OPENING: Cirque du Soleil's Crystal at Ford Centre in Hoffman Estates November 16th-19th

Chi IL Live Shows On Our Radar:

Cirque du Soleil Fuses Excitement, Breathtaking Artistry and

Unique Creativity with Ice in

Crystal

A Breakthrough Ice Experience

To be presented at Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates,

in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we never miss a chance to catch Cirque du Soleil's world class shows. We adore circus arts and Cirque du Soleil is truly state of the art. Thanks to Cirque du Soleil, this Friday we'll be ChiILin' in the burbs of Chi, IL, at Hoffman Estates' Sears Center for the latest Cirque show to come through town. We have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

This show is sure to be cool (literally!) as it features the artistic attributes of ice! Do note, unlike the tent shows that stick around town for months, Cirque du Soleil's arena shows are always a short run, and this new work is playing the Chicago area for 6 shows only. Don't miss this. Get your tickets ASAP! 

My son and daughter have both studied circus arts for years and have performed on stage with Chi, IL based Actors Gymnasium and CircEsteem. They've also studied with Chicago's MSA Circus and Aloft. So, I'm elated to be able to bring the whole family out to see how the pros perform and merge ice with performance art. We can't wait to check out Crystal!



Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to venture into uncharted territory with its brand new creation, Cirque du Soleil Crystal, exploring the artistic attributes of ice for the very first time. Specifically created for arenas, the state-of-the-art production will create a fresh innovative experience, pushing the boundaries once again by combining outstanding skating and sliding, remarkable aesthetics and acrobatic feats that defy the imagination.

“We are excited to create a unique entertainment experience on ice for all spectators to enjoy. It's a wonderful opportunity for Cirque du Soleil as ice provides us with an entirely new field of play which also comes with a set of creative challenges. Our goal is to continuously surprise audiences by showcasing all the incredible possibilities on ice,” explained Yasmine Khalil, Executive Producer of Crystal.

Crystal will follow a young woman who shatters through reality to reach a surreal world filled with possibility. Beneath the surface, she pursues the life that has been glistening within. Sometimes, we must first leave solid ground to find our true footing.

Cirque du Soleil invites the audience to discover Crystal – A Breakthrough Ice Experience – and find out what it means to skate on the edge of reality.

Performance Schedule & Ticket Information
Cirque du Soleil Crystal will be presented at the Sears Centre Arena, 5333 Prairie Stone Parkway, Hoffman Estates, IL in six performances only, November 16-19, 2017. Performances take place Thursday - Friday, November 16-17, at 7:30pm; Saturday, November 18, at 3:30 & 7:30pm; and Sunday, November 19, at 1 & 5pm.

Tickets for Cirque du Soleil Crystal start at $30.00 and go on sale Wednesday, June 21, at 10am by phone at 888-SEARSTIX (732-7784) or online by visiting www.searscentre.com.


Forsythe Technology is the Official Sponsor of Crystal in the United States







Cirque du Soleil
Crystal is Cirque du Soleil’s 42nd original production since 1984. The company has brought wonder and delight to more than 180 million spectators in more than 450 cities on six continents. Cirque du Soleil has over 4,000 employees, including 1,300 performing artists from 50 different countries.
For more information about Cirque du Soleil, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.
More information about Crystal by Cirque du Soleil can be found atcirquedusoleil.com/crystal, and on  Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Disclosure: ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows have been partnering up with Cirque du Soleil for years, on Chicago area promotions, giveaways and reviews. Once again, we have been given complimentary tickets for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own.

OPENING: World Premiere Family Musical Montauciel Takes Flight at Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Through 2/18/18

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents 

Montauciel Takes Flight,

World Premiere Family Musical 

Photo Credit: Kirra Silver as Montauciel

Photo by Suzanne Plunkett.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER TO WIN 4 TICKETS 
($60 value) from ChiIL Mama & Lifeline Theatre KidSeries

Winner's choice of dates pending availability. Enter through midnight 1/23/18. Winner will be posted on ChiIL Mama's social media outlets and notified by e-mail on the 24th.

** This production is recommended for children ages five and up (children under two not permitted), and runs approximately one hour with no intermission. **

Plus Performance with Touch Tour and Audio Description on January 27, Performances with 

Open Captioning on January 28, Autism/Sensory-Friendly Performance on February 4, and Stories Come Alive! Hour Workshops Every Saturday and Sunday During the Run

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents Montauciel Takes Flight, a world premiere family musical with book by Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote, music and lyrics by Russell Coutinho, and directed by Aileen McGroddy. Montauciel’s name may mean “climb-to-the-sky,” but for all her life the young ewe has been stuck on the ground. Then one day, her adventurous spirit carries her to the town of Annonay, where she teams up with the legendary Montgolfier brothers. Bringing her ingenuity and love of science to bear, Montauciel helps the two scientists invent the hot air balloon, and she soon finds herself captaining the first “manned” test flight, with a duck and a rooster as trusty co-pilots. Take a leap into the unknown and realize your full potential with this world premiere musical inspired by the story of the first living creatures to take to the skies in a human-made flying machine.

Montauciel Takes Flight runs Saturday, Jan. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 18 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press opening is Sunday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (Previews are Saturday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m.) Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.  

Accessible Performances: The Saturday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 10 a.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Sunday, Jan. 28, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. performances will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. And there will be an added autism/sensory-friendly performance on Sunday, Feb. 4 at 3 p.m. for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Erica Foster at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. during the run of Montauciel Takes Flight (following the 11 a.m. show, or before the 1 p.m. show) for our Stories Come Alive! Hour. Children will enjoy an interactive storytelling session and on-your-feet theatre games. The cost is only $5 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.



The complete cast and production team for Montauciel Takes Flight includes:

CAST:        

Guest artists Jordan Arredondo (Joseph), Carisa Gonzalez (Bessie), Scott Ray Merchant (Etienne), Kirra Silver (Montauciel), and Jennifer Vance (Rooster). With understudies Whitney Dottery, Chris Khoshaba, and Suzanna Ziko.

PRODUCTION TEAM:    
Lifeline Theatre ensemble member James E. Grote (Adaptor); with guest artists Alex Benjamin (Music Director), Russell
Coutinho (Composer/Lyricist), Collin Helou (Master Electrician/AV Supervisor), Amanda Herrmann (Properties Designer),
Lavina Jadhwani (Casting Director), Eleanor Kahn (Scenic Designer), Jeffrey Levin (Sound Designer), Jacqueline
Marschke (Stage Manager), Jennifer McClendon (Production Manager), Aileen McGroddy (Director), Joe Schermoly
(Technical Director), Emily Swanson (Costume Designer), and Eric Watkins (Lighting Designer). 

Montauciel Takes Flight runs Saturday, Jan. 13 – Sunday, Feb. 18 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Press
opening is Sunday, Jan. 14 at 1 p.m. Regular performance times are Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
(Previews are Saturday, Jan. 13 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; and Sunday, Jan. 14 at 11 a.m.) 

Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.  

Lifeline Theatre also offers “Name Your Price” tickets a half-hour before the show (subject to availability), group rates and other discounts available upon request. A party room is available for full-service birthday and special event parties. Lifeline Theatre is accessible by CTA (Red Line Morse stop/busses) and free parking is available at Sullivan High School (6631 N Bosworth Ave, lot located on Greenview Ave. just south of North Shore Ave.) with free shuttle service before and after the show. Street parking is also available. Lifeline is accessible to wheelchair users and visitors who need to avoid stairs.

Now in its 35th season, Lifeline Theatre is driven by a passion for story. Our ensemble process supports writers in the development of literary adaptations and new work, and our theatrical and educational programs foster a lifelong engagement with literature and the arts. A cultural anchor of Rogers Park, we are committed to deepening our connection to an ever-growing family of artists and audiences, both near and far. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close. 

Lifeline Theatre’s programs are partially supported by Alphawood Foundation; A.R.T League Inc.; Elizabeth F. Cheney Foundation; Chicago CityArts, a grant from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events; The Common Cup; Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; FGMK LLC; Lloyd A. Fry Foundation; The Grover Hermann Foundation; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Illinois Humanities Council; Lagunitas Brewing Co. Community Grant Program; MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince; The PAV Grant Fund; The Polk Bros. Foundation; Poubelle Fund, a Donor Advised Fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation; Rogers Park Social; The Saints; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Shubert Foundation; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

13 Must See Holiday Productions In Chicago For 2017

Chi, IL LIVE Holiday Shows On Our Radar:

Come Out And Play This Holiday Season With A 

Stellar Theatre Lineup

CHICAGO THEATERS GET FESTIVE 

FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

WITH TRADITIONAL FARE, CLASSICS WITH A TWIST,

SIDESPLITTING COMEDIES AND LARGE-SCALE MUSICALS

GRACING STAGES ACROSS CHICAGOLAND

Photo Credit: Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

League of Chicago Theatres’ annual Holiday Guide

highlights seasonal productions

Here at ChiILMama.com (family friendly) & ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) we adore theater. Tickets make a great clutter busting gift idea for family and friends and a unique chance to make memories and entertain out of town guests this holiday season. Check back with us like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often. We have loads of theatre news, original reviews, ticket giveaways, interviews, photo and video filled recaps and more. **We've highlighted our top picks and the shows we'll be reviewing this season in red and we'll be adding more throughout the month.**

The Chicago theater community will present a wide variety of festive plays, musicals, dance and concert offerings this Holiday season.  In support, the League of Chicago Theatres will create its annual comprehensive Holiday Theatre Guide that will be available beginning in mid-November at hotels, theaters, events, and destinations across the Chicago area. An updated list of holiday shows with additional details about each production will be available throughout the season at ChicagoPlays.com. Additionally, many holiday shows will be available at Hot Tix, Chicago’s local, half-price ticketing service.

This holiday season, Chicagoland audiences will have numerous opportunities to take in various productions of holiday classics including A Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker.  From traditional classic renderings to contemporary retellings of these favorites, there is something to fulfill all holiday wishes.

Audiences looking for classic fare can enjoy the 40th Anniversary production of A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre or another traditional version at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre. Scrooge and the Ghostly Spirit, a world-premiere musical version, will be presented at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. Those looking to turn up the volume on the Charles Dickens’ classic tale may instead choose the hip-hop retelling with Q Brothers Christmas Carol at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard space. 

Looking for a new twist on The Nutcracker? Dance enthusiasts may indulge in The Joffrey Ballet’s critically-acclaimed production of Christopher Wheeldon’s staging of The Nutcracker, set during the Chicago’s 1893 World’s Fair, or choose the unique, ballet-free version from The House Theatre of Chicago. Those seeking affordable full-length classic productions of The Nutcracker may also turn to McAninch Arts Center or Salt Creek Ballet at North Shore Center for the Performing Arts.

In need of a few laughs this holiday season? Chicago comedy staple The Second City will present an all new Holidazed & Confused Revue: Mandatory Merriment, while the Nut-Cracking Holiday Revue will play at Metropolis Performing Arts Centre.  Holiday horror stories abound in Mitchell J. Fain’s This Way Outta Santaland (and other Xmas miracles) at Theater Wit as well as in the more family-friendly That's Weird, Grandma: Holiday Stories presented by Barrel of Monkeys at The Neo-Futurists. Chicago’s favorite cross-dressing reindeer is back in Hell in a Handbag’s Rudolph the Red-Hosed Reindeer, one of the city’s best anti-holiday, holiday shows.

Large musical productions will also be on display across Chicagoland, including the classic Chicago tradition The Christmas Schooner at The Mercury Theater. Broadway in Chicago will present Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical, featuring the beloved songs of the Bing Crosby movie and more, at the Cadillac Palace Theater downtown. The Paramount Theatre in Aurora will present Elf: The Musical, based on the hilarious 2003 Will Farrell movie.

The following is a selection of Holiday-themed work playing in Chicago this season:

Classic Chicago favorites include:
Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of hope and redemption A CHRISTMAS CAROL, returns to the Goodman Theatre for its 40th year. Runs November 18 - December 31, 2017.  Another traditional production of A CHRISTMAS CAROL will play Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, November 29 – December 27, 2017.

SCROOGE AND THE GHOSTLY SPIRIT is a world-premiere musical based on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Runs November 14 - December 23, 2017 at the Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest.

Throw your hands up, Chicago—the holiday treat set to a bangin’ beat is back! CST and Chicago hip-hop sensation the Q Brothers—creators of Othello: The Remix and Funk It Up About Nothin’—turn up the volume on Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL. Runs November 21 - December 31, 2017 at Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard space.

Journey inside Chicago's 1893 World's Fair with Christopher Wheeldon's critically-acclaimed holiday masterpiece THE NUTCRACKER with the Joffrey Ballet at the Auditorium Theatre. Runs December 1 - 30, 2017.

The House Theatre of Chicago presents its wholly original, ballet-free, fast paced and family-friendly version of THE NUTCRACKER at the Chopin Theatre, weaving dance, text, and songs to tell a story of magic and mystery. Runs November 4 - December 30, 2017. **4 Ticket Giveaway at ChiILMama.com.

For a 16th year, Frank Capra’s holiday staple gets the 1940’s radio treatment with IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE: LIVE IN CHICAGO! presented by American Blues Theater at Stage 773. Runs November 16, 2017 - January 6, 2018. American Blues is also bringing a new version of Capra’s story to Chicago, Steve Murray’s This Wonderful Life, directed by Carmen Roman and featuring James Leaming. Runs November 2 - 26, 2017 at The Edge Theater, 5451 N Broadway in Chicago. 

Holiday comedies include:
The Second City presents a holiday tradition that doesn’t include setting up a 6-ft fire hazard in the living room, or placing your kids on the lap of an elderly alcoholic at the local mall, HOLIDAZED AND CONFUSED. Runs at The Second City on the Mainstage on Mondays, November 20 – December 27, 2017, as well as in UP Comedy Club, November 15 – December 30, 2017.

'TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS is a fantastic, slapstick holiday affair for all ages. When Santa Claus' "Naughty or Nice" list goes missing, it's up to a pair of dancing mice, a spunky girl, and an Elf-B-I agent to solve the mystery before Santa boards his sleigh. Presented by Emerald City Theatre at the Broadway Playhouse and runs November 10 - December 31, 2017.

This year, join Mitchell J. Fain for a Very Special Xmas Special(tm) as he pulls together a host of Boozy Christmas carols holiday stories from the audience, his own life and war stories in THIS WAY OUTTA SANTALAND (AND OTHER XMAS MIRACLES). Runs November 24 - December 30, 2017 at Theater Wit.

Chicago’s favorite cross-dressing reindeer is back and he’s 21 years old! Hell in a Handbag closes its season with its most popular show ever RUDOLPH THE RED HOSED REINDEER. Join Rudolph and all of his misfit friends as they struggle with fitting in and being normal in an increasingly abnormal world. Runs November 25 - December 30, 2017 at Mary’s Attic.

Holiday-themed musicals include:
The classic Chicago musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER sets sail again at The Mercury Theater featuring a powerful, moving story, an exquisite score of original music and traditional holiday favorites, and a company of 25 actors and musicians. Runs November 24 - December 31, 2017.

The uplifting story and beloved songs of Bing Crosby' movie White Christmas have been enjoyed by families for generations. Now, you can continue the timeless tradition with your family at this glorious and exciting live production! IRVING BERLIN’S WHITE CHRISTMAS THE MUSICAL will be showing at the Cadillac Palace Theater. Runs November 21 - December 3, 2017.

ELF: THE MUSICAL, based on the hilarious 2003 Will Ferrell movie, will be presented at the Paramount Theatre, November 22, 2017 – January 7, 2018. BARNEY THE ELF, musical parody of Elf starring Yando Lopez and Chicago drag queen sensation Dixie Lynn Cartwright, also returns for the third year. This campy musical brings songs galore and plenty of queer holiday cheer to the Greenhouse Theater Center. Runs November 25 - December 31, 2017.

Holiday Savings at Hot Tix
Hot Tix offers half-price tickets to a wide variety of theatre productions for the current week, as well as future performances, including many holiday selections for the whole family. Half-price tickets are available online at HotTix.org, easily searchable by date, show, theatre, or genre, or buy in-person at downtown Hot Tix outlets.

Hot Tix also has two walk-up locations in the Loop—across from the Chicago Cultural Center at Expo72 (72 E. Randolph) and Block Thirty Seven (108 N. State)—offering in-person customer service for both visitors and locals looking to experience Chicago’s theatre scene. 

Follow Hot Tix on social media:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/HotTix 
Facebook: http://facebook.com/HotTix 
Instagram: https://instagram.com/hottixchicago
                                                                       
Play Money Gift Certificates
Play Money is redeemable at more than 75 area theatres. Play Money can be purchased in person at the 72 E. Randolph Hot Tix location or over the phone by calling 312.554.9800.  The gift certificates are sold in $25 denominations and are valid for a full year after purchased. Click here to download a list of theatres that accept Play Money.

About Chicago theater
Chicago theater is the leader in the U.S. with more than 250 theaters throughout Chicagoland, comprising a rich and varied community ranging from storefront, non-union theaters to the most renowned resident theaters in the country, including 5 which have been honored with Regional Tony Awards, and the largest touring Broadway organization in the nation. Chicago’s theaters serve 5 million audience members annually and have a combined budget of more than $250 million. Chicago produces and/or presents more world premieres annually than any other city in the nation. In 2015-16 alone Chicago theater companies produced more than 100 world premiere productions and adaptations. Each year Chicago theaters send new work to resident theaters across the country, to Broadway, and around the world. 

The League of Chicago Theatres’ Mission Statement
The League of Chicago Theatres is an alliance of theaters which leverages its collective strength to promote, support and advocate for Chicago's theater industry locally, nationally and internationally. The League of Chicago Theatres Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the art of theater in the Chicago area through audience development and support services for theaters and theater professionals.

For a comprehensive list of Chicago productions, visit the League of Chicago Theatres website, www.chicagoplays.com.  Discounted tickets are available at www.hottix.org.

OPENING: Reimagined Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker Set In 1892 Chicago Right Before The World’s Fair

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

THE JOFFREY BALLET OPENS THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH

RETURN OF CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON’S NEWLY REIMAGINED

THE NUTCRACKER

All photos by Cheryl Mann

At the Auditorium Theatre, in 33 performances, 

December 1-30, 2017

Following a wildly successful world premiere in December 2016, The Joffrey Ballet will present its newly reimagined holiday classic The Nutcracker by Tony Award®-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon in 33 performances only, at the historic Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University in downtown Chicago at 50 East Congress Parkway, December 1-30, 2017.  

“This stunning version of The Nutcracker pays homage to a magical moment in Chicago’s history,” said Artistic Director Ashley Wheater. “Creating a holiday classic that belongs specifically to the Joffrey—one that represents our dedication to unique repertoire and innovative works—has been one of my proudest moments as Artistic Director. Christopher’s work has found fresh meaning at the heart of The Nutcracker story and I am honored to delight Chicago audiences once again with this magical production.”



A ballet in two acts, The Nutcracker opens in Chicago on Christmas Eve, 1892, mere months before the opening of the World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893, also known as the World’s Fair, a marvel unlike anything the city has ever seen. Marie and her younger brother Franz arrive at home, where their immigrant mother—a sculptress of modest means—designs the seminal masterpiece that will preside over the Fair. A festive Christmas potluck ensues, only to be interrupted by the mysterious Great Impresario, creator of the World’s Fair. He entertains with enchanting visions of the what’s to come, distributing gifts in the process, which includes a mercurial nutcracker for Marie. That evening, Marie awakens to an epic battle between toy soldiers and rats led by The Rat King and the now life-size Nutcracker. Unexpectedly, Marie saves the day, as The Great Impresario and the Nutcracker, now transformed into a Prince, set sail on a magical journey into the night.



The second act begins as the trio arrives on the shores of the fairgrounds, greeted by the Queen of the Fair, who grants them a dream-like visit among the sprawling attractions. They move from pavilion to pavilion, represented by countries from around the world. As the dream ends, the Fair explodes with light and Marie suddenly awakens to find it is Christmas Day.

The Chicago Philharmonic, led by Joffrey Music Director Scott Speck, provides live accompaniment of the classic score by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky for every performance. The full Joffrey company is also joined onstage by over 90 young dancers from the Chicagoland area and young vocalists from four different local children’s choirs.

The Nutcracker features design by an award-winning creative team, including Tony Award®-nominated set and costume designer Julian Crouch (Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Shockheaded Peter), Caldecott Medal Award-winning author and illustrator Brian Selznick (author of the New York Times bestseller Wonderstruck, adapted into the film of the same name starring Julianne Moore, which just received its critically acclaimed U.S. release), Obie and Drama Desk award-winning puppeteer and MacArthur Fellowship recipient Basil Twist (The Addams Family), six-time Tony Award®-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz (An American in Paris, Frozen) and Tony Award®-winning projection designer Ben Pearcy (An American in Paris, Hedwig and the Angry Inch). 



Schedule
The Joffrey Ballet performs The Nutcracker Friday, December 1 through Saturday, December 30. The full schedule is as follows: Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 3 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 7 at 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 8 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 9 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 15 at 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 17 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday, Dec. 20 at 7:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 21 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 22 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec. 23 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Sunday, Dec. 24 at 2:00pm, Tuesday, Dec. 26 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Wednesday, Dec. 27 at 2:00pm, Thursday, Dec. 28 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Friday, Dec. 29 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Saturday, Dec 30 at 2:00pm.

Single tickets, which range from $35 - $165, are available for purchase at The Joffrey Ballet’s official Box Office located in the lobby of Joffrey Tower, 10 E. Randolph Street, as well as the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University Box Office, by telephone at 312.386.8905, or online at Joffrey.org.

About The Joffrey Ballet
Classically trained to the highest standards, The Joffrey Ballet expresses a unique, inclusive perspective on dance, proudly reflecting the diversity of America with its company, audiences, and repertoire which includes major story ballets, reconstructions of masterpieces and contemporary works.

The company’s commitment to accessibility is met through an extensive touring schedule, an innovative and highly effective education program including the much-lauded Academy of Dance, Official School of The Joffrey Ballet, Community Engagement programs and collaborations with myriad other visual and performing arts organizations.

Founded by visionary teacher Robert Joffrey in 1956, guided by celebrated choreographer Gerald Arpino from 1988 until 2007, The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under internationally renowned Artistic Director Ashley Wheater and Executive Director Greg Cameron.

The Joffrey Ballet gratefully acknowledges the generous support of 2017 The Nutcracker Production Sponsor Jewell Events Catering. Also with gratitude to The Nutcracker Commissioning Sponsors Margot and Josef Lakonishok, Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, Hancher Auditorium - University of Iowa, and the many “Believers” including Corporate Sponsors Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Gallagher, BrickStreet Insurance, Guarantee Trust Life Insurance Company, and Sponsors Mary Jo and Doug Basler, Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock, Sandy and Roger Deromedi, Pamella Roland DeVos and Daniel DeVos, Sonia Florian, The Walter E. Heller Foundation, the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, Bruce Sagan and Bette Cerf Hill, Bill and Orli Staley Foundation, and the Women’s Board of The Joffrey Ballet.

Special thanks to Co-Sponsors of the 2017-2018 Season: Abbott Fund, Alphawood Foundation Chicago, NIB Foundation, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, Live Music Sponsor the Marina and Arnold Tatar Fund for Live Music, and Season Partners: pamella roland and Fox Ford Lincoln, Clear Channel Airports, and JW Marriott.

For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ALERT: High Levels of Lead Found in Fidget Spinners

Lab results indicate unhealthy amounts of lead in popular toys available nationwide

U.S PIRG Education Fund found fidget spinners with high levels of lead for sale at Target stores across the country. Parents and consumers need to know about these lead-laden toys, especially because we alerted Target and the toy’s distributor, Bulls i Toy, to our findings, but they refused to address the problem. The toxic fidget spinners are still available both in toy aisles at Target stores and on its website. Incredibly, Target and Bulls i Toy defend their inaction by pointing to the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC) declaration that fidget spinners are NOT technically “children’s products” subject to legal limits for lead.

“Saying fidget spinners aren’t toys defies common sense, as millions of parents whose kids play with spinners can tell you,” said Kara Cook-Schultz, Toxics Director with U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “The CPSC, Target, and Bulls i Toy need to acknowledge the obvious -- that all fidget spinners are toys. So, Target needs to immediately stop selling the toys that contain high amounts of lead, and issue a recall for those that they’ve already sold.”

Lab results showed two fidget spinners contained extremely high levels of lead, well over the federal legal limit of 100 parts per million (ppm) for lead in children’s products:

Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Brass:
The center circle tested for 33,000 parts per million (ppm) of lead.
 Fidget Wild Premium Spinner Metal:
The center circle tested for 1,300 ppm of lead.
Alarmingly, when U.S. PIRG Education Fund notified the CPSC about the elevated lead levels in the fidget spinners, the CPSC responded in an email (included in our report here) that these fidget spinners are general use products, not children’s products. Simply stated, the CPSC will not hold these fidget spinners to federal lead standards applicable to toys. The CPSC’s public position is that it only considers a fidget spinner a toy if it is labeled for 12 or under.

U.S. PIRG Education Fund notes this is an absurd and unsafe conclusion. Our staff found the high-lead fidget spinners in the toy aisles at four Targets around the country (Denver, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Tampa.) The Target.com website even includes a statement that the Fidget Wild Brass spinner is for children ages 6 and up.

“All fidget spinners have play value as children’s toys regardless of age labeling,” added Kara Cook-Schultz. "The buck has to stop with someone. CPSC stands for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Now is the time for it to stand up for consumers. We can't sit idly by while children play with these toxic toys -- and yes, common sense dictates that these are toys.”

U.S. PIRG staff reached out to Target, Corp. and Bulls i Toy, L.L.C with our test results. Both companies along with the CPSC, claim that these fidget spinners are general use products, and not children’s products subject to legal limits for lead, because they contain a 14+ label. Therefore, neither company will issue a recall or remove them from store shelves. Ironically, how Target markets the spinners -- in the toy aisle and also on its website --, belies its claim to us that the spinner is a general use product, not a toy.  Neither company refuted our high lead test results.

Lead exposure is particularly damaging for young children because of its impact on development. Even low levels of lead in blood have been shown to undermine IQ, attentiveness, and academic achievement. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) makes clear that any amount of lead in a child’s blood is unsafe. Moreover, since the effects of lead exposure cannot be reversed, it is especially important to prevent lead exposure to children in the first place.

“Even small amounts of lead in toys can be ingested when transferred from fingers to mouth or from fingers to food,” said national lead expert Helen Binns, MD, pediatrician at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.  “Lead harms the developing brain and is easily ingested through normal hand to mouth behaviors. Beware of these 2 fidget spinners, as they have dangerous amounts of lead.”


U.S. PIRG Education Fund has the following recommendations:

For consumers:

Adults and children alike should immediately stop using these fidget spinners.
Call on Target to immediately recall these fidget spinners.
Subscribe to email recall updates from the CPSC and other U.S. government safety agencies available at www.recalls.gov.
For Target and fidget spinner distributor Bulls i Toy, L.L.C.:

Immediately recall these fidget spinners and remove them from store shelves and websites.

Issue a public statement about the recall due to high lead content.
Investigate how these toys came to contain such extremely high levels of lead and make those findings public.

Ensure that other fidget spinners sold or manufactured do not contain high levels of lead.

Notify customers who purchased these fidget spinners, where contact information is available, that they should stop using the fidget spinners due to high levels of lead and offer a return for full refund.


For the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

Ensure that all fidget spinners are classified as toys and that they must meet federal regulations for children’s products.

Address the flaws in its 2002 Age-Appropriate Guidelines for Toys that place too much emphasis on manufacturer statements and marketing and not enough on play value or whether a product is “commonly recognized” by consumers as a toy.
Investigate any misleading marketing by Target, Corp. and Bulls i Toy, L.L.C. and take appropriate action. Although the labels on the toy boxes say 14+, they’re clearly being marketed to children under 12 years.

Conduct testing of other brands of fidget spinners, especially those labeled “brass” or “metal”, for lead.

The fidget spinners were tested for lead content by a CPSC-accredited laboratory. The toys that tested for high lead levels were re-tested to confirm the results. Both test results were given to the CPSC, Target, Corp., and Bulls i Toy, L.L.C.

For over 30 years, the U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s Trouble in Toyland report has offered safety guidelines for purchasing toys for small children. Over the years, our reports have led to over 150 recalls and other enforcement actions. We will release our 32nd annual Trouble in Toyland report on Tuesday, November 21st.

U.S. PIRG (Public Interest Research Group) Education Fund (is an independent, non-partisan group that works for consumers and the public interest. Through research, public education and outreach, we serve as counterweights to the influence of powerful special interests that threaten our health, safety, or well-being.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences Presents the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY Through 12/30/17

Experience one prince’s journey to save his beautiful princess with Marc Robin’s musical adaptation of the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale, SLEEPING BEAUTY, brought to life for children of all ages at The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive in Lincolnshire, from November 10 through December 30, 2017. Filled with unconventional personalities, broken rules, and quests aplenty, this colorful, musical fairy tale will be directed and choreographed by Scott Weinstein.

In a kingdom far away, the vengeful sorceress Magenta has placed a wicked curse on the beautiful Princess Amber and only a true love’s kiss can unlock the spell and wake her before it is too late. Prince Hunter must battle dragons, scale mountains, and sail the dark sea to save Princess Amber. Will his journey allow him to make it in time to prove his love to his Sleeping Beauty? This captivating fairy tale creates excitement and thrill for its audience as they root for Prince Hunter and the fate of the beautiful princess!

Starring in SLEEPING BEAUTY will be a cast of Chicagoland all-stars, including Elizabeth Telford as Princess Amber, Steven Strafford as King Lapis, Meghan Murphy as Magenta, Sharrissee Hamilton as Marigold, Garrett Lutz as Prince Hunter, William Angulo as Topaz, Cassie Slater as Periwinkle and Danni Smith as Ruby.

Andy Hite is the Lead Artistic Director for this production. Musical Direction is by Ryan T. Nelson, Sound Design by Robert Gilmartin, Lighting Design by Nick Belley, Set and Property Design by Lauren Nigri, and Wig Design by Kyle Pingel. The Musical Supervisor is Patti Garwood.



SLEEPING BEAUTY runs on most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 a.m. with certain performances at 12:30 p.m. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Single ticket prices are $17.23 per person. Groups of 20 or more receive a discount by calling 847.634.5909. Free parking is available at all shows. To reserve tickets, call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.

Upcoming Marriott Theatre Shows for Adults:

REVIEW: Nuanced Newsies Makes Marriott Theatre Hot Holiday Destination

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

Disney's Newsies at Marriott Theatre
Through December 31

Newsies runs approximately 2 hours, 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission.

Review:

Marriott's Newsies is a fabulous feel good story on the power of protest. Who doesn't enjoy an underdog tale, especially one based on actual events and involving a scrappy, determined group of poor children triumphing over filthy rich New York media moguls. I also adore the early feminist plot line, where Eliza Palasz as “Katherine Plumber” defies her famous father and proves that women can write serious news stories and change history.

Patrick Rooney as “Jack Kelly” is a standout as well. We also enjoyed the spirited performances of some of the smallest cast members, long time Chicago favorites, Matthew Uzarraga (Crutchie) and Zachary Uzarraga (Les or Hot Shot, Ensemble).  





I loved the set design (Kevin Depinet), from the clotheslines extending outward over the audience, to the clever, multi level pieces, descending or ascending to the ceiling as needed, to alter the theatre in the round staging. As always, Marriott Theatre's casting is superb and the choreography catchy and creative (Director and Choreographer Alex Sanchez). 

In our current, union busting political climate, where income disparity is bigger than ever, Newsies is a timely choice. There's strength in numbers, and wrongs can be redressed by a vocal group of protestors. The pen is mightier than the sword and can be wielded well by a woman, the lowliest day job may be held by a talented artist (so don't judge), and advocates and allies can come in unlikely packages, like feathers and corsets.

This is a great pick for multigenerational appeal and family friendly memory making. It's also a clever clutter busting gift idea just in time for the holidays. 

It was our pleasure to review the Broadway touring production last year, and Marriott Theatre's take on this Tony Award-winning musical gives the Broadway show a run for the money. This energetic production is a holiday must see. Highly recommended.

Click here to book your tickets, get a full rundown on this stellar cast's bios, and find further show details.

"Stop the presses! Newsies is an irresistible, high energy winner... a surprise sensation!"

- Entertainment Weekly

"A musical worth singing about"

- The New York Times

"An invigorating extravaganza! A barnstorming, four-alarm delight"

- Time Out New York

PRESENTS THE TONY AWARD-WINNING BROADWAY PHENOMENON

From the bustling streets of New York City at the turn of the 20th century comes the Tony Award-winning new American musical, NEWSIES, making headlines at the Marriott Theatre just in time for the holidays, running October 25 through December 31 with a press opening on Wednesday, November 1 at 8 p.m. at 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire. Featuring an electrifying score with music by eight-time Academy Award winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Jack Feldman, and book by four-time Tony Award winner Harvey Fierstein, NEWSIES is the ultimate story of courage and overcoming one’s fears. Jeff Award nominee Alex Sanchez (Marriott Theatre: Evita, On the Town, Mary Poppins) brings his high-octane energy and brilliance to direct and choreograph the heartwarming piece, with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson.

“We all get to a fork in our lives - which path do we choose? I want to inspire audiences to not be afraid to take the courageous path and strive for the unreachable,” says Director and Choreographer Alex Sanchez. “This story will be brought to life on stage with a plethora of energy bursting from our outstanding cast of dancers. Incredible set design will flow with the ensemble to provide a city landscape as vibrant as New York.”

Based on the 1992 motion picture of the same name and inspired by the real-life ‘Newsboy Strike of 1899’ that shook the ivory towers of publishing titans William Randolph Hearst and Joseph Pulitzer, NEWSIES follows orphan Jack Kelly and his band of teenaged ‘newsies,’ who dream of a better life far from the hardships of the streets. While they’ve had the talent and moxie to survive the challenges of inner city New York, the newsboys are pushed to the limit when media moguls Hearst and Pulitzer raise distribution prices at the boys’ expense. Timely and fresh, the fictionalized adaptation of NEWSIES addresses age-old themes of social injustice, exploitative labor practices and struggles as the young learn to harness their power against a corrupt establishment. Featuring soul stirring music, NEWSIES introduces eight brand-new songs by the original dynamic duo team of Menken and Feldman while keeping many of the beloved songs from the film, including “Carrying the Banner,” “Seize the Day,” “King of New York” and “Santa Fe.”

NEWSIES stars Patrick Rooney as “Jack Kelly” (Marriott Theatre: World Premiere of October Sky, Spring Awakening), Eliza Palasz as “Katherine Plumber” (Marriott Theatre: World Premiere of October Sky, Evita, Spring Awakening), Kevin Gudahl as “Joseph Pulitzer” (Marriott Theatre: Spring Awakening, Elf, My Fair Lady, 1776, The King and I) and Stephanie Pope at “Medda Larkin” (Broadway: Chicago, Pippin, Fosse). NEWSIES also stars Nick Graffagna as “Davey,” Matthew Uzarraga as “Crutchie,” and Carter Graf and Zachary Uzarraga alternating as “Les,” with Bill Bannon, Eean Cochran, Shea Coffman, Nicholas Dantes, Alejandro Fonseca, Sam Griffin, Garrett Lutz, Jeff Pierpoint, Zachary Porter, Liam Quealy, James Rank, Laura Savage, Peter Sipla, Adrienne Storrs, Steven Strafford, Richard Strimer, Martin Ortiz Tapia, Tiffany Tatreau, Andy Tofa and David Wright, Jr.

The production will feature set design by Kevin Depinet, lighting design by Jesse Klug, sound design by Robert E. Gilmartin, properties design by Sally Weiss, and musical supervision and orchestra conducted by Patti Garwood.

The performance schedule for NEWSIES is Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Holiday weeks may have adjusted schedules. Ticket prices range from $50 to $60, including tax and handling fees. Call for student, senior and military discounts. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings there are a limited number of FREE dinners available with the purchase of a full-priced theatre ticket, which can only be purchased through the Marriott Theatre Box Office. 

To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.ticketmaster.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

NATIONWIDE GIVEAWAY: 3 Great Gigamic Games Plus Yogi and Wazabi Reviews

Here at ChiIL Mama, my family has a lifelong love of games, and Gigamic makes some of our favorites that are perfect for stocking stuffers, gifts, and holiday entertaining. Last fall they sent us complimentary games for review purposes and for a giveaway for our readers, and we're pleased to partner up with them again in 2017. 




My kids are busy teens now, so we treasure family game time even more. This year we got a kick out of trying out Wazabi and Yogi. My 16 year old son is the VP of his high school card game club and he took Wazabi in and it was a hit! My 14 year old daughter is a limber gymnast and one of only 2 freshman to make the varsity competitive poms squad, so of course she won Yogi, hands down. Still, the rest of us had a blast playing too.

ENTER HERE for your chance to WIN 3 Great Gigamic Games ($32.50 approx value). Enter early and often through November 30, 2017. 
Open nationwide, US only.

Yogi Review:

The teens and I played Yogi and it was a hoot! The younger, more flexible players had a distinct advantage on this one, but it's possible for players with a range of ages and physical abilities to enjoy.

The kids got a kick out of numerous pop culture references in the cards including video game parodies, movies, playwrights, famous people, and more. By the time we had a winner, my abs were aching from laughing so hard at the hilarious cards, absurd positions, and impossible twists and turns of this game.

Pros: It's a fun workout and a load of laughs.

Cons: This is a tougher one to play fairly with the family. At least in our family, the teens always won it. If they took it to circus arts rehearsals or gymnastics or poms teams though, I'll bet the kids would have had some tough competition.

For more information on Yogi, click HERE.

Wazabi Review:

We invited the grandparents to join us for a 3 generation bout of Wazabi and it was a resounding success. Everyone laughed and enjoyed the game and each other's company. My daughter won this one the most often too, though as a game of chance, the playing field was more level for multigenerational play. 

It's quick and easy to pick up, yet complex enough to be fun and challenging even for teens and adults. There are even insidious little notes at the bottom of cards that prevented a few wins. There's certainly strategy involved, but the luck of the draw and the whims of your fellow players can empty your hand of cards or swap out your dice pile for a much bigger one, at a moment's notice.

Pros: It comes with a sweet drawstring bag for on the go play.

Cons: The draw a card and give a dice away icons on the die are quite similar so it was easy to mix them up.

We highly recommend Gigamic Games as educational, a lot of laughs, and great for making family memories. 


For more information on Wazabi, click HERE.

Get Your Games:

One of ChiIL Mama's lucky readers will win 3 Great Gigamic Games. Be sure to spread the word for extra entries, and enter early and often through November 30th. Winner will be announced here and on our social media outlets. In the meantime, order up some great choices for stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, and winter family fun.

For more information on all Gigamic Games, click HERE.

Disclosure: Once again, it's a pleasure to partner up with Gigamic Games on this sponsored post. We have been compensated for sharing this product with our readers. Thanks to Gigamic for providing complimentary games for review purposes and for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.

GIFT GUIDE 2017: Click image below for more great giveaways, gift codes & ideas for holiday giving!