GIVEAWAY: WIN 2 Tickets ($90 Value/3 Winners) To The World Premiere Holiday Musical THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS November 27 – December 29, 2019

CPA Theatricals, Inc and LCG Entertainment, LLC, in collaboration with Greenhouse Theater Center Present

World Premiere Holiday Musical 

THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS  

playing November 27 – December 29

**Use discount code MAMA57 for 20% off of tickets**

**Recommended for ages 10+**

In the plethora of holiday theatrical offerings, most are either family friendly fare that skew young or adult humor. There's a lack of offerings for tweens and teens as well as strong, female leads, so we're excited to partner up with Greenhouse Theatre to introduce our readers to THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS. This female-driven show is a completely original 90-minute musical about a brilliant young woman just out of high school and her quest to save Christmas. I'll be out for the press opening, December 7th, so check back shortly after for my full review. In the meantime, 3 of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will win pairs of tickets (Up to $90 Value), good for any production of THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS at Chicago's Greenhouse Theater through December 29th.

Enter below for your chance to WIN 

through midnight Sunday, 
November 24th.

2 Tickets ($90 Value/3 Winners) 

THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS is a brand new holiday musical featuring Grace.  Grace is a young woman, stuck working in her family’s Sheboygan, WI, toy store three days before Christmas.  She is desperate to leave and do something important in her life.  Suddenly, she is summoned to the LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS where Cassiopeia – the Queen of the Northern Sky – tells her that Santa has been kidnapped by his evil sister Charlotta!  It’s up to Grace and her rag-tag group of forgotten, broken toys to rescue Santa and save Christmas!


This female driven show features women writers and strong three-dimensional female characters including Grace, her sidekick Nikki and of course – Charlotta.  Click HERE to listen to Charlotta’s villain song.

A diverse cast, including 6 children rotating in 4 roles, stunning visuals and a touching story that reminds us that: 

Sometimes a great adventure leads you back home.

Larry Little, lead producer and creator of the story and characters, says, “Finally, children have a new classic Christmas fantasy musical!  I’ve had girl scout leaders come up to me and say – every girl needs to see this story!”

He continues “I see Grace as a female version of Luke Skywalker!  Driven, determined to make a difference in the world, but feeling stuck and unsure about her path forward.  It is her passion in asking for guidance that she is transported to the LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS.”

Every child needs to know that they can be anything and do anything they want – it takes commitment, passion and a powerful dream!

**Use discount code MAMA57 for 20% off of tickets**

Nov 27 – Dec 29.  Th, Fr, Sat at 7:30pm, Sat and Sun at 2pm. Greenhouse Theater Center. Individual tickets, priced at $45.00, are on sale now at www.greenhousetheater.org or by phone at 773-404-7336. Group Tickets, priced at $39 ($25 for student groups over 11 years old), are available at https://www.grouptheatertix.com/. For more information visit www.landofforgottentoystthemusical.com

ABOUT CPA THEATRICALS

CPA Theatricals, Inc. – Creative Productions And Theatricals – is a 501-C-3 non-profit corporation.  Its mission is the development of new musical theatre productions for the benefit of underserved populations.  In recent years, its primary focus has been to serve female audiences and performers, through the development of musicals incorporating strong female leads.  Its first major project with this focus was the musical 57th NATIONAL MATHLETE SUM-IT, which premiered Off Broadway at the New York Musical Festival and was subsequently licensed for international distribution to high school, college, and community theaters by Theatrical Rights Worldwide.  Current projects include THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS, intended for the commercial market, and GIRLHOOD, intended for performance in middle schools and high schools.

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN 

2 Tickets ($90 Value/3 Winners) 

To The World Premiere Holiday Musical 

THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS 

Winners' choice of dates November 27 – December 29, 2019

Enter through midnight Sunday, November 24th.

ENTER HERE

Disclosure: It's our pleasure to partner up with THE LAND OF FORGOTTEN TOYS on a ticket giveaway for our readers. They have provided complimentary tickets. As always, all opinions are my own.

EMERALD CITY THEATRE’S CORDUROY AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE THEATRE THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2020

EMERALD CITY THEATRE’S 

CORDUROY 

AT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S BROADWAY PLAYHOUSE THEATRE

THROUGH JANUARY 5, 2020

CORDUROY will play Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse Theatre (175 E Chestnut) for a limited engagement from November 9, 2019 to January 5, 2020.

In this sweet adaptation of Don Freeman’s classic book, a small bear’s quest for a missing button leads to the friendship of a lifetime. After the lights are dimmed and the doors locked, the department store comes to life with circus elements and physical comedy. It’s up to Corduroy to outsmart the Night Watchman as he waits for his new pal Lisa to return with her mother. Along with exciting scenes of clowning and mischief, the story teaches the importance of empathy and unconditional love. Tailored for young imaginations, this playful adventure will delight ages three and up!



The play CORDUROY was adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser and is based on the Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy books by Don Freeman. Jamal Howard, the Artistic Associate at Emerald City Theatre will direct the production.  CORDUROY is produced by special arrangement with Plays for Young Audiences. The show is licensed by CBS Consumer Products.

ABOUT EMERALD CITY THEATRE
Emerald City Theatre (ECT) is Chicago’s largest theater for young audiences, reaching children 0 – 15-years-old through its three pillars of work: artistic, education, and outreach. Serving an average of over 60,000 children and their grown-ups annually, the company has created over 100 productions in Lakeview, Lincoln Park, and Downtown Chicago.

ECT also builds skills in children through its yearly camps, classes, and residencies – the largest theater arts education program in Chicago, serving over 64,000 students to date and an average of 200 schools annually.

ECT’s signature outreach program, One Fund supports increased literacy among Chicago’s children by providing a free play and free companion book to low-resourced Chicago Public Schools students. In 2018, ECT provided 95,000 free books to CPS students in Kindergarten – 3rd grade as part of a partnership with Mary Pope Osborne, author of the Magic Tree House book series.

ECT's lead supporters include ECT's lead supporters include the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, KPMG, Illinois Arts Council, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events.

For more information, please visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com. Follow @EmeraldCityThtr on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Tuesdays: December 31 at 10AM 
Wednesdays: November 13 at 10:30AM & November 27 at 10AM
Thursdays: November 14, December 12, 19 at 10:30AM & December 26, January 2 at 10AM
Fridays: November 15, December 13, 20 at 10:30AM & November 29, December 27, January 3 at 10AM
Saturdays at 10AM
Sundays at 10AM
With an additional performance on Monday, December 23 at 10AM.

TICKET INFORMATION
Individual tickets for CORDUROY range in price from $17.50 - $25.  Individual tickets will be available by calling the Broadway In Chicago Ticketline at (800) 775-2000 or by visiting www.BroadwayInChicago.com. Tickets are available now for groups 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. 

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country.  A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre. 

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago.

Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre.

GIVEAWAY: WIN a $50 Fandango Card To Frozen 2 and a Zak Prize Pack

ChiILin' in Chi, IL with Zak! Tumblers, 

Morton Arboretum Trolls & Fond Memories of Disney On Ice Presents Frozen! 

Disclosure: I have been given the tumblers pictured above and a chance to win the Zak Frozen 2 Prize Pack, in exchange for entering a photo and sharing this giveaway with my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.

WIN a Frozen 2 prize package from Zak that includes:

• $50 Fandango gift card to use to take your family to go see Frozen 2 in theaters on November 22nd
• 15oz Kelso Tumbler with straw
• 15.5oz Stainless Steel Palouse Water Bottle
• Special Edition Shaped Plate
• Special Edition Bowl
• EZ Grip Flatware
• 25oz Kiona Water Bottle
• Ceramic Color Change Coffee Mug

ChiIL Mama and one of our lucky followers could WIN! If my photo gets the most likes, Zak will randomly select the name of one person who casts a vote for my photo and send us both an identical Frozen 2 prize package! 


Where Will the Magic of Frozen 2 Take You? 

Voting is open to all; the Magic of Frozen Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is available in the continental US and District of Columbia only. The Sweepstakes begins at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (“PT”) on November 4, 2019 and ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on November 7, 2019 (the “Sweepstakes Period”). The winners will be announced on November 9.
See Contest Rules: https://bit.ly/2q9u82G

November 7 – Contest and voting ends
November 9 – Winners Announced!


With offices across the globe, Zak stays at the forefront of emerging color, design, and licensing trends from around the world. By incorporating those styles into modern and innovative tabletop and beverageware collections, Zak continues to be recognized as a global authority on trend-focused housewares. More information is available at www.zak.com.

Click here and vote for my collage photo on the Zak Facebook page through November 7th  for your chance to WIN a Frozen 2 prize package!

Vote for ChiIL Mama's entry by CLICKING HERE AND CLICKING LIKE on my photo on the Zak Designs page. Both of us could be the lucky winners of a Frozen 2 prize pack!

We love ChiILin' in Chi, IL with Zak Designs Frozen II tumblers! We took ours out to "Troll Hunt" at the Morton Arboretum: Giant wooden sculptures by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. I shot the other collage photos at Disney's Frozen on Ice. 

💙💙💙💙 Thanks for voting!

Pictured above center:  Zak Designs 4 new Frozen 2 tumblers including:

Elsa Funtastic Tumbler

Anna Funtastic Tumbler

Frozen 2 Treasure Tumbler

Frozen 2 Design-A-Tumbler

Disclosure: I have been given the tumblers pictured above and a chance to win the Zak Frozen 2 Prize Pack, in exchange for entering a photo and sharing this giveaway with my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.

TOP WEEKEND PICKS: Facets' 36th Chicago International Children's Film Festival November 1 - 10, 2019

Full schedule for the 

36th Annual 

Chicago International Children's Film Festival, November 1 - 10, 2019

Facets’ 36th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival will present an Official Selection of 248 films from 49 countries from November 1 – 10, 2019 at Facets, Music Box Theatre, Davis Theater, University of Chicago: Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, and Alliance Française de Chicago. Festival passes are available for audience members who want to experience multiple Festival screenings: the Family Pass ($75.00) provides twenty tickets redeemable at any general public Festival screening and the All-Access Pass ($350.00) admits one to all general public screenings. Individual tickets for each general public program can also be purchased (kids $6.00, adults $10.00, Facets Members $5.00) and field trips tickets are available for schools and teachers ($6.00 per student for groups over 25 and $7.00 per student for groups under 25).

Congrats to Silvia R and Maggie M, 

ChiIL Mama's winners of 20 Tickets each ($75 Value) 

to any films showing at 

The Chicago International 

Children's Film Festival 

Browse the full schedule for general public and field trip programs, and buy passes and tickets today at https://festival.facets.org.

Kids, teens, families, and educators come together at Facets’ 36th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival to experience the best, most innovative film and educational experiences for kids and teens from around the world.

The Festival’s Official Selection presents films that are breathtaking in their beauty, skill, and innovation. But more importantly, Festival films give kids and teens the opportunity to engage with empathy-driven, noncommercial media that speaks directly to their experiences. 

Festival Director, Ann Vikstrom, says: “Our 36th season follows the eyes, ears, hearts, and minds of young people and leads the way for thought-provoking media as well as fun film frolics for every age range. This season, the trend continues and deepens for subjects such as immigration and global citizenship; programs for girl empowerment and gender (queer) identity; and programs on responsible media use and sourcing.” 

She goes on to say: “Culturally-based shows are a signature for the Festival, with intergenerational shorts programs based on heritage and family. As an Academy-qualifying festival, our live-action shorts programs are stand-outs, and we have more animated shorts than all other youth festival world-wide. With 248 films from 49 countries, including 15 features and 50 shorts programs, the 36th season is ready to go!” 

This year, the Festival continues its commitment to education. In a time when anyone with a smartphone can view, create, and talk about film, the Festival has a unique opportunity to help educate kids and teens about how media impacts their world. The cornerstone of the education programs are the Festival field trip screenings, which provide stimulating pre- and post-screening discussions led by visiting filmmakers and Facets expert media instructors. Schools and teachers can choose from 50 field trip programs that offer grade-appropriate films and focus on important contemporary issues, like international perspectives, immigrant experiences, and STEM. The Festival will also present filmmaking workshops, which will be announced at a later time.

Film is often understood as a portal to a new world. For the 36th year in a row, Facets’ Chicago International Children’s Film Festival is excited to embrace this idea and take it a step further: At the Festival, audiences will be inspired to actively engage with film, not simply as entertainment, but as an exploratory tool that can bridge cultural divides, promote 21st century media literacy skills, and expand perspectives through empathy-driven storytelling.

Facets' 36th Annual Chicago International Children’s Film Festival: Since 1983, the Festival has set an internationally-recognized standard of excellence in film for children and youth through film screenings and educational experiences. The 36th annual Festival presents an official selection of 248 films from 49 countries from November 1 - 10, 2019, along with school field trips and education programs. The full schedule, passes, and tickets are available at https://festival.facets.org

The Festival is presented by Facets, a nonprofit that connects people to independent ideas through transformative film experiences. Learn more at Facets.org.

GIVEAWAY: WIN a Family 4 Pack of Tickets (Up To $80 Value) to Lyric Opera for Kids: EARTH TO KENZIE

ChiIL Mama’s Chi, IL Picks List

EARTH TO KENZIE 

Via Lyric Opera at Vittum Theater

**Perfect for families with children ages 7-12**

ENTER BELOW 

 For Your Chance To WIN A 

Family 4 Pack of Tickets (Up To $80 Value) 

to Lyric Opera for Kids: EARTH TO KENZIE

Winners Choice of November 9 at 1pm and 3pm and November 10 at 3pm at Vittum Theater 

Enter through midnight November 4th.

Earth to Kenzie tells the story of a 5th grader named Kenzie who has just been forced to move to a family shelter with her mother. She escapes the uncertainty in her life through the world of video games and with her avatar, Edwin. Through her wild adventures with Edwin, she realizes that home is not a place, but rather wherever she is with her mother and the ones she loves. The show features dynamic & video game-like music, a transforming set, and a fantastic cast of four talented artists.

If you had encountered opera at an early age, even as young as 7 years old, what difference would that exposure have made in your life? Lyric Opera of Chicago has been providing innovative educational and artistic programming for youth across the Chicago area for many years, reaching an average of 33,000 students each season. With the start of our new season comes a new wave of young operagoers that we’re eager to introduce to the art form.

Lyric will present its fourth original children’s opera – Earth to Kenzie – this fall. A co-commission with Seattle Opera, Earth to Kenzie was composed by Frances Pollock with a libretto by Jessica Murphy Moo. When 5th grader Kenzie and her mother have to move into a family shelter, Kenzie finds refuge in the world of video games alongside her avatar, Edwin. Through their imaginary space adventures, Kenzie discovers that home is not always a place, but rather wherever she is with the ones she loves.

Lyric's educational partner for Earth to Kenzie is Codeverse, the world's first fully interactive coding studio and development platform for kids ages 6-13. With Codeverse’s help, students will gain a better understanding of the technology that goes into games like the one Kenzie plays in the opera. 


There are a few ways that students and the public can watch this engaging new opera in the coming weeks:
Public performances, perfect for families with children ages 7-12, will take place on November 9 at 1pm and 3pm and November 10 at 3pm at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble St. in Chicago's Noble Square neighborhood. Tickets begin at just $10 for kids/$20 for adults. Click here for more information and to book your tickets. 

*Opera in the Neighborhoods Shows May Be CANCELLED until The Chicago Teachers' Strike is resolved: 
Due to the Chicago Teachers Union work stoppage, performances of Earth to Kenzie scheduled at CPS venues may need to be cancelled. Please monitor this webpage for the most current information: lyricopera.org/OIN.

Performances Via Lyric's longtime Opera in the Neighborhoods program, Earth to Kenzie will be presented at 15 different venues across Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Educators can bring their students to one of two performances, 10am or 12pm at each venue free of cost, and are given curriculum resources ahead of time to introduce their students to opera. Students who attend will also receive access to free online resources through Codeverse. For more information, please visit lyricopera.org/OIN.

Earth to Kenzie touches on a lot of relevant themes for young people – overcoming personal challenges by facing fears; being proud of who you are; and the idea that home is not always a place. The Chicago Tribune recently published a startling article with data from the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless revealing that in the 2018/19 school year, 16,450 Chicago Public School students did not have a permanent home. As stated in the article, “Most were in temporary living situations, meaning they stayed in shelters, motels, cars or, in about 90% of the cases, 'doubled up' with others. Doubling up doesn’t generally meet the federal government’s definition of homelessness, so people in those situations don’t qualify for federal programs for those without homes.” You can also hear more about Chicago Coalition for the Homeless’s data and the story of child home security in Chicago through this WBEZ interview on Morning Shift.

Like far too many students living in Chicago, Kenzie and her mother receive an eviction notice and are forced to move out and find temporary housing in a family shelter. Through Earth to Kenzie, Lyric Opera of Chicago and co-commission partner Seattle Opera strive to raise awareness about housing insecurity and foster understanding that homelessness is something that happens to people, but is not who they are, something Kenzie comes to realize in the opera.

There are lots of important themes to explore through Earth to Kenzie, and Lyric is pleased to make that possible for thousands of students across Chicago in the next two months. Participating teachers and educators receive extensive resources to prepare their students for the opera, and some of these items may also be helpful for families or first-time operagoers of all ages.

Do you want to help prepare your child for the performance? Check out our Backstage Pass! study guide and program.

Interested in learning more about Earth to Kenzie’s educational partner, Codeverse? As part of our partnership, Codeverse has offered resources for teachers to give their students more insight on the world of coding, video game creation and app development. Check them out here!

Want to know more about the set design and creation of the video game world that Kenzie travels to with her avatar, Edwin? Watch the “Meet the Designers” video below!

ENTER HERE

 For Your Chance To WIN A 

Family 4 Pack of Tickets (Up To $80 Value) 

to Lyric Opera for Kids: EARTH TO KENZIE

Winners Choice of November 9 at 1pm and 3pm and 

November 10 at 3pm at Vittum Theater 

Enter through midnight November 4th.

ENTER HERE 

GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences Now Playing Through December 29, 2019

Out of the zoo and onto the Marriott Theatre stage!
MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE
Now Playing Through December 29th



ChiIL Mama's Giving Away 2 
Family 4 Packs of Tickets ($72.92 Value)
Enter Below for Your Chance to WIN!
(Enter early and often through midnight November 3, 2019)

Guest Review

by lori morrison 

Marty, the Zebra's, 10th Birthday wish is to get out of the zoo and visit nature. Following the team of penguins with a dream to get back to Antarctica, he does just that.  Worried, his friends (Alex, Gloria, Melman and Mason) go searching for him. 

There is much adventure as they travel out of the zoo, get caught in subways of New York and wake up on a boat to Madagascar which gets overtaken by the Penguins. 

Once in Madagascar, they meet many new and interesting characters, some friendly and in need of help and some who's natural instincts are to harm them.

All characters realize just how different the wild is from the zoo and must decide if this is really what they want.

Marty, gets his 10th Birthday wish come true but is it all he thought it would be? 

Alex, the Lion is king of the zoo but does he have what it takes to be king of the jungle? Does he want to be? What will that do to his friendship with Marty and the others?

With catchy songs and fun set changes throughout, this play has something for everyone. It will be most enjoyable for the 10 and under crowd but song and dance numbers like "I like to move it, move it", will have everyone up and dancing. 

Lori Morrison is an unschooling Chicago mom who lives in LaGrange with her three kids, and a rescue dog. She is a 2nd degree black belt in TKD and a burlesque dancer, who teaches self defense and works for Edge Theatre, NFP.

It’s time to escape the zoo and head to the stage! The musical twist on the blockbuster DreamWorks motion picture, MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, comes to life for children of all ages at Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, from October 4 to December 29, 2019. 



Audiences will join the familiar zoo escapees and embark on a truly unique and “crack-a-lackin’” adventure as each animal enjoys freedom for the very first time after spending their entire life in captivity. MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE, a theatrical interpretation of the 2005 hit film, is directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller, choreographed by Ericka Mac, with musical direction by Sam Groisser. 

Join Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo and, of course, those hilarious, plotting penguins as they bound onto the stage in this musical adventure. MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE follows all of your favorite zoo friends as they escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo and find themselves on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. This special one-hour presentation for kids (and parents) of all ages is filled with larger-than-life characters, non-stop adventure, and an upbeat score that will make audiences want to “Move It, Move It!” All performances are followed by a question & answer session with the cast.

Starring in MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE are Liam Quealy as “Alex,” Ron King as “Marty,” Rashada Dawan as “Gloria,” Steven Strafford as “Melman,” Emily Agy as “Rico,” Landree Fleming as “Maurice,” Alejandro Fonseca as “Kowalski,” Yando Lopez as “King Julien,” Garrett Lutz as “Mason,” Laura Savage as “Private,” and Allison Sill as “Skipper.” 

The production will feature set design by Rachel Rauscher, lighting design by Jesse Klug, costume design by Jesus Perez, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, and puppetry design/construction by Sarah E. Ross; with stage management by David A. Loranca and musical supervision by Patti Garwood.

MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE runs on 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) 634-0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Enter HERE for Your Chance to WIN!

ChiIL Mama's Giving Away 2 

Family 4 Packs of Tickets ($72.92 Value)

to MADAGASCAR – A MUSICAL ADVENTURE

(Enter early and often through midnight November 3, 2019. Tickets are good for winners' choice of any Madagascar date/time at Marriott through December 29th, 2019, pending availability.)

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

FREE Posters Launched To Build HEALTHY FUTURES For LGBTQ & GENDER DIVERSE CHILDREN & YOUTH

NEW RESEARCH-BASED POSTER SERIES LAUNCHED TO BUILD HEALTHY FUTURES FOR LGBTQ & GENDER DIVERSE CHILDREN & YOUTH

Family Acceptance Project Poster Series Guides Families & Caregivers on Reducing Risk for Suicide, Drug Use and Other Serious Health Risks & Promoting Well-Being for LGBTQ Youth

Designed for Use in Public Spaces & Everywhere that LGBTQ Children & Youth Are Served

High levels of risk for LGBTQ adolescents for suicide, substance abuse, depression and victimization call for evidence-based approaches that increase support and connectedness at individual and institutional levels, starting with the family. Foundational research from the Family Acceptance Project (FAP) at San Francisco State University has shown that parents and caregivers have a compelling influence on their child’s risk and well-being that provides a behavioral framework to reduce risk, strengthen families and support positive development for LGBTQ children and youth. In conjunction with National Coming Out Day, FAP is releasing a new series of posters that are designed to be used in public spaces like libraries and community centers and everywhere that children and youth are served, including schools – to share key information from FAP’s peer-reviewed studies and family support work with ethnically, racially and religiously diverse families and their LGBTQ children.

Disseminated in conjunction with a range of international, national and local groups, the posters will educate the public, families, youth, religious leaders and others about the critical link between specific family rejecting and accepting behaviors with risk and well- being for LGBTQ children and youth – especially suicide. They provide a dynamic education and intervention resource to help families decrease rejection to prevent risk and increase acceptance and support to promote well-being for LGBTQ children & youth.



Often compared to the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Study that is shaping interventions to prevent health risks, FAP’s research has identified specific family behaviors that predict risk and well-being for LGBTQ youth in adulthood. In addition, FAP has developed the first evidence-informed family support model that is being integrated into systems of care including behavioral health care, family preservation services, foster care, school-based care, trauma-based care and faith-based mental health care that will use the posters and other FAP evidence-based materials that are also Best Practice resources for suicide prevention. FAP’s research has found that family behaviors such as not letting an LGBTQ youth learn about their sexual orientation and gender identity, have an LGBTQ friend or participate in an LGBTQ support group have the same impact related to risk as physically beating an LGBTQ child. Similarly, FAP’s research has found that supporting a young person’s gender expression is among the most wellness- promoting behaviors that help protect against risk and foster well-being.



FAP’s poster series is being released in conjunction with National Coming Out Day in the U.S. and internationally in English and Spanish to emphasize the importance of family and caregiver reactions to LGBTQ and gender diverse children and youth. FAP is working with groups in the U.S. and other countries to disseminate the posters in a wide range of settings, including public spaces, clinics, schools and congregations to promote open conversations between parents and children, between young people and their providers and in families and communities to increase acceptance and support for LGBTQ children and youth. FAP is partnering with University of Oregon Implementation Science and Prevention Science researchers to evaluate the impact the posters have on care for LGBTQ young people.



Direct links:
Main landing page: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/poster  
English main page: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/poster-english
Spanish main page: http://familyproject.sfsu.edu/poster-spanish

Said Dr. Christine Moutier, Chief Medical Office of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: “We know that suicide risk is increased for LGBTQ youth, particularly when rejection occurs in their lives. So educating parents and others about the research surrounding the critical role they can play in the risk and well-being of their children is vitally important. We all need to learn more about what constitutes accepting verses rejecting behaviors. These posters are a prime example of how research can be turned into lifesaving action.”



Dr. Judith Cohen, Co-Developer of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the most widely used trauma treatment model for children and youth, noted that, “FAP’s posters provide simple, evidence-based ways for families to support their LGBT children and improve their health and happiness. We’re very excited to integrate FAP’s posters and intervention strategies into Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for LGBT youth who have experienced trauma.”



Dr. Caitlin Ryan, Director of the Family Acceptance Project, noted that: “The posters are key resources to help families and providers understand the critical need for family support and the impact that specific family accepting and rejecting behaviors have on risk and well-being for LGBTQ children and youth. Efforts to change, deny and minimize a child’s LGBTQ identity and gender expression start at home and last a lifetime just as affirmation and support build healthy futures for LGBTQ children and youth. 



The posters are free and available for all to use. We hope that agencies, congregations and communities will download, print and use them everywhere.”



For more information about the Family Acceptance Project and to view and download the posters, visit http://familyproject.sfsu.edu