Check Out The 34th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival Through Nov 5th, 2017

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Award winning films from around the world, 

and creative and though-provoking 

workshops and symposia for 

Facets' 34th Chicago International Children's Film Festival

Attendance prices are very moderate, ranging from $20 to $50, with one free event - Facets Members receive a discount on all events.

The full Festival workshop schedule, film schedule, ticketing information, field trip bookings, and Festival Family passes are available now at www.facets.org/cicff.



The lineup for workshops and symposia for the 34th Festival is packed full of fun events that will activate the imaginations of kids, teens, and adults. The core of Facets and the Festival's missions are to foster a lifelong appreciation for film as art and expression. The workshops and symposia are an extension of our curated film programs and media education during our screenings, and are both educational and entertaining. 

Damián Perea, filmmaker and producer of the Animayo International Film Festival in the Canary Islands, will lead a bilingual (Spanish and English) stop-motion animation workshop at Instituto Cervantes called "¡Animate with Animayo!" on November 3. Last, but certainly not least, Mauro D'Addio, who directed Festival Film On Wheels, will instruct the "After the Table Read" workshop on November 25.

Festival Professional Jury member and award winning filmmaker Anahita Ghazvinizadeh will be leading both "Real Deal Documentary" workshops on November 3 & 5.

It is important to note that Friday, November 3 is a Chicago Public Schools in-service day and students will not have class.

Facets' 34th Chicago International Children's Film Festival runs from October 27 - November 5, 2017, with screenings at 8 Chicagoland locations. Festival workshops and symposia take place at Facets and Instituto Cervantes on October 28 & 29 and November 3 & 5. The full Festival workshop schedule, film schedule, ticketing information, and field trip bookings. 




Festival Family passes are available now at www.facets.org/cicff.

Facets' Chicago International Children's Film Festival presents the best, most innovative film and educational experiences for kids, teens, families, students, and industry professionals. The Festival is operated by Facets, a nonprofit that connects 30k+ people annually to independent ideas through transformative film experiences. 

Flash Giveaway: WIN 4 Tickets to Opening Night of MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! at Allstate Arena Nov 2

MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! ANNOUNCES NEW SHOW, 

AGE OF HEROES,

FEATURING GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY AND MORE THAN 20 FAVORITE MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS

Tickets Now on Sale  for Nationwide Tour, including November 2017 Chicago-Area Shows

ENTER HERE through midnight Monday 10/30 for your chance to WIN!

             
Super hero action, thrills and drama will soar, smash and burst into arenas across the country with the debut of Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes. The iconic Marvel Super Heroes Spider-Man and The Avengers are joined by the Guardians of the Galaxy, including Star-Lord, Gamora, Groot, Rocket and Drax, in a legendary battle to defend the universe from evil. The epic Marvel Super Hero experience will hit the Chicago area, Nov. 2-5, 2017, with performances at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill.



“Our tremendously talented creative team and a nearly super human cast, have created a show that brings the grandeur of Marvel to life,” said Juliette Feld, producer of Marvel Universe LIVE! “Age of Heroes creates an experience that immerses families in non-stop action, creating movie-style thrills and jaw-dropping stunts that showcase the powers of your favorite Super Heroes right before your eyes.” 



Called on by Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy join Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes on a momentous crusade against the scheming Nebula who teams up with the conniving and loathsome villains Loki and Green Goblin. The incredible superhuman forces of Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk and Black Widow will unite in clashes that pit student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother.

Immersive video projection and cutting-edge special effects will captivate and transport audiences across the universe from the fantastical Savage Land to New York City and beyond. Spider-Man and Wasp’s dynamic aerial stunts along with Captain America’s daring motorcycle skills will be on display in the ultimate race against time to save mankind.

“I’m extremely excited to work on Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes and bring the talents and powers of these amazing characters with such dimensionality to life,” said Marvel’s chief creative officer, Joe Quesada. “Audiences will be on the edge of their seats as they witness the outrageous stunts and fight sequences in truly a unique experience that puts fans at the center of the action.”

The newest production from Feld Entertainment, the world’s leading producer of live touring family entertainment, Marvel Universe LIVE! Age of Heroes will travel throughout North America on a multiyear tour. After North America, the show will embark on an international tour in 2019. For a complete list of North American tour dates, locations and to purchase tickets, please visit the Marvel Universe LIVE! website. Stay current on the latest developments by following us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube — @MarvelOnTour.

Tickets for Chicago-area shows, starting at $20, are available at the Allstate Arena box office, all Ticketmaster locations and on the web at www.ticketmaster.com. Parking is FREE with ticket purchase in all official Allstate Arena parking lots. Service charges, facility and handling fees may apply.


About Feld Entertainment
Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that uplift the human spirit and bring people together. With 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year. Feld Entertainment's productions have appeared in more than 75 countries and on six continents to date and include Monster Jam®, Monster Energy Supercross, AMSOIL Arenacross, Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Marvel Universe LIVE! and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®. More information about Feld Entertainment is available online at www.feldentertainment.com.

About Marvel Entertainment, LLC
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit http://www.marvel.com/. © 2017 MARVEL

OPENING: Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Highly anticipated return of

Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL

in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31

Tickets on sale now

This is one of our all time top favorites in the Christmas genre. Chicago's own world renowned Q Brothers are truly a treat to see in action. We highly recommend Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL and we adore the new space, The Yard. This show has multigenerational appeal and may well be one of the funniest holiday shows out there. Don't miss this!

Back by popular demand, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces the highly anticipated return of the cheeky holiday classic Q Brothers Christmas Carol, from hip-hop sensations the Q Brothers Collective and developed with CST Creative Producer Rick Boynton. After three wildly successful runs in 2013, 2014 and 2015 to sold-out houses, the raucous and irreverent musical event now takes the stage of the Theater’s innovative third venue, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31, 2017.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol is on sale now; online at www.chicagoshakes.com or via the Box Office at 312.595.5600.

Written and performed by the Q Brothers Collective (GQ, JQ, Jax, and Pos) and directed by GQ and JQ, Q Brothers Christmas Carol features an irresistible score and a lot of heart. This feisty reinterpretation of the perennial holiday favorite by Charles Dickens is underscored with beats spun live at the turntables, mashing up styles from reggae and dancehall music, to dubstep and epic rock ballads. The production garnered Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for Outstanding New Musical and Outstanding Ensemble. A Chicago Shakespeare production, Q Brothers Christmas Carol is presented by CST and Richard Jordan Productions.

Highlighting the versatility of the dynamic new venue, Q Brothers Christmas Carol will transform The Yard into a festive nightclub with the opportunity for audiences to sit at cabaret tables surrounding the stage, or to watch the performance from traditional theater seating. The party atmosphere of the Q Brothers’ work will be enhanced this year by activating the space surrounding the stage and audience viewing areas with additional bars and seating—perfect for continuing the fun after the show to toast the holiday season.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol joins the previously announced productions in Chicago Shakespeare’s 2017/18 Season: an all-woman The Taming of the Shrew (September 16–November 12, 2017; Courtyard Theater) staged by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines; James Thierrée’s The Toad Knew (September 19–23, 2017; The Yard); Teatro Línea de Sombra’s Amarillo (October 17–29, 2017; The Yard) from México as part of the inaugural Chicago International Latino Theater Festival; Red Velvet (December 1, 2017–January 21, 2018; Courtyard Theater) directed by Gary Griffin; Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night’s Dream for families and students (February 3–March 10, 2018; The Yard); Schiller’s Mary Stuart (February 21–April 15, 2018; Courtyard Theater); a supernatural new Macbeth (April 25–June 24, 2018; The Yard) staged by Aaron Posner and Teller; and Druid Theatre’s Waiting for Godot (May 23–June 3, 2018; Courtyard Theater) from Ireland.

More information at www.chicagoshakes.com/QChristmas.

Q Brothers Christmas Carol will be presented in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, November 21–December 31, 2017. Tickets ranging from $30 to $52 are on sale now. Special discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater’s website at www.chicagoshakes.com.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER
A global theatrical force, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is known for vibrant productions that reflect Shakespeare’s genius for storytelling, musicality of language, and empathy for the human condition. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, Chicago Shakespeare has redefined what a great American Shakespeare theater can be, putting forward a company that delights in the unexpected and defies theatrical category. A Regional Tony Award-winning theater, CST produces acclaimed plays at its home on Navy Pier, throughout Chicago’s schools and neighborhoods, and on stages around the world. In 2017, the Theater unveils a radical new stage, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Together with the Jentes Family Courtyard Theater and the Thoma Theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard positions CST as the city’s largest and most versatile performing arts venue.

Chicago Shakespeare’s year-round season features as many as twenty productions and 650 performances—including plays, musicals, world premieres, and visiting international tours—to engage a broad, multigenerational audience of 225,000 community members. Recognized in 2014 in a White House ceremony hosted by First Lady Michelle Obama, CST’s education programs support literacy and creativity for 40,000 students each year. Each summer, 30,000 family audiences welcome the free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour into their neighborhoods across the far north, west and south sides of the city. The Theater is the leading producer of international work in Chicago, and has toured its own plays across North America and abroad to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East, garnering multiple accolades, including the prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, among others. Emblematic of its role as a global theater, during 2016 CST spearheaded the Shakespeare 400 Chicago international arts and culture festival, which engaged an estimated 1.1 million people through 863 events at 231 locations across the city—all in celebration of Shakespeare’s rich, 400-year legacy.

KUDOS TO CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE ON RECOGNITION FROM THE AMERICAN THEATRE WING

Chicago Children’s Theatre wins prized

National Theatre Company Grant

honor from Founder of the Tony Awards

Chicago Children’s Theatre is pleased to announce that the American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards, is awarding the company with one of the 2017 National Theatre Company grants.

Created by American Theatre Wing to recognize and support the most promising emerging theatre companies, the 2017 grants for Initial Support are being presented to nine companies from around the country. Companies chosen to receive the grants have articulated a distinctive mission, cultivated an audience, and nurtured a community of artists in ways that strengthen and demonstrate the quality, diversity, and dynamism of American theatre.

“This recognition from the American Theatre Wing is a tremendous honor,” said Jacqueline Russell, Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Chicago Children’s Theatre. “We are the only theater among this year’s recipients dedicated to serving children and families, so we are particularly proud to be sharing this national spotlight with such wonderful institutions across the U.S., including our friends at Chicago’s Congo Square Theatre.”

In January of this year, following 11 years of itinerancy, Chicago Children’s Theatre opened its new, permanent home, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago's West Loop. What once was the 12th District Chicago Police Station, is now a vibrant, mixed-use, centrally located performing arts, education and community engagement hub that welcomes all Chicago families. The company’s all-new, critically acclaimed hit musical A Year with Frog and Toad is playing now through October 29 in the Pritzker Family Studio Theatre. For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

More information about the National Theatre Company grants can be found at http://americantheatrewing.org/program/national-theatre-co-grants/.


About Chicago Children’s Theatre

Since its launch in 2005, Chicago Children’s Theatre has cemented its reputation as the city’s largest professional theater company devoted exclusively to children and young families. The company evolved out of Chicago’s need for high-quality, professional year-round children’s programming to match the quality and significance of theatrical powerhouses such as Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre. Likewise, CCT has always believed children should be treated as the sophisticated audiences that they are, showcasing high profile and award-winning talent, inventive production values and compelling stories that challenge, educate and entertain.

Audiences have embraced Chicago Children’s Theatre since its inaugural production, A Year with Frog and Toad, at the Goodman Theatre in 2006. Since then, CCT’s productions have featured everything from black-light scenery to live music to interactive four-dimensional sets to life-size puppets, with performances showcasing the heart of Motown to Vaudeville to contemporary, current and modern styles.

CCT has also built a national reputation due to its focus on new work, producing 16 world premieres in the last 11 years including The Selfish Giant, The Hundred Dresses, Jackie and Me, Dot and Ziggy, The Houdini Box, The Elephant and The Whale (in association with Redmoon), Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money, Leo Lionni’s Frederick, Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, A Snowy Day with Beatrix Potter, Jabari Dreams of Freedom, Another Snowy Day with Beatrix Potter, Manual Cinema’s The Magic City and The Year I Didn’t Go To School: A Homemade Circus. These enjoyed successful inaugural runs in Chicago, many followed by productions at theaters across the U.S.

CCT has always honored a strong commitment to low-income families and children with special needs. In partnership with Chicago Public Schools, the company offers free tickets to more than 5,000 Chicago-area low-income students each season.

After 11 years of itinerancy, Chicago Children’s Theatre opened in January 2017 its first-ever permanent home, The Station, in the fully repurposed, former 12th District Chicago Police Station. Today, The Station is a beautiful, mixed-use, centrally located performing arts, education and community engagement hub that welcomes all Chicago families.

Newly opened in Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Pritzker Family Studio is an all-new production of A Year with Frog and Toad, hailed by Chicago Parent as “exceptionally enjoyable…a timeless tale” and recommended by the Chicago Tribune as “a lovely hour to add to your life…very well sung, and played…3 stars.” A Year with Frog and Toad runs through October 29. For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555.

Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, is also home to four classrooms hosting a year-round roster of performing arts classes and camps for children ages 0 to 14. Registration is open for the upcoming Winter session, January 22-March 17, 2018. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/winterclasses to sign children up for Improv with The Second City!, Old Town School of Folk Music’s Wiggleworms classes, aerial arts with Actor’s Gymnasium, Hip Hop 4 Totz, Bubble Jams, Taking the Stage and more. Early bird discounts for the Winter Session are offered through November 12.

Chicago Children’s Theatre is led by Co-Founders, Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Board Chair Todd Leland, Community Programs Artistic Director Frank Maugeri, and Board President Eric Neveux. The company is supported by a dedicated staff and dynamic Board of Directors comprised of leaders from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business. Chicago Children's Theatre is sponsored in part by ComEd, Goldman Sachs Gives and JP Morgan Chase.

About the American Theatre Wing

One hundred years ago, on the eve of America’s entry into World War I, seven suffragettes—all women of the theatre—came together to form The Stage Women’s War Relief. A century later, the spirit and vision behind the founding of American Theatre Wing remains a touchstone for all we do. The Wing continues to champion bravery, with a focus on developing the next generation of brave artists. The Wing advances the future of American Theatre by celebrating excellence and nurturing the next generation: on stage, behind the scenes, and in the audience. We envision an American Theatre that is as vital, multi-faceted, and diverse as the American people.

The Wing’s programs span the nation to invest in the growth and evolution of American Theatre. We provide theatre education opportunities for underserved students through the Andrew Lloyd Webber Initiative, develop the next generation of theatre professionals through the SpringboardNYC and Theatre Intern Network programs, incubate innovative theatre across the country through the National Theatre Company Grants, foster the song of American Theatre through the Jonathan Larson® Grants, honor the best in New York theatrical design with the Henry Hewes Design Award, and illuminate the creative process through the Emmy-nominated “Working in the Theatre” documentary series. In addition to founding the Tony Awards® which are co-presented with The Broadway League, the American Theatre Wing co-presents the Obie Awards®, Off Broadway’s Highest Honor, with The Village Voice.

Visitors to AmericanTheatreWing.org can gain inspiration and insight into the artistic process through the Wing’s extensive media collection, and learn more about its programming for students, aspiring and working professionals, and audiences.

Follow the Wing on Twitter and Instagram @TheWing, and on Facebook.com/TheAmericanTheatreWing.

WIN 4 Tickets ($160 Value) To The House Theatre Nutcracker!

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

BALLET FREE HOUSE NUTCRACKER

NOVEMBER 3 – DECEMBER 30 

AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE

ENTER HERE through midnight 11/1/17 

ONE OF OUR LUCKY READERS WILL WIN A FAMILY 4 PACK OF TICKETS ($160 value) TO THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO'S ANNUAL FAMILY-FRIENDLY THEATRICAL ADAPTATION OF THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC. 

Good for winner's choice of any show during the first three weeks of the production (Thursdays - Sundays, November 3 - 19)

This Year’s Clara will be Performed by Haley Seda, Daughter of Jon Seda, Chicago Actor Currently Starring on Chicago PD

The ballet free House Nutcracker has been an annual family favorite of ours here at ChiIL Mama for years. We highly recommend this music filled, contemporary, family friendly feast of holiday theatre fun. It has a dark, edgy side, with scary, giant rat puppets, a soldier's grieving family, and a brave young girl ready to face her fears and save her family from themselves. And it has plenty of what the holidays should center on, like beloved toys, Christmas trees, fresh baked cookies, friends and family and epic adventure. Whether it's your first time to see The House Nutcracker or already a beloved holiday tradition, don't miss this! 

The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer for the whole family with its eighth annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 3 – December 30. Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley created the adaptation. New to the 2017 holiday production, based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, is director and Company Member Chris Mathews with original direction and choreography by Tommy Rapley. Previews take place November 3 – 9 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees.

Performances are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 – $50. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $15 for all dates, based on availability. 

Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com. 

The House Theatre of Chicago brings the wholly original, ballet-free version of The Nutcracker back because it truly has something for everyone. The show is fast-paced, beautifully choreographed, family-friendly, and moving for even those of us that might be on the Grinch’s side from time to time. This fantastical, “smart [and] layered” (Chicago Reader, 2016) expansion of the holiday classic that “simultaneously evokes smiles, tears, mirth and cringes“ (PerformInk, 2016) centers on young Clara’s journey to save Christmas in the face of grief. With the help of a magical nutcracker, the brave girl risks the darkness, fights the Rat King and saves her family. “The play’s willingness to embrace that darker side of life makes the triumph of the light side all the brighter” (NewCity, 2016).  A modern holiday tradition weaving 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 run time for The Nutcracker is approximately 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission.

The production premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2007 under the Visiting Company Initiative and has enjoyed highly acclaimed new productions at The House since 2010, as well as simultaneous productions in Chicago and Miami in 2012. In 2016, The House revamped the show during a workshop at the Chicago Performance Lab. Repeat fans of the show have enjoyed new musical additions and new audience members continued to delight in the production’s creativity and heart.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

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

The cast for The Nutcracker includes newcomers Haley Seda (Clara) and Company Member Ben Hertel (Hugo) and welcomes back 2016 cast members Rachel Shapiro (Phoebe), Desmond Gray (Fritz), Torrey Hanson (Drosselmeyer), Amanda de la Guardia (Martha), Nicholas Bailey (David) and Ian Maryfield (Monkey).

The creative and production team for The Nutcracker includes Company Members Chris Mathews (Director), Tommy Rapley (Original Director and Choreographer), Jake Minton (Writer), Phillip Klapperich (Writer), Kevin O’Donnell (Composer), Collette Pollard (Scenic Designer), Lee Keenan (Lighting Designer), Debbi Baer (Costume Designer) and Michael Griggs (Sound Designer). Guest artists include Mieka van der Ploeg (Associate Costume Designer/Costume Manager), Tracee Bear (Assistant Costume Designer), Grover Hollway (Associate Sound Designer), Matthew Muniz (Music Director/Orchestrations) and Hillary Aarons (Choreographer).

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 (23 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. The 16th season of original work will begin September 2017 and The House will continue 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 for the whole family with its eighth annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 3 – December 30. Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley created the adaptation. New to the 2017 holiday production, based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story, is director and Company Member Chris Mathews with original direction and choreography by Tommy Rapley. Previews take place November 3 – 9 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees. The press opening is Friday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. Performances are Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 – $50. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $15 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com. 

OPENING: Holiday Fun Is Paramount With Elf The Musical in Aurora IL 11/22/17-1/7/18

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

EMBRACE YOUR INNER ELF AT PARAMOUNT THEATRE’S

ELF THE MUSICAL, 

A HILARIOUS HOLIDAY COMEDY

FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY, NOV. 22-JAN. 7

Everybody’s favorite overgrown elf, Buddy, will be making mischief and Christmas cheer this holiday season when Paramount Theatre in downtown Aurora presents Elf The Musical, November 22, 2017-January 7, 2018. Based on the hilarious 2003 Will Ferrell movie, Elf is one of those rare holiday shows that will have both kids and adults laughing, humming tunes like “A Christmas Song” and “Sparklejollytwinklejingley” for days and rediscovering what it means to be a family.

Director Amber Mak is back to direct and choreograph Paramount’s big, brassy staging of this hilarious fish-out-of-water holiday comedy, her third Paramount musical following her memorable stagings of Disney’s The Little Mermaid last season and Hairspray - The Broadway Musical in 2016. And with a two-story Christmas tree in the center of Paramount’s lobby, thousands of sparkling lights adorning the banisters and carolers filling the air with song, Paramount has become the place where families head for unforgettable holiday experiences. So join the Paramount family this holiday season for the perfect feel-good show that will turn even the grumpiest of grinches into a happy-go-lucky bearer of Christmas cheer, singing loud for all to hear.

Previews start November 22. Press opening: Sunday, November 26 at 5:30 p.m. Performances continue through January 7: Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Exceptions: There are four added performances during the run: Thursday, November 30 at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 12 at 7 p.m., Friday, December 22 at 1:30 p.m., and Thursday, January 4 at noon. Show time for the evening performance on January 4 is 5 p.m. rather than 7 p.m. No matinee Wednesday, November 22. No show Thursday, November 23 (Thanksgiving). No 5:30 p.m. show Sunday, December 24 (Christmas Eve). Elf The Musical is rated G. Single tickets are $36 to $74. The Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in downtown Aurora, is surrounded by affordable parking and a variety of restaurants for pre- or post-show dining. 

For subscriptions and single tickets, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and two hours prior to evening performances.                                                                               

Behind the scenes of Paramount’s Elf The Musical
If you’ve ever felt like you don’t belong, just be glad you’re not William “Buddy” Hobbes. When he was a baby, Buddy crawled into Santa’s sack of presents and was whisked away to the North Pole, where he lived as an elf for years. Buddy took joy in doing elf things, like making toys. But there was always something off. He towered over his fellow elves and just didn’t get cobbling. When Buddy learns he’s human, he goes in search of his father, a workaholic New York City publisher. 

Imagine Buddy’s horror when he finds out his real dad couldn’t care less about Christmas. But that won’t deter the infectiously cheerful wannabe elf from changing people’s hearts and minds. Based on the cherished 2003 New Line Cinema hit written by David Berenbaum, Elf The Musical features songs by Tony Award nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (Disney’s Aladdin on Broadway, The Wedding Singer), with a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone). Elf The Musical was originally produced by Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures in association with Unique Features. It ran on Broadway in the Christmas seasons of 2010-11 and 2012-13 and toured the U.S. in 2012 and 2014.

Paramount Theatre’s Elf The Musical will be directed by (top, from left) Amber Mak, with music director Tom Vendafreddo. Cast members include Kyle Adams as Buddy, Samantha Pauly as Jovie,

Michael Accardo as Walter Hobbs, (bottom, from left) Oliver Boomer as Michael Hobbs, Lara Filip as Emily Hobbs, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as the Macy’s store manager, Rashada Dawan as Deb, George Keating as Mr. Greenway and Roger Mueller as Santa. 

Paramount’s cast for Elf The Musical features Kyle Adams as Buddy, Samantha Pauly as Jovie, Michael Accardo as Walter Hobbs, Oliver Boomer as Michael Hobbs, Lara Filip as Emily Hobbs, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis as the Macy’s store manager, Rashada Dawan as Deb, George Keating as Mr. Greenway and Roger Mueller as Santa. The ensemble includes Emily Agy, Matt Casey, Danielle Davila, Gilbert Domally, Michael Ehlers, Megan E. Farley, Allyson Graves, Will Herndon, Colleen Johnson, Ashley Lanyon, Jake Morrissy, Zoe Nadal, Sara Reinecke, Elena Romanowski, Haley Jane Schafer, Charlie Ward, Danny Dwaine Wells II and J Tyler Whitmer. 

In addition, two ensembles of three young performers will alternate shows: Grier Burke, Sophie Kaegi and Harmonie Kalous, and Tova Love Kaplan, Spencer Moss and Theo Moss. Matthew Savas will be the Michael Hobbs understudy for select performances. Roles normally played by Jonathan Butler-Duplessis will be performed January 3-7 by James Earl Jones II.

Amber Mak (director/choreographer) directed and choreographed Paramount’s acclaimed productions of Disney’s The Little Mermaid in 2016, and Hairspray – The Broadway Musical in 2016. Soon after Hairspray, Mak was hired as Paramount’s full-time New Works Development Director, foretelling an exciting new era of artistic and economic expansion for Paramount. Previously, she also was assistant director and associate choreographer of Paramount’s 2014 smash hit Mary Poppins, and she played Bombalurina in Cats. Prior to joining Paramount, Mak was founding artistic director of Chicago’s FWD Theatre Project, which collaborated with Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, co-creators of Les Misérables and Miss Saigon, on a concert reading and English premiere of La Révolution Française. Mak also served as Assistant/SDC Observership Fellow for Susan Stroman for Big Fish in Chicago and on Broadway, and she was Jeff-nominated for her choreography of Singin’ in the Rain at Drury Lane Oakbrook. Regional credits include director/ choreographer of Mary Poppins and Swing and choreographer for Legally Blonde and The Sound of Music, all at The Little Theatre on the Square, choreographer of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Rocky Mountain Rep and The Music Man at The Clarence Brown Theatre. Her credits as associate director/choreographer include The Sound of Music, Ragtime, Mary Poppins, Sweeney Todd, Xanadu, Shout and The Emperor's New Clothes. As a performer, she has been on stage in more than 40 shows nationally including Cabaret, West Side Story, Crazy For You and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Tom Vendafreddo is music director and conductor of the 16-piece Paramount Orchestra. He is helming his 13th musical at Paramount, preceded by Jesus Christ Superstar, Sweeney Todd-The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (Jeff Nomination, Music Direction), Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Mamma Mia!, West Side Story (Jeff Nomination, Music Direction), Hairspray – The Broadway Musical, A Christmas Story - The Musical (Jeff Nomination, Music Direction), Oklahoma! (Jeff Nomination, Music Direction), Les Misérables (Jeff Nomination, Music Direction), The Who's Tommy, Mary Poppins and In the Heights. Other credits include Company and Sweet Charity (Writers Theatre); On the Town and Godspell (Marriott Lincolnshire); Road Show and Shrek: The Musical (Chicago Shakespeare Theater); The Spitfire Grill (BoHo Theatre - Jeff Nomination for Music Direction); and Pump Boys and Dinettes (Metropolis Performing Arts Centre). Regional credits include Rent (San Diego Musical Theatre), Odyssey (Old Globe Theatre), Forever Plaid (Chestnut Fine Arts) and It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play (Cygnet Theatre). As a cabaret artist, he has performed in Chicago, New York, San Diego and Melbourne. In 2014, he became the Founding Artistic Director of the Chicago Artists Chorale, a choral ensemble of working professionals in the Chicago theatre community. He received a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance and Music Education from Eastman School of Music and a Master of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre from San Diego State University. tomvendafreddo.com

The Elf production teams also includes Kory Danielson, assistant music director and associate conductor; Megan E. Farley, associate director/choreographer; Jeff Kmiec, scenic design; Theresa Ham, costume design; Greg Hofmann, lighting design; Joe Burke, projection design; Adam Rosenthal, sound design; Ethan Deppe, electronic music design; Katie Cordts, wig, hair and makeup design; Amanda Relaford, properties design; Jaq Seifert, fight choreography; ZFX, Inc., flying effects; Jinni Pike, stage manager; and Kate Ocker, assistant stage manager. 

Paramount’s 2017-18 Broadway Series is sponsored by BMO Harris Bank and The Dunham Fund. Broadway Series Orchestra Sponsor is Rush-Copley Medical Center. Broadway Series Lighting Sponsor is ComEd. Elf The Musical is also sponsored by Kevin Fitzpatrick. 

 More about Paramount’s 2017-18 season
Following Elf The Musical, Paramount’s 2017-18 Broadway Musical Series continues with Cabaret, one of the most well-known Broadway musicals of all time, world-famous for its extraordinary songs, universal appeal and spellbinding story that still rings true today. Tapped for her Paramount directing debut is one of Chicago theater’s top up and comers, Katie Spelman, Jeff-nominated for her innovative choreography of Paramount’s Oklahoma! in 2015. Performances are February 7–March 18, 2018. Press opening is Saturday, February 10 at 8 p.m. Paramount’s 2017-18 season finale is the first Chicago-area regional production of Once, the 2012 Broadway smash hit and winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti will stage this modern-day musical about an Irish busker, his immigrant fan and their eventful week in Dublin as they write, rehearse and record songs from which their beautiful love story unfolds. Performances are April 25-June 3, 2018. Press opening is Saturday, April 28 at 8 p.m. Paramount’s 2017-18 performance schedule also boasts performances by some of the biggest names in show business. Tickets are also on sale for STOMP (November 1), Ballet Folklorico Quetzalcoatl (November 3), An Intimate Evening with Kristin Chenoweth (November 4), Unforgettable: Falling in Love with Nat King Cole featuring Evan Tyrone Martin (Jesus in Paramount’s 2017 smash hit Jesus Christ Superstar, November 5), comedian and impersonator Frank Caliendo (November 10), The Second City’s Non-Denominational Christmas Show (December 1-23 in the Copley Theatre), Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular: The Birthday Edition (January 11), Las Vegas’s #1ventriloquist Terry Fator (January 20), the incredible magic of Penn & Teller (March 23, sold out!), Chicago’s own Jersey boys Under the Streetlamp (two shows, March 24), country music star Scotty McCreery (March 25), Shen Yun 2018 (April 5-8), late night comedy legend Jay Leno (April 13), Judy Garland: Come Rain or Come Shine featuring Angela Ingersoll (June 10) and the world’s #1 Bee Gees tribute band Stayin’ Alive (June 15). For tickets, subscriptions and more information, go to ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. in Aurora. About the Paramount Theatre The Paramount Theatre (ParamountAurora.com), 23 E. Galena Blvd. in the heart of downtown Aurora, is the center for performing arts, entertainment and arts education in the second largest city in Illinois. The 1,888-seat Paramount Theatre is nationally renowned for the quality and caliber of its presentations, historic beauty and superb acoustics. Designed by renowned theater architects C.W. and George L. Rapp, the Paramount Theatre is graced with a beautiful Venetian decor with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence. The Paramount opened on September 3, 1931. It was the first air-conditioned building outside of Chicago, and presented "talking pictures," vaudeville, concerts and circus performances for over 40 years.  In 1976, the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) restored the Paramount to its original grandeur. The Paramount Arts Centre reopened in 1978, offering a variety of touring theatrical, musical, comedy, dance and family programming. In 2006, a 12,000-square-foot, two-story Grand Gallery lobby was added including a Grand Staircase, new box office, café and art gallery. In 2010, ACCA hired Tim Rater as President and CEO of the Paramount Theatre. Rater’s mission was to radically boost the theater’s programming and audience base by transforming the Paramount into one of Chicago’s top self-producing, professional Equity musical theaters. Rater hired award-winning Chicago director Jim Corti as the Paramount’s first-ever artistic director. In 2011, the Paramount introduced its inaugural four-play Broadway Musical Series with Corti’s critically acclaimed production of My Fair Lady. In just six blockbuster seasons, Paramount has leaped to the top of Chicago’s musical theater scene, winning unanimous audience and critical acclaim, and an unprecedented number of Joseph Jefferson nominations and awards, including Best Musical-Large for the past two consecutive seasons. Today, more than 33,000 subscribers from throughout the city and suburbs enjoy Paramount’s Broadway-quality productions at highly affordable prices, making the Paramount the third largest subscription house in the nation. In addition to its blockbuster Broadway musical series, Paramount continues to present an eclectic array of internationally known comedians, music stars, dance events and family shows, and on most Mondays, screens a classic movie for just $1. The Paramount Theatre is one of three live performance venues programmed and managed by the ACCA, which also oversees the Paramount’s “sister” stage, the intimate, 173-seat Copley Theatre located directly across the street from the Paramount at 8 E. Galena Blvd., as well as RiverEdge Park, downtown Aurora’s summer outdoor concert venue at 360 N. Broadway. The Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals. For more, visit ParamountAurora.com or call (630) 896-6666.

WIN A Family 6 Ticket Pass ($48 value) To Aquatic Experience – Chicago

World Pet Association’s fifth annual

Aquatic Experience – Chicago 

returns with traveling sea lion encounter 

November 3-5, 2017

Everything aquatic under one roof—

from freshwater and saltwater fish, plants and mammals

Here at ChiIL Mama, we've enjoyed the World Pet Association’s Aquatic Experience for years. We've checked out shark shows, sea lions, gators and touch tanks, and shot a zillion photos. My daughter even designed a fish tank in the Kids Aquarium Contest and won first place in her age group in 2014 & 15! She also threw a pingpong ball and won a betta two years in a row. We definitely recommend this family friendly fish filled experience. Click HERE and scroll down to check out our past photo filled features.

Disclosure: It's ChiIL Mama's pleasure, once again, to partner up with Aquatic Experience for the 5th year now. They have provided us with complimentary tickets for our giveaway. All opinions, photos and experiences are my own.





Aquatic Experience is multigenerational fun. We brought Grammy and Gramps one year and they won a fish tank in the free raffle!

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN a 1 day Family Pass ($48 value) For Up to 2 Adults/4 Children (kids 5 and under are free). Winner's choice of days. 

Enter early and often through midnight Wednesday October 25th. Winner will be e-mailed and announced via our social media channels on 10/26/17.

The only traveling sea lion experience in the United States, Sea Lion Splash, will return to the Chicago area for the World Pet Association’s fifth annual Aquatic Experience – Chicago, Nov. 3-5, 2017, at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center. Show attendees will be able to interact with sea lions up close, as well as enjoying additional must-sea programs including: piranha tanks, 



Fish from Around the World displays, a Kids Aquarium Contest and “everything aquatic under one roof”— from freshwater and saltwater fish, plants and mammals.

Tickets for Aquatic Experience – Chicago, Nov. 3-5, 2017 at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center (1551 Thoreau Drive N, Schaumburg, IL) are now on sale. Individual tickets start at just $10 and children ages five and under are free. For more information, please visit www.aquaticexperience.org.

Hours
Friday 11/3: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday 11/4: 10 am – 6 pm
Sunday 11/5: 10 am – 4 pm

Sponsored by Sponsored by Aqueon/Coralife/Kent Marine, Sea Lion Splash offers guests of all ages an up-close experience with sea lions, as well as the opportunity to learn about these amazing mammals through a thirty-minute spell binding show hosted by trainer Surfer Joe.

Aquatic Experience includes family-friendly activities such as the only traveling sea lion experience in the United States, Sea Lion Splash and a Kid’s Aquarium Contest. Other exciting programming includes: Touch tank with a Giant African “Pixie” Bullfrog, a Green Anaconda, Fish from Around the World displays with tropical fish and a touch tank with Jellyfish.



In 2015, my 12 year old daughter, Sage designed a Chicago Blackhawks vs. San Jose Sharks hockey themed tank! In 2014 she created a Tetris Tetras Tank. She won first place both years and got featured on the news. Every kid who enters gets to keep the tank and accessories!







Disclosure: It's ChiIL Mama's pleasure, once again, to partner up with Aquatic Experience for the 5th year now. They have provided us with complimentary tickets for our giveaway. All opinions, photos and experiences are my own.

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