OPENING: Stephen Hanthorn Presents: THE BEST MAGIC SHOW @ iO Every Friday 10/13-11/3

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Stephen Hanthorn Presents:

THE BEST MAGIC SHOW @ iO

@ iO Chicago in the Jason Chin Cabaret Theater 

October 13th @ 8:30

October 20th @ 8:30

October 27th @ 8:30

November 3rd @ 8:30

ChiIL Mama will be out to review on the 20th. We're looking forward to checkin' out Stephen Hanthorn's show. Catch him before he disappears. 

Magician Stephen Hanthorn presents an evening of intimate, interactive and mind-blowing magic at the World Famous iO Theatre, home of long form improvisation, 1501 N Kingsbury St, Chicago, IL 60642 (312)929-2401

So you've never seen a live magic show because you didn't go to that birthday party growing up? Ever wonder what those people in the tv magic specials are so stunned by?

When you come to THE BEST MAGIC SHOW, you can expect to have the best 'what I did this weekend' story on Monday morning. Stephen blends improv comedy and magic as each audience brings a different point of view and perspective that gets incorporated with his own meaning of magic. This spur of the moment approach and breakdown of magic appeals to new and old magic fans alike- squeezing the most out of classic magic with a fresh, relatable perspective.

Stephen has been working in the Chicago magic and theatre scene for the past four years, and has had the privilege of providing fantastically exciting and personal experience for people from all walks of life thru magic- most notably at the Chicago Magic Lounge, Collaboraction Studios, Lollapalooza, and the Reinvented Busker.

THE BEST MAGIC SHOW runs every Friday at 8:30 from October 13th thru November 3rd in the Jason Chin Howard Cabaret at iO.

Tickets are $16 dollars and are available here!

LOVING VINCENT, First Fully Painted Feature Film Opens Friday at Music Box!

Films On Our Radar:

LOVING VINCENT

A FILM BY: DOROTA KOBIELA, HUGH WELCHMAN

WRITTEN BY: JACEK DEHNEL, DOROTA KOBIELA

STARRING: DOUGLAS BOOTH, ROBERT GULACZYK, ELEANOR TOMLINSON, CHRIS O'DOWD, SAOIRSE RONAN

What We're Watching:

This Friday afternoon we'll be ChiILin' at Chi, IL's iconic Music Box Theatre for the opening of the first fully painted feature film! We've long anticipated  LOVING VINCENT, which goes to the heart of the famous artist. First shot as a live action film, then with each of its 65,000 frames of film meticulously oil-painted by 125 master artists from around the world, The New York Times calls the result “Hypnotic and beguiling”. We can't wait to catch it! Check back soon for our full review.

"An animated masterpiece! An absolutely stunning film that not only does justice to the art of Van Gogh, but also to the art of movies. I have never seen anything on screen like it before. You will be amazed and lifted by this extraordinary film." -Deadline

“Brings a poetic sense of tragedy to the last act of van Gogh's life, and fresh insight into the kind of man he was.” --Variety

"Never has there been a film that spoke to the heart of an artist like “Loving Vincent”. Animation and fine art painting come together in this loving tribute to the work and life of a master artist." - Tony Bancroft, SIFF Animation Jury

Opens October 13th. More showtimes and dates to be announced. Click HERE for show times, ticket purchasing, and more details.

LOVING VINCENT is the world's first fully painted feature film. Written & directed by Dorota Kobiela & Hugh Welchman, produced by Poland's BreakThru Fims & UK's Trademark Films.

The film brings the paintings of Vincent van Gogh to life to tell his remarkable story. Every one of the 65,000 frames of the film is an oil-painting hand-painted by 125 professional oil-painters who travelled from all across the world to the LOVING VINCENT studios in Poland and Greece to be a part of the production. As remarkable as Vincent's brilliant paintings, is his passionate and ill-fated life, and mysterious death.

No other artist has attracted more legeneds than Vincent van Gogh. Variously labelled a martyr, a lustful satyr, a madman, a genius and a layabout, the real Vincent is at once revealed in his letters, and obscured by myth and time. Vincent himself said in his last letter: 'We cannot speak other than by our paintings'. We take him at his word and let the paintings tell the real story of Vincent van Gogh.

LOVING VINCENT was first shot as a live action film with actors, and then hand-painted over frame-by-frame in oils. The final effect is an interaction of the performance of the actors playing Vincent's famous portraits, and the performance of the painting animators, bringing these characters into the medium of paint.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Production Year: 2017
Country of Origin: United Kingdom
Language: English
Run Time: 95 mins

Format: DCP

WIN 4 Tickets to DISNEY LIVE! PRESENTS MICKEY AND MINNIE’S DOORWAY TO MAGIC AT ROSEMONT THEATRE, OCT. 20th

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List:

DISNEY LIVE! PRESENTS MICKEY AND MINNIE’S DOORWAY TO MAGIC

SET TO APPEAR AT ROSEMONT THEATRE, 

OCT. 20-22 2017

The door will open to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions when Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic visits the Chicago area, Oct. 20-22, for seven performances at the Rosemont Theatre and it's our pleasure here at ChiIL Mama, to partner up with them again this year, and offer a giveaway for our readers.

Win a FREE Family 4 Pack of Tickets To The Opening Night of Disney Live! presents Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic for 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20

 ENTER HERE 
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

Winner will be posted on our social media outlets Friday, October 13th, and notified via private e-mail. Enter early and often through midnight Thursday, October 12th. Good luck and thanks for reading ChiILMama.com.

Feld Entertainment, the worldwide leader of live touring family entertainment, sets the stage for its most compelling Disney theatrical compilation to date with Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic. Audience members join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy as they step into mysterious portals throughout the Disney universe, entering the enchanted lands of more than 20 favorite Disney characters and encountering surprises at every turn of the doorknob.

Families will be transported to magical moments showcased in the animated features Disney’s Tangled, Aladdin, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia and Disney•Pixar’s Toy Story, as these beloved stories are fused together with theatrical illusions to create a dynamic, multi-layered experience, complete with high-energy choreography and an original song titled “Magic is Here.” Everything from the pop and funk infused soundtrack to the diverse choreography is essential to the vitality of the show and its differentiation from a traditional re-telling of classic tales.

“This show is about bringing to life the magical places and moments that exists with the world of Disney in a very authentic and modern way,” said Feld Entertainment Executive Vice President and Disney Live! Producer Alana Feld. “By using magic and illusions, we’ve reimagined iconic scenes and enhanced them, creating a great connection to the characters and stories for our audiences.”

Audiences will see the Fairy Godmother transform Cinderella’s rags into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; the Toy Story gang defy the dimensions of Andy’s toy box with the help of the green army men; and the spectacular stage debut of Rapunzel and Flynn Rider as they rise into the sky amidst the floating lanterns. With special appearances by Snow White, Tinker Bell and Aladdin’s Genie, fans never know what to expect or who might join in the fun.

Rosemont Theatre performances of Disney Live! presents Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic are scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, Oct. 20, and 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 21, and Sunday, Oct. 22. Tickets, starting at $20, are available at the Rosemont Theatre box office, via Ticketmaster, online at www.disneylive.com, or by phone at (800) 745-3000.

Join in on our adventures on social media in real time:

follow ChiIL Mama on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

CLICK HERE to learn more about Disney Live! and follow Disney Live! on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube .

About Feld Entertainment

Feld Entertainment is the worldwide leader in producing and presenting live touring family entertainment experiences that lift the human spirit and create indelible memories, with 30 million people in attendance at its shows each year.  Feld Entertainment’s productions have appeared in more than 75 countries on six continents and include Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Monster Jam^® and Marvel Universe Live.

Disclosure: Thanks to Feld Entertainment for providing ChiIL Mama with complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are our own.

Congratulations To Shá Norman, New Barrel of Monkeys Program Director

Welcome Shá Norman, New 

Barrel of Monkeys Program Director 

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've been fans of the excellent work Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) does for years now. We highly recommend their weekly Monday night showcase, That's Weird Grandma. Welcome and congrats on the promotion, to Shá Norman, who has been with BOM since 2012. 

Barrel of Monkeys (BOM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Shá Norman as the company’s new Program Director. Norman is responsible for overseeing all of BOM’s educational activities, including in-school programming, after-school programming, professional development and training new teaching artists. She succeeds Brandon Cloyd, who now serves as the company’s Artistic Director. 

Comments Artistic Director Brandon Cloyd, “Shá is an incredible artist, educator and human. She has an extensive background in education and brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the company. She is a great collaborator and a joy to work – and I look forward to working with her to advance Barrel of Monkeys’ dedication to arts education in Chicago Public Schools.” 

About Shá Norman

Shá Norman is an artist, educator and community organizer with a passion for youth services and programming. She brings six years of experience in Community Schools, providing a variety of student and family services i.e. before and after schools programs, summer camps and vision clinics; in both CPS and District 65. She has been with Barrel of Monkeys since Fall 2012. She steadfastly believes that creativity and self expression are essential in the holistic development of young people, and is elated to move into the role of Program Director with Barrel of Monkeys. 

About Barrel of Monkeys

Barrel of Monkeys, a Chicago-based arts education theater ensemble now in its 21^st season, conducts creative writing workshops with 3^rd through 5^th grade students in underserved Chicago Public Schools. The ensemble of actor-educators then turns their stories and words into professionally performed theater, presented both in-school and for the general public through its revues. Barrel of Monkeys annually performs more than 300 student-written stories for the students in their schools and 175 stories on the stage for the general public.

Since Barrel of Monkeys’ inception in 1997, its teaching artists have served more than 60 Chicago Public Schools. Over 15,000 elementary school students have participated in the Barrel of Monkeys programs, which aim to build students' writing skills, improve self-esteem, and instill confidence in their ideas and abilities. For additional information, visit barrelofmonkeys.org.

HBD Blue Man Group! Come Celebrate With Us Thursday October 12th

BLUE MAN GROUP CELEBRATES 20 YEARS IN CHICAGO WITH SPECIAL BIRTHDAY PERFORMANCE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12

Happy Birthday to Blue...

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we've been fans of Blue Man Group's unique blend of quirky humor, driving rhythm and surprising depth for decades. 

We've shot photos and video interviews at their auditions, covered their art unveilings, show updates, CD and book releases and had the great pleasure of shooting stills at one of their shows. We're even quoted on their door! 

Yes, we're true blue fans here. So of course we'll be out to celebrate their milestone "birthday" this Thursday, too. 

Click HERE and scroll down for many of our past photo filled blog features on Blue Man Group.

Join in on our adventures on social media in real time:

follow ChiIL Mama on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

and follow these hashtags

Blue Man Group:

#BlueManChi

#20YrsBlueManChi

@bluemangroup (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

Sprinkles Cupcakes:

Instagram: @Sprinklescupcakes #Chicago
Twitter: @Sprinkleschicag
Facebook: Sprinkles Cupcakes

 

Blue Man Group, the critically hailed theatrical phenomenon with an open run at the Briar Street Theatre, will celebrate 20 years in Chicago Thursday, October 12 with a special birthday performance at 8 p.m. Guests of the celebration will enjoy a few surprises during the show that will coincide with the special milestone as well as receive commemorative cupcakes from Sprinkles Cupcakes after the performance.

Since its Briar Street Theatre debut in 1997, Blue Man Group Chicago has:

• Entertained more than 4,600,000 people with 10,493 performances
• Held five autism-friendly performances in collaboration with Autism Speaks
• Used 965,365 ponchos and 17,694 boxes of Cap’n Crunch cereal
• Awarded $45,000 to emerging artists though two Blue Man Group art competitions

Blue Man Group performances are a celebration of human connection. Mixing art, music, comedy and state-of-the-art technology, the show encourages audiences to reconnect with their inner (and outer) child and see the world through a new perspective.  Three bald and blue men explore our cultural norms with wonder, poking fun at our collective quirks and reminding us how much we all have in common. Backed by a live rock band, the Blue Men unify the audience for the show’s celebratory climax - an unforgettable, euphoric dance party.

Blue Man Group is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories and custom instruments. It's a joyful, multi-sensory experience that has performed in over 20 countries and has captivated more than 35 million people of all ages and cultures worldwide.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Productions is a global entertainment company best known for the award-winning Blue Man Group show, performed in over 20 countries and seen by more than 35 million people worldwide since 1991. A dynamic combination of art, music, comedy and technology, the show’s euphoric celebration of human connection has universal appeal for a broad range of age groups and cultural backgrounds. The show is continually refreshed with new music, fresh stories, custom instruments and state-of-the-art technology. Blue Man Group has permanent theatrical productions in New York, Las Vegas, Boston, Chicago, Orlando, Berlin and a World Tour.

This creative collective has become part of the pop culture zeitgeist. Blue Man Group has served as the face of branding campaigns for Intel and TIM/Brasil and appeared countless times on hit shows like “The Tonight Show,” “Arrested Development,” “Ellen,” “Schlag den Raab” (Germany), “WOWOW” (Japan), and “Caldeirão do Huck” (Brasil).

Beyond the stage show, they are Grammy-nominated recording artists, known for their contributions to various film and TV scores and multiple Blue Man Group albums, including their most recent, THREE.  Their “Megastar World Tour” rock concert parody played arenas across the globe. The group’s recently published first-ever book, Blue Man World, is a visually stunning anthropological exploration of the curious bald and blue character.

Blue Man Group Ticket Information

Tickets are available from $39-$99. Tickets may be purchased at the Briar Street Theatre by calling the box office at (773) 348-4000; by calling Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787; at all Ticketmaster ticket centers or via the Internet. For a full show schedule and ticket pricing, please click HERE.

Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more, varying from $46- $69 per person. For groups of 10 or more, call the group sales department to book at: 773.348.3300 or email chicagogroups@blueman.com to request information.

Elevate Your Chicago Halloween Fun To New Heights With 360 CHICAGO Observation Deck & TILT or Treat Celebrations

360 CHICAGO Observation Deck is ready for a spooktacular year. Admission Halloween weekend includes special Sunday Funday family entertainment, creepy cocktail specials for the adults, and the entire 94th floor dressed for the holiday (including candy stations while supplies last). 

During TILT or Treat celebrations between Saturday, Oct. 28 and Tuesday, October 31, guests dressed in costume will be also be rewarded with one complimentary ride on the thrill ride, TILT, where they hover 30 degrees over the busy streets below.



FOR ADULTS:  Throughout the Halloween weekend, Zombie Brain Shots ($6) ooze at the Architect’s Corner Bar & Café which also serves light bites and offers a full bar with specialty cocktails, wine and beer for sale. Two Zombie Brain Shots include a witches-brew combination of peach schnapps, grape pucker, Midori, grenadine with Bailey’s Irish Cream floated on top, or an eerie concoction of peach schnapps, grenadine, blue curacao topped with Bailey’s Irish Cream.



FOR FAMILIES: Sunday Funday on October 29 will be extra-special for the kid with Halloween-themed entertainment from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. activities.  Myster AJ’s magic will take youngsters on an eerie adventure as he dazzles and delights each with tricks that leave curious guests dumbfounded.  And the Super Epic Story Time team amplifies bump-in-the-night atmosphere with ghost stories and more. As an added bonus, children under 11 years of age visiting during TILT or Treat between 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. can take advantage of a 50 percent savings, resulting in a cost of $6.75 per child or $3.30 per child qualifying for the 606 Resident Appreciation Rate.


Observation Deck Hours and Pricing

Open 365 days a year from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., the last ticket is sold at 10:30 p.m.  General admission: $20.50 for adults (ages 12+); $13.50 for youth (3-11); Chicago 606 Resident Appreciation Rate: $10.25 adults (ages 12+); $6.75 for youth (3-11).  Additional pricing packages can be found at www.360chicago.com.

360 CHICAGO is located at 875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor in Chicago, IL.  For information, weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., call 312-751-3681.  All other times, please call 312-654-2892. Follow on social media through Twitter and Instagram: @360Chicago; Facebook: 360 Chicago. Visit www.360chicago.com for information.

OPENING: ARTHUR MILLER’S THE CRUCIBLE SET TO WOW CHICAGO'S TEENS AT STEPPENWOLF 10/7-21

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

STEPPENWOLF FOR YOUNG ADULTS PRESENTS

ARTHUR MILLER’S THE CRUCIBLE

DIRECTED BY JONATHAN BERRY

OCTOBER 7 – 21, 2017

SYA season explores when lies become the truth with a prescient American Classic   

Kicking off the 2017-2018 Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) season is Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, directed by Jonathan Berry. Steppenwolf Education presents this American classic as part of the SYA season which asks, “When does a lie become the truth?” Public performances for The Crucible are Saturday, October 7 at 3pm and 7:30pm; Sunday, October 8 at 3pm; Friday, October 13 at 7:30pm; Saturday, October 14 at 3pm and 7:30pm; and Saturday, October 21 at 3pm and 7:30pm in the Downstairs Theatre. The press performance is Saturday, October 7 at 3pm. Weekday performances are reserved for school groups only. 

Tickets to public performances ($20; $15 with student I.D.) are currently on sale through Audience Services (1650 N Halsted St), 312-335-1650 and steppenwolf.org.

The people of Salem are whipped into a bloodthirsty frenzy by a series of escalating misinterpretations after a group of teenage girls are accused of dancing devilishly in the woods. Fearing retribution, the girls begin a chain of finger-pointing until neighbor turns against neighbor, whispers become testimony, fabrications become facts, and a once powerless teenage girl suddenly has the ability to decide the fate of all those around her. As the hearts of the townsfolk become poisoned, even John Proctor, a principled farmer and family man, must wrestle with a corrupt court and his own transgressions to protect his innocent wife and his family’s good name.

Since its premiere in 1953, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, a masterful and chilling portrayal of the historic Salem Witch Trials and an allegory for the rise of McCarthyism in the late 1940s, has rightfully become an American classic serving as both a cautionary tale and provocation that compels each generation to reflect upon the harrowing world it portrays.

Director Jonathan Berry shares, “I am so incredibly excited to be bringing Miller’s The Crucible to the Steppenwolf for Young Adults program.  I can’t think of a better time to be asking the hard questions about our relationship between truth and lies, reflecting on how that relationship changes when, due to extreme societal circumstances, groups of people feel paralyzed by fear and are bereft of any kind of personal agency.  I cannot wait to have this vital, eerily prescient classic in conversation with the SYA audience.”



Jonathan Berry joined the Steppenwolf staff as Artistic Producer and Director of The School at Steppenwolf in June 2015. A prolific director, he began his work in Chicago as Steppenwolf’s Artistic Office intern in 1998, and has continued a strong relationship with the company since. His Steppenwolf directing credits include Nick Payne’s Constellations, Melinda Lopez's Gary for First Look and A Separate Peace for Steppenwolf for Young Adults, as well as assisting on The Weir, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Mother Courage and Her Children and This is Our Youth. Since 2009, Berry has taught Viewpoints for the School at Steppenwolf. A company member of both Steep and Griffin Theatres, Berry has also directed for many Chicago companies, including Goodman Theatre, Steep, Griffin, Remy Bumppo, Redtwist, Lifeline, and The Gift.



About the Cast & Creative Team
The cast features Echaka Agba (Tituba/Judge Hathorne), Larry Baldacci (Giles Corey/Sarah Good), Taylor Blim (Mary Warren), Naima Hebrail Kidjo (Abigail Williams), Erik Hellman (Reverend Hale), Millie Hurley (Francis Nurse/Rebecca Nurse), Travis Knight (John Proctor), Peter Moore (Reverend Parris), Avi Roque (Ezekiel Cheever/Mercy Lewis), Stephanie Shum (Ann Putnam/Susanna Walcott/Martha Corey), Michael Patrick Thornton (Deputy-Governor Danforth), Kristina Valada-Viars (Elizabeth Proctor/Betty Parris) and Philip Winston (Thomas Putnam/John Willard).

The Crucible production team includes Arnel Sancianco (scenic design), Izumi Inaba (costume design), Lee Fiskness (lighting design), Kevin O’Donnell (sound design & original music) and Christina Gorman (fight choreographer). Other credits include Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro (artistic producer), JC Clementz (casting director), Michelle Medvin (stage manager) and Kathleen Barrett (assistant stage manager).

Visitor Information & Accessibility
Steppenwolf is located at 1650 N Halsted St near all forms of public transportation and is wheelchair accessible. The parking facility consists of both a covered garage ($11 cash or card) and an open-air lot, located just south of our theater at 1624 N Halsted. Valet parking service ($14 cash) is available directly in front of the main entrance at 1650 N Halsted St starting at 5pm on weeknights, 1pm on weekends and at 12 noon before Wednesday matinees. Street and lot parking are also available. For last minute questions and concerns, patrons can call the Steppenwolf Parking Hotline at 312.335.1774.

Committed to making the Steppenwolf experience accessible to everyone, performances featuring American Sign Language interpretation, open captioning and audio description are offered during the run of each play. Assistive listening devices and large-print programs are available for every performance. With the expertise of Assistive Hearing Systems Ltd., Steppenwolf installed an induction loop on both the main and balcony levels of our Downstairs Theatre in 2015. There is also an induction loop installed in the 1700 Theatre.

Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks
Connected to the main lobby is Steppenwolf’s own Front Bar: Coffee and Drinks offers a warm, creative space to grab a drink, have a bite, or meet up with friends and collaborators, day or night. Open daily from 8am to midnight, Front Bar serves artisanal coffee and espresso is provided by La Colombe and has a new menu for this spring and summer with food prepared by Goddess and Grocer. The menu focuses on fresh, accessible fare, featuring grab-and-go salads and sandwiches for lunch and adding shareable small plates and desserts for evening and post show service. www.front-bar.com

Major support for Steppenwolf for Young Adults is provided by Allstate Insurance Company, Alphawood Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the Polk Bros. Foundation and United Airlines. Steppenwolf for Young Adults is also supported in part by contributions from The Crown Family, Lloyd A. Fry Foundation, Northern Trust Company, Field Foundation of Illinois, Dr. Scholl Foundation, the Helen Brach Foundation, ITW Foundation, Siragusa Foundation, Colonel Stanley R. McNeil Foundation, Citi Private Bank and Robert and Isabelle Bass Foundation, Inc; as well as Steppenwolf Associates, a community of dynamic young professionals. Steppenwolf Education is a citywide partner of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) School Partner Program.



Steppenwolf Education’s unique approach combines play production with educational components to enhance arts education for young audiences, as well as their teachers and families. Every season Steppenwolf for Young Adults creates two full-scale professional productions specifically for teens. Working closely with the Chicago Public and metropolitan area schools and other community partners, Steppenwolf’s Education department annually ensures access to the theater for more than 15,000 participants from Chicago’s diverse communities. The initiative also includes post-show discussions with artists; classroom residencies led by Steppenwolf-trained teaching artists in almost 100 classrooms in public high schools; professional development workshops for educators; and the Young Adult Council, an innovative year-round after-school initiative that uniquely engages high school students in all areas of the theater’s operations, as well as other teen and community based programs.

Steppenwolf Theatre Company is the nation’s premier ensemble theater. Formed by a collective of actors in 1976, the ensemble has grown to 49 members who represent a remarkable cross-section of actors, directors and playwrights. Thrilling and powerful productions from Balm in Gilead to August: Osage County—and accolades that include the National Medal of Arts and 12 Tony Awards—have made the theater legendary. Steppenwolf produces hundreds of performances and events annually in its three spaces: the 515-seat Downstairs Theatre, the 299-seat Upstairs Theatre and the 80-seat 1700 Theatre. Artistic programing includes a seven-play season; a two-play Steppenwolf for Young Adults season; Visiting Company engagements; and LookOut, a multi-genre performances series. Education initiatives include the nationally recognized work of Steppenwolf for Young Adults, which engages 15,000 participants annually from Chicago’s diverse communities; the esteemed School at Steppenwolf; and Professional Leadership Programs for arts administration training. While firmly grounded in the Chicago community, nearly 40 original Steppenwolf productions have enjoyed success both nationally and internationally, including Broadway, Off-Broadway, London, Sydney, Galway and Dublin. Anna D. Shapiro is the Artistic Director and David Schmitz is the Executive Director. Eric Lefkofsky is Chair of Steppenwolf’s Board of Trustees. 

For additional information, visit steppenwolf.org, facebook.com/steppenwolftheatre, twitter.com/steppenwolfthtr and instagram.com/steppenwolfthtr.

Consummate Conjuring at The Palmer House Hilton With Dennis Watkins' Magic Parlour

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE MAGIC PARLOUR CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS 

AT THE LEGENDARY PALMER HOUSE HILTON HOTEL 

AND ANNOUNCES 200 PERFORMANCES 

BY THIRD-GENERATION MAGICIAN DENNIS WATKINS 

IN THE COMING YEAR!

Bonnie Kenaz-Mara (AKA: ChiIL Mama), Dennis Watkins, and Cath Hellmann

October 2016

Last October it was my great pleasure to see Magic Parlour and enjoy the fabulous Lockwood Restaurant Prix Fix Magic Menu with my long time friend, Cath. She and I met in a theatre production together way back in 1989 and have remained fast friends ever since. This Friday I'll be returning to the luxuriously lovely Palmer House and the mystifying Magic Parlour once again with my magic loving teenage son. We can't wait!

*The show is open to guests ages 12 years and older*

Sure, everyone's heard about mega hit Hamilton: An American Musical, but mere blocks away from The CIBC Theatre, there's another stellar must see show, Dennis Watkins at Palmer House! Don't miss this. In the plush opulence of Palmer House, you'll experience mind boggling magic in an intimate setting, for an audience of 44. Dennis is undoubtedly Chicago's premiere prestidigitator. He has mad skills without arrogance or attitude, and he's charming, personable, and puts on a world class show.

The House Theatre of Chicago proudly announces the return of Dennis Watkins in The Magic Parlour, at the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe, for an open run. Regular performances take place Fridays at 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., and Saturdays at 4:30, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m.* Tickets are $79 each, which includes wine and beer selections, and may be purchased at www.themagicparlourchicago.com, www.thehousetheatre.com or by calling The House Theatre of Chicago Box Office at 773.769.3832.  The Magic Parlour is an upscale event and cocktail attire is encouraged. 

            * Schedule is subject to change. Please consult www.themagicparlourchicago.com when looking for the most updated schedule.

Since opening at The Palmer House on New Year’s Eve of 2011, The Magic Parlour has enjoyed phenomenal success and unimagined growth. With only 44 seats available per show, The Magic Parlour has entertained over 20,000 guests in its five year run. Additionally, it has hosted more than 700 ticketed audiences and dozens of private groups, facilitated three truly magical wedding proposals, and has been featured in two books (Chicago Magic: A History of Stagecraft and Spectacle and 100 Things to do in Chicago Before You Die).

Photos featuring Dennis Watkins in The Magic Parlour  by Ryan Bourque

The Magic Parlour is an intimate evening of classic magic and mind-reading featuring the work of third-Genegation magician Dennis Watkins. Guests to this intimate, magic-packed evening gather at Potter's in the Palmer House lobby before Watkins personally escorts them to the performance space. Once inside, the audience participates in much of the performance as Watkins wows the room with classic sleight of hand, unbelievable mind-reading and magical wisdom passed down from his grandfather. “Grandpa got the intimacy argument permanently right…and, fittingly, grandson pulls off his feats in a brightly lit room, his every act open for inspection, however impossible to explain away.” (Lawrence Bommer, StageandCinema.com).  Third-generation magician Dennis Watkins, named “Chicago’s Official Magic Man (Chicago Sun-Times), regularly incorporates new pieces of magic into this long-running production, giving returning audiences brand new feats to puzzle over.

Now Chicago's long time favorite is internationally known! Check out Dennis on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, which recently aired on the CW!

Dennis Watkins - Penn and Teller Fool Us from Dennis Watkins on Vimeo.  

ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO 

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

The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between Community and Storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 66 Joseph Jefferson Awards (23 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing, founder of the Tony Awards. The 15th anniversary year of original work will begin September 2016 and The House will continue its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of Storytelling.

The House Theatre of Chicago has partnered with Dennis Watkins to produce many magical theatrical experiences in its 16-year history. Most notably The House’s hit show Death & Harry Houdini which has had multiple sold-out runs in Chicago and several encore productions at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts in Miami, FL, including one in May 2017 which was the reason for the recent Chicago hiatus of The Magic Parlour. Watkins’ original play, The Magnificents, has also enjoyed two successful Chicago runs and a critically acclaimed run at the Arsht.





ABOUT THE PALMER HOUSE, A HILTON HOTEL

The legendary AAA four-diamond rated hotel has been hosting visitors to the Chicago Loop for more than 140 years. Today, the Palmer House Hilton continues to thrive in the heart of the theatre and financial district, just steps from the Art Institute, Millennium Park and State Street shopping. A short walk away is Grant Park where summer festivals take place. Family attractions like the Chicago Children’s Museum and Navy Pier are just a quick cab ride away. The hotel features 130,000 sq. ft. of function space with more than 77 meeting rooms, seven ballrooms and two exhibition halls. Lockwood Restaurant & Bar, located just off the lobby, is open throughout the day serving contemporary American cuisine. Small plates and classic cocktails are served in Potter’s. Balance Spa features 14 treatment rooms including hydrotherapy services for the ultimate pampering. The fitness center offers over 10,000 sq. ft. of cardio and free weight equipment, an indoor pool, whirlpool, and saunas.

More Photo Favorites From ChiIL Mama's Adventures at Magic Parlour 2016