. 5, and 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 6, and Sunday, Feb. 7.

Tickets, starting at $20, are available at the Allstate Arena and United Center box offices, all Ticketmaster locations, on the web at www.ticketmaster.com, and by phone at (800) 745-3000. Parking for all performances is free with ticket purchase in all official Allstate Arena and United Center parking lots. Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply.

To learn more, visit Disney On Ice at DisneyOnIce.com, or on Facebook and YouTube.

ABOUT FELD ENTERTAINMENT

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey^®, Monster Jam^®, Monster Energy Supercross, Nuclear Cowboyz^®, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt, Disney Live! Presented by Stonyfield YoKids Organic Yogurt and Marvel Universe LIVE! More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com

TODAY: CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS “SKATE WITH THE GREATS” FOR CHARITY 1/16 AT MB FINANCIAL PARK

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:    THE CHICAGO BLACKHAWK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION TEAMS UP WITH MB FINANCIAL PARK TO PRESENT “SKATE WITH THE GREATS” SATURDAY, JAN. 16 Proceeds To Benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities®  of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana MB Financial Park at Rosemont has partnered with the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association to present the fourth annual “Skate with the Greats” Saturday, Jan. 16 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at MB Financial Park at Rosemont. Proceeds from the event will benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana (RMHC®-CNI). “Skate with the Greats” will offer hockey fans the opportunity to meet current Chicago Blackhawk players Trevor Van Riemsdyk and Andrew Desjardins as well as legendary Chicago Blackhawk alumni including the great Denis Savard, who will be on-site at MB Financial Park signing autographs. Attendees can also meet and skate amongst other Chicago Blackhawk alumni including Cliff Koroll, Eric Daze, Troy Murray, Murray Bannerman, Phil Russell, Brian Noonan, Grant Mulvey, Reggie Kerr, Dave Mackey, Peter Marsh, Reid Simpson, and Steve Konoryd (players subject to change).  “We are grateful to the Blackhawk Alumni Association for their continued support and dedication to Ronald McDonald House Charities and thrilled to partner with them again on this year’s Skate with the Greats event,” said Holly Buckendahl, CEO of RMHC-CNI. “Skate with the Greats is such a unique opportunity and makes the perfect holiday gift for hockey fans of all ages.” “The winter season is always an exciting time of year for Rosemont with the fun activities offered at FROZEMONT in MB Financial Park,” said Rosemont Mayor Brad Stephens. “We are excited to team up with the Chicago Blackhawk Alumni Association to add “Skate with the Greats” to the Park’s winter programming and raise money for such a great organization.” Tickets to “Skate with the Greats” can be purchased online at www.RonaldHouseChicago.org/skatewiththegreats. Adult tickets are available for $150 each and $100 tickets are available for children ages 12 or younger. A special family four-pack of tickets is available for $450, with each additional ticket available for $100. Each ticket will provide attendees a 30-minute skating session on the MB Financial Park ice rink. Tickets will also allow access to a 30-minute autograph session at Kings Bowl. A silent auction, offering exclusive items including Chicago Blackhawks memorabilia and experiences, will also be offered at a site to be determined. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. When ordering tickets, fans will be able to indicate their preferred time frames for ice skating and autographs by selecting a session number. Session number details can be found below. Each session is limited to 125 registrants. “Skate with the Greats” overall attendance is limited to 500 attendees. Guests may bring their own skates, but free skate rentals will also be available at MB Financial Park. Session 1                                            2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Ice Skating                                   3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  Autograph Session          Session 2 2 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Autograph Session 3 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.  On Ice Session 3 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. On Ice                   3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m.  Autograph Session          Session 4 2:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. Autograph Session 3:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. On Ice In order to ensure participation from all event attendees, “Skate with the Greats” guests are limited to one autograph and one photograph from each legend and current Chicago Blackhawk player.                                                                         About The Village of Rosemont, Illinois: Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Rosemont is home to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, the Allstate Arena, the Rosemont Theatre, and a host of entertainment and retail venues. Rosemont continues to grow and evolve based on the new vision of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens. MB Financial Park at Rosemont features an array of great dining and entertainment options. For more information, visit www.Rosemont.com. About The MB Financial Park at Rosemont: MB Financial Park at Rosemont is a 200,000 square-foot entertainment and dining complex whose 10 venues offer upscale international cuisine, live music and comedy, state-of-the-art film, bowling and more. Conveniently located near O’Hare International Airport, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is easily accessible from Chicago as well as the suburbs. The address is 5501 Park Place, a new looping street situated west of River Road between Bryn Mawr and Balmoral Avenues.  A 20-minute drive from Chicago’s Loop, MB Financial Park at Rosemont is walking distance from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the CTA Blue Line Rosemont station and Rosemont Theatre. Convenient parking is available. For more information visit www.mbparkatrosemont.com. About Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana: RMHC-CNI is an independent not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to care for families of children with complex medical needs by providing a ‘home away from home’ while their child is being treated in the hospital.  Every night, 153 families heal together because of the comfort, compassion and community at five area Ronald McDonald Houses® and three Ronald McDonald Family Rooms®.  That’s 43,000 nights each year where RMHC-CNI families are able to stay close to their child, helping them to heal faster and saving them over $7 million in hotel costs.  We are located near Advocate Children's Hospital, Loyola University Medical Center, University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Edward Hospital in Naperville and Central DuPage Hospital.  For more information visit RonaldHouseChicago.org. RMHC-CNI is an approved BBB Accredited Business and holds a 4-star rating by Charity Navigator. Stay connected - Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram.

Got Your Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2 Yet?

The Hilarious Smash Hits DreamWorks Animation’s  Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2 Now on Digital HD and DVD  with New Bonus Features on Blu-ray™  Skadoosh! To celebrate the upcoming release of DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda 3 on June 29th, revisit where it all began with over 80 minutes of fur-flying fun, including all–new antics! Relive the awesomeness of everyone’s favorite martial arts-loving panda and the Furious Five in Kung Fu Panda and Kung Fu Panda 2, from the studio that brought you How To Train Your Dragon and Home. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will release the two films with new extras available now on Digital HD, Blu-ray™ and DVD with a bonus disc of new content.

In DreamWorks’ Kung Fu Panda, Jack Black is perfect as the voice of Po, a noodle-slurping dreamer who must embrace his true self – fuzzy flaws and all – in order to become the Dragon Warrior. With groundbreaking animation and high-kicking humor, the Oscar-nominated Kung Fu Panda is delightful entertainment for the whole family.

Black reprises his role as Po in Kung Fu Panda 2, the fiercely funny Academy Award-nominated sequel. In his biggest challenge since becoming the Dragon Warrior, Po must lead his friends and fellow kung fu masters, The Furious Five, on a mission of epic proportions to defeat his most threatening rival yet!

The Kung Fu Panda franchise features the all-star voice talents of Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Gary Oldman, Jackie Chan, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu, David Cross, Michelle Yeoh, Danny McBride and Jean-Claude Van Damme.

The re-release of these films will include exciting new bonus features for the whole family to enjoy, including an all-new 22 minute animated adventure, “Secret of the Scroll,” and an exclusive sneak peek of DreamWorks Animation Kung Fu Panda 3.

DreamWorks Animation’s Kung Fu Panda & Kung Fu Panda 2 Blu-ray™ & DVD includes:

Special bonus disc features:

• “Secrets of the Scroll” – an all-new animated adventure.
• Tigress, Viper, Monkey, Crane and Mantis transform from complete strangers into the legendary Furious Five Warriors of Kung Fu
• Martial Arts Awesomeness Music Video
• Our heroes' fight sequences move to the beat of “Kung Fu Fighting” in this colorful music video
• Mash-Up of Awesomeness: Slo-Mo
• Prepare to be thrilled by amazing, high-intensity action sequences in all the glory that slow motion provides
• Mash-Up of Blunders
• Laugh with this lightning quick mash-up of all Po's hilariously embarrassing moments
• Plus an Exclusive Sneak Peek of Kung Fu Panda 3
• All-new Kung Fu Panda 3 sneak peek with introduction by Jack Black

ABOUT DREAMWORKS ANIMATION

DreamWorks Animation creates high-quality entertainment, including CG animated feature films, television specials and series and live entertainment properties, meant for audiences around the world. The Company has world-class creative talent, a strong and experienced management team and advanced filmmaking technology and techniques. DreamWorks Animation has been named one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” by FORTUNE® Magazine for five consecutive years. In 2013, DreamWorks Animation ranked #12 on the list. All of DreamWorks Animation’s feature films are produced in 3D. The Company has theatrically released a total of 31 animated feature films, including the franchise properties of Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda, How to Train Your Dragon, Puss In Boots, and The Croods.

ABOUT TWENTIETH CENTURY FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is the industry leading worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox produced, acquired and third party partner film and television programing. Each year TCFHE expands its award-winning global product portfolio with the introduction of new entertainment content through established and emerging formats including DVD, Blu-ray™ and Digital HD™. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is a subsidiary of 21st Century Fox.

Jackie Chan’s Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe Makes Midwest Debut at Logan Center for the Arts 2/9 & 13

Jackie Chan’s Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe 

Makes Midwest Debut

as centerpiece of citywide 2016 

Chinese New Year Celebration;

two performances only at the Logan Center for the Arts,

February 9 & 13 

 Presented by Chicago’s Chinese Fine Arts Society,

 additional ‘2016 Year of the Monkey’ events include a public launch, first-ever Young Artist Showcase at Symphony Center, Annual Lantern Festival at Navy Pier, and more

The Chinese Fine Arts Society, Chicago’s champion for Chinese art and culture and longtime leader of Chinese New Year festivities here, proudly announces its annual lineup of Chinese New Year events celebrating 2016 as the Year of the Monkey, with its centerpiece to be the Midwest debut of film star and kung fu master Jackie Chan’s Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe at the University of Chicago’s Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60^th Street, in two performances only, Tuesday and Saturday evenings, February 9 and 13, at 7:30pm.

“We are honored to partner with so many of Chicago’s top cultural institutions in celebration of the Chinese New Year,” said Chinese Fine Arts Society President Julie Tiao Ma. “It is thrilling to see how the City of Chicago has embraced the joyous tradition of China’s most important holiday and we are delighted to see that we are making tremendous progress toward Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s 2014 challenge to make Chicago the top destination in America for Chinese New Year celebrations.”

Direct from Beijing, this engagement marks Jackie Chan’s Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe’s second only appearance in the U.S. since its founding in 2006 and the troupe’s first time in the Midwest. Long Yun will present the U.S. Premiere of its new work 11 Warriors, a performance in five chapters combining kung fu, ballet, modern dance and drama to interpret the origin, spirit, artists, tenderness and essence of kung fu.  Long Yun is made up of 11 nationally recognized Chinese Kung fu artists working under troupe president, Hu Wei. Under Jackie Chan’s direction, the members of Long Yun studied extensively in all areas of performance – piano, voice, literature, as well as all forms of Chinese kung fu including Tai Chi, Bagua, Long Fist, Wing Chun, and many others. Long Yun focuses on traditional elements of kung fu with folding fans, flag performances, sword performances, and an element of chivalry in addition to modern elements of dance, drama, and technology to create a completely new art form. The troupe remains committed to its mission to share the five thousand years of China’s culture and essence to audiences from China and abroad.

"I am delighted that the Chinese Fine Arts Society has arranged for the Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe to bring my vision of contemporary kung fu to the great city of Chicago and I am proud that Long Yun was chosen to be the first group to travel to Chicago under the cultural exchange agreement that was signed by the Ministry of Culture and Choose Chicago earlier this year,” said Jackie Chan. “I am excited that a broad audience will have the chance to see the strength, agility and artistic depth of our new show 11 Warriors. I hope the relationship forged between the Chinese Fine Arts Society, the City of Chicago and the Long Yun Troupe is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership, and that we will have many opportunities for future collaboration.”

In May 2015, Choose Chicago, the city’s official sales and marketing agency, and the China International Cultural Association, under the guidance of the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cultural cooperation. The MOU signifies a commitment to further develop cultural ties in an effort to strengthen both Chicago and China as prominent global cultural tourism destinations. Long Yun is the first artistic group to be brought over by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Choose Chicago under the bilateral Cultural exchange agreement.

“We are delighted to welcome Long Yun to Chicago for Chinese New Year. I’m certain audiences will be amazed by the artistic talent and strength shown by these performers,” said Melissa Cherry, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Cultural Tourism at Choose Chicago. “It is unique cultural programming like the Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe performances that further strengthens Chicago’s relationship with China and our commitment to offering visitors educating and enriching experiences.”

A Citywide Celebration

Presented in partnership with the Choose Chicago and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, Chicago’s Chinese New Year festivities will officially launch at a free lunch hour ceremony featuring a preview by the Long Yun Troupe, plus traditional ‘lion dancers’ and performances by Chicago’s Chinese musicians and dancers at the Chicago Cultural Center’s Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington Street, Monday, February 8, from 12 noon-1pm. In addition to the two performances by the Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe, February 9 and 13, the Chinese Fine Arts Society will also present its first-ever Young Artist Showcase featuring performances by winners of the Society’s 31^st annual Confucius competition, the organization’s cornerstone event that introduces young musicians to Chinese culture through music. The Young Artist Showcase takes place in Symphony Center’s Grainger Ballroom, 220 S. Michigan Ave., on February 21, from 2-2:30pm as part of the Symphony Center Presents Chinese New Year Celebration concert featuring the internationally acclaimed China Broadcasting Chinese Orchestra. Culminating the Chinese New Year festivities will be the 11th annual Lantern Festival, a family-friendly event featuring performances by local artists and musicians practicing ancient Chinese art forms, as part of Navy Pier’s Neighborhoods of the World series at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens, 700 East Grand Avenue, February 21, from noon-3pm.  

Tickets

Tickets for Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe’s 11 Warriors at the Logan Center for the Arts, February 9 and 13, start at $35 ($25 for students) and go on sale Monday, January 18, at the Logan Center box office, by phone at 773.702.2787 or online at tickets.uchicago.edu. 

Tickets to the Young Artist Showcase are free to all ticket holders of Symphony Center’s Chinese New Year Celebration concert. Concert tickets are priced at $20-$75 with discounted student tickets subject to availability.  Concert tickets are on sale now through Symphony Center box office located at 220 S. Michigan Ave., by phone at 312-294-3000 or online at http://cso.org/.

The Chinese New Year Kickoff Ceremony, Feb. 8, and Lantern Festival, Feb. 21, are free and open to the public. No ticket is required for entry.

About The Chinese Fine Arts Society

The Chinese Fine Arts Society is a Chicago-based non-profit that is dedicated to promoting the appreciation of Chinese culture, enhancing cultural exchange, and pursuing excellence in Chinese music, dance, and visual arts. Since its founding in 1984, CFAS has been a leading champion of Chinese culture, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the beauty and majesty of both traditional and contemporary Chinese art. 

The Chinese Fine Arts Society’s 2016 Chinese New Year season is made possible by generous grants from the Joyce Foundation and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

For more information about the Chinese Fine Arts Society and its events, please visit www.chinesefinearts.org.

Boyhood and Bomb Threats

Back in the day, the biggest thing I had to fear at school was pop quizzes and peer pressure. Yesterday we got a cryptic series of computer generated robo calls on our home and cell phones from the Chicago high school where my son is a freshman. The recording said "Thank you for helping our evacuation run smoothly. More details to follow." Of course I instantly started Googling Lane Tech evacuation, to no avail. Then I turned to Twitter and Facebook which had a good hour lead on traditional news outlets, and found out a bit from kids who were on the scene.

It turns out the school received a bomb threat! Thankfully it was around 4:30 so most of the 4,000+ students were gone. To their credit, the school took the threat quite seriously, pulled the alarms and had the place evacuated in 2 minutes. Shortly after the robo calls, my 14 year old son started getting texts from friends who were there. One was in the bathroom when the alarms went off. Another was at basketball practice. Many of the team kids had to hustle out into the brutal cold in basketball shorts, without coats or even wallets, cell phones or keys that were in their lockers. 

As the alarms blared and the bomb squad, dogs, cops and fire departments all descended on the massive, castle like school that takes up a whole city block, it was apparent nobody was getting back in for belongings any time soon. Teachers made the rounds making sure everyone got calls out for rides home or money for busses. We're two miles west of the school and for a good hour we heard multiple sirens wailing and rushing by. Meanwhile we got a series of updates from the school, all basically stating that more info was to come, without telling us much of anything. Finally, around 9:20, the building had been thoroughly searched and was cleared for classes to resume today. 

I spent hours last night combing social media and news for details. The prison time and penalties are so high for a bomb threat, I find it hard to believe a kid pulling a prank would risk it these days. But if the cops had any leads they were keeping it pretty quiet. I'm angry that someone would threaten my child and make kids fear for their lives and question the safety of their school. I'm furious someone would steal our teens' illusion of safety and replace it with threats of bodily harm. But with disaster drills, bomb threats, and mass shootings on campuses from elementary schools through colleges, an all too frequent reality, who am I kidding. They've already been feeling some niggling level of unsafe for years, or they're in denial. 



Comments on Facebook and Twitter ranged from confusion and dismay to dark humor. Many kids expressed fear for their lives and an impromptu Facebook "event" was established for those vowing to skip school on Friday to join. Some kids quipped "Blow the sucker up. I hate that school" or teased that it was all a scam to get the kids to wear their IDs. 

A bunch of people chimed in with disgust for the state of the world today, but as I searched for info on the unfolding events under the key words "Lane Tech bomb threat" I learned, to my surprise, that Lane allegedly has had a long and infamous history of bomb threats dating back at least to the 1950's and again in the mid 80's, if not more. Hopefully this one will be an empty threat as well. Aside from the huge student population, the building has priceless, historic WPA era paintings lining the halls and gorgeous architecture dating back to 1908.

I'll bet the gut reactions were similar each time, but in 2016 parents took to the internet to express fear and disbelief. Students' first hand evacuation stories began to surface. Loads of pleas for prayers popped up and urgent begging to a higher power for protection. Parents waffled in concern over whether to risk sending their kids to school in the morning or give things a few days to simmer down. I left that call up to my son who opted to go today. 



His call made me proud that he didn't use this as an easy excuse for a 3 day weekend, or spiral into a neurotic, fear filled frenzy. Simultaneously, I almost wished he was more fearful, so I'd have an excuse to keep him close, and safe. What if the call last night was a warning of things to come, so kids would stay home. All the what ifs weighed me down. Was this really a false alarm? Is it over and all clear or is death and destruction looming? 

Lane is one of the top schools in the city, full of Chicago's best and brightest. My son has 2 AP classes and a course load of junior level subjects, so every day counts and it's tough to catch up if you get behind. While we waited to hear if they'd be cancelling classes, and I scanned the internet trying to get a grip on the situation, my son kept doggedly doing his homework. 

Today, as I dropped my son at school at 7am. I said "I love you. Have a good day." like I always do. But as the flashing blue lights of 2 police cruisers played across his face, even I heard a hint of fear in my voice. I told him how brave I thought he was, and how important it is not to let terror win. Then I watched as my son, with his heavy backpack and familiar hoodie on, disappeared into the building, with lights blazing in every room, and fervently hoped he'd be OK. 

There is no ultimate safety, no airtight guarantee. Things happen in big cities, small towns and suburbs. Mass tragedies and mundane mishaps, lethal accidents and unexpected illnesses happen. Either we hide away and let the fear consume us or we go out and live our lives to the fullest. 

I keep telling myself I do trust in the bomb dogs, cops and firemen to keep the kids and teacher's out of harm's way, and I choose not to live life from a place of fear. So today I sit home and hope no sirens break the silence. I hope for no calls. And I wait.