WIN 4 Tickets (Up To $152 Value) to the Chicago Premiere of Fantastic Mr. Fox Via Emerald City Theatre at Victory Gardens Theater

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

Emerald City Theatre 

to Open the Chicago Premiere of 

Fantastic Mr. Fox 

to Be Presented at 

Victory Gardens Theater

75-minute run time with intermission

One of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will win a 

Family 4 Pack of Tickets (Up To $152 Value). 

Winner's choice of certain show dates. 

Enter below for your chance to WIN!

ChiIL Mama will be out to review at the press opening December 14th, so check back soon for our full review.

Emerald City Theatre (ECT) will open the Chicago premiere of Fantastic Mr. Fox, adapted for the stage by David Wood from the book by Roald Dahl and directed by ECT Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone, at Victory Gardens Začek-McVay Theater, 2433 N Lincoln Ave, on December 14, 2018.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is the first production presented by Emerald City Theatre on the mainstage at Victory Gardens Theater. The two theater companies worked together last year on Play Pals, a collaboration that provided a theater experience for the whole family – ECT teaching artists offered workshops for children while their parents attended a Victory Gardens Theater performance. 
“We are delighted to continue growing our relationship with Victory Gardens Theater as we prepare for Fantastic Mr. Fox,” says Stone. “This opportunity will allow us to move forward artistically as we expand our reach, particularly with older age groups, and the scope of what we are able to bring to life onstage.” 

The production will feature Mario Aivazian (Mr. Fox), Brianna Buckley (Badger), Tia Pinson (Mrs. Fox), Aaron Lawson (Boggis), Isa Arciniegas (Bunce), Jeffrey Hoge (Bean), Jeanne T. Arrigo (Mabel/Ensemble), Rebecca Keeshin (Fox Child), Elleon Dobias (Badger Child/Mabel Understudy), Diego Colón (Mr. Fox Understudy), Tim Lueke (Boggis/Bean Understudy), Emma Sheikh (Badger/Mrs. Fox Understudy), Shea Lee (Bunce/Badger Child Understudy), and Sara Geist (Fox Child Understudy).


About the Show:
Fantastic Mr. Fox
December 14, 2018 – January 12, 2019

Previews begin December 9
Tickets start at $16

Regular (Dec. 15, 2018 –Jan. 12, 2019):
Tickets start at $20

At Victory Gardens Theater in Lincoln Park
2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago
Adapted for the stage by David Wood
From the book by Roald Dahl
Directed by ECT Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone

“You’re invited to a fox’s feast!”
Journey deep underground with the badgers, weasels, rabbits – and yes, foxes – for a celebration of courage, family, and community. Mr. Fox knows he must be clever to save his family from a trio of spiteful farmers, but in a twist of tunnels, he becomes the hero of the forest! David Wood’s exuberant adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic book, accompanied by live music, is a Chicago premiere.

Fantastic Mr. Fox is presented in two acts, with a 75-minute run time. Both daytime and evening performances are available. Tickets start at $20 and are available online or through the Victory Gardens Theater box office at 773.871.3000.

Fantastic Mr. Fox
Adapted for the stage by David Wood
From the book by Roald Dahl
Directed by Jacqueline Stone

Presented by Emerald City Theatre

“Fantastic Mr. Fox (Wood)” is presented by special arrangement with SAMUEL FRENCH, INC.

Times range from 10:30am to 7:00pm, please take note of the time as you select tickets.

INFO:
(773) 871-3000
tickets@victorygardens.org


 

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

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

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

ECT's lead supporters include iHeartMedia Chicago, AMITA Health, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, KPMG, Illinois Arts Council, and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events. For more information, please visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com.

One of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will win a 

Family 4 Pack of Tickets (Up To $152 Value). 

Winner's choice of any of the following show dates/times. 

Enter HERE for your chance to WIN!

Enter through midnight December 13th. Extra entries for daily social media shares, so enter early and often. Winner will be e-mailed and announced here and on ChiIL Mama's social media channels. Good luck! 

ENTER HERE FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN FANTASTIC MR. FOX TICKETS

Disclosure: It's our pleasure to partner up with Emerald City and Victory Gardens. They have provided complimentary tickets for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

REVIEW: Loving Lies Make The Man, In Moon Man Walk, Upstairs at Victory Gardens

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Definition Theatre Company 

Announces Final Production of 2017/18 Season

the Chicago Premiere of

Moon Man Walk

Written by James Ijames

Directed by Tyla Abercrumbie


all photos by joe mazza_brave lux, inc. 

Review:

Definition Theatre Company has a hit on their hands once again, with stellar storytelling, and a tender tale of love, lies, and loss. With a felon for a father and a single mom struggling to make ends meet, Monarch (Debo Balogun) beats the odds and matures into an articulate, literate young adult. Moon Man Walk begins as this bookish boy deals with the death of his mother, a new potential love interest, and memories of growing up with tales of an absentee astronaut father trapped on the moon. 

It's only after his mother's death that Monarch truly comes to know the essence of who she was and the sacrifices she made for him, as he sorts through her album collection and belongings with newfound friend and love interest, Petrushka (Chanell Bell).

This tender tale is told with wisdom and humor and plays out on a clever, multilevel set. All the actors do a fabulous job with Chanell Bell, Petrushka and Debo Balogun, Monarch as particular standouts. I was also impressed with on stage favorite, Tyla Abercrumbie's directorial debut skills. 

running time is approximately 85 minutes, no intermission 

January 26 - February 25, 2018

Definition Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips and Managing Director Neel McNeill, announces the final production of its 2017-2018 Season, the Chicago premiere of Moon Man Walk, written by James Ijames and directed by Tyla Abercrumbie.  

Moon Man Walk runs January 26 - February 25, 2018 in the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, as part of Definition’s tenure in the Victory Gardens Resident Theater Program. The press opening is Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Single tickets are on sale and may be purchased by calling the Victory Gardens box office at 773-781-3000 or at victorygardens.org.

Monarch must return to Philadelphia following the sudden death of his mother. On the journey back to his boyhood home to plan for her funeral, Monarch mourns, falls in love, and discovers that sometimes, the truth lies someplace between the surface of the moon and wherever you are. Moon Man Walk is a moving and enthralling new play exploring the enduring connection between a mother and her son, and the space required to recognize a past that is becoming ever more present.

“The Chicago theatre community must continue to nurture new work and give opportunities for regional and world premieres in order to be a national leader for the arts,” said Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips. “Definition Theatre is thrilled to be shifting our focus to produce what we call ‘future classics’ and end our season with Moon Man Walk by James Ijames. This production will mark our fourth Chicago Premiere as a company and we are very fortunate to have Tyla Abercrumbie making her directorial debut by way of this moving piece.”


The cast of Moon Man Walk includes:


Debo Balogun


**CASTING CHANGE: Chanell Bell now plays Petrushka in the Chicago premiere of Moon Man Walk. 


Shadana Patterson 


and Michael Anthony Rawlins

The creative team for Moon Man Walk includes Eleanor Kahn (Set Designer), Kristy Leigh Hall (Costume Designer), Slick Jorgensen (Lighting and Projection Designer), and Matt Test (Sound Designer). Mercedes White is the Assistant Director and Athanasia Giannetos is the dramaturg.

Dates: January 26 - February 25, 2018
Previews: January 26 - 28, 2018
Regular Run: February 1 - February 25, 2018

Schedule: Thursday: 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 p.m.
Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

Location: The Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue,in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood

Ticket prices: $15-$30
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.
773.871.3000; www.victorygardens.org.

Definition Theatre Company is part of the Victory Gardens Resident Theater Program. All performances during the 2017-2018 season will take place in the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens. 


         
About Definition Theatre Company
Definition Theatre Company is an ensemble-based Chicago theater founded by six graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Featuring a multi-ethnic core companionship of actors, Definition strives to artistically reflect the myriad of modern America to inspire and engage the communities it represents through contemporary and classical theatrical works. Our mission is to tell language-driven, relationship-oriented, thought-provoking, socially relevant stories.

Definition has been afforded the opportunity to create work that reflects its unique voice. It shared the words of Academy Award-Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney in The Brothers Size, it grooved with Amiri Baraka's whirlwind story of a chance meeting on a train in Dutchman, and staged its first world premiere production, Genesis, written by ensemble member Mercedes White and inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic masterwork A Raisin in the Sun. Most recently, Definition partnered with The New Colony to produce the world premiere of Byhalia, Mississippi. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “wise, funny, thoughtful and true”, Byhalia, Mississippi explored a family in turmoil and a small southern town haunted by its racially-charged past. Most recently, Definition, in association with the Goodman Theatre, staged the Chicago Premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon, a subversive take on race in America that captivated audiences this past summer.

Ensemble members include Owais Ahmed, Carley Cornelius, Martasia Jones, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Julian Parker, Tyrone Phillips, Christopher Sheard and Mercedes White. Artistic Advisory Board members include director May Adrales, Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, Victory Gardens Theater Managing Director Erica Daniels, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, Writers Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, director Pam Mackinnon, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins and Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director and Neel McNeill is the Managing Director.

For additional information, visit definitiontheatre.org and facebook.com/definitiontheatrecompany

ADULT NIGHT OUT: Definition Theatre Company's Chicago Premiere of Moon Man Walk Opens Opens at Victory Gardens Theater 1/26/18

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Definition Theatre Company 

Announces Final Production of 2017/18 Season

the Chicago Premiere of

Moon Man Walk

Written by James Ijames

Directed by Tyla Abercrumbie

running time is approximately 85 minutes, no intermission 

January 26 - February 25, 2018

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we were blown away by many of Definition Theatre Company's edgy and excellent past productions. We can't wait to see what's next. I'll be out for the press opening on January 28, so check back soon for my full review.

Definition Theatre Company, under the leadership of Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips and Managing Director Neel McNeill, announces the final production of its 2017-2018 Season, the Chicago premiere of Moon Man Walk, written by James Ijames and directed by Tyla Abercrumbie.  

Moon Man Walk runs January 26 - February 25, 2018 in the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, as part of Definition’s tenure in the Victory Gardens Resident Theater Program. The press opening is Sunday, January 28, 2018 at 2:30 p.m. Single tickets are on sale and may be purchased by calling the Victory Gardens box office at 773-781-3000 or at victorygardens.org.

Monarch must return to Philadelphia following the sudden death of his mother. On the journey back to his boyhood home to plan for her funeral, Monarch mourns, falls in love, and discovers that sometimes, the truth lies someplace between the surface of the moon and wherever you are. Moon Man Walk is a moving and enthralling new play exploring the enduring connection between a mother and her son, and the space required to recognize a past that is becoming ever more present.

“The Chicago theatre community must continue to nurture new work and give opportunities for regional and world premieres in order to be a national leader for the arts,” said Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips. “Definition Theatre is thrilled to be shifting our focus to produce what we call ‘future classics’ and end our season with Moon Man Walk by James Ijames. This production will mark our fourth Chicago Premiere as a company And we are very fortunate to have Tyla Abercrumbie making her directorial debut by way of this moving piece.”

**CASTING CHANGE: Chanell Bell now plays Petrushka in the Chicago premiere of Moon Man Walk. 

The cast of Moon Man Walk includes:


Debo Balogun

Now replaced by Chanell Bell (pictured above)
Isabeau Dornevil


Shadana Patterson 


and Michael Anthony Rawlins

The creative team for Moon Man Walk includes Eleanor Kahn (Set Designer), Kristy Leigh Hall (Costume Designer), Slick Jorgensen (Lighting and Projection Designer), and Matt Test (Sound Designer). Mercedes White is the Assistant Director and Athanasia Giannetos is the dramaturg.

Dates: January 26 - February 25, 2018
Previews: January 26 - 28, 2018
Regular Run: February 1 - February 25, 2018

Schedule: Thursday: 8 p.m.
Friday: 8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 p.m.
Sunday: 2:30 p.m.

Location: The Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue,in the heart of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood

Ticket prices: $15-$30
Box Office: The Box Office is located at 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.
773.871.3000; www.victorygardens.org.

Definition Theatre Company is part of the Victory Gardens Resident Theater Program. All performances during the 2017-2018 season will take place in the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens. 


         
About Definition Theatre Company
Definition Theatre Company is an ensemble-based Chicago theater founded by six graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Featuring a multi-ethnic core companionship of actors, Definition strives to artistically reflect the myriad of modern America to inspire and engage the communities it represents through contemporary and classical theatrical works. Our mission is to tell language-driven, relationship-oriented, thought-provoking, socially relevant stories.

Definition has been afforded the opportunity to create work that reflects its unique voice. It shared the words of Academy Award-Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney in The Brothers Size, it grooved with Amiri Baraka's whirlwind story of a chance meeting on a train in Dutchman, and staged its first world premiere production, Genesis, written by ensemble member Mercedes White and inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic masterwork A Raisin in the Sun. Most recently, Definition partnered with The New Colony to produce the world premiere of Byhalia, Mississippi. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “wise, funny, thoughtful and true”, Byhalia, Mississippi explored a family in turmoil and a small southern town haunted by its racially-charged past. Most recently, Definition, in association with the Goodman Theatre, staged the Chicago Premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon, a subversive take on race in America that captivated audiences this past summer.

Ensemble members include Owais Ahmed, Carley Cornelius, Martasia Jones, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Julian Parker, Tyrone Phillips, Christopher Sheard and Mercedes White. Artistic Advisory Board members include director May Adrales, Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, Victory Gardens Theater Managing Director Erica Daniels, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, Writers Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, director Pam Mackinnon, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins and Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director and Neel McNeill is the Managing Director.

For additional information, visit definitiontheatre.org and facebook.com/definitiontheatrecompany

GOODMAN THEATRE’S COLLABORATION WITH CHICAGO’S OFF-LOOP THEATERS

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

SUMMER PARTNERSHIPS WITH TEATRO VISTA, DEFINITION THEATRE COMPANY AND COLLABORACTION  CONTINUE GOODMAN THEATRE’S LONG COLLABORATION WITH CHICAGO’S OFF-LOOP THEATERS

***WORKS INCLUDE AN OCTOROON BY BRANDEN JACOBS-JENKINS, DIRECTED BY CHUCK SMITH;

LA HAVANA MADRID BY SANDRA DELGADO, DIRECTED BY CHERYL LYNN BRUCE;

AND PEACEBOOK, COLLABORACTION’S FREE CITY-WIDE ARTS FEST***

Goodman Theatre is proud to support Chicago’s off-Loop theater companies Teatro Vista, Definition Theatre Company and Collaboraction as a producing partner on several high-profile productions this summer—two of which open this week. The Chicago premiere of Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ An Octoroon, which recently opened at Victory Gardens, is directed by Goodman Resident Director Chuck Smith. 



Teatro Vista’s La Havana Madrid by Sandra Delgado opened at the Goodman in the Owen Theatre, following two sold-out previous engagements (at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and The Miracle Center in Logan Square). Directed by Cheryl Lynn Bruce, La Havana Madrid was developed in 2015 during Delgado’s time as a member of the Goodman’s Playwrights Unit—a year-long program for Chicago-based writers, and a significant component of the Goodman’s new play development efforts. 

Collaboraction’s PEACEBOOK —24 social-issue driven short performance pieces rendered by more than 200 artists in a city-wide festival of theater, dance, music, visual art and spoken word—launches at the Goodman on August 26 in the Owen Theatre, followed by tours to south, west and north side neighborhoods in Chicago Park District’s Nights Out in the Parks program.

“Among the many ways that theater in Chicago is unique, one of the best is the collaboration among its companies— each of which contributes to our nationally-recognized cultural landscape,” said Executive Director Roche Schulfer, who is also a founding member of the League of Chicago Theaters. “As an artistic and community organization equally dedicated to furthering the art on stage and providing service to Chicago, the Goodman is proud to contribute to this excellence with resources to help these projects flourish.”

Over the past two decades, the Goodman has served as a production partner (providing financial support and/or physical space) for dozens of projects, including an unprecedented three-year residency with Teatro Vista that resulted in producing the new works El Nogalar by Tanya Saracho, Cándido Tirado’s Fish Men and Quiara Alegría Hudes’ The Happiest Song Plays Last. Other previous partner organizations include Aguijon Theatre Company, Albany Park Theater Project, Black Ensemble Theater, Collaboraction, Congo Square, Court Theatre, eta Creative Arts Foundation, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Lookingglass Theatre Company, MPAACT, Pegasus Theatre Company, Rivendell Theatre Company, The Second City, Silk Road Theatre Project, Teatro Luna, The Hypocrites, The Neo-Futurists and the Theatre School at DePaul University.

About the Plays
In La Havana Madrid, Chicago’s eponymous 1960s nightclub comes bursting back to life in “an immersive, wholly enjoyable experience” (Chicago Reader) complete with live music and “enough dancing and bonhomie to tempt you away from your little table down front” (Chicago Tribune). Inspired by true stories of Cuban, Puerto Rican and Colombian immigrants who found refuge in the nightclub, Delgado leads the eight-member cast as a mystical woman who conjures stories and vibrant songs performed live onstage each night by Colombian-American musician Roberto "Carpacho" Marin and his band of 30 years, Carpacho y Su Super Combo. La Havana Madrid appears through August 20 in the Owen Theatre (Opening Night is Wednesday, July 26 at 7pm). Tickets ($30-$50; subject to change) are available at GoodmanTheatre.org/LaHavanaMadrid or (312) 443-3800. La Havana Madrid is recommended for ages 12 and up.

A modern riff on Dion Boucicault’s 1859 classic melodrama, The Octoroon,  Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Obie Award-winning historical satire An Octoroon directed by Chuck Smith follows a plantation in financial ruin, the tumultuous love story of its heir apparent, the evil overseer plotting to take it all for himself and the slaves trying to keep it all together. Hilarious, pointed and provocative, An Octoroon offers up a subversive take on race in America–both then and now. An Octoroon appears through August 20 in the Richard Christiansen Theater at Victory Gardens Theater (2433 N. Lincoln) as part of Definition’s tenure in the Victory Gardens Resident Theater Program. For tickets, call 773.328.2136 or visit VictoryGardens.org/AnOctoroon.

More than 200 artists unite for Collaboraction’s PEACEBOOK—a free, collaborative city-wide festival of short theater, dance, music, visual art and spoken word pieces in support of Chicago’s peace movement. The 24 “chapters” of PEACEBOOK are each seven minutes or less in length, and range from solo works to large collaborations. Arts/activists involved include David Dastmalchian (Twin Peaks), Sandra Delgado (La Havana Madrid), GQ (Q Brothers), Kevin Coval (Louder Than a Bomb), director Mignon McPherson Stewart, Sir Taylor (Example Setters) and Bril Barrett (Making a Difference Dance). PEACEBOOK launches on Saturday, August 26 in the Owen Theatre. Show times are 3pm (PEACEBOOK Englewood), 5:30pm (PEACEBOOK Hermosa) and 8pm (PEACEBOOK Austin). To reserve tickets and for more information, visit www.collaboraction.org/peacebook2017, email boxoffice@collaboraction.org  or call 312.226.9633.

Following its launch at the Goodman, PEACEBOOK tours to the following Chicago neighborhoods:

PEACEBOOK Englewood |Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd
October 5 and 6 at 7pm
October 7 performance includes a Dome of Dance competition (3pm); meal and peace panel (4pm); show (5pm)

PEACEBOOK Hermosa |Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood
October 19 and 20 at 7pm
October 21 performance includes a Dome of Dance competition (3pm); meal and peace panel (4pm); show (5pm)

PEACEBOOK Austin |La Follette Park, 1333 N. Laramie
November 2 and 3 at 7pm
November 4 performance includes a Dome of Dance competition (3pm); meal and peace panel (4pm); show (5pm)

About the Companies
Definition Theatre Company  is an ensemble-based Chicago theater founded by six graduates of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Featuring a multi-ethnic core companionship of actors, Definition strives to artistically reflect the myriad of modern America to inspire and engage the communities it represents through contemporary and classical theatrical works. Our mission is to tell language-driven, relationship-oriented, thought-provoking, socially relevant stories. Definition has been afforded the opportunity to create work that reflects its unique voice. It shared the words of Academy Award-Winner Tarell Alvin McCraney in The Brothers Size, it grooved with Amiri Baraka's whirlwind story of a chance meeting on a train in Dutchman, and staged its first world premiere production, Genesis, written by ensemble member Mercedes White and inspired by Lorraine Hansberry’s iconic masterwork A Raisin in the Sun. Most recently, Definition partnered with The New Colony to produce the world premiere of Byhalia, Mississippi. Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as “wise, funny, thoughtful and true”, Byhalia, Mississippi explored a family in turmoil and a small southern town haunted by its racially-charged past. Ensemble members include Owais Ahmed, Carley Cornelius, Martasia Jones, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Julian Parker, Tyrone Phillips, Christopher Sheard and Mercedes White. Artistic Advisory Board members include director May Adrales, Steppenwolf Ensemble Member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, Victory Gardens Theater Managing Director Erica Daniels, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, Writers Theatre Artistic Director Michael Halberstam, director Pam Mackinnon, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins and Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director and Neel McNeill is the Managing Director. For additional information, visit definitiontheatre.org and facebook.com/definitiontheatrecompany.

Teatro Vista’s 2017/2018 season opens with La Havana Madrid at Goodman Theatre. Teatro Vista produces, develops and commissions plays that explore the wealth and variety of the human experience from a Latinx perspective. The company provides work and professional advancement opportunities for Latinx theater artists, with special emphasis on the company’s ensemble members, and seeks to enhance the curricular goals of Chicago students through theatre. Teatro Vista was recently celebrated as one of “Chicago’s Cultural Leaders” by the Arts & Business Council of Chicago and received the League of Chicago Theatre’s Artistic Leadership Award. For the development of La Havana Madrid, Teatro Vista and Delgado received from The Chicago Community Trust, and the 2015 Joyce Award. Delgado also received a 3Arts 3AP Project Grant and developed the script as a member of the 2015/2016 Playwright’s Unit at Goodman Theatre. Teatro Vista is supported by The Joyce Foundation, the Chicago Community Trust, Alphawood Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The MacArthur Fund for Arts & Culture at the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events of the City of Chicago, The Shubert Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation, the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance, Purple Group, Cumberland Irving and Vidal & Associates, Inc. and The Saints. For more information, visit TeatroVista.org, on Twitter (@TeatroVista), Facebook and Instagram.

Collaboraction (collaboraction.org ) collaborates with artists, community activists, and citizens from throughout the city to create original theatrical experiences that push artistic boundaries and explore critical social issues with a diverse community of Chicagoans. Collaboraction has worked with over 3,000 artists to bring more than 60 productions and events to upwards of 250,000 audience members. Production highlights include Collaboraction’s acclaimed series of Crime Scene productions responding to Chicago’s current crime epidemic, 15 years of the SKETCHBOOK Festival, Sarah Moeller’s Forgotten Future: The Education Project in 2014, 2010’s Chicago premiere of 1001 by Jason Grote, 2008’s world premiere of Jon by George Saunders and directed by Seth Bockley, and 2007’s The Intelligent Design of Jenny Chow: an instant message with excitable music by Rolin Jones. Collaboraction, based on the third floor of Wicker Park’s historic Flat Iron Arts Building with three theatre spaces, is led by Artistic Director Anthony Moseley and a dedicated staff and board of directors. Collaboraction is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Richard H. Driehaus Foundation via the MacArthur Foundation, and the Wicker Park & Bucktown SSA #33 Chamber of Commerce. This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. For tickets and information, visit collaboraction.org or call 312.226.9633. 


America’s “Best Regional Theatre” (Time magazine) and “Chicago’s flagship resident stage” (Chicago Tribune), Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit organization distinguished by the quality and scope of its artistic programming and civic engagement. Founded in 1925, the Goodman is led by Robert Falls—“Chicago’s most essential director” (Chicago Tribune ), who marks 30 years as Artistic Director this season—and Executive Director Roche Schulfer, who is celebrated for his vision and leadership over nearly four decades. Dedicated to new plays, reimagined classics and large-scale musical theater works, Goodman Theatre artists and productions have earned hundreds of awards for artistic excellence, including: two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards, nearly 160 Jeff Awards and more. Over the past three decades, audiences have experienced more than 150 world or American premieres, 30 major musical productions, as well as nationally and internationally celebrated productions of classic works (including Falls’ productions of Death of a Salesman, Long Day’s Journey into Night, King Lear and The Iceman Cometh, many in collaboration with actor Brian Dennehy). In addition, the Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” For nearly four decades, the annual holiday tradition of A Christmas Carol has created a new generation of theatergoers. 

The 2016 opening of the Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement (“the Alice”) launched the next phase in the Goodman’s decades-long commitment as an arts and community organization dedicated to educating Chicago youth and promoting lifelong learning. Programs are offered year-round and free of charge. Eighty-five percent of the Goodman’s youth program participants come from underserved communities.

Goodman Theatre was founded by William O. Goodman and his family in honor of their son Kenneth, an important figure in Chicago’s cultural renaissance in the early 1900s. The Goodman family’s legacy lives on through the continued work and dedication of Kenneth’s family, including Albert Ivar Goodman, who with his late mother, Edith-Marie Appleton, contributed the necessary funds for the creation of the new Goodman center in 2000.

Today, Goodman Theatre leadership includes the distinguished members of the Artistic Collective: Brian Dennehy, Rebecca Gilman, Henry Godinez, Dael Orlandersmith, Steve Scott, Chuck Smith, Regina Taylor, Henry Wishcamper and Mary Zimmerman. Joan Clifford is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Cynthia K. Scholl is Women’s Board President and Justin A. Kulovsek is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals. 

Visit the Goodman virtually at GoodmanTheatre.org —including OnStage+ for insider information—and on Twitter (@GoodmanTheatre), Facebook and Instagram.

OPENING: SNACK BREAK: Savory Shorts, Palatable Playwrights

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE YARD in Artistic Alliance with VICTORY GARDENS

Proudly Presents

SNACK BREAK: Savory Shorts, Palatable Playwrights

JANUARY 12-14, 2016

Featuring Short Plays By:

Lauren Gunderson, Philip Dawkins

Ike Holter, Isaac Gomez

Kristiana Rae Colon, Hansol Jung, and Brett Neveu

and selections from the upcoming Chicago premiere of Blood at the Root by Dominique Morisseau Produced in Artistic Alliance with Jackalope Theatre Company April 2017 

Thursday, Jan. 12th; Friday, Jan. 13th; Saturday, Jan. 14th @ 7:30pm; Victory Gardens Theater in the Richard Christiansen Theater, 2433 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago (Tickets are $20 (CPS Student Ticket $10) Tickets are available online at www.victorygardens.org . 

Help Out: All proceeds go to helping support the second season of The Yard and its mission of young people making theatre.

Check out the fun trailer film designed by one of The Yard students/company members Cleo Shine: 

Alvin Sputnik & Kaguya Rock Stages, Sights and Sounds #ChiILPicksList #OriginalPhotos

Gone but not forgotten:

We're marking our calendars NOW for next year's Stages, Sights and Sounds component of the infamous Chicago Humanities Festival.  Every spring their annual International Children's Theater Festival is one of our favorites. Their offerings are truly multicultural magic and world class! 

Check out ChiIL Mama's show reviews and our photo filled recap below, along with official video clips.  We had a crazy busy spring so we could only catch 2 of the shows this year, but boy were they excellent picks!



We caught the first show of the fest,The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer and one of the last, as well. Kaguya, a hybrid Japanese/European puppet show created in Prague, was truly a treat! 

The crazy Aussie creativity of Alvin Sputnik, and the Windy City collided in the best possible way, to kick off The Stages, Sights and Sounds Festival 2014. 

It was our great pleasure to be invited to a sneak peek, press preview and reception again this year. We were especially stoked to see The Adventures of Alvin Sputnik: Deep Sea Explorer, since it sold out, as did most of the other shows!  

Seas have risen; many people have died. Alvin Sputnik is our only hope. This wee survivor of extreme climate change must venture to the bottom of the ocean to save humanity, even as he tries to heal his broken heart. Using a beguiling blend of puppetry, animation, and music, this performance carries us along on Alvin’s momentous undersea journey. This enchanting micro-epic has charmed audiences around the world and garnered awards on three continents.

Recommended for ages 12 and up

"An endearing Australian solo show . . .
akin to a theatrical Wall-E."—The New York Times

Kaguya: The Bamboo Princess was a fabulous way to wrap up the fest. The audience was entranced and Nori Sawa left everyone wanting more. He is one of the most endearing, charming characters I've ever met, and he's quite impressive with his command of puppetry, physical theatre and story telling. Both shows inspired us, enlightened, entertained and rocked our world.

The runaway favorite performer of 2012, Nori Sawa brings a new show to this year's festival—Kaguya: The Bamboo Princess, his unique version of a legendary Japanese folktale. This tenth-century story is likely Japan's oldest narrative, and it tells the tale of Kaguya, who was discovered as a baby inside a bamboo shoot. Her story—from her adoptive parents to her many admirers, among them the Emperor—is one of loyalty, magic, and transcendence.

Recommended for ages 10 and up

"Nori Sawa's art has always been a fusion of East and West."—The Prague Post (Czech Republic)

Nori Sawa

Born in Japan but now based in the Czech Republic, Nori Sawa began his professional activities in Europe for the Cultural Ministry of the Japanese Government. He has performed and taught theater arts in more than 20 countries and was last seen in Chicago at Stages, Sights & Sounds in 2012. In 1999, he was awarded the Franz Kafka Medal for his global artistic activities.

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List: 

Chicago Humanities Festival's annual 

International Children's Theater Festival 

Hope you got to check it out before it sold out. We gave you the heads up on Stages, Sights & Sounds on ChiIL Mama's Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google + for months.  

Stages, Sights & Sounds brims with possibilities, offering lively theatrical and hands-on experiences for every age. You can see performers from faraway countries and also discover Chicago gems. You can find inspiration in stories classic and new told through puppetry, theater, words, and pictures.

This year we celebrated our 15th year of presenting fresh, original performances from around the world with 48 performances May 6–24 at three Chicago venues. Watch a video trailer on the CHF blog.

CHF welcomes school and educational groups of 10 or more students, teachers, and chaperones. To make reservations, call the CHF Box Office at 312-494-9509 or email groups@chicagohumanities.org. Some schools may qualify for free tickets and subsidized bus costs.

Plan ahead for 2015.  Sign up for Stages, Sights & Sounds emails to get the inside scoop.

Get Social & ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama all summer long:

Follow us 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 on social media.

ChiIL Live Shows (adult)  FACEBOOK PAGE and TWITTER

ChiIL Mama (family friendly) 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

Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. 

We have photo & video filled features, loads of great reviews and interviews, and lots of weekly giveaways--nationwide toys/games/products and Chicago based music and theatre tickets.