ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Chicago Premiere of THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW Via CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 27, 2019

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:
THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR SHOW,
A GORGEOUS, PUPPET-FILLED SPECTACLE CELEBRATING ERIC CARLE’S BELOVED BOOKS,
OPENS CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE'S
14th SEASON, 
SEPTEMBER 24-OCTOBER 27, 2019

Chicago Children’s Theatre’s launches its 14th season with the Chicago premiere of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, a bright new version of Eric Carle’s timeless children’s book about an insatiable caterpillar that munches its way to become a full-fledged butterfly.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, created by Jonathan Rockefeller, is already a global sensation having performed over 2,000 shows worldwide including sold out engagements in Australia, New York, United Kingdom, Dubai, New Zealand, Canada, Belgium, Luxemburg and the Netherlands.

Come fall, on this, the 50th Anniversary of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” Rockefeller’s bold, imaginative staging of four beloved Eric Carle tales will play Chicago’s largest theater devoted to children and families as part of the show’s debut U.S. tour.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show runs September 24-October 27, 2019, at Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago’s West Loop. Regular performances are Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and

2 p.m. Exception: No 10:30 a.m. show Saturday, October 12. 

Single tickets are $27-$39 including fees. Or, save money by including

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show in a three-play subscription package.

For subscriptions, single tickets and information on group rates and student matinees, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call CCT Guest Services, (312) 374-8835. The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is an all-ages show.

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar”: Colors, numbers, healthy eating and days of the week

Since it was first published in 1969, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” has nibbled its way into the hearts of literally millions of children all over the world. Fifty years later, Carle’s colorful story about metamorphosis has been translated into 62 languages, sold more than 50 million copies worldwide, and remains a staple of baby showers, bed stands and classroom bookshelves. Carle’s brilliantly illustrated, hand-painted tissue collages and distinctively simple stories, now found in his more than 70 picture books, have introduced countless children to a bigger, brighter world – and to their first reading experiences.

That’s why kids and parents will gobble up CCT’s Chicago premiere of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, a bright, bold new spectacle production created by Jonathan Rockefeller and directed by Jerrell L. Henderson.

A delightful menagerie of 75 larger-than-life puppets bring four Eric Carle favorites from the page to the stage: “Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” “The Very Lonely Firefly” and the star of the show, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.”

After enjoying faithful recreations of Carle’s most memorable tales during this magical, 60-minute show, children get to meet the puppets and take pictures with the cast.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show was nominated for a Drama Desk Award and the Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best Family Show. The New York Times called it “bedazzling.” Newsday gave The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show “Five Smiles.” Live Theater UK raved, “your favorite small person will be changed for the better.”

Eric Carle himself said, “I hope the performances will be enjoyed by many and that the colorful characters will bring comfort and joy to all who see the stories that have been so carefully produced. It is uplifting to see such beautiful and cheerful works inspired by my characters! I hope my books - and this show - will inspire you and your imagination.”

Creator Jonathan Rockefeller is the co-founder of Rockefeller Productions, a company that combines film, theatre, animation, puppetry and television. Beyond the stage, Rockefeller teamed up with Eric Carle to produce and direct an animated version of “10 Little Rubber Ducks” based on Carle’s book and narrated by Bernadette Peters. “10 Little Rubber Ducks” is available on iTunes.

Lara Carling, Micah Figueroa and Leslie Ann Sheppard form the Chicago cast of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show. The production team includes Will Bishop (scenic design), Caitlin McLeod (costume design), Jason Lynch (lighting design), Zack Shirtum (sound design), Rebecca Ross (production stage manager), Sharon Golden (assistant stage manager) and Jamie Abelson (casting director). Carl Vorwerk is general manager of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show.



Access Weekend for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

is October 19 and 20

Chicago Children’s Theatre strives to make the arts accessible to people of all abilities, dispelling myths about individuals with special needs and their ability to fully participate in and enjoy the arts.

Access Weekend for The Very Hungry Caterpillar is October 19 and 20. Services include:

American Sign Language (ASL) and live open captioning for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing:

Saturday, October 19 at 10:30 a.m.

Pre-show Touch Tour of the set prior to the show for guests who are blind or have low vision:

Saturday, October 19 at 1 p.m., before the 2 p.m. show

Sensory friendly performances for children on the autism spectrum or with Down Syndrome: 

Sunday, October 20 at 10:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Modifications are made to lighting, sound and music to avoid sensory overload, with a nearby Quiet Room.

For more information about Access services, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/access or contact CCT’s Access and Inclusion department at access@chicagochildrenstheatre.org.



Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 2019-20 Season:

A Season to Celebrate



In addition to The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 2019-20 season boasts the return of Chicago’s newest holiday family tradition, The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party, December 7-29; the new “mom & tot” show Wake Up, Brother Bear!, January 21 – February 16, 2020; a new Red Kite, Brown Box production for children on the autism spectrum, February 28-March 21, 2020; and the Chicago premiere of Me…Jane: The Dreams & Adventures of a Young Jane Goodall, March 31-April 26, 2020.

Chicago Children’s Theatre 2019-20 Subscription Packages are on sale now, starting at just $60 for three shows. Subscribers also enjoy $15 off education programming at Chicago Children’s Theatre including classes and camps. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call Chicago Children’s Theatre Guest Services, (312) 374-8835, to subscribe.

About Chicago Children’s Theatre

Led by Founding Artistic Director, Jacqueline Russell, Chicago Children’s Theatre was founded in 2005 with a big idea: Chicago is the greatest theater city in the world, and it deserves a great children’s theater.

Fourteen years later, CCT is Chicago’s largest professional theater company devoted exclusively to children and young families. It has established a national reputation for the production of first-rate children’s theater, with professional writing, performing, and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise.

Chicago Children’s Theatre remains dedicated to creating awe-inspiring theatrical productions and programs through inclusion and accessibility, and inspiring young people and families to lead lives of adventure, courage and curiosity. Since its founding, Chicago Children’s Theatre has produced 20 world premieres including The Selfish Giant, The Hundred Dresses, Jackie and Me, The Houdini Box, Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money, Leo Lionni’s Frederick, Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, Jabari Dreams of Freedom, The Year I Didn’t Go To School: A Homemade Circus, Manual Cinema’s Magic City, My Wonderful Birthday Suit!, Last Stop on Market Street, X Marks the Spot, The World Inside Me (with New York’s Spellbound Theatre) and The Watsons Go To Birmingham - 1963. These productions enjoyed successful inaugural runs in Chicago, many followed by productions at theaters across the U.S.

Earlier this year, Chicago Children’s Theatre won the 2019 National TYA Artistic Innovation Award from Theatre of Young Audiences/USA, the national service organization supporting, connecting and advocating for the field of theater for young audiences. In addition, Chicago Children’s Theatre has garnered six NEA Art Works grants, and in 2017, became the first theater for young audiences in the U.S. to win a National Theatre Award from the American Theatre Wing, creators of the Tony Awards.

In January 2017, the company celebrated the opening of its new, permanent home, Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, located at 100 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago’s West Loop community. The building, formerly the Chicago Police Station for the 12th District, was repurposed into a beautiful, LEED Gold-certified, mixed-use performing arts, education and community engagement facility that now welcomes all Chicago families.

CCT offers free tickets to more than 5,000 low-income students each season in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. CCT also continues to grow its performing arts and STEAM education programs, offering classes, workshops, winter and spring break camps, and summer camps for ages 0 to 13.

In addition to leading the company’s new play development, mainstage and education programs, Jacqueline Russell is the creator of Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Red Kite Project, a multi-sensory interactive theatre program tailored specifically to children with special needs. Last season, Russell created and directed X Marks the Spot, a multi-sensory experience inspired by her work with children with visual impairments, which will tour Chicago area schools this fall. In 2010, she was appointed by the U.S. State Department to serve as Cultural Envoy to Canada, was awarded the 2013 “Hero of the Year Award” from the Chicago chapter of Autism Speaks, and was honored as one of 20 Chicago women who have shaped arts and culture featured on Kerry James Marshall's mural “Rushmore” on the west façade of the Chicago Culture Center.

Chicago Children’s Theatre is led by Co-Founders, Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Board Chair Todd Leland, with Board President Eric Neveux. For more, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

NOW PLAYING: Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories by Eric Carle Ends May 28th

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's 

charming production 

Brown Bear, Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories 

by Eric Carle

Playing now through May 28 at 

Chicago Children's Theatre

the Ruth Page Center for the Arts

1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago

I've seen this whimsical and wonderful show three times over the years and it's as charming as ever. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia is world renowned and their shows leave a lasting impression. I took my kids to see this show when they were toddlers, and the production was playing Bookamania at the Harold Washington library. We later caught them again in partnership with Chicago Children's Theatre. These vibrant puppets bring Eric Carle's treasured books to life in a delightful way that's sure to charm children and parents alike. Highly recommended! Click here to check out our past Brown Bear coverage (including our wacky story involving tattoos and toddlers who just can't wait to pee).

Chicago's very youngest theatergoers will be treated to a menagerie of whimsical animal characters from beloved children's author Eric Carle when Chicago Children's Theatre presents Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, a Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia production,
May 2-28, 2017.  



Celebrating the bedside book's fiftieth anniversary, Brown Bear, Brown Bear has introduced countless toddlers to the delights of identifying colors and objects. Now many of Carle's current generation of fans, children ages 1 to 5, will make their very first trip to a live theater to see their favorite Carle characters come to life before their eyes through the magic of puppetry, live on stage.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear is an hour-long production that showcases the imaginative blend of innovative puppetry and striking scenic effects that has won international acclaim for Nova Scotia's Mermaid Theatre. 

In addition to the title story, Brown Bear, Brown Bear also boasts the all-time Carle classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. Completing the trilogy is the heartwarming father-daughter tale Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me, a splendid introduction to the wonderment of the lunar cycle.

When Chicago Children's Theatre last invited Mermaid Theater to the Windy City, Time Out Chicago raved Brown Bear, Brown Bear provided "sweet-as-can-be doses of narrated fantasy, made more so by a whimsical score. Even kids unfamiliar with Carle's canon remain rapt, thanks in large part to the dramatic lighting, those glowing sets and the handiwork of (just) two puppeteers."

Best of all, when the show's over, Mermaid Theater's puppeteers reveal all of their super stagecraft secrets to satisfy the "how did they do that?" curiosity of children (and parents) in the audience.

Brown bear sightings in Chicago are rare, so don't miss Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, based on the stories by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle. 

Performances are May 2-28, 2017 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 
1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Show times are Tuesdays through Friday at 10 a.m., Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Sundays and 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Single tickets are $10-$39.  For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. 

Email groupsales@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (773) 227-0180 x 321 to learn about discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups. 

The Ruth Page Center for the Arts is convenient to public transportation, surrounded by restaurants and located just steps from the Magnificent Mile.






Access Weekend for Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories

Access Weekend for Brown Bear, Brown Bear is Saturday and Sunday, May 20 and 21, when services for persons with disabilities integrated into public performances. These include:

Live open captioning for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing:
Saturday, May 20 at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.; Sunday, May 21 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 

Sensory friendly performance with quiet room for children on the autism spectrum or with Down Syndrome: 
Sunday, May 21 at 11 a.m.

For more about access services, go to chicagochildrenstheatre.org/access or contact Access and Inclusion Manager Alex Mauney at cmauney@chicagochildrenstheatre.org.




New home for Chicago Children's Theatre, The Station, is now open
While culminating its final mainstage season at the Ruth Page, CCT has transformed the former 12th District Police Station at 100 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago's West Loop into its first permanent home. The new Chicago Children's Theatre, The Station, is a beautiful, mixed-use performing arts and education facility designed to serve all Chicago families. 

The critically acclaimed world premiere of The Magic City, an all-ages show created by Chicago's Manual Cinema, inaugurated the building's new 149-seat Pritzker Family Studio Theatre, followed by a new staging of Pinocchio with Chicago's Neverbird Project featuring young hearing and Deaf actors, April 20-May 14. Tickets to Pinocchio are $25. For tickets, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555.

With five brand new classrooms devoted to performing arts instruction, education is at the heart of Chicago Children's Theatre's new home. Registration is now open for a diverse roster of classes and camps for toddlers to teens in theater, storytelling, modern movement, film making, hip hop, craft and aerial circus arts. Learn more at chicagochildrenstheatre.com/education. Scholarship and tuition assistance is available.
                                                                                                                                 
Additionally, CCT now has its own dedicated space at The Station for Red Kite programming for children with autism and other special needs. This spring, children will participate in a new Red Kite Adventure, a multi-sensory theatrical experience tailored to the unique needs of each child who attends. The Station will also be home to Camp Red Kite, the only summer arts camp of its kind in Chicago for children on the autism spectrum. Learn more at chicagochildrenstheatre.com/red-kite-project.


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 with 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, the company'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 strong focus on new work, producing 15 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, The Magic City and The Year I Didn't Go To School: A Homemade Circus. These enjoyed highly successful inaugural runs in Chicago, followed by new productions at family 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. 

Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell, Board Chair Todd Leland and Community Programs Artistic Director Frank Maugeri, Chicago Children's Theatre is supported by a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business. Officers include Jeff Hughes, President; Lynn Lockwood Murphy, Vice Chair and Secretary; David Saltiel, Vice Chair; and David Chung, Treasurer. 

Chicago Children's Theatre is sponsored in part by ComEd and Goldman Sachs Gives. 

For more information visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, or call (773) 227-0180.

ACT OUT KIDS: MERMAID THEATRE OF NOVA SCOTIA'S THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR Returns 4/29-6/1

CELEBRATE SPRING...FINALLY! 

TAKE THE KIDS TO

MERMAID THEATRE OF NOVA SCOTIA'S 

THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR  

CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE PRESENTS ERIC CARLE'S QUINTESSENTIAL SEASONAL STORY 

APRIL 29-JUNE 1 AT CHICAGO'S RUTH PAGE

HELP OUT:  Families encouraged to bring food for 

"Feed the Caterpillar. Feed a Child." Food Drive (details below)

Here at ChiIL Mama we've seen this production twice over the years (in 2010 & back when my kids were toddlers about 5 years before that) and we LOVE IT. Highly recommended. Check out our past coverage here.  

We're huge fans of Eric Carle's fabulous books and inimitable illustrating style. Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia does his works justice, bringing the works to life on stage in brilliant blacklight color and world class puppetry.

We've been wowed and impressed by Chicago Children's Theatre's production choices for years. So it's no surprise when they team up with another of our favorites, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, to present "The Very Hungry Caterpillar & Other Eric Carle Favorites" every few years (2010/12/14 so far). The magic of black light and florescent puppet creations make this a must see production. 

Mermaid Theatre's performance of all three Eric Carle stories is wonderful, but my kids' hands down favorite was the mixed up chameleon.

Although that was my favorite, too, I have a soft spot for the butterfly the hungry caterpillar turns into. It's close to my heart... or should I say kidneys. I've always loved Eric Carle's style of art work and have a giant tattoo based on his butterfly on my lower back that I got back in the mid 90's (before I even had kids).

We saw this particular show years ago at Chicago's Bookamania at Harold Washington Library.  My kids were both toddlers then and I was so looking forward to seeing my tattoo butterfly in black light puppet glory.  Then right before the big climax, my daughter said "Mommy I need to go potty NOW." Sigh! I gathered both kids & our stuff together and we climbed over everyone in our row and ran for the bathroom. She made it, but we missed the butterfly! 

It was years before they came back to Chicago, and my kids were 7 & 9 by then, but I was elated to have the chance to see it again, and determined to catch the illusive butterfly this time around. I made SURE everyone hit the bathroom BEFORE the show and finally caught my butterfly at last. 2nd time's a charm.  

The butterfly was just stunning and iridescent in this production, but you don't have to wait 5 years to catch it!!  They're coming back NOW.

Even though this 50 minute play is recommended for 3-6 year olds, back in the day, my 9 year old son was enchanted, and the parents in the audience loved it as much as their preschoolers. 

  

Photo credit: Courtesy Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia

I was delighted to hear the troupe open with the words "This is a no shushing production." It's so refreshing when the natural rustle, chatter and exuberant participation of toddlers is embraced.  Parents can relax and not worry about their offspring maintaining proper theatre decorum and quiet voices.

We thoroughly enjoyed seeing "Little Cloud", "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and "Mixed Up Chameleon" depicted in such a colorful fashion. My kids find it fun to read all the books right before seeing a story based play or movie and Eric Carl has been a huge hit in our family since before the kids' births. Du Jay and Sagezilla have most of his works memorized and love to try their hand at emulating his unique art style.

All of the stories were professionally and impressively executed and even the youngest children were mesmerized. Of course that's no surprise, as Mermaid Theatre has been on tour continually since 1999! We were especially impressed with the post show Q & A where the puppeteers let us in on some of the magic and mystery. 

Photo credit: Courtesy Mermaid Theatre of Novia Scotia

Chicago Children's Theatre is excited to welcome spring and introduce a new generation of young theater goers to live theatre with Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites.

Innovative puppetry, evocative music and stunning black light visual effects absolutely mesmerize children as Mermaid Theatre brings to life three Eric Carle family favorites - The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Little Cloud and The Mixed-Up Chameleon - in this internationally acclaimed production for children 2 and up.

Chicago Children's Theatre presents Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's The Very Hungry Caterpillar... April 29-June 1 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts,
1016 N. Dearborn Ave., Chicago. 

  

Public performances are Friday at 5:30 p.m.; Saturday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sunday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. School/weekday matinees are Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. 

Tickets start at $25. Run time is 50 minutes with no intermission. For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call the CCT box office, 

(872) 222-9555.

**Here at ChiIL Mama, we're all about giving back to the community and we volunteer and/or donate as a family whenever possible.  Our kids are quite excited when they can be a part of something that helps others.  We're also happy to spread the word to our readers, when there are great opportunities to "help out".**  

HELP OUT:  "Feed the Caterpillar.  

Feed a Child." Food Drive

Chicago Children's Theatre has partnered with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to help feed hungry families by launching a food drive, "Feed the Caterpillar. Feed a Child." Collection bins will be stationed in the Ruth Page lobby ready to accept non-perishable foods in cans, cartons or bags. 

Chicago Children's Theatre and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia encourage families to bring food that requires no refrigeration before the show to assist Chicago-area families struggling with hunger.

More about The Very Hungry Caterpillar

Eric Carle is the acclaimed and beloved creator of brilliantly illustrated and innovatively designed picture books for very young children. His best-known work, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, has eaten its way into the hearts of millions of children all over the world and has been translated into more than 50 languages and sold over 33 million copies. The story follows the adventures of a very tiny and very hungry caterpillar that eats his way through an amazing variety of foods towards his eventual metamorphosis into a beautiful butterfly.

Since Caterpillar was published in 1969, Carle has illustrated more than 70 books, many best sellers, most of which he also wrote, and more than 110 million copies of his books have sold worldwide.

In addition to Caterpillar, the other stories featured in this Mermaid production include Little Cloud, a mischievous cloud that slips away from the rest and transforms itself into various shapes of things it sees - a sheep, and airplane, a shark and more.In The Mixed-Up Chameleon, a little chameleon is bored sitting about predictably changing color all day. So it decides to embark on an adventurous trip to the zoo, where it tries changing to look like each one of them.

    

Special Offers to The Very Hungry Caterpillar

To help make live theater accessible to more families, Chicago Children's Theatre is offering the following discount offers to The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites:   

Fun Fridays

Tickets are only $25 to all Friday night, 5:30 p.m. performances.    

Grandparents' Weekends, May 2-4 & May 9-11

Grandparents, use promo code GRANDPARENT online, via phone or in person and bring your grandkids to the theater for only $20 per ticket (offer available the first two weekends only.)    

Senior discount  

Seniors 65 and older can always take advantage of a $7 ticket discount. Use promo code SENIOR. (Avoid online ticketing fees by purchasing in-person at the box office.)

Social media

Chicago Children's Theatre encourages families to "like" the company's

Facebook page and follow its Twitter feed - @ChiChildTheatre - where special offers, supplemental education activities, behind-the-scenes content, and invitations to value-added events are regularly posted throughout the run of every CCT production.

Groups 

For information on discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, and birthday parties, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.

  

About Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia    

Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (mermaidtheatre.ca) is internationally known for unique stage adaptations of children's beloved literary classics. The company's innovative puppetry, striking scenic effects, evocative original music and gentle storytelling has been applauded by five million spectators in 15 countries.

"Mermaid Theatre's emphasis on imaginative design elements, original music and challenging texts syncs right up with Chicago Children's Theatre's aesthetic," said Jacqueline Russell, Artistic Director, Chicago Children's Theatre.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar and Other Eric Carle Favorites is adapted, directed and designed by Jim Morrow, with music by Steven Naylor and narration by Gordon Pinsent.               

**Here at ChiIL Mama we'll always continue to tell our readers about stellar shows for the littles, because so many of you are at that life stage. But now that my kids are 10 & 13, we're also aging things up a bit and covering more tween, teen and adult offerings as well. So, we're beyond jazzed to share that CCT is aging things up, too, with an exciting new Later Stages series for kids 8 and up.  Sure, it's a bit bittersweet when kids age out of early childhood theatre, but what comes next is exciting too!**

CCT launches new Later Stages series for older kids during The Very Hungry Caterpillar

    

Concurrent with The Very Hungry Caterpillar, Chicago Children's Theater is launching a new series Friday nights in May called Later Stages, presenting cool shows from cutting-edge companies for older kids 8 and up.

On Friday, May 9 and May 23, Theatre Unspeakable presents SuperMan 2050, an epic, original Superman tale with seven actors that unfolds on one tiny platform, just 3-by-7 feet of space.

On Friday, May 16 and May 30, Manual Cinema presents Lula del Rey, the story of a young adolescent girl in the mid-century Southwest, performed with overhead projectors, shadow puppets, actors in silhouette and live music inspired by Hank Williams, Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline.

  

Later Stages shows are Friday nights at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are only $15. For tickets and information, call the Chicago Children's Theatre box office, (872) 222-9555 or visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

About The Ruth Page Center for the Arts    

The 2013-14 season is CCT's second year in residence at Chicago's Ruth Page Center for the Arts, where in addition to performances it also offers children's theatre classes for kids ages 3 to 13.    

The Ruth Page is located at 1016 N. Dearborn St., in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Via public transit, the Ruth Page is a short walk from the CTA Red Line Clark/Division and Chicago stops, and the Clark, Broadway, Division and Chicago Avenue bus lines. Neighborhood street parking is available, and the Ruth Page offers discounted garage parking with ticket validation at 1250 N. Dearborn ($12) and 1030 N. State ($12). 

Nearby family-friendly restaurants include Chicago Q (1160 N. Dearborn), Epic Burger (40 E. Pearson), Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (1120 N. State), The 3rd Coast Café (1260 N. Dearborn) and Dave and Busters (1030 N. Clark).

About Chicago Children's Theatre   

Chicago Children's Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate children's theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Since the company was launched in 2005, Chicago Children's Theatre has presented the world premieres of The Selfish Giant, The Hundred Dresses, Jackie and Me, Dot and Ziggy, The Houdini Box, The Elephant and The Whale (in association with Redmoon) and Mr. Chickee's Funny Money.

Chicago Children's Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical and educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us. The company strives to provide affordable and accessible theatre for families and area school children. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, Chicago Children's Theatre offers educational materials and programs for families and educators.    

Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Board Chair Todd Leland, the company is supported by a committed Artistic Council of Chicago-based actors, directors, musicians and designers and a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business. Officers include David Saltiel, President; Jacqueline Tilton, Vice Chair; Lynn Lockwood Murphy, Vice Chair and Secretary; and David Chung, Treasurer.  

Chicago Children's Theatre is sponsored in part by ComEd, Goldman Sachs Gives, JPMorgan Chase and Target.     

For more information visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, call CCT's dedicated box office line, (872) 222-9555, or the administrative office, (773) 227-0180.     

CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE AND OPEN BOOKS TEAM UP FOR A BROWN BEAR, BROWN BEAR BOOK DRIVE

How DO they do it?  Watch the trailer for Treasured Stories by Eric Carle

GOVERNOR PAT QUINN, WGN-TV's ANA BELAVAL AND RALPH "RALPH'S WORLD" COVERT SIGN ON AS CELEBRITY READING AMBASSADORS

Donate new or used children's books to help Chicago-area children in need  
when you bring your family to Treasured Stories by Eric Carle ,
playing now through May 27 at the Victory Gardens Biograph

We've seen this fantastic troupe's production of "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" two times in years past and I'm still super excited about it, even though at ages 9 & 11, my kids have aged out of this wonderous early childhood show.   I may just have to borrow someone else's toddler so I have excuse to go again!   Eric Carle still remains one of our favorite author/illustrators and he's got a place close to my heart and even closer to my back--I have a large tattoo of his colorful butterfly from the end of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

We've been promoting this show since early bird ticket sales began last February.   Shows are selling out, so if you still haven't bought your tickets, what are you waiting for?!

Check out ChiIL Mama's past, photo filled Mermaid Theatre/Eric Carle coverage from April 2010 here.

 "A Brown Bear, A Moon, and A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle"

LIMITED ENGAGEMENT!
ONLY HERE FOR ONE MONTH

By the company the brought you the sold out run of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,“ "A Brown Bear, A Caterpillar And A Moon: Treasured Stories By Eric Carle" will bring together old favorites and new friends.

Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry, the triple-bill highlights three of Eric Carle’s most beloved tales. "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" is joined by a whimsical cast of adventurous animals drawn from the pages of "Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See?", and the poignant story of a young girl’s unusual quest, "Papa Please Get The Moon For Me", for an hour-long performance, which both entertains and educates.

May 2 - 27
Victory Gardens Biograph Theatre
2433 N. Lincoln Avenue

Chicago Children's Theatre has a tradition of giving back to the community with each of its productions, and their upcoming presentation, Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia's A Brown Bear, A Moon and A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, playing now through May 27 at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, is no exception.

For this all-new triple bill of three Eric Carle all-time family favorites, Chicago Children's Theatre and Open Books are co-sponsoring a Brown Bear, Brown Bear Book Drive, and encouraging families to bring new or used early childhood reading books with them to the theater to donate to Chicago area kids in need.
 
To boost awareness for the drive, Chicago Children's Theatre has recruited a trio of celebrity reading ambassadors - Pat Quinn, Governor, State of Illinois; WGN-TV Around Town reporter Ana Belaval, and family-friendly rocker Ralph Covert  - who have generously volunteered to appear on stage before a weekend performance and read from another Eric Carle favorite.   (*Worlds collide alert:   ChiIL Mama has an original Ralph Covert video interview and live show footage coming soon, and we've supported and written about Open Books for years.   Both are awesome and highly recommended, as is Chicago Children's Theatre and Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia!   We love it when our favorites play well with others!!)

Here's the celebrity reading schedule:
 
Saturday, May 12, noon:  Illinois Governor Pat Quinn
 
Saturday, May 19, noon:  WGN-TV's Ana Belaval
 
Saturday, May 26, noon:  Ralph Covert, of "Ralph World's" fame
                                                                                        
Governor Quinn, who kicks off the Celebrity Reading series, explains "We know that the best investment we can make in our future is giving our children a good education. From birth to 5 years old is the best time to make sure our kids learn that readers are leaders. That early childhood education will be the foundation for their success for the rest of their lives. I hope these children will love reading just like I did."

To help combat this problem locally, all books collected at the theater before and after the show will be donated to Open Books, which will in turn sell the books in their store and online to support its early childhood literacy programs across Chicago.   And the need is great.  Just check out these statistics:
 
* 44% of America's 4th graders cannot read aloud fluently.
* 61% of low-income households do not have any children's books at home.
* In the last 20 years, young adults have become the least likely group to read literature.

Open Books is a nonprofit social venture that operates an extraordinary bookstore, provides community programs, and mobilizes passionate volunteers to promote literacy in Chicago and beyond. Please note:  donations to the Brown Bear, Brown Bear Book Drive are tax deductible.  For tax receipts for donations and complete information about Open Books, go to open-books.org.

Daddy, daddy, what do you see?  A fun, easy Mother's Day gift idea looking at me
 
Dads, the pressure is on, because Mother's Day - Sunday, May 13 - is right around the corner.

Fortunately, a family outing to the Victory Gardens Biograph for Treasured Stories by Eric Carle is the ideal Mother's Day gift.  Some shows have already sold out, but tickets are still available to Mother's Day performances at 11 am and noon.  And as a special Mother's Day treat, Wishcraft Workshop, 2312 W. Roscoe, is setting up temporary shop at the Biograph on Mother's Day to offer children and their parents free arts and crafts activities in the style of Eric Carle before or after the show.
 

More about A Brown Bear, A Moon and a Caterpillar:  Treasured Stories by Eric Carle
 
Chicago Children's Theatre looks forward to hosting internationally acclaimed Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia in the Windy City, with a limited engagement of Mermaid's all-new production of A Brown Bear, A Moon and a Caterpillar:  Treasured Stories by Eric Carle. Featuring evocative music, stunning visual effects and innovative puppetry, Mermaid Theatre's all-new triple bill brings to life three Eric Carle all-time family favorites - Brown Bear, Brown Bear, Papa, Please Get the Moon for Me and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

Performances are May 2-27, 2012 on the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater mainstage, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago:  Tuesday through Thursday at 10:15 am; Friday at 10 am and Noon; Saturday at 10 am, Noon and 3 pm; and Sunday at 11 am and 3 pm. 

Tickets, $15 - $41, are on sale now.  For tickets and information, go to chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call the Victory Gardens box office, 773.871.3000. For discounted rates for pre-schools, schools, day care facilities and play groups of eight or more, contact GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visit GroupTix.net.
                                                                                        
Mermaid Theatre has performed for more than four million spectators on four continents. Locally, Chicago Children's Theatre last hosted Mermaid Theatre's smash hit, nearly sold-out run of The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Field Museum in 2010. Mermaid's emphasis on imaginative design elements, original music, and challenging texts syncs right up with Chicago Children's Theatre's aesthetic.  So what better way to acquaint young audiences with the visual and performing arts as well as the pleasures of reading than a school or family trip to enjoy the wonder of A Brown Bear, A Moon and A Caterpillar: Treasured Stories by Eric Carle.

About Chicago Children's Theatre
 
Chicago Children's Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate children's theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Chicago Children's Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical and educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us.
 
Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell, and Board Chair Todd Leland, the company is supported by a committed Artistic Council of Chicago-based actors, directors, musicians and designers, and a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business.  Officers include David Saltiel, President; J. Scot Pepper and Jacqueline Tilton, Vice Chairs; Lynn Lockwood Murphy, Vice Chair and Secretary; and David Chung, Treasurer.
 
Launched in 2005, Chicago Children's Theatre strives to provide affordable and accessible theatre for families and area school children. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, Chicago Children's Theatre offers educational materials and programs for families and educators.
 
Chicago Children's Theatre's 2011-2012 season is made possible in part by the generosity of its sponsors:  ComEd is the Official Lighting Sponsor. Goldman Sachs Gives is the Official Season Sponsor.  JPMorgan Chase is the Official Education Sponsor. Target is the Official School Field Trip Sponsor.  United is the Chicago Premiere Sponsor as well as the Official and Exclusive Airline Sponsor.
 
For more information about Chicago Children's Theatre visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call 773.227.0180.