WIN 4 TICKETS ($152 value) WONDERLAND, ALICE’S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE TUNES UP FOR ITS CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE WORLD PREMIERE 4/24 #ChiChildTheatre #CCTWonderland

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Family Friendly Fun (7+)

MICHAEL MAHLER AND RACHEL ROCKWELL’S NEW FAMILY MUSICAL WONDERLAND, ALICE’S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE TUNES UP FOR ITS CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE WORLD PREMIERE, APRIL 22-MAY 24, 2015 

FLASH GIVEAWAY: WONDERLAND, ALICE’S ROCK & ROLL ADVENTURE. 

ENTER HERE

Win a family pack (four tickets/up to $152 value) to any show during opening weekend. Enter through 2pm Thursday 4/23! Show-times for opening weekend are:

Friday, 4/24 at 6:30pm

Saturday, 4/25 at 6pm

Sunday, 4/26 at 11am

Chicago's theater scene promises to get curiouser and curiouser 

when the powerhouse duo of acclaimed director Rachel Rockwell 

and music director Michael Mahler, both making their CCT debut, 

boldly reimagine Lewis Carroll's books 

Alice in Wonderland and Through the Lookingglass.

The Chicago Theatre scene is a microcosm, a world of it's own, full of magical coincidences and oddly interwoven themes. In the 2014-15 theatre season, there's been a whole lotta Wonderland goin' on! We've had Lookingglass Theatre's renowned remount,

The Side Project Theatre's Alice's Adventures in "Wonderland" — Dark, Edgy Comedy for Adults, 

Upended Productions Alice Andersonville (beginning at the Neo-Futurarium) in an "ambulatory, multi-disciplinary theatrical experience", 

CircEsteem's Wonderland themed youth circus show, and more!

We're way beyond stoked here at ChiIL Mama/ChiIL Live Shows that one of our favorite stories is springing to life in parallel universes, multiple times, in very different ways, and this spring Chicago Children's Theatre will be rockin' the genre with what looks to be an amazing new twist on this timeless tale. We'll be there to review opening night THIS Friday, so check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. In the meantime, get your tickets. They're selling FAST. We even have a sweet discount code for you from our friends over at Girls Rock Chicago where my daughter has gone to camp for going on 4 summers now.

“In our version of the Alice story, Alice is much more of an active protagonist. We’re talking girl power here, empowering girls, in particular, to boldly discover their true selves,” said Rockwell. “Plus, Michael’s score is just awesome. He is borrowing from all sorts of classic rock styles, everything from hints of Heart, Joan Jett, Oingo Boingo and Tenacious D, to Queen and the Beatles. Rock concert meets live theater as Alice reflects the vulnerabilities of all kids, and then confidently finds her own inner voice.” 

Kids, parents, grandparents and school groups, get ready to rock! Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure, a new family musical created by top Chicago director Rachel Rockwell and music director Michael Mahler, is Chicago Children’s Theatre’s big 10th anniversary season finale. Performances start April 22 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. Press opening is Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Performances continue through May 24. 

Tickets are $10-$38. For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. 

Who’s playing the title role? Actually, two of Chicago’s most dynamic young actors, Isabelle Roberts and Ariana Burks, will alternate performances as Alice. The cast also boasts familiar faces from Chicago’s top stages including Molly Callinan, Lillian Castillo, Matt Deitchman, Jed Feder, Regina Leslie, Jake Mahler, Adam Michaels, Andrew Mueller and Matthew Yee. 

How can you march to the beat of your own drummer when you're still writing the song? Everyone’s search for one’s authentic self is at the heart of Wonderland—book by Rachel Rockwell and Lewis Carroll, music by Michael Mahler, lyrics by Michael Mahler and Rachel Rockwell, directed by Rachel Rockwell. 

Carroll's beloved, poetic tale of self-actualization is brought to life by a cast of actor/musicians who create an eclectic, live rock soundtrack as 7-1/2 year-old Alice searches for her own inner musical voice. Along the way, Alice faces challenges and fears, but meets the ultimate test in the form of the Jabberwocky, an insidious monster made of up of the dark thoughts and self-doubt that lurks inside of us all. In learning to believe in the impossible, Alice learns to believe in herself. Throughout her journey, the actors surround Alice in a live musical tapestry ranging from classic rock to punk to ska and even a little bit of Bollywood. 

Meet the creators:

Their A-list collaborators include
Kevin Depinet (set), Greg Hofmann (lights),
Mike Tutaj (projections), Mara Blumenfeld (costumes),
Lindsay Jones (sound) and Meredith Miller (props).

Two dynamic young actors, 

Isabelle Roberts and Ariana Burks, 

will alternate performances as Alice, 

along with a rockin' cast featuring

Molly Callinan, Lillian Castillo, Matt Deitchman, 

Jed Feder, Regina Leslie, Jake Mahler, Adam Michaels, 

Andrew Mueller and Matthew Yee.

Rachel Rockwell (co-creator, director) was the Chicago Tribune’s 2012 “Chicagoan of the Year in Theatre” and Chicago Magazine’s “Best Director” in 2010. Select credits include Brigadoon at the Goodman, Mary Poppins, Annie and In the Heights at the Paramount, Ragtime and The Sound of Music at Drury Lane Oakbrook, and Shrek The Musical, Beauty and the Beast, The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Adventures of Pinocchio at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. 

Michael Mahler (co-creator, music director) is the Jeff Award-winning composer/lyricist of Hero, How Can You Run with a Shell on Your Back?, Knute Rockne: All-American, The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, Painted Alice, The 9/11 Report, The Main Street Kids Club and others. 

Meet Chicago Children’s Theatre’s Alice(s) Ariana Burks (Alice) is a 15-year-old, Emmy nominated actress/singer with many credits including The Black and White Ball with the FWD Theatre Project and performing with Felicia Fields in Courting the Blues at Court Theatre. Other credits include Seussical at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, A Christmas Carol at the Goodman, Hairspray at Drury Lane Oakbrook (Jeff Nominated), Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Broadway Playhouse, The Nutcracker at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, Aunt Nancy and the Doggie Tales at The Cornservatory and Laika's Coffin with Redmoon Theater. Her film and TV credits include Chicago Fire on NBC, Prank Stars on the Disney Channel and The Jr. Cuisine Cooking Show (Emmy Nominated) on PBS. She is a member of the youth ensemble at Lookingglass Theatre. 

Isabelle Roberts (Alice), a 12-year-old Glencoe seventh grader, has been seen as Brigitta in The Sound of Music at Lyric Opera, Young Fiona in Shrek the Musical at Northwestern University, Clarice in Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at Broadway Playhouse, Mary Claire Daugherty in The Christmas Schooner at Mercury Theater and Theo in Pippin at The Music Theater Company. She performed at the 2013 Chicago Thanksgiving Day parade and the 2012 Equity Jeff Awards. At New Trier High School she was in Beauty and the Beast and Les Misérables 

Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure performance schedule 

Previews of Wonderland, Alice’s Rock & Roll Adventure are Wednesday through Friday, April 22-24 at 10 a.m. Press opening is Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Performances continue Saturday, April 25 at 6 p.m., Sunday, April 26 at 11 a.m. Starting Tuesday, April 28, performances are Tuesday at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10 a.m. and noon; Saturday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m., and Sunday at 11 a.m. Note: There is an added 3 p.m. performance on closing day, Sunday, May 24. 

Exceptions: No noon performance on Thursday, May 7. No 6 p.m. performance Saturday, May 23. Tickets are $10-$38. Programs include fun activities for kids and lessons drawn from the themes of the play. Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555 for tickets and information. Email GroupSales@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (773) 227-0180 x 13 to learn about deeply discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups. Note: Groups can book an ASL-interpreted or Autism-Friendly performance by calling (773) 227-0180 x 13 with a minimum two-week notice. 

Chicago Children’s Theatre performs at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood 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. Street parking is available, and the Ruth Page offers discounted garage parking with ticket validation at 1250 N. Dearborn and 1030 N. State. Nearby family-friendly restaurants include Epic Burger (40 E. Pearson), Lou Malnati’s (1120 N. State), The 3rd Coast (1260 N. Dearborn) and Dave and Busters (1030 N. Clark).

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), Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money and Leo Lionni’s Frederick. 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 about Chicago Children's Theatre visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, call CCT's dedicated box office line, (872) 222-9555, or the administrative office, (773) 227-0180.

It's Free Ticket Tuesday at ChiIL Mama-Did you win?

ChiIL Mama's photos from Brunch N Boogie September


And the very first Brunch N Boogie ever, last March

We have 2 Family 4 Pack ticket winners to announce today.   Check out our past posts for event info and upcoming Free Ticket Tuesday give away details by clicking this link.   Congrats to:


Pablo M. and his son, Xavier, who like to rock out to Disney music.   You've won 4 tickets to Families in The Loop's Wonderland this Sunday at Lincoln Hall from 10:30-12! 

Lori K. who likes to rock out to The Cars with her family, you've won 4 tickets to see Super Stolie at Beat Kitchen's Concerts for Kids, this Sunday at noon.   ChiIL Mama's stoked to be a sponsor.

We also just got a special invite to test out the beta version of Rafflecopter.   So we'll be taking off and giving it a flight for next free ticket Tuesday.   If it's easier and you like it, let me know.   If it's a pain in the posterior, let me know that, too.  I'm going to attempt to import our existing entries from Google Docs in, but bear with me and I'll let you know if you need to reenter.   As always, you can enter an xtra time, every day, with each new social media share.   So come ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama and spread the word.

Enter Through Midnight Tonight-4 Tickets To FITL Wonderland & Super Stolie at Beat Kitchen!

Just another friendly reminder for those of you with way under agers who love to rock.   ChiIL Mama is giving away family 4 packs to 2 kickin' kindie shows this Sunday!  

First we have tickets to the awesome shindig that Families in The Loop periodically puts on at Lincoln Hall.   The past few were called Brunch N Boogie, but this one's holiday themed and called Wonderland.  There are sweet swag bags for every family, loads of freebies from sponsors, and rockin' entertainment.    This event is loads of fun for the swing set set and their parents.   Tomorrow we'll have our own live video and stills from the last FITL bash at Lincoln Hall on...Lincoln Ave....in--that's right folks, you guessed it--Lincoln Park.

The next 2 Tuesdays we're picking winners for TWO great kindie rock shows.   Enter through midnight Nov. 28th for December 4th shows and through midnight December 5th for the following week.  Winners will be announced during FREE TICKET TUESDAYS.

ChiIL Mama has free family 4 packs for Dec 4th to:

Families in the Loop-Wonderland (birth-8)
10:30-12pm at Lincoln Hall at 2424 N. Lincoln Ave.
11/4/11
$12 ($1.65 service fee)/ under 2 are free
(These tickets sell out VERY fast, so please reserve your spot right away!)

*ChiIL Mama shot some great stills and video footage from the last FITL Brunch N Boogie that we'll have up shortly.   In the mean time, don't delay.   Enter to win tixs today.

Oh, Come all Ye…. Families!  Families in the Loop is rockin’ the holidays this year by throwing “FITL Wonderland: Chicago’s Biggest Holiday Bash!” Local stars will have parents and tots on their feet, jamming to masterful music from all around the world. Together we’ll revel in live tunes and entertainment, with a splash of lights, mistletoe and menorahs thrown in. And don’t forget the brunchies, with oodles of treats from all our faves. What better way to celebrate the season, our families and our fabulous city, courtesy of your springboard to all that’s hip and heavenly in Chicago, Families in the Loop!

 

Super Stolie & The Rockstars (birth-8)
noon at Beat Kitchen 2100 W. Belmont 
11/4/11
 $6 
 
Big fun guaranteed with Super Stolie & The Rockstars.   A Super Stolie & The Rockstars show is a super-fun good time. Kids will sing. Kids will dance. Kids will perfect their 'Rockstar Jump!' And kids and their grownups will most definitely have fun.

Plus Wishcraft Workshop will run a special craft activity after the show. Brought to you by Chicago Kids.

To keep up to date with Concerts for Kids, become our Facebook friend at
www.facebook.com/kidsshowschicago.

 
The following week, we're giving away 4 tickets for 2 shows December 11th, Gustafer Yellowgold and Mary Macaroni:
 
Family 4 pack of tickets to see Gustafer Yellowgold & brunch for 4 at Schubas!! (all ages)
3pm at Schubas

12/11/11 

$10/$12 at the door/ under 2 are free 

$1 of each ticket sold will benefit Coat Angels.

ChiIL Mama adores Gustafer Yellowgold, the rockin' yellow, lemon headed alien, and we've given away show tixs, DVDs, and even a collector poster of his for years.   This time, we're offering something special--show tixs AND a gift certificate for brunch for four!

Gustafer Yellowgold concerts are a unique blend of live music and moving image. The minimally animated illustrations are accompanied by illustrator/songwriter Morgan Taylor’s catchy and original story-songs for a truly different multimedia experience that is entrancing children, teens and adults alike.

Gustafer is a friendly creature who came to Earth from the sun and has an unusual magnetism for making friends with some of Earth's odder creatures. His best friend is Forrest Applecrumbie the flightless Pterodactyl. Gustafer and Forrest built a small cottage-style home on the edge of an uncharted wooded area in Minnesota. He has a pet Eel named Slim (short for Slimothy) and a pet Dragon named Asparagus who lives in his fireplace and loves corn on the cob. Gustafer's pals, the Mustard Slugs practice their math under the shrubbery.

Since his creation in 2005, Gustafer Yellowgold has become an international phenomenon, acclaimed by the New York Times, which said, “The show is a cross between ‘Yellow Submarine’ and Dr. Seuss.” 

Entertainment Weekly praised “…The most infectious original songs. It’s like tapping into some pleasure center in the brain- both adult and kid…absurdly appealing. Grade: A.” 

New York Magazine named Morgan Taylor “Best Kids’ Performer” in its 2008 Best of New York Awards.

 

  A Christmas Story The Musical at Chicago Theatre-4 tickets to opening night-Dec. 14th!

ChiIL Mama had the awesome opportunity to shoot a rehearsal before the cast set out on a 6 city tour.   We'll be running live rehearsal footage of 3 big dance numbers, video interviews with the director, and interviews with Chi-Town adults and kids in the cast this week!    This is going to be an amazing show.

Save the Dates...    Check out our hot and happening Concerts for Kids! lineup.   ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama...official sponsor.

Beat Kitchen, 2100 W. Belmont
shows at noon on Sunday, $6

Nov 20: Karen 4 Kids!
Dec 4: Super Stolie and the Rockstars
Dec 11: Mary Macaroni
Dec 18: Shana Sings! Special holiday show
Jan 8: Ice Cream Vendors
Jan 15: Little Miss Ann Band
Jan 22: The Boogers

Jan 29: Winter Fest, 11am-2pm, $8
Featuring Mary Macaroni, Sarah Parker, The Storybook Mom and Istvan & His Imaginary Band

 

Check in with ChiIL Mama like we vote in Chi, IL.   From now through Dec 15th we'll be adding new give aways frequently.   We'll be reviewing and giving away hundreds of dollars worth of DS games, adult and kids' books, kindie and adult CDs, toys and games!    Right now we have 2 DVDs for adults/older kids featuring X and New York Dolls, and loads of great DS games from Activision, but we're making a list and checking it twice.   And we'll be adding to it often through Dec 15th.   Check off everything you'd like to win, share through social media then check 'em off again.   You can enter to win daily with new documented shares.

We also have great ticket give aways weekly including a 4 pack to the opening night of A Christmas Story the Musical at The Chicago Theatre, BRUNCH for 4 and 4 tickets to Gustafer Yellowgold at Schubas, and tickets to Beat Kitchen's Concerts for kids every Sunday!!   Winners announced on Free Ticket Tuesdays.

Like our Facebook Page and/or follow us by e-mail--both easily done from the right sidebar here--for updates on our give aways, photo and video filled reviews and upcoming events.    ChiIL Out with ChiIL Mama this season.