NINTH OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO, OCTOBER 19-20, 2019 VIA CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER

CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE CENTER ANNOUNCES SPECIAL PROGRAMMING FOR 

NINTH OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO, 

OCTOBER 19-20, 2019

Highlights of FREE Programs Include:
· Open House Chicago’s Family Festival
· Live music performances including the World Premiere of a site-specific composition in partnership with Access Contemporary Music (ACM)
· Guided tours with special behind-the-scenes access
· Theatrical readings, staged presentations, and film/TV screenings

The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) today released the list of special programs for Open House Chicago 2019—now in its ninth year and one of the largest architecture festivals in the world. This free two-day public event, taking place Saturday-Sunday, October 19-20, offers behind-the-scenes access to almost 350 sites in 38 neighborhoods, many rarely open to the public, including repurposed mansions, stunning skyscrapers, opulent theaters, exclusive private clubs, industrial facilities, cutting-edge offices and breathtaking sacred spaces. In addition to free access, Open House Chicago offers activities at various sites all weekend long, including cultural performances, kid-friendly activities, and more.

Family Festival

Open House Chicago will host a free Family Festival on the Pritzker Pavilion stage Saturday-Sunday, October 19-20 from noon to 4:00 p.m. Participants can get an up-close look at the Frank Gehry-designed performance space. Self-guided tours and make-and-take activities are available both days.

Music Performances

Chicago-based chamber music ensemble Access Contemporary Music (ACM) continues its multi-year partnership with Open House Chicago, commissioning music inspired by unique, and uniquely Chicago, spaces. This year, ACM musicians will premiere a work composed specifically for The Forum on 43rd Street on Saturday, October 19 from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Performances will take place every 15 minutes. A sampling of other music presentations includes:
·         Pop-up cabaret performances at Newport Theater on October 19-20 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. both days
·         A 1935 Moller Organ concert featuring selections such as the “Game of Thrones” theme music and the famous Bach Toccata at Carl Schurz High School on October 19-20 at 2:00 p.m. both days;
·         An afternoon of organ music from a variety of styles at Luther Memorial Church on Saturday, October 19 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
·         An organ and electronic bell system performance at St. Mary of the Lake on Saturday, October 19 at 2:30 p.m.
·         Sunday Service with DJ Duane Powell at Stony Island Arts Bank on Sunday, October 20 from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.
·         The Jazz Vespers at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, October 20 at 4:00 p.m.
·         The Spanish-language Los Angelitos Children’s Choir at St. Mary of the Lake on Sunday, October 20 from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

Guided Tours

Guided tour highlights include:
·         Special guided tours of the Convent of St. Anne at the Church of the Ascension on Saturday, October 19 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
·         A Michelin-starred brunch and guided tour of Thalia Hall on Saturday, October 19 at 11:00 a.m. (reservations required)
·         A brewery tour at Eris Brewery & Cider House on October 19-20 at 12:30 p.m. both days
·         A behind-the-scenes tour of LEED sustainability features at the Rotary International World Headquarters Building October 19-20 at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. both days (reservations required)

Readings/Performances/Screenings

Continuing its celebration of the City’s 2019 Year of Chicago Theatre, Open House Chicago includes special theatrical presentations at several sites, including:
·         30-minute lively readings of the classic book Corduroy with Emerald City Theatre at Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Saturday, October 19 at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 2:15 p.m.
·         Blood Line, an acoustic installation and performance that remembers the 1919 Chicago Race Riot and those who died in the uprising of that "red summer,” at Augustana Lutheran Church on Saturday, October 19 at 1:00 p.m. and Sunday, October 20 from noon to 5:00 p.m.
·         A film screening of the documentary The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow at the Stony Island Arts Bank on Saturday, October 19 at 3:00 p.m.
·         The premiere of Chicago-produced TV show “Dearly Departed” about Chicago’s south and west sides at Ingersoll-Blackwelder House on Saturday, October 19 at 6:00 p.m. (RSVP required)

Information about Open House Chicago special programs is available at openhousechicago.org/programs. For a complete list of participating Open House Chicago sites, visit openhousechicago.org/sites. Most Open House Chicago sites are free and do not require a reservation but select Open House Chicago sites require advance registration (usually due to security or capacity constraints) and will not accept drop-in visitors. Participants are encouraged to sign up to receive event e-newsletters and last-minute announcements. Get the latest news and fun facts about Open House Chicago by following the Chicago Architecture Center on Twitter (@chiarchitecture) and Facebook (facebook.com/chiarchitecture).

Become a CAC member at openhousechicago.org/membership to receive a Priority Access Pass, which gives exclusive access to Members Only sites and the ability to skip the lines at busier Open House Chicago sites.

Open House Chicago is a celebration of Chicago’s neighborhoods and communities with some 50+ community partners helping make the event each year. The Open House Chicago Community Partners for the Northwest Side expansion include the Six Corners Association and Northwest Chicago Historical Society.

In 2018, Wintrust became the Presenting Sponsor for Open House Chicago through 2020. Additional support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts, ComEd, TAWANI Foundation, and DCASE (Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events). Open House Chicago partners include Choose Chicago, the Chicago Transit Authority and Open House Worldwide. Media sponsors include Chicago Magazine, the Chicago Tribune and WBEZ 91.5FM/Vocalo.org.

Open House Chicago is part of a worldwide movement of free open house events that began in London in 1992. Today more than 50 cities worldwide hold similar weekend festivals. Open House Chicago is the second largest event of its kind globally.



About the Chicago Architecture Center
The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC), formerly the Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to discover why design matters. As an education leader in architecture and design, The CAC is a hub for everything architecture in Chicago offering tours, programs, exhibitions, field trips, curricula and online tools that are part of a dynamic learning journey for all ages. Proceeds from CAC’s tours and store, as well as grants, sponsorships and donations, support this educational mission. For more information, visit www.architecture.org.

KINDIE LAND: NEW SINGLE FROM MOOZIKA! "MOOSE ON THE LOOSE" OUT OCTOBER 11, 2019

THERE'S A MOOSE ON THE LOOSE IN MANHATTAN!

NEW SINGLE FROM MOOZIKA!

"MOOSE ON THE LOOSE"

SET FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 11, 2019

"His original songs, like 'Moose on the Loose' ... are absurdly invigorating — everyone bops and beams. Everyone." — New York Magazine

"Gleefully existing in its own time zone, this is pretty much like nothing in kids' music that you've heard before." — Midwest Record

"The CD is like a soundtrack for a super fun playgroup music time." 

— 2019 NAPPA Award review

Beloved Brooklyn-based music educator. singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jesse Goldman will release the first single off his 2019 NAPPA Award-winning debut family album Moove to the Moozika! on Friday, October 11.

The single, "Moose on the Loose", is one of the biggest hits from Jesse's acclaimed Moozika! music classes and the shows he performs for kids and families with his Moozika! band.

A goofy city-based adventure song, "Moose on the Loose" is the perfect tune for working the wiggles out. Relatable for city kids and wish-they-were-in-a-city kids alike, "Moose on the Loose" bring wildlife to the urban jungle in an udderly silly way.

Named one of the top three “Absolute Best” kids’ music classes in NYC by New York Magazine, Moozika!’s Spanish - English curriculum is powered by an ethos of expansive love and gentleness that also permeates every playful song on Moove to the Moozika! The album will be released on October 25.

“This album represents a capstone celebration of more than five years of creating vivid musical experiences for the hundreds of children who’ve participated in Moozika! classes and attended Moozika! band shows throughout Brooklyn,” says Jesse Goldman. “I want to see families rocking out to Moove to the Moozika! ‘til the cows come home and then discovering fresh new ways of making each song a living thing. Can they decorate the melodies with their own variations or even create new music inspired by the album? Moove to the Moozika! is an invitation to play!”

Jesse Goldman is passionate about using his skills as a musician, fluent Spanish speaker, music educator, and community organizer to create a more loving world. Counting Bobby McFerrin among his personal mentors, Jesse has long been active in improvised music circles in NYC, where he facilitates workshops for learning to create spontaneous a capella music. He has teamed with acclaimed artists of all stripes, from jazz/hip-hop drummer Makaya McCraven to Grammy-winning musical theater writer Ty Defoe, and his original music has been featured in venues throughout NYC, including the Queens Museum, 54 Below, the Duplex Theater, ShapeShifter Lab, and the Laurie Beechman Theater.

"Moose on the Loose" will be available at Bandcamp on October 11, 2019.

The complete Moove to the Moozika! album will be available at CDBaby, Bandcamp, iTunes, Amazon, and www.Moozika.com on October 25, 2019.

For more information, please visit www.moozika.com.

Moove to the Moozika! Album Release Celebration for Kids & Families!

WHERE: Dekalb Stage, Dekalb Market Hall, 445 Albee Square West, Brooklyn, NY 11201 (Basement Level)

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Saturday, November 2, 2019

ADMISSION: $15 at the door. $10 in advance for adults and children age one and older. $8.75 per person for families of four or more.

ADVANCE TICKETS: Visit Brown Paper Tickets HERE.

INFO: Visit the Dekalb Market Hall website, call 917-670-3618, or email jesse@moozika.com

REVIEW: LUNA Via Filament Theatre Now Playing Through November 3, 2019

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Excellent Family Friendly Theatre

Filament Theatre Presents 

LUNA

By Ramón Esquivel

Directed by Alejandro Tey

Now Playing Through November 3

Sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, October 20th

 Credit for all production photos: Christian Libonati

Guest Review

by kimberly robb baker

When you have no permanent physical home, where does your sense of place come from?

For Soledad, the daughter of migrant farm workers, it comes from her parents and from Luna, the moon, who follows her wherever she goes. As the audience, we too are grounded by the ever-presence of the small nuclear family and the moon as we shift with them in a non-traditional seating arrangement that requires us to relocate so that a new home, school, or workplace can be set up for Soledad and her parents.

Also, audience members become stars who are the moon’s friend and help the story along, even advising Soledad on what to do when she grievously hurts Luna’s feelings, causing her to vanish from the sky.

We liked that farm workers were portrayed in the context of their personal lives. They were humanized and we were reminded that there are people who travel constantly and work very hard so that we can stay at home and enjoy all kinds of fruits and vegetables.

We also liked that the play was bilingual, in both English and Spanish.

Most of all, we liked learning that the needs of children are just as important as the needs of adults and that “Taking risks is hard to do, but taking risks builds courage too.”

While the younger children in the audience were active and enthusiastic participants, the 11-year-old and adults in our party found we had learned a lot and had the foundation for some good post-show discussions.

Our family was enchanted with this—more than a play—this experience. Yours will be too.



*Note: The role of Soledad usually played by Aissa Guerra was performed by Samantha Nieves at the press opening we saw.

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.

Filament Theatre brings to the stage Ramón Esquivel’s Luna directed by Filament Resident Artist Alejandro Tey, playing September 21 - November 3 at Filament Theatre, 4041 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago. This story about the daughter of migrant farm workers was developed in collaboration with elementary children in Mattawa, WA, a town predominantly populated by migrant farmers. Filament’s interactive and embracing style will welcome young people and families on a journey toward friendship and belonging. Tickets are currently available at www.filamenttheatre.org/luna. 

Luna tells the hopeful story of Soledad, a young girl who dances with the stars and sings with the moon. Her family follows the crops and with every move comes a new school and the struggle to make new friends. The imaginative Soledad finds solace in her constant companion, Luna — the moon. On her search for human friendship Soledad must challenge the world she knows and discover that “Taking risks is hard to do, but taking risks builds courage too.”

In an artistic statement, playwright Ramón Esquivel wrote, “My stories are about the search for belonging. They are about vulnerability. Most of all, my stories are about conflict between people who love each other. I hope my stories inspire empathy, connection, and wisdom—and that they make audiences laugh along the way.” 

The cast of Filament Theatre’s Luna (top, l to r):Jean Claudio, Aissa Guerra, Deanalís Resto (bottom, l to r): Gaby FeBland, Mateo Hernandez, Raquel Torre

Luna features Filament Resident Artist Aissa Guerra with Jean Claudio, Gaby FeBland, Mateo Hernandez, Deanalís Resto, and Raquel Torre. Understudies include Elizabeth Nungaray and Isaura Flores.

The production team for Luna includes direction by Alejandro Tey, set design by Amy Gilman, costume design by Stephanie Taylor, sound design by Sarah Espinoza, lighting design by Ellie Humphrys, and stage management by Natalie Cohen. Produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company, Inc., Woodstock, Illinois. Luna is supported in part by production sponsors Lyons Family Eye Care and Dr. Dominick and Sylvia Maino and preview sponsor the Stephanie Cutter Group. 

For more information visit www.filamenttheatre.org/luna

Accessible Performances: 
Filament Theatre offers a sensory-friendly performance of Luna on Sunday, October 20th @ 10am. This performance is reserved specifically for families who have at least one member with special needs. Tickets are now available.

Location: Filament Theatre, 4041 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60641

Dates: 
Previews: Saturday, Sept 21 @ 2:30; Sunday, Sept 22 @ 1pm; Saturday, Sept 28 @ 11am

Press performances: Saturday, Sept 28 @ 2:30pm; Sunday, Sept 29 @ 1pm

Regular run: Sept 28 - November 3

Curtain Times: Saturday @ 11am & 2:30pm; Sunday @ 1pm.

Ticket Prices: Previews: $16. Regular run $16 for children, $19.50 for adults, $18 for seniors. All ticket fees included in price. Tickets are available at www.filamenttheatre.org/luna. For questions call the Filament office at (773) 270-1660.

About the Artists:
Ramón Esquivel (Playwright) is a writer and educator based in Seattle. His plays have been produced in New York City; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle and elsewhere in North America. His play The Shahrazad Society won the 2014 Aurand Harris Memorial Playwriting Award from the New England Theatre Conference. Three works, Nasty, Nocturnal and Luna, are published through Dramatic Publishing. Nocturnal is also part of New Visions/New Voices: 25 Years/25 Plays, an anthology commemorating the Kennedy Center festival, and Luna is featured in the upcoming Palabras del Cielo: An Exploration of Latin@ Theatre for Young Audiences. He has degrees in history from Yale University, educational theatre from New York University and creative writing from the University of British Columbia.



About Filament Theatre:

Filament Theatre creates immersive and site-specific theatre that inspires, empowers, and activates young people and their communities. Filament envisions a future in which the leaders of tomorrow approach others with radical empathy, serving as ambassadors for their communities and stewards of the Earth. 

The company’s staff is comprised of Julie Ritchey (Artistic Director) and Christian Libonati (Managing Director).

Filament Theatre’s full season of programs is supported in part by the Alphawood Foundation, the Chicago Community Trust, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the Saints, and Wintrust Community Banks. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.

For additional information visit www.filamenttheatre.org 

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Goes Trick or Treating Now Playing Through November 3, 2019 at the Neo-Futurist Theater

Barrel of Monkeys Presents

THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: 

Goes Trick or Treating

Directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd

October 6 – November 3, 2019 at the Neo-Futurist Theater

 

Barrel of Monkeys company members perform THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA. 

All Photos by Evan Hanover.

An Original Sketch Show that is Written by Kids, 

Performed by Grownups, and Enjoyed by Humans

BOM is a long time fav of ours here at ChiIL Mama. Their sketches are a hoot and a half, full of the unbridled creativity of kids, brought to the stage unedited, and honed into a full on production by adult actors.

Barrel of Monkeys is pleased to launch its 2019-20 season with a spooky twist: THAT’S WEIRD GRANDMA: Goes Trick or Treating, directed by Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd, playing Sundays at 3 pm from October 6 – November 3, 2019 at the Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140. 

Stories about ghosts, haunted orphanages and spooky horrors imagined by Chicago elementary school students will be sure to get audiences in the Halloween mood!

The cast includes Barrel of Monkeys Company Members Elisa Carlson, Lindsey Dorcus, Linsey Falls, Barry Irving, Nic Park, Bradford Stevens, Rawson Vint and Rachel Wilson.

Now in its 18th year, THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA features adaptations of stories written during Barrel of Monkeys’ creative writing residencies in Chicago elementary schools. BOM’s ensemble of professional actors, comedians and musicians bring the young authors’ stories to life as raucous sketches, songs and movement pieces, performing first for students in their schools and then for the public. These stories – from hilarious dialogues between unlikely characters to poignant pleas for social change – resonate with adults while celebrating the imaginations of young people. Every week brings a new line-up of stories, and BOM invites audiences to vote on their favorites at each performance.



PRODUCTION DETAILS:

Title: THAT’S WEIRD, GRANDMA: Goes Trick or Treating
Written by: Chicago Elementary School Students
Adapted for the stage by: Barrel of Monkeys Company Members
Directors: Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd
Cast: Barrel of Monkeys Company Members Elisa Carlson, Lindsey Dorcus, Linsey Falls, Barry Irving, Nic Park, Bradford Stevens, Rawson Vint and Rachel Wilson.

Location: Neo-Futurist Theater, 5153 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago
Dates: Preview: Sunday, October 6 at 3 pm
Press performance: Sunday, October 13 at 3 pm
Regular run: Sunday, October 20 – Sunday, November 3, 2019
Curtain Times: Sundays at 3 pm
Tickets: Previews: $10 for adults, $5 children 12 and under, $8 groups of 10 or more. Regular run: $20 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under. Discounts: $12 for students with ID, seniors, veterans and groups of 10 or more people. Teen Arts Pass (TAP) members: $5 with ID. Tickets are currently available at www.barrelofmonkeys.org or by calling (773) 506-7140.




About the Director
Brandon Cloyd joined Barrel of Monkeys in 2007 and has been deeply involved in many facets of the company ever since. Prior to joining BOM, Brandon graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and a minor in Business Institutions. Within BOM, Brandon has served as an actor, teaching artist, lead teacher, a member of Teacher Corps, as well as directing shows for schools and public performances of That's Weird, Grandma. Before becoming the company’s Artistic Director in September 2017, Brandon served as BOM After-School Program Coordinator at Loyola Park from 2014-2016 and Program Director from 2016-2017. Outside of Barrel of Monkeys, he worked as the Associate Director of Camp Echo, where he has spent 13 summers managing campers and staff at a co-ed sleep away camp in Upstate New York. Brandon has worked with other theatre companies including Urban Theatre Company, American Theater Company, Filament Theatre, InGen Productions, ACLE's Teatrino in Italy and Purple Crayon Players at Northwestern University. Brandon recently joined the Board of Directors for the League of Chicago Theatres.

About Barrel of Monkeys

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students' writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities.

Barrel of Monkeys is sponsored in part by Wintrust Financial, Allscripts, Inc., Ernst and Young and Punchkick Interactive. It receives generous support from the Illinois Arts Council Agency; the National Endowment for the Arts; a CityArts Grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; the Chicago Community Trust; Crown Family Philanthropies; Alphawood Foundation of Chicago; the Maurice R. and Meta G. Gross Foundation; Polk Bros Foundation; the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation; the Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc.; The Saints; The Topfer Family Foundation, and many other generous individuals and foundations. 

ARTS IN THE DARK 2019 HALLOWEEN PARADE RETURNS Saturday, Oct. 19, 6 PM – 8 PM

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ARTS IN THE DARK 

2019 HALLOWEEN PARADE

SALUTES “YEAR OF CHICAGO THEATRE”

EXTRAORDINARY NIGHTTIME PROCESSION WILL ILLUMINATE STATE STREET WITH COSTUMES, SPECTACLE, MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE

           

Saturday, Oct. 19, 6 PM – 8 PM

LUMA8, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), is pleased to announce the fifth annual Arts in the Dark, a festive and magical nighttime Halloween parade along State St. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, showcasing the creativity of Chicago’s diverse cultural community and celebrating Halloween as the “artist’s holiday.”

The event is produced by LUMA8 (Light Up My Arts), a nonprofit dedicated to elevating Chicago as a focal point of artistic innovation to enrich the lives of its citizens and create economic impact. Sharene Shariatzadeh, President and CEO of the nonprofit, is delighted that the parade has been embraced by the city and that, thanks to support from the Chicago Loop Alliance, it will spend another year in its new home on historic State Street.

“It is a true honor to produce a parade that shines a light on Chicago’s magnificent cultural community,” Shariatzadeh says.  “The parade participants outdo themselves each year, bringing a new level of creativity and spectacle to what is becoming an iconic Chicago event.”

Arts in the Dark will begin marching on State St. at dusk, traveling south from Lake St. to Van Buren St. This year’s procession will bring together more than 80 contingents ranging from world-renowned organizations like The Joffrey Ballet and Lookingglass Theatre, to important programs such as After School Matters and aspiring artists in every field.

The vision for Arts in the Dark was created by founding artistic director, Mark Kelly, now Chicago's Commissioner of DCASE.  This year, the parade will open with a float celebrating the “Year of Chicago Theatre” which will be followed by 14 Chicago-based theater companies commissioned by LUMA8, thanks to a grant from DCASE. Recipients include: About Face Theatre, Auditorium Theatre, Black Ensemble Theater, Broadway In Chicago, COLLABORACTION, Chicago Children's Theatre, Chicago Fringe Opera, CircEsteem, Dream Big Education, Jabberwocky Marionettes, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Opera-Matic, 16th Street Theater and Synapse Arts. 

The “Year of Chicago Theatre” was celebrated by LUMA8 throughout the season in a series of lantern processions on the Riverwalk honoring Broadway In Chicago, CircEsteem, Collaboraction, and Dream Big Education. The processions were created in partnership with DCASE as part of the “Second Tuesdays on the Riverwalk” program and received support from Millennium Garages.   

LUMA8 presents Arts in the Dark in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Chicago Park District. The Chicago Loop Alliance is a Major Sponsor of the 2019 parade.

Other partners/sponsors include: Blue Plate Catering, Broadway In Chicago, Chicago Athletic Hotel Association, Chicago Blackhawks, Choose Chicago, CineCares, Flirt Communications, Harris Theater for Music and Dance,Macy’s, Mesirow Financial, PRP Wine International and Revolution Brewing.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.ArtsintheDark.org.

About LUMA8

LUMA8 (Light Up My Arts) is an independent not-for-profit dedicated to creating conversations about Chicago that are heard around the world. This is achieved through unique cultural events and experiences, often using light and scale as tools, and by developing innovative ways to amplify the effect of existing arts initiatives. It coordinates the work of public agencies, arts organizations and artists to elevate the cultural life of the city, attract visitors, and ultimately generate economic impact.

About the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is dedicated to enriching Chicago’s artistic vitality and cultural vibrancy. This includes fostering the development of Chicago’s non-profit arts sector, independent working artists and for-profit arts businesses; providing a framework to guide the City’s future cultural and economic growth, via the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan; marketing the City’s cultural assets to a worldwide audience; and presenting high-quality, free and affordable cultural programs for residents and visitors.

About the Chicago Park District

The Chicago Park District is the 2014 Gold Medal Award winner, recognized for excellence in park and recreation management across the nation. For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 8,700 acres of parkland, more than 600 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 11 museums, two world-class conservatories, 15 cultural centers, 16 historic lagoons, nearly 50 nature areas, thousands of special events, sports and entertaining programs, please visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or contact the Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY). Want to share your talent? Volunteer in the parks by calling, 312/742.PLAY.

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF BRAND-NEW CIRQUE DU SOLEIL HOLIDAY THEATRICAL ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE… TO PLAY CHICAGO THEATRE NOVEMBER 29 THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2019

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CIRQUE DU SOLEIL AND THE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN COMPANY PRESENT

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF THE BRAND-NEW HOLIDAY THEATRICAL

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…

This All-New Family Theatrical Will Make Its Debut At The Chicago Theatre This Holiday Season

THE LIMITED HOLIDAY ENGAGEMENT RUNS FROM

NOVEMBER 29 THROUGH DECEMBER 8, 2019

Tickets On-Sale Now

Cirque du Soleil and The Madison Square Garden Company (NYSE: MSG) are pleased to announce that an all-new, family theatrical production, ‘Twas the Night Before… will make its debut at The Chicago Theatre this holiday season. ‘Twas the Night Before… is an exhilarating new spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil can imagine. This vibrant acrobatic spectacle about the joy of sharing and friendship promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of children and adults alike. The production will run at The Chicago Theatre from November 29 through December 8, 2019 for 17 performances. Tickets are on-sale now.



“We are thrilled to return to Chicago with our very first production celebrating the holiday season, with a unique take on a Christmas classic. ‘Twas the Night Before… is a show created to entertain the whole family, as well as the perfect opportunity for parents to introduce the world of Cirque du Soleil to their children for the first time.” said Yasmine Khalil, Cirque du Soleil Chief Executive Producer.



“At MSG, we’re committed to bringing our audiences the very best and most captivating entertainment available anywhere in the world,” said Darren Pfeffer, executive vice president, MSG Live, The Madison Square Garden Company.  “We are thrilled to be partnering with Cirque du Soleil – another name in world-class entertainment – on this one-of-a-kind production, which we know will not only provide a unique celebration of the season, but also inspire another generation to appreciate the creativity, athleticism and artistry of Cirque du Soleil.”



‘Twas the Night Before..., Cirque du Soleil’s first-ever Christmas show, is a flurry of love, Christmas cheer, rip-roaring fun and hugely lovable characters that will become a new tradition for families to cherish. The production follows the journey of Isabella, a young girl who’s become jaded by all the hoopla surrounding Christmas. Join her as she is suddenly whisked away to an upside-down, inside-out world where she will meet characters straight out of the classic poem. Will Isabella’s dazzling adventures reignite her holiday spirit in time for Santa's arrival? Expect the unexpected through this all new production and find out what happened before Santa dropped in.



For more information and tickets to ‘Twas the Night Before… at The Chicago Theatre, visit chicagotheatre.com/cirque or call Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000 or the Ticketmaster Box Office at The Chicago Theatre. Box Office hours are Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Service charges apply to telephone, internet and box office pick-up orders. Accessible and companion seats are available via the Disabled Services Department at 888-609-7599.



About Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group
‘Twas the Night Before… is the 49th original production of Cirque du Soleil, part of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group.Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. On top of producing world-renowned circus arts shows, the Canadian organization brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, theme parks and special events. It currently has 4,500 employees from nearly 70 countries. Going beyond its various creations, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group aims to make a positive impact on people, communities and the planet with its most important tools: creativity and art. For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit CDSentertainmentgroup.com.


About The Madison Square Garden Company
The Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) is a world leader in live sports and entertainment experiences.  The company presents or hosts a broad array of premier events in its diverse collection of iconic venues: New York’s Madison Square Garden, Hulu Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Beacon Theatre; the Forum in Inglewood, CA; and The Chicago Theatre.  Other MSG properties include legendary sports franchises: the New York Knicks (NBA) and the New York Rangers (NHL); two development league teams –  the Westchester Knicks (NBAGL) and the Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL); and esports teams through Counter Logic Gaming, a leading North American esports organization, and Knicks Gaming, MSG’s NBA 2K League franchise.  In addition, the Company features the popular original production – the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes – and through Boston Calling Events, produces New England’s preeminent Boston Calling Music Festival.  Also under the MSG umbrella is TAO Group, a world-class hospitality group with globally-recognized entertainment dining and nightlife brands: Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Avenue, Beauty & Essex and Vandal.  More information is available at www.themadisonsquaregardencompany.com

SEASON ANNOUNCED: Marriott Theatre's 45 Season To Feature Favorites From Grease To The Sound of Music

ChiIL Live Shows on our radar

CELEBRATING 45 MAGNIFICENT YEARS, MARRIOTT THEATRE IS PROUD TO PRESENT ITS 2020 SEASON

Save the dates: 

The Marriott Theatre, Chicagoland’s longest-running professional musical theater located at 10 Marriott Drive Lincolnshire, IL, is thrilled to announce its 2020 blockbuster season.

The Marriott Theatre’s 2020 Subscription Series features favorites GREASE (starts January 15); KISS ME, KATE (starts March 25); THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND (starts May 27); WEST SIDE STORY (starts August 12); and THE SOUND OF MUSIC (starts October 28). 

Marriott Theatre’s 2020 Subscription Series

GREASE – Previews January 15, 2020
Directed by Scott Weinstein
Choreographed by Kenny Ingram
It’s the energetic and electric musical comedy tribute to the age of rock-n-roll. Join in the fun of the hilarious antics of Rydell High’s class of ‘59 and rock to songs like “Summer Lovin’,” “Beauty School Dropout” and “Greased Lightning.” Come back with us to a time when having a malted made everything so much better.

KISS ME, KATE – Previews March 25, 2020
Directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller
Choreographed by Alex Sanchez
Passions run high as leading lady Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband, actor/director Fred Graham, battle onstage and off in a production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. With romance, comedy, sophistication, and behind-the-scenes hijinks, KISS ME, KATE combines the irreverent humor of two brilliant writers: Cole Porter and William Shakespeare. Musical numbers include “Another Op’nin, Another Show,” “So In Love,” “Wunderbar,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”

THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND – Previews May 27, 2020
Directed and Choreographed by Marcia Milgrom Dodge
Cabaret! Chicago! Kiss of the Spider Woman! New York, New York! Zorba! Funny Lady! THE WORLD GOES ‘ROUND is a stunning celebration of the songbook from the multi-Tony award-winning team of John Kander and Fred Ebb. An all-star cast find themselves careening through the world of love, babies and coffee. The nonstop hit-parade features unforgettable gems, including “Mr. Cellophane,” “Maybe This Time,” “Cabaret” and “New York, New York,” seamlessly interwoven into a passionate, harmonious, up-tempo evening of musical theatre.

WEST SIDE STORY – Previews August 12, 2020
Choreographed by Alex Sanchez
Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City as two young, idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the Jets and the Sharks, in this landmark Broadway musical. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of today’s time. From the first notes to the final breath, WEST SIDE STORY is as powerful, poignant and timely as ever.

THE SOUND OF MUSIC – Previews October 28, 2020
Directed by Nick Bowling
The final collaboration between Rodgers & Hammerstein was destined to become the world’s most beloved musical.  This Holiday Season join the family Von Trapp in the true-life telling of one of history’s most thrilling and inspirational stories. Featuring the Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss” and the title song.

Additionally, Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences presents:
THE PRINCESS & THE PEA (February 7-April 19)
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” (June 12-July 26)
THE WIZARD OF OZ (November 11-December 27)

For more information on how to subscribe to The Marriott Theatre’s 2020 Season, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic at Rosemont Theatre Friday, Oct. 11th Through Sunday, Oct. 13th, 2019

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Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic

Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is bringing its exciting magical adventure to the Rosemont Theatre. Everyone’s invited on an amazing journey with beloved Elmo to discover the “power of yet”. 

The 3-day extravaganza will open on Friday, Oct. 11 and run through Sunday, Oct. 13 with 8 lively performances.

Along with pals Big Bird, Abby Cadabby, Cookie Monster and more, Elmo embarks on an extraordinary journey, learning it’s ok to make mistakes and that magic can be found anywhere when you believe in yourself and the power of what’s yet to be. With high-energy dance numbers and a soundtrack that’s sure to get everyone out of their seats, Sesame Street Live! Make Your Magic is an inspirational introduction to live theater and the art of illusion that the entire family will enjoy.  

Get your tickets today, starting at just $15!