ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List
Paramount Theatre opened its 12th Broadway Series with
Little Shop of Horrors
the beloved, doo-wop R&B musical sensation
by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken
directed by Landree Fleming
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Monday, August 28, 2023
Paramount Theatre's Little Shop of Horrors Now Playing Through October 15th, 2023
Friday, August 25, 2023
Young People's Theatre Of Chicago 2023-2024 Season Launches With Junie B. Jones, the Musical Oct 7–Nov 5, 2023
ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List:
Family Friendly Shows On Our Radar
3-PLAY SOPHOMORE SEASON
AT THE GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER
YPT’s joyful inaugural season saw enthusiastic reviews, sold-out performances, and thousands of local students at special school matinees!
And now Chicago’s newest Theatre for Young Audience (TYA) company is back with an exhilarating 3-play sophomore season to delight all ages. The 2023-24 season launches with the fabulously fun Junie B. Jones, the Musical (Oct 7–Nov 5). Then the New Year sees the Chicago premiere of Wendy Kesselman’s new one-act, TYA version of The Diary of Anne Frank (Feb 17–Mar 24). The season concludes with the dazzling hip-hop/soul adaptation of Matt de la Peña’s Newberry Award-winning Last Stop on Market Street (May 11- June 2).
All performances take place at the historic Greenhouse Theater Center (2257 N. Lincoln Ave). Tickets for all shows on sale now. For tickets and more information, visit yptchi.org or call the box office at 773 404 7336.
NEW THIS SEASON - TWEENS & TEENS
YPT inaugurates its Theatre for Tweens and Teens Series with the Chicago premiere of Wendy Kesselman’s vital new one-act TYA version of The Diary of Anne Frank. Updating the original 1955 Pulitzer Prize-winning text, Kesselman draws on more recently available diary entries to create a more complicated, authentic, and fascinating central character. Kesselman’s adaptation also centers the Jewishness of those in hiding. With Antisemitic incidents in the United States at an all-time high, YPT is proud to bring this consequential new family-focused production to our community. The company’s goal is to spark in children a lasting interest in theatre and this riveting and uncompromising new 75-minute Anne Frank will galvanize a less-served young-adult demographic.
Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank Best enjoyed by everybody 9+.
YPT’s production will be accompanied by an exhibit from the Anne Frank Center designed to help visitors understand Anne’s story in the context of the Holocaust. The exhibit then jumps forward to consider how young people face discrimination and exclusion today. Audience members can experience Let Me Be Myself: The Life Story of Anne Frank free of charge before and/or after each performance.
FOR YOUNGER AUDIENCES
Bookending the affecting new Anne Frank are two extraordinarily engaging musical theatre productions for the younger set.
Junie B. Jones Best enjoyed by everybody 3+.
Adapted from Barbara Parks’ perennially popular early-reader book series, this TYA classic follows the uproarious escapades of a plucky first-grader who discovers that what makes you happy and what makes you blue is part of the same indelible story that is your life.
Featuring a lively score and hilarious book, Junie B. Jones makes a joyous start to the new YPT season!
Last Stop on Market Street Best enjoyed by everybody 4+.
Visiting his grandmother’s unfamiliar neighborhood, 6-year-old CJ discovers friendship, empathy, and joy in unexpected places.
Adapted by Cheryl L. West from Matt de la Peña and Christian Robinson’s Newberry Award-winning picture book, Last Stop on Market Street’s glorious score is by Paris Ray Dozier and his father, Lamont Dozier, writer of Motown hits like How Sweet It Is and Stop! In the Name of Love.
Originally developed by the Chicago Children’s Theatre and the Children’s Theatre Company, YPT is thrilled to bring the second-ever production of Market Street to Chicago.
"Our first year was such a joy," notes artistic director Randy White. “This season we’re focused on expanding programming to all ages. We're proud to introduce Wendy Kesselman’s brilliant new one-act Anne Frank to local tweens, teens, and families. At the same time, Junie is a personal favorite and a fabulously fun way to kick off the new season. And bringing Matt de La Peña's celebrated Last Stop on Market Street back to Chicago is an honor. Our ambitious 2023-24 season promises something for all our kids!”
JUNIE B. JONES, THE MUSICAL OCT 7 – NOV 5, 2023
Fabulously fun adventures with Junie B. and friends!
Press Performance: Saturday, Oct 7 @ 1:30pm
Preview Performance: Saturday, Oct 7 @ 10am
Performance Schedule: Saturdays at 11am & 1:30pm / Sundays at 1:30pm
Book and lyrics by Marcy Heisler
Lyrics by Zina Goodrich
Adapted from the Junie B. Jones Series of books by Barbara Park Directed by Randy White
Tickets: $25 / $19 (under 12)
Best enjoyed by everyone 3+
Young People’s Theatre of Chicago
The Greenhouse Theater Center · 2257 N Lincoln Ave 60614 randy@yptchi.org · 773.404.7336 · 812.272.4511 (m) · www.yptchi.org
THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK (One Act) FEB 16 - MAR, 2024
The Chicago premiere of an essential new One-Act Theatre for Young Audiences version.
Preview Performances: Performance Schedule:
Saturday, Feb 17 @ 7:00pm
Friday, Feb 16 @ 7:00pm and Saturday, Feb 17 @ 1:30pm Fridays @ 7:00pm
Saturdays @ 1:30pm & 4:00pm
Sundays @ 1:30pm
By Frances Goodrich & Albert Hackett Newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman Based on The Diary of Anne Frank
Tickets: $35 / $24 (under 12)
Best enjoyed by everyone 9+
LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET MAY 11 - JUNE 2, 2024
A hip-hoppin’, toe-tappin’, musical joy-ride about finding beauty in everyday city life.
Preview Performances: Performance Schedule:
Saturday, May 11 @ 1:30pm
Saturday, May 11 @ 10am Saturdays @ 11am & 1:30pm Sundays @ 1:30pm
by Matt de la Peña, Illustrated by Christian Robinson Adapted for the stage by Cheryl L. West
Music and lyrics by Lamont Dozier & Paris Ray Dozier
Tickets: $25 / $19 (under 12) Best enjoyed by everyone 4+
@ The Greenhouse Theater Center 2257 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago
773 404 7336 / www.yptchi.org
Young People’s Theatre of Chicago
The Greenhouse Theater Center · 2257 N Lincoln Ave 60614 randy@yptchi.org · 773.404.7336 · 812.272.4511 (m) · www.yptchi.org
Monday, July 31, 2023
FLASH GIVEAWAY: WIN A Family 4 Pack of Tickets (2 winners/$65 value) To ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” Via Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences
ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:
Family Friendly Theatre Fun
Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences continues its 2023 children’s theatre season with their summer production,
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!”
All photos by Liz Lauren
Here at ChiIL Mama, we adore Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences as much as we love Mo Willems books! If you're grinning in agreement, we've got a great giveaway for you. ChiIL Mama's pleased to partner up with Marriott Theatre once again, and two of our lucky readers will win 4 complimentary tickets ( ($65 value) for the show of your choice (pending availability). Enter at the end of this post through midnight Tuesday, August 1st for your chance to win! Winners will be emailed Wednesday morning and announced here and on our social media channels.
Families are invited to enjoy this musical take on the award-winning Mo Willems books that will leave them singing and dancing through a rollicking adventure, running July 14 through August 13, with a press opening on Saturday, July 22 at 10am at Marriott Theatre, located at 10 Marriott Drive. This special one-hour presentation is directed by Johanna McKenzie Miller and choreographed by Laura Savage with musical direction by Carolyn Brady. Each performance will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast.
“Any chance I have to work on a piece for theatre for young audiences is a joy, but it’s a priority that I craft an exciting and satisfying experience for the whole family,” said director Johanna McKenzie Miller. “The Elephant & Piggie books were such a large part of my kids’ early childhood, and I look forward to taking those cherished memories and bringing this performance to life.”
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” is a charming and sweet musical, guaranteed to bring a smile to audiences of all ages! Gerald and Piggie are best, best, "bestus" friends, but Gerald worries that something could go wrong that would end their friendship. Piggie is not worried at all, she's even happier and more excited than usual. That's because she and Gerald are invited to a party hosted by the Squirrelles, three singing squirrels who love to have a good time. So begins a day when anything is possible. Filled with beloved characters and lively songs, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” is a perfect way to introduce young audiences to theatre.
This production of ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” stars Lillian Castillo as “Piggie,” Lorenzo Rush Jr. as “Elephant,” Brian Bandura, Sara Reinecke, and Ciarra Stroud as “The Squirelles,” and Patrick Michael Tierney as “Dog/Penguin”; with understudies Crystal Claros, Dan Gold, Kayla Kennedy, and Katherine Viviano.
The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences team will be led by Associate Artistic Director Katie Johannigman, with costume design by Theresa Ham, lighting design by Brian Elston, scenic and prop design by Eric Luchen, lighting programmed by Megan Wines and Billy Borst, sound design by Matthew Chase, and media design by Tony Churchill. The stage manager is Casie Morell.
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” plays most Thursdays through Sundays at 10 am with select 12:30 pm performances. An ASL interpreted performance will take place on Saturday, August 12th at 10:00am. Visit MarriottTheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for the exact schedule, as show times and dates vary. Tickets are $15.75, excluding tax and handling fees. Call for substantial group discounts on over 20 tickets. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or visit www.MarriottTheatre.com.
Buddy is also playing at Marriott Theatre through August 13th!
This excellent production with multigenerational appeal is an excellent pick for making some memories. Marriott's Buddy is chock full of major talent, timeless tunes, and a tragic ending. Don't miss this!
ChiIL Mama's pleased to partner up with Marriott Theatre once again, and two of our lucky readers will win 4 complimentary tickets ($65 value) for the show of your choice, as long as it's not sold out.
ELEPHANT & PIGGIE’S “WE ARE IN A PLAY!” runs through August 13th. Please be sure you can make it to at least one of the dates below before entering.
Enter here through midnight Tuesday, August 1st for your chance to win! Winners will be emailed Wednesday morning and announced here and on our social media channels.
Thanks to Marriott Theatre for partnering up with ChiIL Mama and supplying complimentary tickets for our giveaway. As always, all opinions are my own.
Tuesday, July 4, 2023
Bristol Renaissance Faire Announces 2023 Season! The Top Renaissance Faire in the Country Set to Open July 8th, 2023
ChiIL Mama’s ChiIL Picks List:
Family Friendly Day Trips
All photos by Bonnie Kenaz-Mara unless otherwise noted.
Join Us! Set on a summer day in 1574 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the English city of Bristol, the Bristol Renaissance Faire is open for nine weekends
The magic of Bristol Renaissance Faire (BRF) is something utterly unique and enduring. Every season when they "open wide the gates" it's a homecoming. BRF is friendships, fun, tradition, and new experiences. Whether you've been coming since the humble beginnings of King Richard's Faire, or you're checking it out for the first time, faire holds something amazing for everyone. It's the only place where worlds collide and cosplay "playtrons", history buffs, and every pop culture genre imaginable share space for a summer of magical weekends. Excellent stage shows, street improv, food and ale, small craftsmen's wares, and prime people watching opportunities are abundant. Over all, creativity is queen! We highly recommend checking it out. BRF has plenty of family friendly experiences and is an easy day trip about an hour north of Chicago.
Bristol Renaissance Faire has been a favorite of mine since I first moved to Chicago in 1990. When I had children in the early 2000's we brought them to faire multiple times a season. Is it any wonder they both grew up loving the experience and auditioned there once they were old enough?
My daughter, Sage conquers the castle, 2008 (age 5)
Sage and Dugan (5 & 7) with The Swordsmen, 2008
Dugan and Sage (18 & 16) their 2nd year working fair, 2019
This year marks my son's 6th stint as Fletcher Bodkin with the Bristol Buskin Frolic cast. My daughter also spent a summer with BBF and several seasons working for The Complete Fool juggling shop, teaching circus skills to kids and adults, wowing the day drinkers and bringing joy to thousands of patrons. She met her current boyfriend of 4 years, and fellow juggler there. They still juggle together and have advanced to juggling knives and fire! Check back with ChiILMama.com and ChiILLiveShows.com, and with our social media channels, for photo filled BRF features all summer long.
The iconic, summer-long Bristol Renaissance Faire will open the gates for the 2023 season after its epic return following the worldwide pandemic and subsequent closures. ‘Our team is thrilled to be back and doing what we do best: presenting world-class, immersive entertainment that will put a smile on your face. We continue to work closely with the local health department and the most current CDC recommendations to ensure the safety of our guests, vendors, volunteers, and staff,’ stated Linda McFeters, Owner and Producer.
Voted “Best Renaissance Faire” for the tenth consecutive year in 2021, the Bristol Renaissance Faire will open Saturday, July 8, for nine weekends closing on Labor Day Monday, September 4. The Faire offers an exciting, eclectic mix of fun and frivolity located on thirty-plus acres and just a short drive from either Chicago or Milwaukee.
Leave your burdens in the 21st century. Enter our gates and become a King, Queen, pirate, sorcerer, or anything you want to be for the day, and many other guests will play along! Or don’t come in costume at all. It’s your day. Enjoy it your way. Go on a stroll through the village with a gigantic turkey leg or steak-on-a-stake or one of the many scrumptious vegetarian delights like the perennially-popular Garlic Mushrooms or Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. For the thirsty, craft brews, ciders, cocktails, teas, sodas, and other refreshing beverages are readily available.
Sage, age 8, enjoying a cone on Steampunk Weekend 2011
Take home a memory from one of the nearly 200 artisan shops where you can find everything from handmade chain maille, Scottish kilts, and handcrafted leather masks to Steampunk adornments, soaps, jewelry, and beautiful floral wreaths for the hair. Interesting, educational demonstrations by potters, blacksmiths, and other working artisans are offered many times throughout the day.
Special Event Weekends
Timetraveler Sage from Steampunk Weekend 2011
Back by popular demand are four special event weekends including: ‘Steampunk Weekend’ on July 15 and 16 to infuse time-traveling shenanigans into your Faire day; ‘Marketplace’ on July 22 and 23 where our guests are rewarded for their shopping with complimentary tickets, ‘Pirate Weekend’ on August 5 and 6 where you can shiver your timbers with a whole crew of costumed swashbuckler and, lastly, ‘RennCon™’ on August 12 and 13 which is a celebration of cosplay in all its forms.
All the fun details are found at RenFair.com/Bristol
Rides and Games
A wonderland of rides and games awaits you at the Faire! An Escape Room, ‘DaVinci’s Flying Machine’ and ‘Fight the Knight’ are but a few.
Join Us! Set on a summer day in 1574 when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth visited the English city of Bristol, the Bristol Renaissance Faire is open for nine weekends and located just west of I-94’s Russell Road exit, near Kenosha, Wis. Open rain or shine, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., every Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day (Monday), July 8 through September 4. Tickets are $40 for adults; $15 for children, ages 5 to 12.
Skip the box office lines and purchase discounted adult and children tickets at Menards. Show an I.D. to receive a discount for military or seniors aged 62 and better. Children aged 4 and under are admitted free. Season passes are also available. Please visit RenFair.com/Bristol for details. Follow the Faire on Facebook for real-time information regarding ticketing, entertainment, and safety protocols.
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