ChiIL Mama's German and Spanish Brainstream BeepEgg Singing Breakfast Party With Ines Rosales' Tortas

Our family loves hard and soft boiled eggs, but it's hard to get the timing right. Now anyone can make a perfect egg with Brainstream and the singing BeepEgg!

Disclosure: Thanks to Tryazon, Brainstream and Ines Rosales tortas, we got to eat Spanish tortas, try this creative German egg timer out, give a couple away, and have a rockin' multi-culti breakfast party last weekend! They provided us with samples for our giveaway and for review purposes.

Here are our two BeepEgg winners -- Beth & Peggy!

I'm half German and we're renowned for our engineering and inventive problem solving. So, I can appreciate the background on this ingenious egg. Dr. Rupprecht Gabriel, a German engineer and entrepreneur, was always annoyed by his poorly boiled breakfast eggs. They were either too runny or too hard. In 2000, he decided to solve the problem and the BeepEgg was born-an egg shaped timer that could sing and float. Shortly thereafter Gabriel formed a creative team and Brainstream became an enterprise. Brainstream strives to impress their customers with their “fun and functional” products. Their line of products include BeepEgg, Cregg, SOI-the automatic handbag light, and more. 

The BeepEgg- looks like an egg, feels like an egg, boils like an egg, but unlike an egg it sings. BeepEgg is a precise egg-timer, which is boiled together with real eggs. The BeepEgg and real eggs have to enter water at the same time. Once yolk and egg-white have reached the desired degree of hardness, BeepEgg will play a tune. 

Watch a video here to see how it works:

Click here for more information about Brainstream.

To make our breakfast party even more multi-culti, we also got to sample 2 flavors of Ines Rosales' Spanish-tortas, sweet olive oil & savory olive oil. 



Ines Rosales is a company that originates from Seville, Spain and is the manufacturer of famous original Spanish-tortas. These tortas are flat circular scone-like biscuits, about 5" in diameter, that are made with natural ingredients like wheat flour, sugar, spices and superior quality extra virgin olive oil. It’s a perfect mix of salty and sweet following the exact same recipes as it's founder, Doña Inés Rosales Cabello, came up with back in 1910. 

Ines Rosales torta flavors include: Sweet Olive, Cinnamon, Seville Orange, Rosemary & Thyme, and Sesame & Sea Salt.  Other Ines Rosales Products include Citrus Crumble Cake and Cinnamon Cookie. Click here for more information about Ines Rosales.

For those who would like to purchase Ines Rosales Tortas, they can be ordered online HERE. 

BeepEgg From Brainstream is Beepin' Brilliant

This singing and floating-egg timer will ensure that your eggs are boiled to perfection every time. Designed to work at all altitudes and under all conditions, this innovative device constantly monitors the outer temperature to calculate the core temperature of the egg. The beeps let you know what your eggs are doing in all that water. The 1st beep is triggered when the water temperature reaches 113 degrees Fahrenheit and is simply letting you know the BeepEgg is working. The 2nd beep means the water has started to boil. 

The three tunes correspond to the hardness of the eggs being boiled. The first tune, ""Oh Susanna,"" indicates that the egg is soft-boiled (eggwhite soft and the yolk runny); the second tune, ""Take me out to the Ballgame,"" indicates that the egg is medium-soft boiled (the eggwhite is hard and the yolk is still slightly runny), while the third tune, ""Hail, Hail the Gang's all Here,"" indicates that the eggs are hard-boiled (the yolk is hard, but not discolored from overcooking). 

For best care and results, always store BeepEgg with real eggs as this prolongs the battery life and the BeepEgg works on a thermal model which functions best when it starts off at the same temperature as the real eggs. The BeepEgg is optimized for medium to large eggs; add approximately 30 seconds when cooking extra-large eggs. Never use BeepEgg in a microwave or in a sauce pan without water. The BeepEgg is made in Germany and comes with a 2-year warranty.

Want to purchase your own BeepEgg? Try Amazon HERE (affiliate link)

Currently on sale for $19.99 (save $4.00)

Disclosure: Once again, thanks to Tryazon, Brainstream and Ines Rosales tortas, we got to eat Spanish tortas, try this creative German egg timer out, give a couple away, and have a rockin' multi-culti breakfast party last weekend! They provided us with samples for our giveaway and for review purposes.

LAST CALL: Adventure Stage Chicago’s “New Kid” at Vittum Through This Weekend Only

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

(Family Friendly)

Adventure Stage Chicago’s “New Kid”  Explores Immigration and Related Issues  During Runs at Vittum and North Park Theaters

Adventure Stage Chicago Collaborates with North Park University for its Fall Production (limited run) While politicians argue, banter and opine about immigration, Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC) tackles the issue from a child’s perspective in its newest production. Presented in collaboration with North Park University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, ASC, a program of Northwestern University Settlement House, is pleased to present New Kid, written by Dennis Foon. The program runs October 29 – 31 at North Park University Theatre, 3225 W. Foster Ave. and November 7, 14, 20 and 21 at Vittum Theater, 1012 N. Noble Street, Chicago.  New Kid follows sixth-grader Nick and his family as they depart their Homeland for a new future in America, battling bullies, making friends and learning a strange new language. While trying to fit in, Nick and his family also don’t want to lose their own values and culture.  “If you look at what’s going on in the world, immigration stories are more important than ever. Whether it’s the current crisis making news in Europe or the ongoing debate about our own border with Mexico. And young people are paying attention to this stuff. In fact, some of the students in our audience are directly affected by these events,” says Tom Arvetis, producing artistic director. “They’re just like Nick.”  Per the script, Nick speaks English, while those in his new home in America speak “gibberish.” This allows the audience to fully experience the difficulties and frustrations trying to function in a world where you can’t converse or understand conversations and others can’t understand you. Nick and his new classmates eventually discover that friendship speaks every language. All shows are presented with Spanish subtitles.  “With New Kid, we’re exploring the immigrant experience from the inside out. It’s a play that will give the audience a different perspective on what it means to leave the familiar and make a life in a new place. We’ve all been new to something at some point in our lives. New Kid offers an important reminder that, no matter where you come from, friendship and tolerance are vital to feeling like you belong,” adds Arvetis.  Each performance is framed by Curtain Conversations, pre- and post-show discussions with the audience members moderated by ASC that encourage interaction between the audience and curiosity and reflection long after leaving the theater.  This production is a collaboration between ASC and North Park University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies. This is the company’s first collaboration of this sort, and is being spearheaded by Brandon Wardell (scenic design) and Jessica Kuehnau Wardell (costume design), who are ASC ensemble members as well as professors at North Park.  “Adventure Stage Chicago is thrilled to be partnering with North Park University on this production. For the first time, we’ll be bringing together professional and university student actors and designers to collaborate on an important story for Chicago’s youth,” says Chad Eric Bergman, professor and department chair. “NPU has a long tradition of teaching the values of service through education and ASC, as a program of the Northwestern Settlement, creates and tells heroic stories intended to nurture, educate and inspire our neighbors to overcome obstacles in their lives. It feels good to be offering a meaningful artistic experience to NPU students that synthesizes artistic practice with social service.”  New Kid Dates, Times and Ticket Information:  North Park Theatre show dates: Oct. 29 and 30 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 30 at 10 p.m. and Oct. 31 at 2 p.m.  Adventure Stage Chicago at Vittum Theater show dates: Nov. 7 and 14 at 4 p.m.; Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. (closing night).  Tickets for all shows are $17 for adults; $12 for children aged 14 and under; $10 previews and $7 for school groups. A special $10 ticket is available to neighbors in the 60622 and 60642 zip codes. For more information, call 773-342-4141 or visit www.adventurestage.org.  About Adventure Stage Chicago:  Adventure Stage Chicago (ASC), a program of Northwestern University Settlement House, is a professional theatre production company that creates new work and tells heroic stories about young people. They do this to engage the community and inspire people to be heroes in their own lives. Housed in the historic Vittum Theater in Noble Square, Adventure Stage Chicago produces fall and spring shows. The Vittum Theater also hosts other public performances and educational programming throughout the year.  About North Park University Department of Theatre and Performance Studies:  North Park University’s Theatre and Performance Studies program is developed around a storefront model of production. Utilizing small venues—like converted storefronts—companies create intimate spaces that require innovation and creativity to put on a show. Working alongside of professional theatre artists from the community, students have the opportunity to learn the full spectrum of what it takes to put on a production: building sets, writing scripts, stage managing, operating sound and light boards, designing props, writing grants, and all that goes into becoming a well-rounded theater artist. North Park Theatre aims to: ask good questions and seek answers through dialogue; look beyond our experiences to understand our own; encourage students to act truthfully with each performance, and recognize the responsibility and power of live theatre.

30% Off Violet Love Headbands and Coobie Seamless Bras

I have a couple Coobie Seamless Bras and they are are super soft and comfortable. They're also versatile without sacrificing style. I haven't tried the Violet Love Headbands yet, but if they're as comfy as the bras, I'm in! We'll be reviewing both in a few weeks











































Disclosure: We're in the US Family Blog network and will be sent a complimentary Coobie bra and Violet Love headband for review purposes.

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Violet Love Headbands are no-slip no-headache headbands that are perfect to wear for yoga, pilates, or just as a stylish accessory. They are made from Premium quality fabrics that are buttery soft and super comfy.

Promotion: Save 30% on any order of Coobie Seamless Bras or Violet Love Headbands at www.shopcoobie.com and www.violetloveheadbands.com
Promotion code: USFG30


Disclosure: Once again, we're in the US Family Blog network and will be sent a complimentary Coobie bra and Violet Love headband for review purposes.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: E.D.G.E Theatre is pleased to announce the world premiere of Holmes vs Holmes

CHI, IL LIVE SHOWS ON OUR RADAR:

E.D.G.E THEATRE PRESENTS 

THE WORLD PREMIERE OF 

HOLMES VS HOLMES, 

CONCEIVED BY ORION COULING AND

ANGELA DAVIS COULING 

AND WRITTEN BY BILL DANIEL,

AT HEARTLAND STUDIO THEATRE, THROUGH NOVEMBER 29

The World’s Greatest Detective Comes Face-To-Face with America’s First Serial Killer at Chicago’s Columbian Exposition

E.D.G.E Theatre is pleased to announce the world premiere of Holmes vs Holmes, conceived by Orion Couling and Angela Davis Couling, written by Bill Daniel and directed by Orion Couling, November 5 - 29 at Heartland Studio Theatre, 7016 N Glenwood. 

The performance schedule is Thursdays - Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $22. Tickets may be purchased at www.edgeoforion.com.

It is 1893 and all of the world waits and watches in anticipation as Chicago opens the gates to its great World’s Fair, the Columbia Exposition. For a city that has literally risen from the ashes, it is an achievement that is at once magnificent and unparalleled. However, a darkness has begun to stir and prowl through the streets of the beautiful White City, consuming innocence and anything that stands in its way.

Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, England continues to mourn the loss of the great detective, Sherlock Holmes, after his supposed death over the falls of Reinchenbach. But not everything is as it seems and very soon the famous detective will find himself being swept up in the midst of a case unlike any he has known before.

The cast of Holmes vs Holmes includes Alexandra Boroff (Elizabeth Holton,) Alexandra Cross (Julia Smythe-Connor,) Bill Daniel (H.H. Holmes,) Richard Eisloeffel (Ned Connor/Marion Hedgepeth/George Bowman/Professor Moriarty,)

Sarah Franzel (Emeline Cigrand,) Erin Gordon (Minnie Williams,) Allison Reinke (Anna Williams,) T Issac Sherman (Sherlock Holmes,) RoK Teasley, (Pitezel/Jonathan Belknap,) Lucas Thatcher (Detective Frank Geyer,) Lisa Tosti (Myrta Belknap) and Sarah Wisterman, (Clara Loverling).

The Holmes vs Holmes production team includes Angela Davis Couling, assistant director; Becca Goldberg, stage manager; Emma Cullimore, costumes; Peter McManus, set designer and Benjamin Dionysis, lighting designer.

ALSO NOW PLAYING:

ABOUT E.D.G.E. THEATRE

E.D.G.E.’s anachronism stands for “Esteem Development through Greater Expectations”. Using the theatre arts, they educate and entertain to foster the tools of social change. E.D.G.E has a goal of finding every participant’s personal best and holding them accountable to it. E.D.G.E. main thrust is developing theatre for marginalized communities and to bring a message of non-violence, civic and social change through exploration of the theatre arts. E.D.G.E.’s four sectors are: E.D.G.E Core, company produced classes offered on a select curriculum in theatre, social skills, history and stage combat; E.D.G.E. Satellite, E.D.G.E programs produced, collaborated or sub contracted by an outside produced program; E.D.G.E Troupe, a professional actor program providing a training ground for interns from our marginalized community to observe the highest standards of professionalism and be part of the process and E.D.G.E Workshops, limited time commitment programs are meant to harness their educational and entertainment abilities in a workshop environment. These programs are targeted for school assemblies, conventions, and camps.

So Long Soggy -- Obol Cereal Bowls 10% Discount Code

Cereal Never Gets Soggy!

Here at ChiIL Mama, we're excited to try out the Obol "The Original Crispy Bowl" made in the USA. It's the favorite for cereal lovers around the world and we'll be reviewing it shortly. Inspired by a playground slide, its Spiral Slide Design changed the mundane cereal bowl into an everyday kitchen sensation. The pleasure of eating cereal at the table, while watching TV or even is bed is easy,

just Swoop n Scoop. 

I have a daughter who dawdles with her cereal then leaves the 2nd half because it's soggy. This sounds like a quick fix! Check back soon for our full review. In the meantime we have a discount code for you so your family can try it for yourselves.

Crispy cereal...your way, your pace.

Watch the Obol on ABC's The Chew:

Save 10% at obol.co Signup for instant discount code.

"It's the champion of breakfast bowls" - ABC News

WIN 4 Tickets To Mary Macaroni 11/15 And/Or Little Miss Ann 11/22

Concerts for Kids Presents Mary Macaroni 11/15 and Little Miss Ann 11/22 Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is elated to partner up with Beat Kitchen as press sponsor for Concerts for Kids for the 5th season. Thanks to Beat Kitchen for providing giveaway tickets for our readers. As always, all photos, videos and opinions are our own. **ENTER HERE for your chance to win a family 4 pack of tickets to Mary Macaroni at noon on Sunday November 15th.**  (All contact info stays confidential & we never spam or share. You will only be contacted if you are our weekly winner.) Get tickets in advance for $6! Mary Macaroni is a singing clowning guitar playing magician! Kids get to help Mary Macaroni with magic tricks, shake shakers and dance with scarves along with rockin’ tunes. Enjoy a fun craft with Mary Macaroni and the first 50 children through the door get a free bag of goodies from Mary Macaroni! Doors open at 11:00, and Unicoi Art Studio will be painting faces for $1! Tickets are $6 in advance through TIcketFly or $7 at the door. **ENTER HERE for your chance to win a family 4 pack of tickets to Little Miss Ann at noon on Sunday November 22nd.**  (All contact info stays confidential & we never spam or share. You will only be contacted if you are our weekly winner.) Little Miss Ann brings her ukulele and good vibes to the Beat Kitchen stage once again! One of Concerts for Kids' favorite interactive performances, Miss Ann's infectious tunes are uplifting, but down-to-earth. Her upbeat tunes will have you humming all day long. ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List **All ages welcome but concerts are geared toward birth through 8 year olds. Kids under 1 are FREE.** ChiIL Mama is back as press sponsor for the 5th season of Concerts for Kids, and that means free weekly ticket giveaways, band video interviews, live show shots, band footage and more. Come ChiIL out with us at Chicago's ONLY LIVE weekly kindie music showcase. Sure the weather's still nice, but winter is coming...  Even when it's still fall gorgeous out, it rocks to spend an hour of your Sundays at Concerts for Kids, dancing with your littles and hanging with friends. Let your rock tots, punk kin and banger babies rock their squirrelies out to some of the coolest kindie (kids indie) bands from Chicago and beyond, and enjoy great food and drinks. Beat Kitchen has THE best Bloody Marys in town.  Check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We're your resource for family friendly fun in Chi, IL and beyond with travel, arts and entertainment, product reviews and giveaways, and loads of original content including photo features. Get Social: Follow ChiIL Mama on FACEBOOK and TWITTER so you don't miss out. Follow us by RSS feed (add your address in the side bar to the right) to get an easy e-mail digest and/or get real time updates & first dibs on giveaways via social media. ChiIL Mama (family friendly) FACEBOOK PAGE and TWITTER  ChiIL Live Shows (adult)  FACEBOOK PAGE and TWITTER YOUTUBE (We have 240+ original videos on our YouTube Channel including video interviews with musicians, theatre people, parents in the arts, live show footage & more!) GOOGLE + PINTEREST INSTAGRAM Get tickets online for $6! Doors open at 11:00, and Unicoi Art Studio will be painting faces for $1! Tickets are $6 online or $7 at the door. UPCOMING CONCERTS • $6 ($7 at the door) LITTLE MISS ANN Nov 22 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Mr. Singer & the Sharp Cookies Dec 6 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Human Tim + Robot Tim Dec 13 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Laser Comedy Show! Dec 20 • 12 PM Get Tickets! Disclosure: ChiIL Mama is elated to partner up with Beat Kitchen as press sponsor for Concerts for Kids for the 5th season. Thanks to Beat Kitchen for providing giveaway tickets for our readers. As always, all photos, videos and opinions are our own.

PARENTS' NIGHT OUT: Hellcab at Profiles

OPENING Friday the 13th: 

Hellcab at Profiles Theatre

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:

Highly Recommended Holiday Shows

For the fourth consecutive year, including the 20^th Anniversary production in 2012, Profiles revisited Kern’s landmark play for the holiday season. Here at ChiIL Live Shows we caught Hellcab way back in 1992 when it was first produced as a late-night show by Famous Door Theatre.  Hellcab was originally scheduled for twelve performances. It ended up running for over nine years, becoming one of the longest running shows in Chicago theatre history. Hellcab has been performed all over the U.S. and abroad, including Scotland, Israel, Singapore, and Ireland, winning numerous awards, including a Fringe First at the Edinburgh Festival.

 Pictured: Irene Currie, Zlatomir Moldovanski. Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

We've caught Profiles' excellent holiday remounts of Hellcab for several years now and highly recommend it. This is a unique glimpse at humankind and the ability of an insightful cab driver to be both human and kind to an odd assortment of holiday fares. It's appropriate for teens and up and makes an excellent parents' night out. 

Hellcab presents a day in the life story of a cab driver in for the longest night of his life as he transports a bizarre and mysterious collection of customers through the gritty streets of Chicago. Playwright Will Kern draws from personal experience as a former cab driver to create this alternately frightening, hilarious and poignant journey. Throughout his long shift, the eclectic collection of passengers includes a trio of drug-addicts, a smug lawyer, a born-again couple, and a randy couple on their way to a motel. Set during a bitter cold Christmas Eve, Hellcab presents a rear-view image mirroring the passing parade of humanity.

Pictured: Zlatomir Moldovanski. Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

   

Regular Run: November 12, 2015 – January 10, 2016

Schedule: Thurs., Fri.: 8:00 p.m. 

Saturday: 5:00 p.m. and 8:00p.m.

Sunday: 7:00 p.m.

Location: Profiles Theatre, The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway

Parking is available for $14 - $16 at 4100 N. Clarendon

(One block east of the theatre at the corner of Clarendon and Belle Plaine)

Ticket prices: Previews: $20

Regular Run: Thursdays are $35, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays are $40; Students and Senior Citizens receive a $5 discount on all performances; Group rates are available.

Box Office: Buy online at www.profilestheatre.org

or call (773) 549-1815

Profiles Theatre introduces Zlatomir Moldovansky

as The Driver in the 2015 seasonal return

of Hellcab by Will Kern

Profiles Theatre announces the return of its annual holiday revival of Hellcab by Will Kern, this year featuring Chicago newcomer Zlatomir Moldovansky in the iconic role of the Chicago cab driver. Directed by Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher, a cast of 33 joins Moldovansky as the beleaguered driver. Profiles’ production runs at The Main Stage, 4139 N. Broadway, November 6, 2015 – January 10, 2016.

Directed by Profiles ensemble member Eric Burgher, Hellcab features a cast of 33 Chicago actors. Originally performed by a cast of one driver and six ensemble members playing multiple roles as the passengers, Profiles celebrates the diversity of Chicago by filling each ensemble role with a different actor. Zlatomir Moldovansky, seen regionally in productions with Asolo Repertory, Creede Repertory and New Stage Collective, appears with Profiles for the first time. In addition to Moldovanksy’s debut as the Driver, the passenger roles are performed by Cristiana Barbatelli, Bobby Bowman, Hannah Brown, Ben Burke, Taylor Craft, Irene Currie, Alex Dauphin, Patrick Deal, Jeff Dolecek, Richard Esteras, Brianne Duncan Fiore, Will J. Green, Rasell Holt, Logan Hulick, Grant Johnson, Liz Krane, Josephine Longo, Sean Magill, Edward Mawere, Liliana Mitchell, Brian Nelson, Tim Newell, Sissy Anne Quaranta, Akua Sarhene, Danny Schaefer, Judi Schindler, Josh Segovia, Londen Shannon, Rejinal Simon, George Stalling, Paige Taylor and Elise Zell.

The designers are Katie-Bell Springmann (set), Mike Durst and Claire Chrzan (lights), Matt Reich (sound), and Raquel Adorno (costumes). Nate Dion is the stage manager and Bradley Mark serves as assistant director.

Pictured: Jeff Dolecek, Zlatomir Moldovanski. Photo credit: Michael Brosilow

OPENING: The House Theatre Nutcracker Opens This Friday!

THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO PRESENTS THE RETURN OF ITS HOLIDAY CLASSIC AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY THEATRICAL ADAPTATION OF THE NUTCRACKER, NOVEMBER 5 – DECEMBER 31,

AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: 

Best Chicago Family Holiday Shows

ChiIL Live Shows on Our Radar

Here at ChiIL Mama/ ChiIL Live Shows, The House Theatre's version of The Nutcracker has been a family favorite of ours for years! It's a beloved family tradition with dancing, singing toys, creepy giant, multi headed rat puppets and NO BALLET whatsoever. We adore this utterly unique holiday take on The Nutcracker, overcoming grief, and conquering fears. Highly recommended. We'll be back on Friday the 13 for the press opening so check back soon for our full review. 

We'll also be giving away TWO Family Four Packs of Tickets to the House Nutcracker shortly, so check back with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often!

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer with its sixth annual return of the all-original, family-friendly The Nutcracker playing at the The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 5 – December 31. The show created by Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley. Company Member Rapley reprises his role as director and choreographer of the holiday production based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story. 

Previews take place November 5 – 12 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees. The press opening is Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Additional holiday weekend performances are Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 27 at 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.. NOTE:  The House hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve extravaganza following the closing 7 p.m. performance December 31 and will last until 1:00am. Tickets to the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza go on sale Thursday, Nov. 5.  Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 - $45. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $10 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.

The House’s fantastical expansion of this holiday classic centers on young Clara’s journey to celebrate Christmas in the face of grief after the death of her brother. With the help of a magical nutcracker, this brave little girl will fight the Rat King and save her family. The House’s modern holiday theatrical production weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original song and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope -- a fun outing fit for the whole family.

The House’s original play version of The Nutcracker has become a Chicago Holiday tradition for many families. It premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2007 under the Visiting Company Initiative and enjoyed highly acclaimed new productions at The House from 2010 through 2014, as well as simultaneous 2012 productions in Chicago and Miami.

About the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza:

Following the closing performance Thursday, Dec. 31, The House  hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. The party features music from House Company members, led by Kevin O’Donnell, a dance floor, full table-top and party game room, photo booth and savory and sweet eats and drinks. Tickets will go on sale Thursday, Nov. 5.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

The Nutcracker is adapted by Jake Minton and Phillip Klapperich from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse,” a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann with original music by Kevin O’Donnell. 

The cast for The Nutcracker features the return of House Company Members Chris Matthews in the role of “Monkey” and Marika Mashburn as “Martha/Really Scary Rat” and welcomes Company Member Abu Ansari as “David/Quite Scary Rat.” Returning to the cast are guest artists Jaclyn Hennell as “Clara” and Andrew Lund as “Hugo the Robot.” Rounding out the cast and new to The Nutcracker this year are guest artists James Houton as “Drosselmeyer/Really Quite Scary Rat,” Rachel Shapiro as “Phoebe the Babydoll” and Desmond Gray as “Fritz the Nutcracker.” 

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO
The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 60 Joseph Jefferson Awards (19 wins) and became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2013 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. Now in its 14th year of original work, The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer with its sixth annual return of the all-original, family-friendly The Nutcracker playing at the The Chopin Theatre Upstairs Theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 5 – December 31. The show created by Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley. Company Member Rapley reprises his role as director and choreographer of the holiday production based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story. Previews take place November 5 – 12 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees. 

The press opening is Friday, Nov. 13 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Additional holiday weekend performances are Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 27 at 3 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 23 at 7 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 7 p.m., and Wednesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m.

NOTE:  The House hosts a family-friendly New Year’s Eve extravaganza following the closing performance December 31 and will last until 1:00am. Tickets to the New Year’s Eve Extravaganza go on sale Thursday, Nov. 5.  Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 - $45. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $10 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.