ChiIL Mama

REVIEW: World Premiere of The Dress-Up Play Via Jackalope Theatre Now Extended Through March 29, 2026

2026-03-18T14:37:34.224-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND

JACKALOPE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCED ADDED PERFORMANCES FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF
THE DRESS-UP PLAY
NOW EXTENDED THROUGH MARCH 29th
AT THE BROADWAY ARMORY PARK

Adult Only and Family Friendly Performances Added for this New Play by Juliet Kang Huneke and Directed by Karina Patel

Recommended for ages 4+.
The running time is 60 minutes with no intermission.

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

I adored The Dress-Up Play from the first moments of group art making in the lobby to the rousing standing ovation. Playwright, Juliet Kang Huneke has created an immersive playroom that teaches diversity, inclusion, and individuality in a fun and playful way. Highly recommended. ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

(L to R) Jett Parr, Keimon Shook and Casey Whisler in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre, now extended through March 29. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography

Four very different young friends meet up for a dress-up play date and hilarity and life lessons ensue. Everyone is invited to play dress-up from their seats or get more involved if that's your jam. There's space for a couple of families to sit in the set, and a chance to volunteer for a runway show towards the end, in your own unique outfit.

(L to R) Keimon Shook and Aidan Henri. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography

The actors playfully and gently guide the audience through an enlightening series of wardrobe changes. The message is never heavy handed as actors model sharing, playing well with others, and respect. They also show responses to bullying, and how to compromise when parental and institutional rules smash up against self expression. This is such a clever and timely take on acceptance and inclusion, as legal and physical attacks on trans and gender nonconforming humans are escalating at an alarming rate. The Dress-Up Play reminds us that boys can enjoy purses and dresses and girls can be knights and pirates, and those choices hurt no-one. In fact, we're all better off for ditching narrowly defined gender roles and allowing ourselves and others more choices of how to dress, and how to be in the world.

The Reader critic, Kerry Reid and ChiIL Mama critic, Bonnie Kenaz-Mara had a blast picking accessories based on prompts. You're never too old to play dress-up! Even the grandparents in the crowd were happily letting their inner children out to play.

Bring the littles in your life or round up your friend group and come to the added 18+ performance on Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. (an adults only performance, recommended for ages 18 years old and older, that may include improvised language not suitable for younger audiences). Other show times are recommended for all ages 4+.

Keimon Shook in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography

It's always an adventure at Jackalope Theatre, beginning with a winding maze through Broadway Armory. Follow the mythical horned jackrabbit signs through the hallways, up the staircase, and past aerielists. There you will find a charming little theatre doing brave new works like the world premiere of The Dress-Up Play. Jackalope Theatre has long been a favorite of ours here at ChiIL Live Shows, for their plays for grownups. My son, Dugan, was in Northwestern University's theatre program with both the playwright and director, so I was particularly excited to check out their new family friendly show.

I left with a handmade card, a gem, and stickers. The best takeaway though was a joyful glow that had the whole audience grinning and celebrating both our individual creativity and our power as a community to curb bullying and embrace creative self expression with an open mind. Don't miss this.

(L to R) Keimon Shook, Jett Parr, Casey Whisler and Aidan Henri

Bonnie is a Chicago based writer, theatre critic, photographer, artist, and Mama to 2 amazing adults. She owns two websites where she publishes frequently: ChiILLiveShows.com (adult) & ChiILMama.com (family friendly).

Keimon Shook in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre, now extended through March 29. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography

Jackalope Theatre Company is proud to announce additional performances for the world premiere of The Dress-Up Play by Juliet Kang Huneke, now playing through March 29, directed by Karina Patel, at the Broadway Armory Park, 5917 N Broadway St.The added performances are Friday, March 27 at 7 p.m. (an adults only performance, recommended for ages 18 years old and older, Friday’s performance may include improvised language not suitable for younger audiences) and Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at 11 a.m. The current performance schedule is Fridays at 7 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 - $35 with student and Edgewater resident discounts available. Subscription and single tickets are now available at JackalopeTheatre.org or call/text the box office at 773.340.2543.

The Dress-Up Play is a new family-friendly production from Jackalope. New friends gather in a bedroom to play dress up. But who gets to wear what? Do our clothes have to match what we look like outside? And what if our outside doesn’t match our inside? Filled with tutus, fake mustaches, scarves and fierce runway walks, The Dress-Up Play is an immersive fashion party for all ages that celebrates self-expression, open-mindedness and the wholeness of everyone.

Casey Whisler in THE DRESS-UP PLAY, by Jackalope Theatre, now extended through March 29. Photo by Joel Maisonet Photography

The cast of The Dress-Up Play includes Keimon Shook (he/him, Remi); Casey Whisler (she/her, Olivia); Aidan Henri (they/he/she, Aiden) and Jett Parr (they/them, Miles).

The creative team for The Dress-Up Play includes Juliet Kang Huneke (she/they, playwright); Karina Patel (she/her, director and new works manager); AJ Links, CSA(she/her, casting director), Eric Turner (he/him, production manager); Seojung Jang (she/her, lighting designer); Newton Schottelkotte (they/she, sound designer); Amal Salem (she/her, stage manager); Hudson Therriault (he/him, accessibility manager); Amira Danan (she/her, development director) and Kaiser Ahmed (he/him, artistic director),

Playwright Juliet Kang Huneke

ABOUT JULIET KANG HUNEKE, PLAYWRIGHT

Juliet Kang Huneke is a playwright and performer who is passionate about theatre that is larger than life. Her new TYA play, Hannah and Halmoni Save the World! recently had its world premiere at Filament Theatre. In addition, she was awarded the 2023 ReImagine: New Plays in TYA grant to develop Hannah and Halmoni with Filament. Juliet is also a 24 Hour Plays Nationals alum. Other Chicago writing credits include: Echo’s Inferno (The Understudy), Home for the Summer (Theo Ubique, American Music Theatre Project), Mycelium (Playground Chicago) and Mechanicals (Impostors Theater Co Footholds Vol. 4).

Director Karina Patel

ABOUT KARINA PATEL, DIRECTOR

Karina Patel is a devised theatre artist, director and dramaturg originally from London, United Kingdom. She is currently the New Works manager at Jackalope Theatre Company and literary associate at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Patel has developed new and devised work with The Story Theatre, The Understudy Chicago, APIDA Arts, TimeLine Theatre Company, Avalanche Theatre, Token Theatre, 24 Hour Plays and more. She has also served as an assistant director at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Lookingglass Theatre Company, Court Theatre and the Repertory Theatre of St Louis.

MORE FROM JACKALOPE

WORLD PREMIERE
Andy Warhol Presents: The Cocaine Play
May 27 - July 6, 2026
Written by Terry Guest
Directed by AmBer Montgomery
Previews: Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 29 and Saturday, May 30 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, May 21 at 2 p.m.
Performance schedule: Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays at 7:30 p.m.,
Sundays at 2 p.m.
The Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway St.
JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season
Tickets: $15 - $45

It’s 1962 in New York City and Andy Warhol (no, not that Andy Warhol) is stuck. He hasn’t finished a painting in years and has no new ideas. When a mysterious actress named Marilyn Monroe (no, not that Marilyn Monroe) stumbles into his life, she sends him down an epic path of madness, murder, betrayal and the desperate pursuit of fame, sex and beauty. Andy Warhol presents: The Cocaine Play is a 100% fake story about 100% real people that asks how far are you willing to go for the chance at superstardom.

17th Annual Living Newspaper Festival
August 20 - 24, 2026
Performance schedule: Thursday - Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 3 p.m. and Monday at 7:30 p.m.
The Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway St.
JackalopeTheatre.org/2024-2025-season
Tickets: $15 - $35

The Living Newspaper Festival is inspired by the 1930s Living Newspapers of the Federal Theatre Project that created stories based on recent events. This year’s Festival includes world premieres inspired from recent news headlines.

Performances, show times, dates are subject to change.

ABOUT JACKALOPE THEATRE

Jackalope Theatre Company expands the definition of American Identity by engaging with communities to produce works that celebrate diverse perspectives. Jackalope is a premier home for new and exciting Off-Loop Theatre based in Chicago's Edgewater and Rogers Park neighborhoods. They are committed to cultivating new voices that contribute to an expanding American culture and mythology. Each season, Jackalope produces full-length plays, new play development programming and provides free classes in partnership with the Chicago Park District.

Season 18 is made possible by the continued generosity of Season Sponsors Michael and Mona Heath.

Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences Presents CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY February 13 through March 28, 2026

2026-02-10T16:28:00.000-06:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Peter Blair, Executive Producer
Peter Marston Sullivan, Artistic Director
Katie Johannigman, Associate Artistic Director

Presents
CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY
Discover Roald Dahl’s World of Pure Imagination

Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire, presents its next delicious adventure with the musical stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s beloved tale, CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. Packed with wonder, creativity, and a world of pure imagination, this scrumptious production will delight theatre‑goers of all ages, running February 13 through March 28. The 70-minute musical journey is directed and choreographed by Jeff Award winner Amber Mak, with musical direction by Isabella Isherwood. Each performance will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast.

"Getting the opportunity to dive into the whimsical world of Roald Dahl is a true full-circle moment for me,” said Mak. “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a story I grew up with—one that ignited my own imagination as a child, just as it has for so many others. At its heart, this is a story about the power of a dream. We see Willy Wonka, a man whose heart has begun to harden against the world, rediscover hope and inspiration through the eyes of young Charlie Bucket. I am especially thrilled to work with this all-star cast, including the incredible Kai Edgar, who brings such a rich history to the role of Charlie from having done the national tour."

This production of CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY stars Kai Edgar as “Charlie Bucket,” George Keating as “Willy Wonka,” Rick Hall as “Grandpa Joe," Avelyn Lena Choi as “Violet Beauregarde,” Gordon Henry Heisler as “Mike Teavee,” Elin Joy Seiler as “Veruca Salt”, Elias Totleben as “August Gloop”, Veronica Garza as “Mrs. Teave”, Darian Goulding as “Mr. Salt”, Megan Long as “Mrs. Bucket, Cherry Sunday,” Michael Earvin Martin as “Mr. Beauregarde,”Elizabeth Romero as “Mrs. Green,” and Elizabeth Telford as “Mrs. Gloop”. Understudies include Elliot Angsurat, Viva Boresi, Madison Kauffman, Steve McDonagh, Teah Kiang Mirabelli, and Jason Richards.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences team is led by Associate Artistic Director Katie Johannigman, with Associate Director & Choreographer Elizabeth Romero, Scenic Design by Milo Bue, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Costume Design Assistant Mollie Spoerer, Lighting Designer Megan Wines, Sound Designer Stefanie Senior, Media Designer Tony Churchill, Assistant Media Designer Averie Leger, Props Designer Wynn Lee, Dialect Coach Susan Gosdick, Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer Miguel Armstrong, and Stage Manager Katie Dreher.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY takes place most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 am with select 12:30 pm performances, and plenty of spring break performances! An ASL-interpreted performance will take place on March 14th at 10 am. Visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for the exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary.

Tickets are $18.75 (plus tax and handling fees). Call for substantial group discounts on over 20 tickets. Free parking is available at all performances.

CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

ELF THE MUSICAL AT CHICAGO'S AUDITORIUM THROUGH DECEMBER 14TH ONLY

2025-12-01T16:45:00.009-06:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

ELF THE MUSICAL

BRAND-NEW TOUR OF

ELF THE MUSICAL
AT THE AUDITORIUM THROUGH DECEMBER 14 ONLY

"★★★★! Elf The Musical is a Christmas Gift. My grinchiness vanished, to be replaced with a big wide grin…THIS SHOW IS REALLY ELFIN' GOOD.” – Time Out New York

Crossroads Live North America and Temple Live North America, along with Broadway In Chicago are pleased to announce ELF THE MUSICAL will be sprinkling jolly joy as it starts tomorrow at The Auditorium (50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) for a limited engagement through December 14 only.

ELF THE MUSICAL, inspired by the hit film, is the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Buddy, a young orphan child whose life changes forever when he mistakenly crawls into Santa’s sack of toys one Christmas Eve. When he discovers he is human, Buddy embarks on a journey to New York City to find his birth father and, in turn, helps the Big Apple rediscover the true meaning of Christmas. This all-new tour is based on the acclaimed 2024 Broadway production, which was hailed by The New York Times, “The show has CRACKED THE CODE OF ALL-AGES COMEDY, the kind that will leave children and grown-ups equally helpless with laughter,” and celebrated by The New Yorker, “It’s enough to MAKE YOU BELIEVE IN THE MAGIC OF CHRISTMAS.” This modern-day holiday classic, says The Daily Beast, “is a gift for kids and adults, and a very ‘sparklejollytwinklejingley’ night out!”

Following two hugely successful seasons in London’s West End in 2022 and 2023, ELF THE MUSICAL returned to Broadway for the first time in over a decade in 2024, and spread holiday cheer to sold-out, record-breaking audiences once again. Over the course of ELF THE MUSICAL’s 8-week run, the show delighted over 94,000 guests and broke two Marquis Theatre Box Office Records.

ELF THE MUSICAL features a book by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan (Annie, The Producers, Hairspray) and Bob Martin (The Drowsy Chaperone, Smash, Boop! The Musical), with songs by Tony nominees Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin (The Prom, The Wedding Singer). The musical returned to Broadway in an acclaimed production directed by Philip Wm. McKinley (The Boy From Oz, Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark) and choreographed by Olivier and Drama Desk nominee Liam Steel (Company ). Prior to that, this production was first staged at the Dominion Theatre in London’s West End and became the venue’s fastest-selling show in nearly a century, breaking its own box office records the following year at the same venue and becoming a firm holiday favorite for London audiences.

Restager Dave Solomon and Associate Choreographer Richard J. Hinds will helm the US tour creative based on the 2024 Broadway revival production. The creative team features set and costume design based on the original by multi-Olivier Award winner Tim Goodchild (Strangers on a Train, We Will Rock You, Royal Shakespeare Company), lighting design by Patrick Woodroffe (Bat Out of Hell, Mamma Mia! The Party), sound design by Tony Award winner Gareth Owen (MJ the Musical, Hell’s Kitchen), video design by Ian William Galloway(The Audience, The Light Princess), and hair and wig design by Sam Cox (Cabaret at the Kit Kat Club). Orchestrations are byDoug Besterman, dance arrangements are by David Chase, vocal arrangements are by Phil Reno, and music supervision, additional arrangements & orchestrations are by Olivier Award winner Alan Williams (Sunset Boulevard, Evita), with associate music supervision by Nate Patten and music direction by Charlie Yokom.

ELF THE MUSICAL was produced on Broadway by Temple Live Entertainment North America and Crossroads Live North America. General Management was by Wagner Johnson Productions. Mark Kaufman served as Creative Consultant for Warner Bros. Theatre Ventures.

ELF THE MUSICAL is produced by special arrangement with MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL, New York, NY. www.mtishows.com

www.ElfMusicalTour.com
@elfthemusicaltour

TICKET INFORMATION (As of December 1, based on availability and subject to change)
Individual tickets for ELF THE MUSICAL are on sale now and range from $40.00 - $110.00 with a select number of premium tickets available. Ticket price listed is when purchased in person at the box office. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Patrons can also participate in a digital lottery for a chance to purchase $30.00 tickets for each performance, which is inclusive of all mandatory taxes, restoration, handling, and third-party fees. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of day-of-show, in person Rush tickets will be available for $49.00 for all performances. Click here for more info on Digital Lottery and In Person Rush. Tickets are available now for groups of 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, The Auditorium, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place .

For more information and tickets, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @BroadwayInChicago on
Facebook ● Instagram ● TikTok ● Bluesky ● YouTube
#broadwayinchicago

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS THROUGH NOVEMBER 30, 2025

2025-11-24T15:36:00.062-06:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS NATIONAL TOUR

BRINGS THRILLS, SKILLS, AND HOLIDAY CHEER TO CHICAGO

LIMITED ONE-WEEK ENGAGEMENT!BROADWAY IN CHICAGO’S CIBC THEATRE
18 W. MONROE ST.

Elite Circus Artists, World Record-Holders, and Viral Performers from Around the Globe Light Up the Stage in This Family-Friendly Holiday Spectacle

Ho-ho-hold on to your seats! MagicSpace Entertainment and Broadway In Chicago are thrilled to announce that A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS begins performances tomorrow at the CIBC Theatre (18 W. Monroe St.) for a strictly limited one-week engagement through November 30. Individual tickets range from $39 - $117 and may be purchased at BroadwayInChicago.com or in-person at any Broadway In Chicago venue box office. A select number of premium seats are available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. Reservations for groups of ten (10) or more are available by emailing GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com or calling 312-977-1710. For more information and the performance schedule, see below or visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

Loaded with nostalgia, charm, comedy, music, and magic, A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS showcases the world’s top cirque talent and takes audiences on a dazzling, winter wonderland journey, immersing them in the spirit of the season with a feel-good, holiday soundtrack featuring modern versions of popular Christmas classics. The show makes a perfect date night, fun family adventure, or group outing.

In A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS , the cast of world-class acrobats, contortionists and aerialists will mesmerize, twist, flip, and push the boundaries of imagination where gravity is defied and human potential knows no limits. The performers are supported by a captivating musical score that will tug at your heartstrings, elevate your spirit and have you tapping your foot and singing along to hit Christmas songs in the ultimate variety extravaganza. The festive show entertains audiences of all ages during an evening of spectacular feats, acrobatic antics, and magical performances complete with holiday hilarity and music.

The acts returning for the 2025 tour include audience favorites Jonathan Rinny (rolla bolla and unicycle performer), hair suspension artist and world record holder Leila Noone, juggler Christopher Stoinev, MC and magician Mark Clearview, and acrobats Duo Metta (Laura Lebron & Joseph Gray). New additions to the cast include world record holder for the jaw hang, Morgan Barbour, and elite contortionist Hannah Finn:Rinny, a fourth-generation circus performer making his return to A Magical Cirque Christmas, began his career in his family’s Argentine circus at age five. Now an acclaimed Rola Bola and unicycle artist, he’s wowed audiences worldwide, including a “best act” nod from AGT’s Simon Cowell.

Noone, a four-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and Guinness World Record holder, is ecstatic to return to the national tour of A Magical Cirque Christmas. She is known for her versatile performances and her role in the contemporary circus company Cirque Vida, based in Austin, TX.

Las Vegas resident Stoinev is a fifth-generation circus performer who started juggling at the age of five and hasn't stopped ever since. At eight years old, he was invited to perform at Premier Rampe, an International Circus Festival hosted in Monaco.

Clearview, an internationally acclaimed magician and mentalist, has performed for stars like Neil Patrick Harris and appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us. A former Canada’s Got Talent finalist who earned the Golden Buzzer and $25,000 cash prize, is also a world record holder. He now hosts NYC’s popular MAGIC, UNLOCKED.

Duo Metta’s Lebron and Gray met during acrobatic training in Costa Rica, where they built a strong bond over their mutual love for advanced acrobatics. They perform as a duo in Las Vegas and internationally, blending technical precision with artistic flair.

Barbour specializes in iron jaw, aerial ladder, and lyra. In 2024 she set the world record for “Heaviest Weight Held By Teeth Right-Side Up (387lbs).” She’s performed on five continents, in shows such as America’s Got Talent, Giffords Circus, Kazakh State Circus, and Circo de Natal do Coliseu dos Recreios.
Finn specializes in a one-of-a-kind spinning cube act. Known for rare skills like foot archery and the Marinelli Bend, she blends fluid movement with sculptural precision. With nearly two decades of experience, she has performed around the world for Harry Styles, The Roundhouse, The Box Soho, Glastonbury Festival, and more.

“Absolutely fantastic show. We took our six and three-year-olds and all had the best time,” said a happy reviewer after the Charlotte performance last year. “We will be making this a yearly Christmas tradition!” Another reviewer said, “Great for the whole family. The cast is incredibly talented. Mark keeps everyone laughing between the exciting acts.

Attendees of all ages at A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS will delight in the graceful, flexible, and hypnotic acrobatics, stunning gravity-defying performances and high-flying aerial artists, as well as many more surprises.

TICKET INFORMATION (as of 11/24/25, based on availability and subject to change)
Individual tickets range from $39-$117 and may be purchased at www.BroadwayInChicago.com or any Broadway In Chicago box office. A select number of premium seats are available. Additional fees apply for online purchases. For groups of ten or more, call Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or email GroupSales@BroadwayInChicago.com . Patrons can participate in a Digital Lottery for a chance to purchase $25 tickets for each performance. In addition to the lottery, a limited number of $49 rush tickets will be offered for each performance—available only in person at the box office on the day of the show. Click here for more information on Digital Lottery and In-Person Rush, or visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

For more information, visit www.MagicalCirqueChristmas.com. Celebrate the magic of the season and follow @AMagicalCirqueChristmas on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MAGICSPACE ENTERTAINMENT
MagicSpace Entertainment, a LiveCo Company, is a boutique producing and presenting firm focused on first-class properties and productions. Based in Park City, UT, the company has produced and presented national tours, Broadway shows, concerts, museum exhibits and sporting events worldwide for over 40 years with a powerhouse producing team focused on providing creative, marketing, and general management expertise. www.magicspace.net.

ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 25 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining up to 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at The Auditorium.

For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.
Follow @broadwayinchicago on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok #broadwayinchicago

DISNEY'S FINDING NEMO Theatre For Young Audiences Version at Marriott Theatre - October 11 through January 4th

2025-10-14T21:43:00.001-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Disney's Finding Nemo Theatre For Young Audiences Version at Marriott Theatre

October 11 2025 - January 4, 2026

Explore the big blue world with this lively new stage musical based on the beloved Pixar film

Big waves are rolling in this fall as Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences dives into its next production with the musical stage adaptation of the beloved Pixar film, DISNEY'S FINDING NEMO Theatre For Young Audiences Version. Full of heart, humor, and underwater adventure, this vibrant production will charm audiences of all ages, running October 11 through January 4. The one-hour musical journey is directed and choreographed by Amber Mak, with musical direction by Ellie Kahn. Each performance will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the cast.

“Bringing the story and beloved characters of 'Finding Nemo' to the stage is a true joy,” says Director and Choreographer Amber Mak. “At its core, this is a show about incredible resilience, unwavering perseverance, and the courage it takes to face the vast, unknown for someone you love. I can't wait for families to experience and share this beautiful and moving adventure as it comes to life with imaginative puppetry and incredible actors.”

Marlin, a nervous and overly protective clownfish, lives with his son, Nemo, in the Great Barrier Reef. While Nemo dreams of venturing beyond their cozy anemone, he’s suddenly captured and taken all the way to Sydney. Determined to bring him home, Marlin pushes past his fears and embarks on a daring ocean journey. Along the way, we meet unforgettable allies like the ever-optimistic Dory, the chill sea turtle Crush, and the encouraging Tank Gang, as father and son each discover their own courage while finding their way back to one another.

This production of DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO TYA stars Avelyn Lena Choi as “Nemo,” Devin DeSantis as “Marlin,” and Leah Morrow as “Dory.” The talented ensemble includes Andres DeLeon, Genevieve Jane, Charlie Long, Adelina Marinello, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Maya Rowe, Lorenzo Rush Jr., and Meena Sood. Understudies include Josh Bernaski, Madison Kauffman, Will Koski, and Teah Kiang Mirabelli. From December 11-22 the role of “Marlin”’ will be played by Patrick Michael Tierney.

The Marriott Theatre for Young Audiences team is led by Associate Artistic Director Katie Johannigman, with Associate Director & Choreographer Elizabeth Romero, Scenic Design by Milo Bue, Puppet Designer Jesse Mooney-Bullock, Costume Designer Theresa Ham, Lighting Designer Brian Elston, Sound Designer John Johnson, Media Designer Alex Gendal, Props Designer Wynn Lee, Wig, Hair and Makeup Designer Miguel Armstrong, Stage Manager Katie Dreher and Assistant Stage Manager Adam Hyde.

DISNEY’S FINDING NEMO TYA takes place most Wednesdays through Sundays at 10 am with select 12:30 pm performances. An ASL-interpreted performance will take place on December 11th at 10 am. Visit www.marriotttheatre.com or call 847.634.0200 for the exact schedule, as show times and dates may vary. Tickets are $16.75 (plus tax and handling fees). Call for substantial group discounts on over 20 tickets. Free parking is available at all performances.

DISNEY'S FINDING NEMO TYA is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas in Concert Live to Film October 25, 2025

2025-10-07T14:43:00.037-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas

in Concert

One night only, Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 PM at The Auditorium

What’s this?! Back by popular demand, see one of Tim Burton’s most celebrated films like never before! The full-feature film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, will be projected on the big screen with live accompaniment by the Chicago Philharmonic bringing Danny Elfman’s darkly charming score to life. Families are welcome and costumes are encouraged. After all, this is Halloween! ChiIL Mama will be there... will YOU?!

Date

Oct 25, 2025

Event Starts

7:30 PM

Doors Open

One Hour Prior to Show

On Sale Here: https://www.auditoriumtheatre.org/events/detail/tim-burtons-the-nightmare-before-christmas-in-concert-710723

The Chicago Philharmonic performs Danny Elfman’s iconic score while the film plays on the big screen

The Auditorium (Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive) and The Chicago Philharmonic continue the second season of the Auditorium Philms Concert Series, a multi-media experience presenting iconic films brought to life with scores performed in concert. Next up is Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas in concert, the cult-classic stop-motion masterpiece with an iconic score by Danny Elfman. The film will play on The Auditorium’s big screen while the Chicago Philharmonic, under the direction of long-time collaborator conductor Thiago Tiberio, performs the score live in sync with dialogue and sound effects from the original film. The one-night-only presentation takes place Saturday, October 25 at 7:30 PM at The Auditorium, 50 E Ida B Wells Dr. Due to high demand, new tickets have just been released for this presentation. Tickets are available at auditoriumtheatre.org or by calling The Auditorium’s Ticket Service Center at 312.341.2300. Subtitles will be shown during the live performance.

Preceding the performance, The Auditorium will host a hauntingly fun VIP Halloween Party with specialty themed food and drink and a costume contest. Costume contest competitors can win several prizes including gift cards to local establishments and free tickets for upcoming Auditorium and Chicago Philharmonic events. The VIP Halloween Party begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets for the party are $45.

Though only a modest box-office success upon its release in 1993, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas quickly became an enduring favorite and continues to be a Halloween-time staple. The meticulously crafted stop-motion animation film tells the story of Jack Skellington- the king of Halloween Town- who accidentally discovers Christmas Town and attempts to take over the holiday with disastrous effects. The film’s stunning visuals are enhanced by an iconic score written by then frontman of the band Oingo Boingo Danny Elfman. Elfman drew on musical influences from the past like Kurt Weil, George Gershwin and even Gilbert and Sullivan to make the music in the film feel both nostalgic and otherworldly. Audiences for Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas In Concert will have the opportunity to hear the instantly recognizable tunes from the film like “This is Halloween” and “What’s This?” performed live by a full orchestra in the context of the film.

“Audiences continue to tell us how much they love our Auditorium Philms Series,” said The Auditorium CEO Rich Regan. “Whether it be for a family night, a date night or simply a night out, we are proud of the variety of films with orchestras that have graced our stage. Each presentation allows audiences to see their favorite films in an entirely new light, and what’s a better way to celebrate Halloween than with a screening of Nightmare Before Christmas. We look forward to welcoming everyone to The Auditorium.”

“We are proud to co-present this film with The Auditorium and to bring Danny Elfman’s score to life for Chicago audiences,” added Chicago Philharmonic Executive Director Terell Johnson. “This project highlights what great cultural partnerships can do: combine cinematic storytelling with the power of live orchestral music to create an immersive, communal experience.”

Tickets are also now available for the final presentation in the 2025 season of The Auditorium Philms Concert Series The Holiday in concert, on December 20.

About The Chicago Philharmonic Society

Founded by musicians of the Lyric Opera Orchestra in 1989, The Chicago Philharmonic Society is on a mission to reimagine the orchestra concert experience. With nearly 200 musician members and a unique system of musician governance, the organization is one of the most versatile, innovative, and ambitious orchestras in the country.

Chicago Philharmonic proudly collaborates with the greatest artists of our time, in every genre. Past collaborations have included The Joffrey Ballet, English National Ballet, Kishi Bashi, Lady Gaga, Tony Bennett, Joshua Bell, Tank and the Bangas, William Basinski, the American Ballet Theatre, Ryan Speedo Green, and more.

In 2021, Crain’s Business Chicago 40 Under 40 awardee Terell Johnson joined the organization as Executive Director. Since then, the orchestra has become a force for innovation and inclusion in the city’s performing arts ecosystem with a series of increasingly high-profile events. 2024 brought the orchestra’s debut at Lollapalooza Chicago with Icelandic jazz/pop sensation Laufey as the first orchestra to ever perform at the famed festival; a highly anticipated return to Ravinia Festival with a World Premiere tribute to Whitney Houston and a concert with the Violent Femmes; and the World Premiere tour of An Evening with Sleeping At Last culminating in a sold-out debut at Carnegie Hall. Learn more at www.chicagophil.org.

About Thiago Tiberio

Mr. Tiberio is a specialist in musical synchronization to film, having conducted orchestras in scoring sessions during most of his career. This naturally led to positions in live-to-picture concert productions, such as Star Wars Live in Concert, Pixar in Concert, Danny Elfman: Music from the Films of Tim Burton, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Lord of the Rings: Live to Projection, and others. He premiered the fully orchestrated version of Coco in Concert for Disney, closing the 2019 Ravinia Festival, with the Chicago Philharmonic.

Tiberio is the official conductor of America’s Wonders, the world’s first 3-dimensional, IMAX-style cinematic journey with live orchestra—a celebration of America’s most breathtaking national parks and cities with classical, pop, and original music meticulously synchronized to picture. He also composed and orchestrated a large portion of the music in the show.

Get ready for thrills, chills, and symphonic magic! The Auditorium Auxiliary Board and Chicago Philharmonic Associate Board invite you to an exclusive VIP pre-concert Halloween party before Disney in Concert: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic.

VIP Party: October 25 at 6:00pm

Concert: 7:30pm at The Auditorium

Tickets are selling fast. Reserve yours today!

Your $45 VIP upgrade includes:

Costume contest with fabulous prizes (gift cards, free tickets & more)

Two complimentary themed cocktails or mocktails

Halloween candy, snacks & photo ops galore

Then settle in for the full-feature film projected on the big screen with Danny Elfman’s iconic score brought to life by the Chicago Philharmonic, conducted by Maestro Thiago Tiberio.

Please note: VIP access is sold separately and must be added at checkout when purchasing concert tickets.

Get Concert Tickets + VIP Upgrade

Costumes encouraged. Ages 21+ for VIP upgrade.

About The Auditorium

The Auditorium’s 2025-26 performance season features a dynamic mix of cultural events from ballet to rock and roll and everything in between. Some of The Auditorium’s fall highlights include musical appearances from David Byrne (Oct. 28-Nov.1), ARRIVAL From Sweden: The Music of ABBA (Nov. 6), Tortoise (Nov. 11), Sarah McLachlan (Nov. 22) and Sting (Nov. 24); evenings with esteemed guests including Kamala Harris (Oct. 11), Sarah Millican (Oct. 17-18), and Hasan Minhaj and Ronny Chieng (Nov. 7); and theater and dance presentations including Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater (Nov. 15) and Elf The Musical (Dec. 2-14) For more information on The Auditorium and a complete listing of events at The Auditorium please visit auditoriumtheatre.org.

TONIGHT: Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España Album Release Performance at City Winery Chicago Oct 6, 2025

2025-10-06T14:18:00.004-05:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar: Adult Night Out

Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España Album Release Performance at City Winery on Monday, Oct 6th, 2025

Guitarras Trotamundos - “Globetrotting Guitar”

After returning from a successful tour of India, members of Surabhi Ensemble and Las Guitarras de España will come together for a global music and dance performance with the release of new music. The album titled “Guitarra Trotamundos” or “Globe Trotting Guitar” celebrates years of travel, study, teaching and performance to countries such as Vietnam, Spain, Portugal, Senegal, Mexico and India. The title is also a nod to the members of Surabhi Ensemble who have taken to jogging in various places with recent appearances in the Mumbai and Boston Marathons. This evening of music and dance is guaranteed to inspire with surprises and collaborating artists including Abdoulaye Conde (Kora - Guinea), Juan Dies and Lorena Iniguez (Sones de Mexico), Patricia Ortega (Las Guitarras de España), Kinnari Vora and Leticia Aravena (Indian and flamenco dance traditions), Chiara Mangiameli (USA/Italia), Ronnie Malley (Oud/Vocals - Arabic traditions), Saraswathi Ranganathan (Veena - India) and Carlo Basile (Spanish Guitar/Chicago). Click HERE for tickets and full details.

www.carlobasileguitar.com

www.surabhiensemble.org

REVIEW: EXP Rosemont VR Is Now Open and Ready for Date Nights or Family Friendly Fun

2025-09-27T15:44:00.020-05:00

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List

EXP Rosemont VR

THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST VIRTUAL REALITY DESTINATION

Photo credit: Ed Marshall

Photo credit: Dugan Kenaz-Mara

GUEST REVIEW

By Dugan Kenaz-Mara

EXP Rosemont is an incredibly unique experience. My partner and I did the Life Chronicles experience which led us through millions of years of Earth’s history. I was pleasantly surprised at how educational our VR journey was. We learned all about different plants, animals, dinosaurs, and early human ancestors in great detail, including what locations we explored would end up as in today’s world. If you know what a quetzalcoatlus is or you’re willing to learn, this experience is right for you.

I would highly recommend the experience to a teenage audience. It’s a perfect blend of storytelling, learning, and independent exploration that young people will enjoy.

Photo credit: Gabriel Fournier

The Life Chronicles adventure included an interesting story as a framing device to usher you through time. You join a scientist and a robot traveling to each period to collect objects that grant your companion enough energy to transport you back home. Each step of the way you encounter challenges that you have to overcome as you search for these devices. In one scenario it’s in a cave guarded by a group of Flores men - tiny human ancestors. In another it has fallen into a dakotaraptor nest. In another it is stuck in a tall tree you have to balance on a branch to receive.

Credit: Excurio

One of the most compelling aspects of the VR experience is how up-close and personal you can get with various dinosaurs. During the Cretaceous period you get to watch a standoff between a triceratops and a T-Rex from 3 feet away. I was able to stand under a brontosaurus, touch an arthropleura (Giant centipede), and even ride on a trilobite (after being shrunk down).

Credit: Excurio

The VR experience itself was incredible. The headsets are well calibrated and understand where you are in space so that your environment realistically shifts when you look up or down, crouch or turn. It is also responsive to your environment, so that if you crouch to look under the waist-height water in an area, the sound changes as if you were really under the water looking at prehistoric fish.

Photo Credit: Gabriel Fournier

Once you got the hang of what you were doing and where you were going it was easy to follow along and get immersed in the story. As you travel you will be given 2 location indicators - a blue square that you are supposed to be inside, and an orange one that shows up at your maximum exploring distance. After passing outside of those boundaries the simulation changes to a barren landscape where you are ushered back to where you need to be. The system keeps everyone in small isolated areas that expertly keep patrons from bumping into each other. During the experience you will see faint outlines of other patrons if you are getting close to each other, which alleviates the stress of not being able to see your environment. You are also given red barriers that appear if you get too close to a wall so you never have to worry about bumping into anything. Luckily you can also join the experience in groups. I was able to experience the show at the same time as my partner and see their avatar the whole time, unlike the other patrons who I could only see nearby. This let me communicate via taps and pointing whenever we wanted the other to notice a detail.

Photo Credit: Michael Grondin

Another highlight of Life Chronicles was a conservation message near the end. Since the conceit is that you are traveling around from the future year 2223, one of the past stops is in the Tanzanian wilderness in the distant year of 2023. The robot you travel with remarks about the variety of species we can see and how climate change is impacting them, and that if they were around in that time, there would still be time to make a difference.

The only problem I encountered during the whole hour-long experience was a slight headache towards the end from staring at the screen. There were some slight annoyances like walking virtually down a slope while being on flat ground in real life, or looking past the main action at some lower-quality background graphics, however none of those were enough to break the immersion for me. I also noticed some walking sticks that they could offer to those who would like them. In the introduction we got to choose the level of immersion as well, meaning that a toned-down version of the experience was also available for anyone facing common issues with VR like vertigo.

Ultimately, EXP Virtual Reality in Rosemont is a lot of fun and I recommend it to any dinosaur enjoyers, VR enthusiasts, or families looking for an immersive adventure to go on together.

Dugan Kenaz-Mara is a designer, photographer, educator, and graduate of Northwestern University's theatre program.

EXP, THE MIDWEST’S LARGEST VIRTUAL REALITY DESTINATION NOW OPEN IN ROSEMONT

In Collaboration with Producing Partner PHI Studio, EXP Launches with the VR Adventures

Horizon of Khufu and Life Chronicles, Offering Visitors Epic Journeys

Through Ancient Egypt and Earth’s Evolution

Tickets Now Available at www.EXPRosemont.com

PHI Studio, the internationally acclaimed Montréal-based innovator in

immersive arts, will launch EXP with two celebrated large-scale immersive expeditions—

Horizon of Khufu and Life Chronicles—produced by Excurio and distributed by PHI Studio.

These debut experiences will anchor EXP, a groundbreaking 26,000-square-foot venue set to

open on Friday, September 26 in Rosemont’s Pearl District at 9900 Berwyn Avenue

Developed in partnership with the Village of Rosemont, EXP marks a bold new chapter in the

evolution of entertainment. Designed as a next-generation immersive destination, EXP

seamlessly integrates art, new technologies and storytelling through a curated rotation of virtual

reality and sensory-rich experiences. This future-forward venue reimagines how audiences

engage with culture and technology, pushing the boundaries of what an immersive experience

can be.

Credit: Excurio

“These two works embody our commitment to bringing bold and rich immersive content to new

audiences,” said Eric Albert, PHI Studio’s CEO. “EXP will be a cultural catalyst for the Midwest,

and we’re proud to launch it with stories that bridge art, science and imagination.”

Visitors can travel back-in-time through two free-roaming, 45-minute virtual reality expeditions.

Headlining the opening slate is Horizon of Khufu, welcoming visitors to journey through a

historically accurate depiction of Egypt’s 4,500-year-old architectural prowess, the Great

Pyramid of Khufu. Guests will enter restricted chambers, ascend to the pyramid’s summit and

sail along the Nile during King Khufu’s funerary rites.

This Great Pyramid of Khufu is a wonder-of-the-world and was erected between 2,590 and

2,565 BC as 146-meter-high stone edifice, originally the largest ever built by man. Conceived to

house King Khufu in his final resting place, the pyramid is one of seven pyramids that continues

to attract and fascinate visitors from all over the world to this day. Horizon of Khufu is produced

by Excurio and developed in collaboration with Harvard’s Peter Der Manuelian and the Giza

Project. With over 1.5 million tickets sold worldwide, Horizon of Khufu has been hailed by

Forbes as “an art form evoking genuine emotion and empathy.”

Credit: Excurio

The second experience, Life Chronicles, invites guests on a family-friendly immersive journey

spanning 3.5 billion years of evolution. The adventure begins with the earliest microbes before it

moves through the explosion of marine life and towering prehistoric forests and transports

visitors into the Jurassic era to encounter giant marine reptiles and a family of dinosaurs from 67

million years ago. The journey continues with the rise of mammals and humanity, culminating in

a present-day African savanna where giraffes and zebras roam freely. Produced by Excurio

and France’s Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Life Chronicles delivers a scientifically

validated exploration of ancient paleo-landscapes brought vividly to life.

Credit: Excurio

"These world-class immersive journeys set the tone for what EXP is all about, bringing

innovative, globally acclaimed experiences to Rosemont for all to enjoy," said Rosemont Mayor

Brad Stephens. "This is just the beginning of our vision to establish EXP as a premier cultural

destination for both residents and visitors alike."

EXP visitors can enjoy both Horizon of Khufu and Life Chronicles within the same space and

timeframe. Guests have the flexibility to purchase tickets together and embark on different

journeys or share the same immersive expedition side-by-side.

The official trailers for each experience can be viewed here: Horizon of Khufu Trailer | Life

Chronicles Trailer.

Timed entry tickets for both experiences are now available at www.EXPRosemont.com. Tickets

start at $27 with dynamic pricing. Specially priced ticket packages are also available for families,

students and seniors. A VIP ticket package is also available and includes priority access, a

personalized badge and branded tote bag. The experiences available at EXP are designed for

ages 8+. EXP hours are: Monday – Tuesday closed, Wednesday – Friday 1 – 7p.m., Saturday –

Sunday 10a.m. – 10 p.m.

Credit: Excurio

About PHI Studio

PHI Studio has developed a reputation as an incubator for talent at the vanguard and as a

catalyst for the conception and implementation of immersive multidisciplinary projects. We are

continually exploring the ways in which technology can lead to new forms of artistic expression

and storytelling. PHI Studio is committed to collaborating with artists, producers, and partners to

foster the creation and development of innovative artworks at the vanguard, shaping the future

of the immersive experience.

About The Village of Rosemont

Rosemont, Illinois, Chicagoland’s business and entertainment suburb, is conveniently located

five minutes from O’Hare Airport and twenty minutes from Chicago’s downtown. Easily

accessible via the area’s major highways, Rosemont is home to the Allstate Arena, Donald E.

Stephens Convention Center, a wide variety of hotel and dining options, Rosemont Theatre,

Fashion Outlets of Chicago, Parkway Bank Park entertainment district and Impact Field.

Rosemont continues to flourish and evolve, based on 69 years of growth and under the current

leadership of Mayor Bradley A. Stephens.

Harris Theater presents dynamic duo program by The Joffrey Ballet, Nov. 6-9, 2025

2025-09-26T15:27:00.006-05:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

HARRIS THEATER FOR MUSIC AND DANCE PRESENTS

JOFFREY AT THE HARRIS: MATTERS OF THE HEART

Image credits (from top left, clockwise): Chanel DaSilva (credit: Stephanie Diani), The Main Squeeze, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa (Joe Shults), Broken Wings (Rosalie O’Connor)

Dynamic two-act program showcases World Premiere of Wabash & You, a Chicago love story by Chanel DaSilva with on-stage funk band, along with Midwest debut of Frida Kahlo-inspired Broken Wings, by Annabelle Lopez Ochoa

FIVE PERFORMANCES ONLY, NOVEMBER 6-9, 2025

The Joan W. and Irving B. Harris Theater for Music and Dance proudly presents what is certain to be a highlight of its Harris Theater Presents 2025-26 season – Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart – a dynamic program featuring The Joffrey Ballet performing works by two of today’s top female choreographers, Chanel DaSilva and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa.

Drawing on themes of love and resilience, The Joffrey Ballet will perform the world premiere of DaSilva’s Wabash & You, a love story set in Chicago featuring live, on-stage accompaniment by The Main Squeeze funk band.

In addition the Company will perform the Midwest debut of Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings (2024), inspired by the life and art of Frida Kahlo and set to a score by in-demand UK-based ballet composer Peter Salem performed live by the Chicago Philharmonic, a Harris Theater Resident Company.

“This collaboration with the Joffrey, our neighbors whose flagship home is just down Randolph Street from the Harris, feels both natural and long overdue,” said Harris Theater President and CEO Lori Dimun. “At a time when the arts – and our world – are navigating new challenges, dynamic collaboration is essential to sustaining a healthy future. To have a partner like the Joffrey, willing to embrace the opportunity and risk of sharing such vital work, is a gift. The Joffrey was a founding resident company of the Harris, helping to shape the Theater’s design and stage accommodations in its earliest days. This partnership reflects not only that shared history, but also our shared commitment to Chicago, to elevating important choreographic voices in dance.”

"When Chicago's cultural institutions come together, the city is at its most inspired," added Joffrey Ballet President and CEO Greg Cameron. "Partnering with the Harris Theater for Matters of the Heart reflects the strength and unity of our cultural landscape and is a testament to what's possible when organizations work in concert: beautiful storytelling, creative spirit, and powerful connections between artists and audiences. This is Chicago at its best: collaborative, creative, and committed to community."

"Welcoming back Chanel DaSilva and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa is a celebration, and a reunion, of two visionary artists whose stories pulse with fearlessness and beauty," said Joffrey Ballet Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE. "In Matters of the Heart, Chanel and Annabelle's works speak in two different choreographic languages, but both strike the same universal chord: heartbreak is timeless. Matters of the Heart illustrates how powerfully women shape the stories dance can tell.”

The world premiere of DaSilva’s Wabash & You, set in downtown Chicago, is a modern twist on the classic girl-meets-boy love story, reminding audiences that love can find us anywhere at any time. But… does that mean that love will last forever? Wabash & You is a love letter both to the city of Chicago and to the hopeless romantics that live within us all. Notably, the music will be performed live by the dynamic and soulful Bloomington, IN-based funk band, The Main Squeeze. The band will be onstage with the dancers, both playing the soundtrack for the piece and being a part of the experience.

Lopez Ochoa’s Broken Wings tells the story of iconic Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, highlighting her connection to her Mexican heritage through a unique blend of classical and contemporary dance. Originally commissioned by the English National Ballet, the work incorporates Mexican folk songs and draws on Kahlo’s paintings for its vibrant set and costume design. Broken Wings aims to capture Kahlo's spirit of resilience, pain, and love, transforming her story into a visual and emotional performance.

Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart will be presented in five performances only, November 6-9, at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Street: Thursday and Friday, Nov. 6 and 7, at 7:30 PM; Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 PM and 7:30 PM; and Sunday, Nov. 9, at 2:00 PM. Single tickets start at $46 (including all service charges) and are available at harristheaterchicago.org or by calling 312.334.7777. ASL interpretation and Audio Description will be available on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 PM.

Leadership support for the 2025-2026 Harris Theater Presents season is provided by: Irving Harris Foundation and Joan W. Harris, Abby McCormick O'Neil and D. Carroll Joynes, Chauncey and Marion D. McCormick Family Foundation, The Harris Family Foundation, Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Family Foundation and Alexandra C. Nichols, Jack and Sandra Guthman, ITW, Gregory J. O'Leary and Patricia A. Kenney, Nancy Dehmlow, William Blair & Company and Alaina Anderson, Reed Smith LLP and Peter M. Ellis, Marilyn F. and David J. Vitale, Bank of America, Gail Eisenhart Belytschko, Pamela Crutchfield, Ted A. Grady and Dr. Ross Slotten, Christine and Glenn Kelly, Merrillyn J. Kosier and James F. Kinoshita, Helen Hall Melchior, Frank Modruson and Lynne Shigley, The A. Montgomery Ward Foundation, Bank of America, N.A., Co-Trustee, and Fifth Third Bank.

Joffrey at the Harris: Matters of the Heart is generously supported by Conagra Brands Foundation, Patricia A. Kenney and Gregory J. O’Leary, Gary Metzner and Scott Johnson, Courtney C. Shea, and Penelope R. Steiner, with additional support from Ted A. Grady and Dr. Ross Slotten, Merrillyn J. Kosier and James F. Kinoshita, Phil Lumpkin and Bill Tedford, and Mr. and Mrs. Alejandro Silva.

ABOUT THE JOFFREY BALLET

The Joffrey Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the world today, with a reputation for boundary-breaking performances for 70 years. The Joffrey repertoire is an extensive collection of all-time classics, modern masterpieces, and original works. Founded in 1956 by pioneers Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, the Joffrey remains dedicated to artistic expression, innovation, and first-rate education and engagement programming. The Joffrey Ballet continues to thrive under The Mary B. Galvin Artistic Director Ashley Wheater MBE and President and CEO Greg Cameron. For more information on The Joffrey Ballet and its programs, visit joffrey.org. Connect with the Joffrey on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

ABOUT THE JOAN W. AND IRVING B. HARRIS THEATER FOR MUSIC AND DANCE

The Harris Theater is Chicago's home for music and dance, connecting diverse audiences with artists from across the city, the nation, and the world. An anchor institution of Millennium Park and the first multi-use performance venue built in downtown Chicago since 1929, the Harris was established in 2003 to create a much-needed home for the city's vibrant community of midsize performing arts organizations. Today, the nonprofit Harris Theater features some of the most diverse arts and culture offerings in the city, from its Chicago-based Resident Companies to the world-renowned visiting artists who perform on its stage through the Harris Theater Presents series. The signature Harris Theater Presents series has featured acclaimed artists and ensembles including Joyce DiDonato, Batsheva Dance, the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, New York City Ballet, English National Ballet, Joshua Bell, Monteverdi Choir and Orchestras, Angelique Kidjo, and Paris Opera Ballet. The Theater's education and community engagement initiatives build bridges between artists and community members, providing master classes, artist talks, and free tickets for more than 35 partner organizations throughout Chicago.

To learn more about the Harris Theater, Chicago's home for music and dance in Millennium Park, visit harristheaterchicago.org and follow us on Facebook, lnstagram, and Linkedln.

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert Live to Film

2025-09-18T16:24:00.001-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Lyric Opera of Chicago presents

Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert Live to Film

October 16 & 18, 2025

Following its wildly popular debut last season, Lyric Opera of Chicago’s Movie Nights at Lyric series expands in the 2025/26 Season starting with Disney and Pixar’s Coco in Concert Live to Film. Presented in English with projected Spanish titles, this special event combines the Oscar- and Grammy-winning score by composer Michael Giacchino with a live performance by the acclaimed Lyric Opera Orchestra, conducted by Gonzalo Farias. The beloved film will be projected on a massive screen above the stage for two performances only at the Lyric Opera House: Thursday, October 16, at 7:00 p.m., and Saturday, October 18, at 2:00 p.m.

Along with Giacchino’s original score, Coco features the Oscar-winning song “Remember Me” by songwriters Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, plus additional songs co-written by composer Germaine Franco and co-director and screenwriter Adrian Molina. The film also won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Directed by Lee Unkrich (Toy Story 3), co-directed by Adrian Molina (Monsters University), and produced by Darla K. Anderson (Toy Story 3), Coco continues to inspire audiences worldwide with its unforgettable music and storytelling.

Coco tells the story of Miguel (voice of Anthony Gonzalez), a young boy who dreams of becoming an accomplished musician like his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (voice of Benjamin Bratt), despite his family’s baffling generations-old ban on music. Following a mysterious chain of events and desperate to prove his talent, Miguel finds himself in the stunning and colorful Land of the Dead. Along the way, he meets a charming trickster named Héctor (voice of Gael García Bernal), and together they embark on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.

Chilean-born conductor Gonzalo Farias, Associate Conductor of the Houston Symphony, will lead the Lyric Opera Orchestra in these performances. A passionate educator and advocate for musical storytelling that builds community, Farias has previously held conducting posts with the Kansas City Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, and Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and served as Music Director of the Joliet Symphony Orchestra. His work has also been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts and the League of American Orchestras.

“After seeing the incredible energy and excitement around Singin’ in the Rain last season — a one-night-only sellout — we knew we had to bring more Movie Nights to Lyric,” says John Mangum, General Director, President & CEO of Lyric Opera of Chicago. “They are a wonderful way to welcome new and younger audiences into the opera house, share the thrill of live orchestral music, and celebrate beloved films in a truly unforgettable setting.”

In addition to projected Spanish titles at both performances, Coco in Concert Live to Film will include accessible offerings such as American Sign Language interpretation and SoundShirt technology at the Saturday matinee. This presentation marks the first of two Movie Nights at Lyric in the 2025/26 Season, with Disney’s Mary Poppins in Concert Live to Film to follow on April 10 & 11, 2026.

Tickets start at $43 (all fees included). For tickets and more information, call 312.827.5600 or visit lyricopera.org/coco.

This presentation is licensed by Disney Concerts.

Lyric’s 2025/26 Season is presented by the Robert and Penelope Steiner Family Foundation.

Lyric Opera of Chicago thanks its Official Airline, United Airlines, and acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

About Disney Concerts

Disney Concerts is the concert production and licensing division of Disney Music Group, the music arm of The Walt Disney Company. Disney Concerts produces concerts and tours, and licenses Disney music and visual content to symphony orchestras, choruses and presenters on a worldwide basis. Disney Concerts’ concert packages include a variety of formats, such as “live-to-picture” film concerts, and themed instrumental and vocal compilation concerts that range from instrumental-only symphonic performances to multimedia productions featuring live vocalists and choirs. Featuring concerts from the largest movie franchises in the world – from Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, Pixar and 20th Century Studios – current titles include the Star Wars Film Concert Series, Toy Story, Disney Princess: The Concert, Coco, The Lion King, Up, Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas, The Muppet Christmas Carol and Infinity Saga Concert Experience.

About Lyric

Lyric Opera of Chicago is committed to redefining what it means to experience great opera. The company is driven to deliver consistently excellent artistry through innovative, relevant, celebratory programming that engages and energizes new and traditional audiences.

Under the leadership of General Director, President & CEO John Mangum and Music Director Enrique Mazzola, Lyric is dedicated to reflecting, and drawing strength from, the diversity of Chicago. Lyric offers, through innovation, collaboration, and evolving learning opportunities, ever-more exciting, accessible, and thought-provoking audience and community experiences. We also stand committed to training the artists of the future, through The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center; and to becoming increasingly diverse across our audiences, staff, programming, and artists — magnifying the welcoming pull of our art form, our company, and our city.

Through the timeless power of voice, the splendor of a great orchestra and chorus, theater, dance, design, and truly magnificent stagecraft, Lyric is devoted to immersing audiences in worlds both familiar and unexpected, creating shared experiences that resonate long after the curtain comes down.

Join us @LyricOpera on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Threads and Facebook. #LongLivePassion

For more information, visit lyricopera.org.

TimeLine Theatre's World Premiere of Sandra Delgado's HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF STARS

2025-09-04T16:52:00.001-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

TimeLine Theatre's World Premiere of Sandra Delgado's HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF STARS

MOTHERHOOD, MARIJUANA AND THE MULTIVERSE COLLIDE IN A CHICAGO-SET STORY OF FAMILY, IMMIGRATION, AND AMERICAN IDENTITY

TIMELINE THEATRE REVEALS CAST FOR WORLD PREMIERE OF

SANDRA DELGADO’S HUNDREDS AND HUNDREDS OF STARS,

DIRECTED BY KIMBERLY SENIOR, OCTOBER 8 - NOVEMBER 9

Sandra Delgado (right) plays Clara and Charlotte Arias is Clara’s daughter, Stella, in TimeLine Theatre’s world premiere of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars. Delgado, also the playwright, plays a single mom in Chicago suddenly faced with the prospect of deportation. TimeLine Associate Artist Kimberly Senior directs. Credit: Joe Mazza / brave lux, inc.

TimeLine Theatre Company has revealed the complete cast for this fall’s Chicago-set world premiere Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars by Sandra Delgado, directed by TimeLine Associate Artist Kimberly Senior, the first production of TimeLine Theatre's milestone 29th season.

Delgado’s captivating new family drama will feature its author, one of the city’s most celebrated “triple-threat” theater artists who was also the creator and star of the legendary smash hit La Havana Madrid. Delgado will play the role of Clara, a single mom in the “sandwich generation,” simultaneously caring for her aging father and tween daughter, who is suddenly faced with the prospect of deportation.

Delgado’s fellow cast members are Charín Álvarez (Vega/Chava, she/her), Ramón Camín (Papi, he him), Brian King (David, he/him), and Donovan Marquis Diaz (Ruben, he/they/any), with Charlotte Arias (she/her) and Simona Gueglio-Saccone (she/her) alternating as Stella, Clara’s tween daughter.

TimeLine Theatre’s world premiere drama Hundred and Hundreds of Stars features (from left) Sandra Delgado (Clara, also the playwright), Charín Álvarez (Vega/Chava), Charlotte Arias (Stella), Ramón Camín (Papi), Simona Gueglio-Saccone (Stella, alternating), Brian King (David) and Donovan Marquis Diaz (Ruben).

Performances of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars will be hosted by Lookingglass Theatre Company in the historic Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street at Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago, while TimeLine continues construction of its new home in Uptown. Previews start October 8 and performances run through November 9.

Meet the moment of TimeLine’s 2025-26 season and save as much as 25 percent off regular tickets to Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars with a 2025-26 TimeLine FlexPass. Four options, on sale now from $134 to $278, assure the best seats and offer impressive flexibility throughout TimeLine’s three-play season: Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars; the Chicago premiere of Eureka Day, January 13 - February 22, 2026, presented at Broadway In Chicago's Broadway Playhouse, and An Enemy of the People, the inaugural production at TimeLine's new home in Uptown, debuting in May 2026.

Single tickets for Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars are on sale now. For more information and to purchase a TimeLine FlexPass or single tickets, call the TimeLine Box Office at (773) 281-8463 x6 or visit timelinetheatre.com.

(left) Chicago "triple threat" theater artist Sandra Delgado wrote and will perform in TimeLine Theatre's world premiere of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars. (right) Delgado (left) plays Clara and Charlotte Arias plays her daughter, Stella, in Delgado's timely new drama about a single mom in Chicago suddenly faced with the prospect of deportation. Arias alternates in the role of Stella with Simona Gueglio-Saccone. Credit: Joe Mazza / brave lux, inc.

Motherhood, marijuana and the multiverse: Shining light on American identity

Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars blends grounded family drama with otherworldly wonder for a moving and provocative exploration of our country’s most fundamental values, while echoing stories pulled from today’s news of families being torn apart.

Like millions of Americans, Clara is doing her best to hold everything together—working hard, raising her tween daughter Stella, caring for an aging father, and supporting her under-employed ex-husband. But when she applies for U.S. citizenship ahead of a mother-daughter trip to Paris, her application is unexpectedly flagged, exposing minor infractions in her past and threatening the only home she’s ever known.

“After the election, I thought this play I’ve been working on for years is suddenly of the moment. Someone has to produce it,” said Delgado. “People aren’t often forced into action beyond watching the news, until it becomes personal. So this is a very personal family tale, not unlike those playing out more and more, every day in Chicago and around the U.S.”

Delgado added, “the play also explores the multiverse, or the possibility of an infinite number of parallel universes, and astral projection, the ability of a person’s spirit to travel to distant places. These bring layers of magic and hope to an otherwise daunting tale of a mother at risk of losing her daughter and being sent to a country she has never known.”

“I can’t think of a more timely topic than this play about a mother being pulled away from her daughter, forced from the only home she has ever really known,” said Artistic Director PJ Powers. “Sandra’s script is moving, provocative, funny, and deeply emotional, putting a human face on the headlines surrounding us today.”

Powers continued: “Set in 2015, this play is also a testament to TimeLine’s mission of connecting past with present, underscoring that a broken immigration system is not new, yet its resonance with where we are today in 2025 couldn’t be more apparent. We are deeply honored to launch this transformative year for TimeLine by welcoming back our longtime colleague, director Kimberly Senior, and premiering Sandra’s must-see new work.”

(left) Chicago "triple threat" theater artist Sandra Delgado wrote and will perform in TimeLine Theatre's world premiere of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars. (right) Delgado (left) plays Clara and Charlotte Arias plays her daughter, Stella, here holding handmade tin stars referenced in Delgado's newest work, a grounded family drama mixed with otherworldly wonder. Arias alternates in the role of Stella with Simona Gueglio-Saccone. Credit: Joe Mazza / brave lux, inc.

The full production team for Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars includes Sandra Delgado (Playwright, she/her), Kimberly Senior (Director, she/her), Regina García (Scenic Designer, she/her), Mieka van der Ploeg (Costume Designer, she/they), Christine A. Binder (Lighting Designer, she/her), Willow James (Sound Designer, he/him), Nicolas Bartleson (Properties Designer, he/him), Eme Ospina-López (Projections Designer, they/él), Raquel Torre (Choreographer, she/her/ella), Yasmin Zacaria Mikhaiel (Dramaturg, she/they), Dina Spoerl (Dramaturgical Display Designer, she/her), Natalie Friedman (Assistant Director, she/her), Nora Brooks and Lindsay Mummert (she/her) (Co-Assistant Scenic Designers), Megan Pirtle (Assistant Costume Designer, she/her), Ellie Fey (Assistant Lighting Designer, she/her), Anna Rogelio Joaquin (Assistant Dramaturg, she/her), Isabel Patt (Stage Manager, they/them), Kate Nagorski (Assistant Stage Manager, she/her), and Maddie Curtin (Young Performer Supervisor, she/her).

Originally commissioned by the Chicago Park District’s Theatre on the Lake In the Works project, in partnership with Chicago Dramatists, previous development of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars included stagings as part of Goodman Theatre’s New Stages Festival in 2018 and Northeastern Illinois University’s thINKtank Series, co-produced in partnership with Teatro Vista, in 2024.

Sandra Delgado (front) plays Clara and Charlotte Arias is Clara’s tween daughter, Stella, in TimeLine Theatre’s world premiere of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars. Arias alternates in the role of Stella with Simona Gueglio-Saccone. Credit: Joe Mazza / brave lux, inc.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

Previews are Wednesday, October 8 through Friday, October 10 at 8 p.m., Saturday, October 11 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sunday, October 12 at 4 p.m., and Tuesday, October 14 at 7 p.m. Regular performances continue through November 9: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7 p.m.; Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2 p.m.

BUYING TICKETS

Single tickets to Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars are on sale now, priced $40–$95. For tickets and information, visit timelinetheatre.com or call the TimeLine Box Office at (773) 281-8463 x6.

Preview tickets are $40 - $60. Single tickets to regular performances are $62 - $95. Prices vary based on performance date and seat location. Student discount is 35% off regular price with valid ID. TimeLine is also a member of TCG’s Blue Star Theatre Program and is offering $30 tickets to U.S. military personnel, veterans, first responders, and their spouses and family.

All listed prices are inclusive of fees.

Ticket buyers ages 18-35 may join TimeLine’s free MyLine program to obtain access to discounted tickets, special events and more. Discounted rates for groups of 10 or more are also available. Visit timelinetheatre.com/discounts for more about available discounts.

LOCATION/TRANSPORTATION/PARKING

TimeLine’s production of Hundreds and Hundreds of Stars is hosted by Lookingglass Theatre Company in the historic Water Tower Water Works, 163 E. Pearson Street on the southeast corner of Michigan Avenue, just south of Water Tower Place.

Pre-paid discounted parking and validated parking is available the day of the performance at three convenient parking options located less than a block from the theater: 875 N. Michigan Avenue, Water Tower Place and The Olympia Center Self Park. Let the Box Office know upon arrival, and staff will provide validation. Or, try the parking app SpotHero.

Lookingglass is convenieniently located a short walk from the CTA Red Line stop at Chicago Avenue and State Street. For Purple and Brown line riders, a quick ride east on the #66 (Chicago) bus will take you right to the theater. The #146 (Inner Drive/Michigan Express), #151 (Sheridan), and #147 (Outer Drive Express) buses also stop on Michigan Avenue, directly in front of Lookingglass Theatre.

Visit timelinetheatre.com/venues/lookingglass-theatre for additional information, including driving directions and nearby dining recommendations.

DISCUSSIONS

Post-Show Discussions: A brief, informal post-show discussion hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and featuring the dramaturg and members of the production team after the 7 p.m. performances on Wednesday, October 22; Thursday, October 30; and Thursday, November 6.

Pre-Show Discussions: Starting one hour before the performance, 25-minute introductory conversations will be hosted by a TimeLine Company Member and the dramaturg before the Sunday, October 19, 2 p.m. matinee.

Company Member Discussion: A post-show discussion with the collaborative team of artists who choose TimeLine’s programming and guide the company’s mission on Sunday, October 26 at 2 p.m.

Sunday Scholars Panel Discussion: A one-hour panel discussion featuring experts on the themes and issues of the play alongside a member of the production team in a moderated discussion, following the performance on Sunday, November 2 at 2 p.m.

All discussions are free and open to the public.

ACCESSIBILITY

Captioned Performances: Open-captioned performances with a text display of words and sounds heard during performances are Saturday, November 1 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

Audio-Described Performance: On Saturday, November 8 at 2 p.m., the performance will feature narration about visual elements of the production around the dialogue, available for individual patrons via headphones.

An accessible entrance to Lookingglass is located directly to the west of the main entrance at 163 E. Pearson St. using the wooden double doors. Lookingglass offers accessible seating for all performances on the ground floor and balcony for all patrons who use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, other mobility aid, or cannot use stairs. Lookingglass also has a variety of aisle seating options available. Please contact TimeLine Theatre’s Box Office for more information at (773) 281-8463 x6.

REVIEW: SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM Via OIL LAMP THEATER Now Playing Through September 14th, 2025

2025-09-04T09:59:00.199-05:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

OIL LAMP THEATER'S

SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM

Now Playing Through September 14th, 2025

DIRECTED BY CHRISTINA RAMIREZ AND MUSIC DIRECTED AMY BRANAHL

Oil Lamp Theater Celebrates the Life and Works of the Late, Great, Stephen Sondheim

Tommy Wells, Abbey Loria, Jacob Alexander and Daria Koon.

Photo credit for all: Gosia Photography

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Whether you're an avid Sondheim fan, or completely uninitiated, Oil Lamp will illuminate and entertain you with their latest production, Side by Side by Sondheim, a full immersion into the legacy of this legendary composer and lyricist. This production features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne with continuity by Ned Sherrin. This tiny but mighty cast of four are ready to take you on a journey through dozens of songs in Sondheim's repertoire, including deep cuts, forgotten gems, and over 2 hours of favorites!

Tommy Wells and Jacob Alexander

Embrace this joyful reprieve from daily life with a plethora of timely tunes. Feel free to laugh, toe tap, and sing along. You might even be surprised by the famous collaborations you didn't know he had a hand in. We adored this cast's playful sense of humor. This is a great pick for multigenerational fun so bring the kids and the grandparents too.

ChiIL Tips: I've been covering Oil Lamp for years but I've always caught their opening nights or other evening performances. This time I caught a matinee and we could hear a cacophony of different dogs barking from what I assume is the business next door. It was quite loud and ongoing. I don't know if this is an ongoing issue, but if sound bleeding in from the neighborhood would limit your enjoyment of Oil Lamp's shows, I suggest you avoid matinees and pick an evening time instead.

Daria Koon and Abbey Loria

Spilling the tea: This production is light on dialogue, with just a few short introductions and backstories, so it's more like a concert experience than a musical.

Tommy Wells and Jacob Alexander

Stephen Joshua Sondheim was a beloved American composer and lyricist whose witty lyrics and catchy hooks revolutionized Broadway musicals and Oil Lamp celebrates his legacy in style. Don't miss this! Now playing through September 14th, 2025. Recommended. 3 out of 4 stars ★★★

Check out Oil Lamp Theater’s brand new SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts!

The production runs August 15 - September 14, at Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road. Side by Side by Sondheim is directed by Christina Ramirez and music directed by Amy Branahl. The schedule includes a preview performance Thursday, August 14 at 7:30 p.m. with the opening/press performance Friday, Aug. 15 at 7:30 p.m. The performance schedule is Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m.,Saturdays at 3 and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances August 20 at 3 p.m. and September 3 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. There will be an understudy performance on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 7:30 p.m.Tickets are on sale now for $30 for previews and $55 for the run at OilLampTheater.org.

Abbey Loria

Side By Side By Sondheim offers a captivating journey through the wit and brilliance of one of Broadway’s greatest musical storytellers. Simple and unpretentious, this Tony Award-winning musical is a perfect introduction to the work of the contemporary master, Stephen Sondheim, and a must for diehard fans featuring songs from Gypsy, Company, West Side Story, A Little Night Music, Follies and others.

The cast of Side by Side by Sondheim includes Jacob Alexander (he/him); Michael Davis Arnold (he/him)); Abbey Loria (she/her); Alondra Rios (she/her); with understudies Julia Hope Budd (she/her); Thomas Ferro (he/him); Daria Koon (she/they) and Tommy Wells (he/him).

The production team includes Christina Ramirez (she/her, director); Amy Branahl (she/her, music director); Andy Cahoon (he/him, technical director); Spencer Donovan (he/him, scenic designer); Taylor Pfenning (she/her, costume designer); Ellie Fey (she/her, lighting designer); Alex Trinh (he/him, sound designer); Leo Bassow (he/they, props designer); Connor Windle (he/him, production stage manager) and Sara Segneri (she/her, assistant stage manager).

ABOUT CHRISTINA RAMIREZ, director

Christina Ramirez is thrilled to be back at Oil Lamp after directing First Date last season. Ramirez serves as managing director at the award-winning Actors Training Center in Wilmette, working with actors of all ages (youth through adult) and when not directing is known for her work as a teaching artist and coach. She holds a masters in directing from Roosevelt University CCPA and a BFA in musical theatre from The Sargent Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University.

ABOUT AMY BRANAHL, music director

Amy J. Branahl is the director of Choral Activities at New Trier High School and president of the IL-American Choral Directors Association(ACDA). She is the music and vocal director of the Frosh/Soph musical and coaches badminton there. Branahl is a proud alum of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she received her MME/BME in choral music education. With her husband Jared, they have three awesome boys. When not doing music, she loves to travel and document them by knitting, crocheting, while watching tennis/sports or going to shows. Please check out her work @craftingcourtside.

MORE FROM FROM OIL LAMP THEATER

Gaslight (Angel Street)

October 2 - November 2

By Patrick Hamilton

Directed by Susan Gorman

Preview Performance:Thursday, Oct. 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with additional Wednesday performances October 8 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., October 15 at 7:30 p.m. October 22 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and October 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Audiences are invited to step into the suspenseful world of Gaslight (Angel Street), where secrets lurk in the shadows and reality blurs with deception. When Bella begins to suspect that the flickering lights and missing objects in her home aren’t just in her imagination, her world unravels into a chilling game of manipulation and control. Suspenseful, haunting and unforgettable, this is the classic mystery that inspired the 1944 Academy Award-winning film starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury, in her film debut, defined a genre and inspired the term “gaslighting.”

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play

November 20 - December 28

Adapted by Joe Landry

Preview Performance:Thursday, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

Press Opening: Friday, Nov. 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Performance Schedule: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. with an additional Wednesday performance, December 10 at 7:30 p.m.

This heartwarming production is the perfect way to embrace the spirit of the Holidays. Experience unrivaled cheer with Frank Capra's beloved classic, “It's a Wonderful Life,” reimagined as a captivating live radio play, complete with foley sound effects and set in Oil Lamp’s own WBFR radio studio.

Journey to Bedford Falls, where George Bailey's troubles lead him to wish he was never born. Clarence, an angel sent to intervene, steps in to make his wishes come true and George quickly learns just how many lives he has touched and just how blessed he really is.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER’S SPARK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Oil Lamp Theater recently opened the Oil Lamp Theater’s SPARK CENTER for the Performing Arts, 1009 Waukegan Rd. The SPARK CENTER spans 2,750 square feet, featuring two spacious studios for classes and dedicated office spaces for Oil Lamp staff. The SPARK CENTER enables the expansion of Oil Lamp’s arts education programs led by top Chicagoland theater professionals for all ages and skill levels. These same studios serve as the creative center where Oil Lamp’s productions come to life as it is also a rehearsal space for Oil Lamp Theater productions taking place across the street at 1723 Glenview Road.

The inaugural offerings of the SPARK CENTER included Summer Camps and Youth and Adult Education classes with fall classes on sale now. For more information on the SPARK CENTER, go to OilLampTheater.org/spark-center.

ABOUT OIL LAMP THEATER

Oil Lamp Theater is an award-winning 60-seat storefront theater located in the heart of downtown Glenview. Keith Gerth founded the theater in February 2005, originally staging 20 productions for up to thirty-five friends and guests at night in his condo in Chicago. In March 2012, the organization was incorporated as a nonprofit and established a new location in downtown Glenview, fitted with warm décor and comfortable seating, reminiscent of a home. Oil Lamp produced 53 shows over the next seven years, reaching 10,000+ patrons per year and earning “Best Live Theater in the North Shore'' for four consecutive years. At the start of 2020, Keith Gerth retired, and shortly after, the pandemic began. Despite these major changes, Oil Lamp sprung into action and organized a drive-in for a fully-produced solo show, hosted outdoor concerts and built an outdoor venue for two full productions. Seeing the impact this made and the ability to conquer any challenge, Oil Lamp returned to indoor programming with a renewed vision. Oil Lamp now produces a dynamic Main Stage Season, Speak Easy Nights, a Women on Wednesdays series and continues investing in its connection with the community.

'Twas the Night Before...by Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago Theatre December 11-28, 2025

2025-08-11T14:55:00.056-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

CELEBRATED HOLIDAY THEATRICAL

‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE…
BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

MAKES ITS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED RETURN TO
THE CHICAGO THEATRE FOR A LIMITED ENGAGEMENT

December 11-28, 2025

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) announced today that, due to overwhelming success, the celebrated holiday theatrical ‘Twas the Night Before… by Cirque du Soleil is returning to The Chicago Theatre for a limited engagement this holiday season from December 11-28. Tickets are on sale now at www.ticketmaster.com.

Cirque du Soleil productions captivate millions of theatergoers around the globe each year, and ‘Twas the Night Before… marks the company’s first and only holiday show. Inspired by the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore, memorable lines from the cherished tale sparked Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who rediscovers the magic of the holidays. Directed by James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater, ‘Twas the Night Before…is a festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, featuring the incredible acrobatics Cirque du Soleil is known for – from a mesmerizing aerial straps duo and daring hoop diving, to gravity-defying hair suspension and high-energy dancing, performed by a cast of 26 artists from all over the world. The show also features lovable characters and a soundtrack including Christmas favorites re-invented by Cirque du Soleil.

"Bringing Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Twas the Night Before… to The Chicago Theatre feels like coming home for the holidays," said James Hadley, the production’s writer and director. “Inspired by the classic poem ‘A Visit from Saint Nicholas,’ we created a world of wonder and the kind of exhilarating, heart-filled spectacle only Cirque du Soleil can bring to life. I can’t wait for audiences to experience the holiday joy with us this year."

With something for everyone in the family to enjoy, 'Twas the Night Before… is the perfect introduction for the next generation of theatergoers to the incredible world of Cirque du Soleil. This dazzling production, inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season, promises to spark lasting memories in the hearts of all audiences this holiday season.

Tickets for ‘Twas the Night Before… at The Chicago Theatre start at $39 when purchased in person at the Ticketmaster Box Office at The Chicago Theatre and at $51 when purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com. For groups of nine or more, please contact the Group Sales Department at 212-465-6080 or Group.Sales@msg.com. Accessible and companion seats are available for these shows via the Accessibility Services Department. For more information please visit www.msg.com/the-chicago-theatre/accessibility-services.

CONNECT WITH MSG ENTERTAINMENT ON SOCIAL!
The Chicago Theatre: X | Facebook | Instagram

MSG Entertainment: LinkedIn

Follow #TWASCirque and #cirquedusoleil on social media:

Facebook | X | Instagram | YouTube

CIRQUE DU SOLEIL ENTERTAINMENT GROUP

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is a world leader in live entertainment. Building on four decades of pushing the boundaries of the imagination, the Company brings its creative approach to a large variety of entertainment forms, such as multimedia productions, immersive experiences, and special events. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group celebrates 40 years of defying reality, defining entertainment, and illuminating the world through art and creativity. Since its creation in 1984, more than 400 million people have been inspired on 6 continents and 86 countries. The Canadian company now employs more than 4000 employees, including 1200 artists from 80 different nationalities.

For more information about Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, please visit cirquedusoleil.com.

About Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) is a leader in live entertainment, delivering unforgettable experiences while forging deep connections with diverse and passionate audiences. The Company’s portfolio includes a collection of world-renowned venues – New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, and Beacon Theatre; and The Chicago Theatre – that showcase a broad array of sporting events, concerts, family shows, and special events for millions of guests annually. In addition, the Company features the original production, the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes, which has been a holiday tradition for more than 90 years. More information is available at www.msgentertainment.com.

GOODMAN'S BOOK UP! “THEATER FOR THE VERY YOUNG” (0-5) APPEARS IN 12 CHICAGO PARKS OVER THREE WEEKS, NOW THROUGH AUGUST 10, 2025

2025-07-30T12:47:00.162-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: FREE Family Friendly Fun

BOOK UP!

Directed by Tor Campbell and Raquel Torre

July 23 – August 10, 2025

(L-R) Madie Doppelt, Kylie Anderson, Robbie Matthew and Jean Claudio

Photos by Justin Barbin

A high-octane outdoor circus spectacle

NEWEST “THEATER FOR THE VERY YOUNG” (0-5)

Goodman Theatre’s summer 2025 “Theater for the Very Young” (TVY) production, BOOK UP!—a high-octane outdoor circus spectacle that invites little ones and their grown-ups to move, play and discover the magic of reading—are now available. Specially made for children aged 0–5 years and their adult friends and family, BOOK UP! is co-directed by Goodman Michael Maggio Directing Fellow Raquel Torre and Northwestern University Directing Fellow Tor Campbell. BOOK UP! will bring its high-flying energy to eight more Chicago parks through August 10. Remaining performances include July 30 (Hale Park/Clearing), July 31 (Hayes Park/Ashburn/Wrightwood), August 2 (Haas Park/Logan Square), August 3 (Marquette Park/Chicago Lawn), August 6 (Homan Square Community Center Park/North Lawndale), August 7 (Brighton Park Community Campus/Brighton Park), August 9 (Portage Park) and August 10 (Oriole Park/Norwood Park).

(L-R) Kylie Anderson, Robbie Matthew and Madie Doppelt

Two FREE 60-minute performances appear in each park (at 9:30am and 11:30am) and a hands-on workshop immediately follows. Tickets are not required, but registration is encouraged; visit GoodmanTheatre.org/FreeActs. The Goodman is grateful to Kirkland & Ellis, Arts and Community Sponsor for Theater for the Very Young programming.

(Kneeling, L-R) Madie Doppelt and Robbie Matthew. (Aerial) Kylie Anderson

“Think Reading Rainbow meets the circus meets Chicago’s beautiful parks network,” said Jared Bellot, Goodman’s Clifford Director of Education and Engagement. “BOOK UP! is joyful, imaginative and built to meet children exactly where they are—physically, developmentally, and creatively. We believe that live performance has the power to spark curiosity, build connections and foster a lifelong love of storytelling. And by bringing this work directly into neighborhoods across the city, we’re saying every child deserves access to the arts, and every park can be a stage. This is about nurturing early literacy, yes—but it’s also about creating shared moments of wonder and joy for families and communities.”

Jean Claudio

A traveling librarian (Jean Claudio) rolls into town with a magical book cart, ready to spark big imaginations everywhere and beyond! With a little wiggle, a little giggle and a whole lot of wonder, stories leap off the pages through juggling, tumbling, clowning and aerial acrobatics—with Kylie Anderson, Madie Doppelt and Robbie Matthew, all ProTraining alumni of Chicago’s famed Actors Gymnasium.

BOOK UP! is presented as part of Goodman’s 100 Free Acts of Theater program and the Chicago Park District’s Night Out in the Parks series, both supported by the Mayor’s Office and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). The Night Out in the Parks program presents cultural events year-round in neighborhood parks throughout the city. The Chicago Park District in partnership with 100 local artists and organizations, presents engaging events and performances that enhance quality of life across Chicago and amplify the artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Through multiple disciplines, which include theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the series aims to support Chicago-based artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans. www.nightoutintheparks.com.

(Right) Jean Claudio

Full Company of BOOK UP!

Directed by Tor Campbell and Raquel Torre

Created by Raquel Torre, Originally Devised by La Vuelta

Kylie Anderson…Kid 1/Teaching Artist

Jean Claudio…Librarian/Teaching Artist

Maddie Doppelt…Kid 3/ Teaching Artist

Robbie Matthew…Kid 2/Teaching Artist/US Librarian

Robbie Matthew

Creative Team

1st Line Producer…Jared Bellot

2nd Line Producer…Raquel Torre

Production Manager…Claudette Przygoda

Set Designer…Alyssa Mohn

Scenic Builder…Luke Lemanski

Costume Designer…Ben Argenta Kress

Composer & Sound Designer…Justin Cavazos

Casting Director...Lauren Port, CSA

Production Associate…Jojo Wallenberg

Production Assistant & Circus Rigger…Glenna Broderick

(L-R) Robbie Matthew, Kylie Anderson and Madie Doppelt

ABOUT 100 FREE ACTS OF THEATER

An unprecedented citywide event spanning Goodman Theatre’s Centennial 2025/2026 Season, 100 Free Acts of Theater activates all 50 wards of Chicago. The Goodman partners with local organizations to amplify existing creative programming and collaborate on new efforts—from performances to special events to community engagement offerings—to celebrate the city’s rich cultural landscape and honor the communities that have inspired and supported Chicago’s flagship resident theater over the past 100 years. Each Act, developed in close collaboration and in tune with that partner organization’s mission, is programmed to take place at destinations in its community. Produced in partnership with the Department of Cultural Events and Special Affairs (DCASE), all 100 Acts are offered FREE with participation open to Chicagoans of all ages and backgrounds. Together, DCASE and The Goodman help provide resources to make each Act possible—including but not limited to artistic personnel, tech support, assistance with marketing/publicity and more. Allstate Insurance Company is additionally a Corporate Sponsor Partner for 100 Free Acts of Theater. The first quarter of Free Acts is now live; additional Acts will be announced as the Centennial Season continues. Visit GoodmanTheatre.org/FreeActs for more information.

ABOUT CHICAGO DEPARTMENT OF CULTURAL AFFAIRS AND SPECIAL EVENTS

The City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) supports artists and cultural organizations, invests in the creative economy, and expands access and participation in the arts throughout Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods. As a collaborative cultural presenter, arts funder, and advocate for creative workers, our programs and events serve Chicagoans and visitors of all ages and backgrounds, downtown and in diverse communities across our city—to strengthen and celebrate Chicago. DCASE produces some of the city’s most iconic festivals, markets, events, and exhibitions at the Chicago Cultural Center, Millennium Park, and in communities across the city—serving a local and global audience of 25 million people. The Department offers cultural grants and resources, manages public art, supports TV and film production and other creative industries, and permits special events throughout Chicago. For details, visit Chicago.gov/DCASE and stay connected via our newsletters and social media.

ABOUT GOODMAN THEATRE

Chicago’s theater since 1925, Goodman Theatre is a not-for-profit arts and community organization in the heart of the Loop, distinguished by the excellence and scope of its artistic programming and community engagement. Led by Artistic Director Susan V. Booth and Executive Director John Collins, the theater’s artistic priorities include new play development (more than 150 world or American premieres), large scale musical theater works and reimagined classics. Artists and productions have earned two Pulitzer Prizes, 22 Tony Awards and more than 160 Jeff Awards, among other accolades.

The Goodman is the first theater in the world to produce all 10 plays in August Wilson’s “American Century Cycle.” Its longtime annual holiday tradition A Christmas Carol, now in its fifth decade, has created a new generation of theatergoers in Chicago. The Goodman also frequently serves as a production and program partner with national and international companies and Chicago’s Off-Loop theaters.

Using the tools of theatrical practice, the Goodman’s Education and Engagement programs aim to develop generations of citizens who understand and empathize with cultures and stories of diverse voices. The Goodman’s Alice Rapoport Center for Education and Engagement is the home of these programs, which are offered for Chicago youth—85% of whom come from underserved communities—schools and life-long learners.

Goodman Theatre was built on the unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi Nations. We recognize that many other Nations consider the area we now call Chicago as their traditional homeland—including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten and remains home to many Native peoples today. The Goodman is proud to have a relationship with Gichigamiin Indigenous Nations Museum. Located in Evanston, the Museum honors the survival and perseverance of Indigenous communities and promotes a greater understanding of Indigenous peoples: gichigamiin-museum.org.

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

Marsha Cruzan is Chair of Goodman Theatre’s Board of Trustees, Diane Landgren is Women’s Board President and Kelli Garcia is President of the Scenemakers Board for young professionals.

(Above) Kylie Anderson. (Below) Robbie Matthew

HELP OUT: The Actors Gymnasium Invites the Community to Celebrate 30 Years Under the Big Top

2025-07-11T12:50:00.041-05:00

ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Picks List:

Exclusive Event with Midnight Circus

Honors the Past and Supports the Future

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've adored both The Actors Gymnasium and Midnight Circus for decades. My own son and daughter grew up doing circus arts and were cast in numerous Actors Gymnasium youth circus shows over the years. Come on out and celebrate 30 years of AG and help out at the same time. The celebration isn’t just about looking back—it’s about paying it forward. All proceeds from the evening benefit the Actors Gymnasium's Student Scholarship Fund, ensuring that young artists can access their world-class training—regardless of financial circumstances.

The Actors Gymnasium, one of the nation’s premier circus and performing arts schools, invites the community to its 30th Birthday Bash happening Friday, September 19, 2025, at Tallmadge Park in Evanston, IL, under the big top!

This one-night-only event features an exclusive performance by Midnight Circus, followed by a birthday bash with drinks, dancing, and surprise performances—all set under an iconic circus tent.

“For 30 years, we’ve helped people learn to fly,” says Murphy Monroe, AG Executive Director, “This event celebrates our history by investing in our future—through the students whose talent, drive, and potential inspire us every day.”

Evening Highlights Include:

VIP Reception (6:00 PM): Early entry to the show, drinks, bites, alumni mingle, and more

Midnight Circus Exclusive Performance (7:30 PM)

Birthday Bash (9:00–11:00 PM): Live music, exclusive 30th anniversary beer from Illuminated Brew Works, and a meet-and-greet with Midnight Circus performers, AG alumni, teen ensemble, and more!

Tickets are available now at https://givebutter.com/AG30thBirthdayBash

Can’t attend? Make a tax-deductible donation to the Scholarship Fund at checkout

Actor’s Gymnasium serves more than 1,000 students annually and is a cultural cornerstone of Evanston’s arts scene. This celebration is a chance to support their future—one daring performance at a time.

About Actors Gymnasium

Founded in 1995, the Actors Gymnasium is one of the nation's premier circus and performing arts training centers. Known for its original and daring circus-theatre productions, Actors Gym teaches thousands of students and welcomes tens of thousands of spectators annually.

Actors Gym partners with theaters nationwide and is proud to be a part of many of the nation's best physical theater productions. The Gym's Professional Circus Training Program is not just a training ground but a robust pipeline for career circus/theatre artists. These artists, who have honed their skills at the Gym, go on to grace stages and circus rings in Chicago and worldwide.

Actors Gym provides award-winning entertainment for corporate events, parades, halftime shows, and other special events. It also serves as the exclusive circus performing arts training provider for Lookingglass Theatre. Our collaborations with Lookingglass Theatre include Lookingglass Alice, Icarus, The Little Prince, Moby Dick, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Hardtimes, Luna Muda and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Under the leadership of the legendary Circus-Ring-of-Fame artist and performer Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, the Gym is committed to breaking down barriers in circus arts. This commitment not only makes circus arts more accessible but also showcases the power of circus to expand human potential, inspiring all who witness it.

FREE: CABINET OF CURIOSITY PRESENTS “KAZOOZAPALOOZA: PEDAL POWERED PROGRAM YEAR 4: THE BLACK MAN FROM MACON” July Through September 2025

2025-07-11T11:39:00.045-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: FREE Family Friendly Fun

CABINET OF CURIOSITY PRESENTS “KAZOOZAPALOOZA: PEDAL POWERED PROGRAM YEAR 4: THE BLACK MAN FROM MACON”

Images of Cabinet of Curiosity past events courtesy of Cabinet of Curiosity.

This Musical, Interactive Celebration of the Man Behind the Kazoo, Alabama Vest, is FREE with Locations at Boler Park (July 26), Marquette Park (August 9), and Navy Pier (September 20)

Cabinet of Curiosity presents “Kazoozapalooza Pedal Powered Program Year 4: The Black Man from Macon” beginning July 26 at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Boler Park and continues with two additional events at Marquette Park and Navy Pier (full details below). This bike-powered spectacle is presented in collaboration with Working Bikes, the School of the Art Institute, the Homan Square Neighborhood Association, the Chicago Climate Action Museum, the Lawndale Pop-Up Spot, and the Chicago Park District. All events are free, for more information go to www.cocechicago.com.

“Kazoozapalooza Pedal Powered Program Year 4: The Black Man from Macon,” is an outdoor interactive and participatory show written by Frank Maugeri, Lynne Jordan, Brandon Boler, Samarem Diaz-Negrete and Alexis Willis with illustrations by Mandy Newham-Cobb and engineered objects by Dustan Creech and Tom Robinson, and original music by Lynne Jordan, Gordon Middleton and Chicago saxophone player Michael Jackson. This bike-powered panoramic celebratory spectacle shares the visual tale of Alabama Vest, the inventor of the Kazoo. Each guest receives a free kazoo and is invited to contribute to the show's musical score. Early attendees are invited to attend a S.T.E.A.M. workshop, where guests, young and old, can engineer their own mechanical, illustrated story.

Kazoozapalooza Pedal Powered Program events include:

Boler Park

3601 W. Arthington St.

Saturday, July 26 from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

Free

Marquette Park

6743 S Kedzie Ave, Chicago IL 60629

Saturday, August 9 from 1 - 2:30 p.m,

FREE

Chicago Live! At Navy Pier

600 E. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

Saturday, September 20, 3:30p.m, with a bubble parade prior

FREE with a live performance by Lynne Jordan and band members

The primary collaborators for “Kazoozapalooza Pedal Powered Program Year 4” include Lynne Jordan (primary collaborator), Gordon Middleton (songwriter), Brandon Boler (community collaborator), Dustan Creech (engineer), Tom Robinson (engineer), Alexis Willis (performance actress), Mandy Newhan-Cobb (illustrator), Frank Maugeri (Cabinet artistic director), Samarem Diaz-Negrete (Cabinet associate artistic director) and Dayna Calderon (parks district rep). School of Celebration Summer 2025 students include Thanh Do, Lucca Duston, Nocturne Best and Olivia Gibson. Band members include Michael Jackson, Raymond Glower, Brady Williams, and Matthew Skoller.

ABOUT CABINET OF CURIOSITY

Cabinet of Curiosity (Cabinet) expertise and mission lies in interactivity, immersion, ritual composition, community building, and collaboration between artists and community members of various skill levels and mediums. Cabinet of Curiosity focuses on creating new types of experiences, gatherings, ceremonies, and rituals which promote community and interactivity amongst people who may not usually mix. Cabinet is composed of diverse project-by-project collectives who authentically collaborate on original celebrations and productions. Cabinet uses sophisticated puppetry and handmade devices to develop unique interactive experiences, productions, and events. The company supports multicultural professionals in the field of theater, visual arts, dance, sculpture, and music, while mindfully training high school and college-age apprentices to become the future creators of new, meaningful rituals. All the objects and devices created by Cabinet are engineered to expose their mechanical operations, so they are simultaneously educational, informative, and magical. Cabinet embraces commissions that require unique elements of ritual, ceremony, procession, and pageantry. These commissions create funding that establishes an innovative revenue stream, reducing the responsibility of sustainability from the board, audience, and foundations, trains apprentices through a unique scholarship apparatus, builds community, and funds our free and significantly discounted public work. Cabinet is committed to social engagement — both grand and intimate, with its purpose to promote curiosity, community, and culture.

Ada Grey joins cast of Lucid Theater’s BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY at the Edge Theatre August 1-17

2025-06-25T15:01:00.061-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List: Adult Night Out

Ada Grey joins cast of Lucid Theater’s

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY

by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider

August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre

Ada Grey joins cast of Lucid Theater’s BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY by WELLS AND WELLES playwright Amy Crider, August 1-17 at the Edge Theatre

I'll be out for the press opening Saturday, August 2nd, so check back soon for my full review.

Ada Grey, the young Chicago actress who has been known to Chicago theatergoers through the theater reviews she began writing at age four and her performances on Chicago stages from age six until she left to attend college at the London Academy of Dramatic Art, has joined the four-actor cast of BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY. This will be Grey’s first stage role in Chicago since her recent graduation from that esteemed British institution. Grey will play Jennifer, the niece of the anxiety-ridden college professor Pamela who faces crises in her career, her marriage and her family relationships while planning an 80th birthday party for her overbearing mother. Jennifer disappoints her grandmother Roberta by defying family expectations in her choice of careers but provides some valuable life lessons for Pamela. BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY will open to the press on Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 pm, at The Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway.

Grey, whose Chicago stage credits include Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD with Oak Park Festival Theatre, Girl in BLACKBIRD with Blank Theatre Company, and Rebbeca Gibbs in OUR TOWN with Redtwist, will join a cast of Chicago veterans in this world premiere comedy by Chicago playwright Amy Crider, whose WELLS AND WELLES was a breakout hit of summer 2024. Actors Equity member Kristie Berger will play the insecure professor Pamela. Berger’s career includes roles at the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and Victory Gardens; as well as productions at storefronts including City Lit, Lifeline, Strawdog, and many others. Pamela’s difficult mother Roberta will be played by Kathleen Ruhl, an ensemble member at Redtwist Theatre, where she has performed in nine plays. Ruhl’s decades-long career includes two Jeff Awards (for supporting actress in DOLLY WEST’S KITCHEN and ensemble for THIS HAPPY BREED, both with TimeLine), and roles with Piven Theatre, Writers, and Shattered Globe. For Shattered Globe, she played the title role in FOR PETER PAN ON HER 70TH BIRTHDAY, written for her by her daughter Sarah Ruhl. Pamela’s husband Lawrence, a self-assured philosophy professor, will be played by Christopher Hainsworth, a Lifeline Theatre ensemble member who has also performed with The Gift Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others. A pesky raccoon that is an habitual irritant to Pamela’s routine will be created and performed by Emilie Wingate of Flying Leap Productions.

Top Row L-R: Kristie Berger, Kathleen Ruhl.

Lower Row L-R: Christopher Hainsworth, Ada Grey

Iris Sowlat, a Chicago-based director who holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directed Sarah Ruhl’s ORLANDO and Lauren Gunderson’s EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT, will direct BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY. Sowlat’s previous Chicago directing credits include productions with Accidental Theatre Company, PrideArts, Piven, and others. The creative team will also include Kevin Hagan (scenic design) and Alvaro Ledesma (sound and lighting design).

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY has been in development for over a decade, starting as a ten-minute play written for a Scene Shop Showcase at Chicago Dramatists in 2014. Crider expanded it into a full-length play for a Chicago Dramatists’ Master Class in 2020, and it has received several readings since then.

Tickets for BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY are $38.00 plus applicable fees and are on at www.lucidtheater.com. Performances will be Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30, and Sundays at 3:00, from August 1 – 17 at the Edge Theatre, 5451 N. Broadway, Chicago.

MORE PRODUCTION INFORMATION

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY

WORLD PREMIERE

Written by Amy Crider

Directed by Iris Sowlat.

Produced by Lucid Theater Company

August 1 - 17, 2025

Press Opening Saturday, August 2 at 7:30 pm

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30, and Sunday at 3:00

Edge Theatre, 5451 N, Broadway, Chicago

Tickets: $38.00 plus applicable fees, on sale at www.lucidtheater.com

Please visit www.lucidtheater.com for more information.

BUDDHA’S BIRTHDAY is a comedy about anxiety, enlightenment, and raccoons. Pamela, an insecure history professor, is pressed by her husband to try medication for anxiety. She’s always counted on the benefits of meditation. Stressed by her overbearing mother and some relentless animals, she learns that liberation is open to all of us in a moment of grace. In the end, her journey is only beginning, and the raccoons will always be with us.

BIOS

Amy Crider (Playwright) studied comedy at Second City, and attended workshops with Chicago Dramatists, Jackalope Theatre, and LaMaMa. Her last production, WELLS AND WELLES, produced in Chicago in July/August 2024, was a nominee for the 2025 ATCA/Steinberg Award. Her plays have won the Tennessee Williams One Act Play Contest, Word Wave, and New Plays from the Heartland. Two of her plays have been published by TRW. She is also the author two novels published by the University of New Orleans Press. Her podcast Continuous Dream is on Spotify. You’re welcome to find out more at www.amycrider.com

Iris Sowlat (Director) is a Chicago-based director who holds an MFA in Theatre Directing from University of Massachusetts Amherst, where she directed Sarah Ruhl’s ORLANDO and Lauren Gunderson’s EMILIE: LA MARQUISE DU CHATELET DEFENDS HER LIFE TONIGHT. This year, she directed Gunderson’s THE BOOK OF WILL for Triton College (as Adjunct Faculty) and will direct COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE by Rozina Kanchwala for Eco Logic (June 2025). Favorite Chicago directing credits include ROMEO AND JULIET (Accidental Shakespeare Company), JOAN OF ARC and UNDERWORLD ANTHEM (RhinoFest), THE DAYS ARE SHORTER (Pride Arts), ABCD (Piven Theatre) and NARRATIVES OF ACHROMATOPSIA and TURN THAT THING AROUND, (Chicago Fringe Festival), and three different sold-out fundraiser readings of Paula Kamen’s JANE: ABORTION AND THE UNDERGROUND. She has also worked with Northlight Theatre, About Face Theatre, American Theatre Company, Chicago Dramatists, Collaboraction, Broken Nose, Stage Left Theatre (former Artistic Associate), Possibilities Theatre Company, NoPassport Theatre Alliance, and many others. Iris is one half of the leadership (with Allison Fradkin) of the DIY queer feminist theatre Violet Surprise. In 2018, she was named one of WINDY CITY TIMES “30 Under 30.” Find her on the web at www.IrisSowlat.com.

Kristie Berger (Paula) last appeared in THE MOUSETRAP at Citadel Theatre. Regional theater credits include Barbara Fordham in AUGUST: OSAGE COUNTY and Frankie in FRANKIE & JOHNNY IN THE CLAIR DE LUNE at The Human Race Theatre in Dayton; the long-running national tour of THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION starring Barbara Eden; VANYA AND SONIA AND MASHA AND SPIKE, CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, BUS STOP, and RESIDENT ALIEN at Nebraska Repertory Theatre. Chicago area credits include Diane in THE BIRDS, Citadel Theatre; Jeanette in THE LAST OF THE RED HOT LOVERS, Illinois Theatre Center; THE VAGINA MONOLOGUES, ALWAYS…PATSY CLINE, and THE ODD COUPLE: FEMALE VERSION, Apollo Theater. Other theaters she has worked with include the Goodman, Steppenwolf, Victory Gardens, Equity Library Theater, City Lit, Lifeline, Strawdog, Mary-Arrchie, Touchstone, Center Theater, and Absolute. She also works in TV, voice-overs, commercials, films, and industrial films. Kristie is a proud member of Actors’ Equity.

Ada Grey (Jennifer). Television credits include THE RED LINE (CBS), SHRINK (NBC), SIRENS (USA), and CHICAGO FIRE (NBC). Most recent credits at the London Academy of Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) include: DANCE NATION (LAMDA), CHAOS, SAINT GEORGE AND THE DRAGON, and OUR HOUSE. Chicago stage credits include NO HOME FOR BEES (20% Theatre), OUR TOWN (Redtwist Theatre), THE HAVEN PLACE and I AND MY IPHONE (A Red Orchid Youth), SCARCITY (Redtwist Theatre, Broadway World Chicago Nomination Best Actress), THE AWAKE (First Floor Theatre), THE HAMMER TRINITY (The House Theatre), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (Oak Park Festival Theatre), JANE EYRE (Lifeline Theatre), MEN SHOULD WEEP (Griffin Theatre, Jeff Award Best Production), and SIX CHARACTERS IN SEARCH OF AN AUTHOR (The Hypocrites). She recently graduated from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art with a BA in acting.

Christopher Hainsworth (Lawrence) is a Lifeline Theatre ensemble member, where he has performed in TREASURE ISLAND, NEVERWHERE, THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, THE THREE MUSKETEERS, THE KILLER ANGELS, A TALE OF TWO CITIES, MISS HOLMES, FRANKENSTEIN and MISS HOLMES RETURNS; and penned the adaptations of HUNGER, MONSTROUS REGIMENT, MIDNIGHT COWBOY and FABLE-OUS! He has also worked for The Gift Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, The Factory, Strawdog Theatre Company, and The House Theatre of Chicago, among others.

Kathleen Ruhl (Roberta) Over many years in Chicago, Kathleen Ruhl has been lucky enough to have performed on a lot of stages with many wonderful actors and directors. She started on the Chicago City Players stage (four shows) which later became the TimeLine stage (three shows), where she won Jeffs for best supporting actor (DOLLY WEST’S KITCHEN) and member of a Best Ensemble (THIS HAPPY BREED). Kathleen did Shakespeare at the outdoor Court Theatre at the University of Chicago (MACBETH, TWELFTH NIGHT, and AS YOU LIKE IT) and Noel Coward at the “new” Court Theatre (HAY FEVER). She studied with Joyce Piven and performed in seven shows directed by Joyce at the Piven Theatre. Some of the other stages she has trod in Chicago and the northern suburbs include those at Writer’s Theatre (HEDDA GABLER), the Attic playhouse in Highwood (three shows), Shattered Globe (Peter Pan in FOR PETER PAN ON HER SEVENTIETH BIRTHDAY) and Music Theatre of Hyde Park (Sarah Brown in GUYS AND DOLLS). Kathleen is currently a company member at Redtwist, where she has done nine shows.

ABOUT LUCID THEATER COMPANY

Lucid Theater Company has been producing plays since 2017. Previous productions include LEDA (2017), CHARLIE JOHNSON READS ALL OF PROUST (2019), METADATA (2021), and A LEGACY (Rhinofest, 2023). The company also produces the podcast series of audio plays CONTINUOUS DREAM.

Mission:

Lucid Theater produces original plays with a broad range of subjects and styles. We center ideas and emotions to evoke thoughtful reflection, courageous choices, and compassion. Our goal is to fight against numbness and awaken our audiences to the richness and depth of emotional experience. Rather than replicate reality, we seek to reveal subjective experience for its dreamlike sensibility.

Values:

We honor the artist by paying everyone involved.

We commit to a respectful work environment.

We strive to hire female directors and leadership.

We pledge to listen deeply and question authentically.

We vow to uplift the human spirit.

Physical Theater Festival Presents All Ages Show: Adventure Sandwich 6/8/25 at 11am at Theater WIT

2025-06-05T16:52:00.001-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

ADVENTURE SANDWICH: IT'S A SANDWICH ADVENTURE (Chicago)

by Adventure Sandwich

50 min / All Ages

One Performance Only! June 8 at 11am

Make this Sunday a family fun day with an all ages adventure show. ChiIL Mama will be there... will you?

Adventure Sandwich: A Sandwich Adventure! is a new live-action-cartoon musical made for people and sandwiches of all ages. Join Hoagie (a sandwich) and Lily (a human) as they make their way from the streets of Possibilopolis to the depths of the Several Seas and beyond. Will they find the secret recipe for Imaginnaise? Will they escape Dr. Distracto’s Den of Diversions? Or will they get stuck in The Buffer Zone? Find out on June 8th at the Physical Theater Festival!

https://www.physicalfestival.com/adventuresandwich

Check out the full lineup for the12th Physical Theater Festival Chicago right HERE: https://www.physicalfestival.com/shows.

Also, check out the fabulous Physical Theater Fest Workshop offerings for this year at https://www.physicalfestival.com/workshops.

Paramount’s Circus-Themed Revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats April 30-June 15, 2025

2025-03-31T11:55:00.194-05:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Step right up! Paramount’s circus-themed revival of

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats

promises to be a Jellicle spectacle, April 30-June 15

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows we're so excited to see Paramount's circus filled rendition of CATS! My son and daughter both practiced circus arts from age 7 through their teen years, performing in numerous Actors Gymnasium youth shows, and with Circesteem's team. We've also covered local, national, and international circus shows of all sizes for decades. Needless to say, we're quite familiar with Chicago's circus scene. Some of my kids' former coaches and castmates are about to grace Paramount's stage with feline finesse, and we can't wait to see them. I've reviewed multiple iterations of Broadway touring productions of CATS, but I can honestly say I'm more jazzed for Paramount's production. Don't miss this!

Step right up! The Jellicle Ball is about to begin under the big top when Paramount Theatre presents a stunning, circus-themed revival of Cats, music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, directed by Trent Stork, April 30-June 15, 2025.

Just picture Grizabella and her feline friends flying through the air with the greatest of ease. You may know all of the words to Cats, but you’ve never seen this Cats before, a new production intent on showcasing the amazing acrobatics and athletic grace of true felines.

Paramount isn't kitten around, casting its new take on Cats with a contortionist, jugglers, aerialists, tumblers, acrobats and other talented circus performers guaranteed to bring all new layers and energy to Lloyd Webber’s fantastical journey into the clandestine world of cats.

With a tent full of acro-cats, audiences will get swept up in the circus theme while Mungojerrie, Bustopher Jones, Bombalurina and more explore timeless themes of identity and redemption through captivating dance, singsong poetry, and unforgettable songs like “Memory” and “The Rum Tum Tugger.”

Paramount Theatre's Jellicle Ball is about to begin under the big top, on a set designed by Jeffrey D. Kmiec, with its stunning, circus-themed revival of Cats, April 30-June 15.

Set rendering courtesy Jeffry D. Kmiec

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s collection of poems, “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats,” Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical tells the familiar story of a tribe of cats called the Jellicles and the sacred night they make the “Jellicle choice” - which cat is worthy enough to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to new life? Brimming with magic, dance, and feats of fancy, Cats won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, and ranks eleventh on the all-time best selling Broadway musical roster.

Here in Chicago, Paramount Artistic Producer and Casting Director Trent Stork has been licking their paws for years in anticipation of directing Cats. Stork most recently helmed Paramount’s smash hit regional premiere of Disney’s Frozen the Broadway Musical, directed Paramount’s stagings of Billy Elliot, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, School of Rock and Kinky Boots (Jeff Award winner, Director-Musical- Large) and co-directed Into the Woods with Jim Corti.

Trent Stork

“I was the associate director when Paramount did Cats the first time and I remember thinking, ‘what if Victoria arrived to the Jellicle Ball on a Moon Beam of Silks…’ and from there, a completely realized circus Cats has been living in my head for 11 years,” said director Trent Stork. “I’m very excited and grateful to be able to bring that vision to life with so much talent in the cast and behind the scenes. It’s going to be unlike anything the world has ever seen and totally something new for our audiences at Paramount.”

Charged with training actors to dance, play and move like cats are choreographer Kasey Alfonso, whose Paramount credits include Into the Woods and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, circus choreographer and founder of Actors Gymnasium. In fact, Paramount’s cast will take part in additional circus arts training intensives at Actors Gymnasium, Chicago’s oldest circus school, throughout the rehearsal process to make this production of Cats truly fly.

Cats fans better pounce on these tickets, because they’re just $28-$85, a fraction of the cost to see live theater in downtown Chicago. Plus Aurora boasts easy, affordable parking and great new restaurants all around.

Previews begin April 30. Press opening is Friday, May 9 at 8 p.m. Regular performances run through June 15: Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday at 8 p.m.; Saturday at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. (Exception: No matinee Wednesday, April 30.)

For tickets, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until show time on show days. For group discounts, contact Melissa Striedl, melissas@paramountarts.com or (630) 723-2461.

Note: Paramount will also offer two Pay What You Can previews of Cats on Thursday, May 1 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 3 at 3 p.m. See ParamountAurora.com/Pay-What-You-Can for details.

Accessible Performances

Paramount will offer open captioning Wednesday, June 11 at 7 p.m. and American Sign Language interpretation Friday, June 17 at 8 p.m.

Paramount offers free assistive listening devices at all performances. Check in at the coat room before the show to borrow a device. If you require wheelchair or special seating or other assistance, please contact the box office at (630) 896-6666 or boxoffice@paramountarts.com in advance.

Costume rendering for Electra (Hayley Larson) courtesy Izumi Inaba

Costume rendering for Coricopat (Ryan Huemmer) by Izumi Inaba

Costume rendering for Munkustrap (Jake DiMaggio Lopez) by Izumi Inaba

Costume rendering for Grizabella (Emily Rohm) by Izumi Inaba

Paramount’s cast for Cats features Emily Rohm as Grizabella, Lorenzo Rush Jr. as Old Deuteronomy, Gene Weygandt as Asparagus/Bustopher Jones/ Peter, Jake DiMaggio Lopez as Munkustrap, Donovan Hoffer as Rum Tum Tugger, Tiffany Topol as Bombalurina, Alexandra Palkovic as Demeter, Allison Sill as Jellylorum, Christopher Kelley as Mistoffelees, Anakin Jace White as Skimbleshanks, Dani Goldberg as Mungojerrie, Ayana Strutz as Rumpleteazer, Kara Brody as Victoria, Kat Hoil as Jennyanydots, Emma Ogea as Sillabub, Brian Bandura as Carbuckety, Matty Bettencourt as Pouncival, Liam Bradley as Admetus, Sophie Liu David as Etcetera, Shaun Dennison White as George, Evan C. Dolan as Alonzo, Kat Harvey as Tantomile, Joe Giovannetti in The Cats Chorus, Ryan Huemmer as Coricopat, Brian Hupp in The Cats Chorus, Hayley Larson as Electra, Michael Lunder as Tumblebrutus, Emilie Lynn in The Cats Chorus, Selena Robinson as Cassandra, Emily Scinto as Exotica, Nellie Shuford in The Cats Chorus, and Matthew Weidenbener as Macavity/Plato.

Paramount Theatre’s Cats, directed by (row 1, from left) Trent Stork, features Emily Rohm as Grizabella, Lorenzo Rush Jr. as Old Deuteronomy, Gene Weygandt as Asparagus/Bustopher Jones/Peter, Jake DiMaggio Lopez as Munkustrap, Donovan Hoffer as Rum Tum Tugger, Tiffany Topol as Bombalurina, Alexandra Palkovic as Demeter, Allison Sill as Jellylorum, (row 2) Christopher Kelley as Mistoffelees, Anakin Jace White as Skimbleshanks, Dani Goldberg as Mungojerrie, Ayana Strutz as Rumpleteazer, Kara Brody as Victoria, Kat Hoil as Jennyanydots, Emma Ogea as Sillabub, Brian Bandura (row 3) as Carbuckety, Matty Bettencourt as Pouncival, Liam Bradley as Admetus, Sophie Liu David as Etcetera, Shaun Dennison White as George, Evan C. Dolan as Alonzo, Kat Harvey as Tantomile, Joe Giovannetti in The Cats Chorus, Ryan Huemmer as Coricopat, (row 4) Brian Hupp in The Cats Chorus, Hayley Larson as Electra, Michael Lunder as Tumblebrutus, Emilie Lynn in The Cats Chorus, Selena Robinson as Cassandra, Emily Scinto as Exotica, Nellie Shuford in The Cats Chorus, and Matthew Weidenbener as Macavity/Plato.

Paramount’s production team is led by director Trent Stork along with Kasey Alfonso, choreographer; Sylvia Hernandez-DiStasi, circus choreographer; Amanda Crockett, clown consultant and associate circus choreographer; Kory Danielson, music director, conductor; Jeffrey D. Kmiec, scenic designer; Izumi Inaba, costume designer; Greg Hofmann, lighting designer; Adam Rosenthal, sound designer; Paul Deziel, projection designer; Katie Cordts, wig, hair and makeup designer; Ivy Thomas, properties designer; Benjamin Barnes, illusion consultant; Max Fabian, fight, stunt & intimacy director; Ethan Deppe, electronic music designer; Susan Gosdick, dialect coach; Tracy Nunnally, flight director; Devon Hayakawa, associate director; Kara Brody, associate choreographer; Kevin Reeks, associate music director; Cameron Tragesser, associate conductor; Amber R. Dettmers, stage manager; and Natalie Cohen and Lanita VanderSchaaf, assistant stage managers.

Cats is a sung-through musical with music by the legendary Andrew Lloyd Webber, based on the 1939 poetry collection “Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats” by T. S. Eliot. Lloyd Webber began setting Eliot's poems to music in 1977, and the compositions were first presented as a song cycle in 1980. Producer Cameron Mackintosh then recruited director Trevor Nunn and choreographer Gillian Lynne to turn the songs into a complete musical. Cats opened in 1981 to positive reviews at the New London Theatre in the West End and then to mixed reviews in 1982 at the Winter Garden Theatre on Broadway. Regardless, it launched the era of the megamusical juggernaut, won countless awards including seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score, garnered millions of loyal fans, and remains an international sensation.

In 2014, the Chicago Tribune’s Chris Jones called Paramount’s first staging of Cats “a genuinely spectacular show.” More than a decade later, just wait when Paramount unleashes its new circus-inspired version of Cats, the first Broadway title Paramount has brought back to its stage since launching its own Broadway series 13 seasons ago.

Cats is sponsored by Old Second National Bank. Paramount Theatre Broadway Season sponsors are the Dunham Foundation, BMO, ComEd, Illinois Arts Council and the City of Aurora.

Costume rendering for Tantomile (Kat Harvey) by Izumi Inaba

Costume rendering for Old Deuteronomy (Lorenzo Rush Jr.) by Izumi Inaba

Costume rendering for Rum Tum Tugger (Donovan Hoffer) by Izumi Inaba

Costume rendering for Mistoffelees (Christopher Kelley) by Izumi Inaba

Coming soon: Paramount’s announces 2025-26 Broadway and BOLD Series line-ups

Looking to 2025-26, Paramount has revealed a four-show line-up for its 14th Broadway Series, and just as it has since it launched its first Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount still offers the same “Buy Two Shows, Get Two Shows Free” offer, with packages starting as low as $60. Next season boasts two Chicago-area premieres - Come from Away, directed by Trent Stork, (August 20–October 12, 2025) and Dear Evan Hansen, directed by Jessica Fisch (February 4–March 22, 2026).

Add the most iconic holiday musical of all time, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, directed by Stephen Schellhardt (November 12, 2025–January 11, 2026), and the beloved 1940s World War II era musical, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific, directed by Devon Hayakawa and Trent Stork (April 29-June 14, 2026), now that’s one enchanted season.

Just as it has since it launched its first Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount still offers the same “Buy Two Shows, Get Two Shows Free” offer. Broadway packages start as low as $60. Actually, subscribers pay no more than $43.50 per show, and that’s the most expensive ticket. Fees not included.

Paramount will also present three more exciting works in the Copley Theatre in 2025-26 as part of its fourth BOLD Series: Sam Shepard’s American classic True West, directed by Paramount Artistic Director Jim Corti (July 16–August 31, 2025), the Chicago premiere of the buzzy new play Covenant by York Walker, directed by Goodman Theatre’s Malkia Stampley (October 1–November 9, 2025), and the first area Equity staging of Ride the Cyclone since its debut in 2015, directed by Lauren Berman (March 18–May 31, 2026). Sign-up for Paramount’s 2025-26 BOLD Series for as little as $78.

For subscriptions, tickets and information, visit ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or stop by the Paramount Theatre box office, 23 E. Galena Blvd., Monday–Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and until show time on show days.

About Paramount Theatre

Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd., is the center for performing arts in Aurora, the second largest city in Illinois. The beautiful, 1,843-seat theater, graced with a strong 1930s Art Deco influence and original Venetian décor, nationally known for its high-quality productions, superb acoustics and historic grandeur, has been downtown Aurora’s anchor attraction since 1931.

Since launching its own Broadway Series in 2011, Paramount has amassed more than 37,000 subscribers, making it the largest subscription house in the U.S.

For over 50 years, the Joseph Jefferson Awards has recognized excellence in Chicago area theater. Paramount has been honored to earn 124 Jeff nominations and 29 wins over the last eight years of eligibility, including six Jeff Awards in 2022 for Kinky Boots, including Best Musical-Large, Paramount’s fourth win in that category following Sweeney Todd (2017), West Side Story (2016) and Les Misérables (2015).

Paramount Theatre is one of five live performance venues overseen by the Aurora Civic Center Authority (ACCA) in downtown Aurora. ACCA also programs and manages the 165-seat Copley Theatre, home to Paramount’s BOLD Series, at 8 E. Galena in the North Island Center; Stolp Island Theatre, now open at 5 E. Downer Place, Suite G, with a critically acclaimed immersive production of Million Dollar Quartet, extended through June 2025; RiverEdge Park, downtown Aurora’s outdoor summer concert venue at 360 N. Broadway; and the Paramount School of the Arts.

Paramount Theatre continues to expand its artistic and institutional boundaries under the guidance of Tim Rater, President and CEO, Aurora Civic Center Authority; Jim Corti, Artistic Director, Paramount Theatre; a dedicated Board of Trustees and a devoted staff of live theater and music professionals.

For the latest updates, visit ParamountAurora.com or follow @paramountaurora on Facebook and Instagram, and Paramount Theatre on LinkedIn.

Titanic The Musical to Make Waves at Marriott Theatre April 9 Through June 1, 2025

2025-03-19T09:29:00.062-05:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of

Titanic The Musical

Marriott Theatre has long been a favorite of ours here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama. Now with Three Embers Restaurant hosting a pre show pop-up experience that will coincide with Titanic The Musical, shows are tastier than ever. Don't miss the boat on this one!

Chicagoland’s longest running musical theatre, Marriott Theatre, continues its 50th Anniversary Season celebration with the epic production of Titanic The Musical, directed and choreographed by Connor Gallagher (Marriott Theatre debut! Broadway: Beetlejuice; Off-Broadway: The Big Gay Jamboree, The Robber Bridegroom, Into the Woods; Beauty and The Beast, Disney’s Tale of Moana, Tangled) with Musical Direction by Jeff Award winner Ryan T. Nelson. Capturing the triumph and tragedy of the hopeful passengers on the ill-fated Ship of Dreams, Titanic The Musical previews on April 9, opens Wednesday, April 16 at 7pm, and runs through June 1, 2025. Based on the real people aboard the most legendary ship in the world, Titanic The Musical is a stirring portrait of the passengers on board the “unsinkable ship” and the tragedy that followed. With a soaring score by Maury Yeston and book by Peter Stone, the original Broadway production won five Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, and Best Book.

“As a child who discovered musical theatre in the '90s, Titanic was a formative show for me,” said director Conor Gallagher. “The chance to bring it to life on the Marriott Theatre stage is a thrilling, daunting, and ultimately energizing task. Add to that the legendary actors of Chicago and one of the most haunting scores ever written, and I couldn’t be happier to be collaborating on this production. I promise it will be unlike any Titanic you’ve seen before.”

Titanic The Musical stars David Girolmo as “Captain E.J. Smith,” Adam Pelty as “J. Bruce Ismay,” Christopher Kale Jones as “Thomas Andrews,” Lillian Castillo as “Alice Beane,” James Earl Jones II as “Edgar Beane/Fourth Officer Boxhall,” Erica Stephan as “Kate McGowan,” Garrett Lutz as “Jim Farrell,” Eric Amundson as “Bellboy,” Joel Gelman as “Second Officer Charles Lightoller/John Jacob Astor,” Darian Goulding as “Frederick Barrett/Benjamin Guggenheim,” Laura Guley as “Kate Murphey/Eleanor Widener,” Kelli Harrington as “Charlotte Cardoza,” Matthew Hommel as “Harold Bride/Joseph Bell/Bandmaster Wallace Hartley,” Mark David Kaplan as “Isidor Straus/Quartermaster Robert Hitchens,” George Keating as “First Officer William Murdoch,” Heidi Kettenring as “Ida Straus,” Will Lidke as “Charles Clarke/George Widener,” Francesca Mehrotra as “Caroline Neville/Mme. Aubert,” Victoria Okafor as “Kate Mullins/Stewardess/Madeleine Astor,” Lucas Thompson as “Frederick Fleet,” Kevin Webb as “Henry Etches/Third Officer Herbert Pitman,” with Anna Louise Bramlett, Andrés Enriquez, David Gordon-Johnson, Michael Metcalf and Schyler Vargas.

The artistic team features Associate Director and Choreographer Katie Johannigman, Scenic Designer Collette Pollard, Costume Designer Sully Ratke, Wig, Hair & Makeup Designer Miguel Armstrong, Lighting Designer Jesse Klug, Sound Designer Michael Daly, Props Designer Sally Zack, Dialect Coach Adam Goldstein, Conductor Brad Haak and Stage Manager Colt Luedtke.

NEW FOR 2025 WEEKNIGHT PERFORMANCE TIMES, Titanic The Musical is scheduled to run Wednesdays at 1 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., Thursdays at 7:00 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., with select Thursday 1:00 p.m. shows. Call for group, dinner-theatre, student, senior, and military discounts. To make a restaurant reservation, please call 847.634.0100. Free parking is available at all performances. To reserve tickets or become a Marriott Theatre subscriber during the 50th Anniversary season, please call the Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or go to www.tickets.marriotttheatre.com. Visit www.MarriottTheatre.com for more information.

Attendees are also invited to visit Three Embers Restaurant before the show to experience a pop-up experience that will coincide with Titanic The Musical, transporting guests to another realm while enjoying a themed food and beverage menu led by the culinary team at Three Embers Restaurant.

Review: Guys and Dolls at Music Theater Works Now Playing Through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie

2025-03-09T09:40:00.002-05:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Music Theater Works

Guys and Dolls

MUSIC THEATER WORKS’ GUYS AND DOLLS,

NOW PLAYING THROUGH MARCH 30, AT THE NORTH SHORE

CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS IN SKOKIE

Music Theater Works’ 45th Season Begins with the Frank Loesser Classic, directed

by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and

music directed by Linda Madonia

at NorthShore Center for The Performing Arts in Skokie

Run Time (currently): Two hours and 30 minutes including the intermission.

(L to R) Alex Villaseñor, Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Brandon Acosta and Emma Jean Eastland

Guest Review

By Catherine Hellmann

A musical must be amusing if a two-and-a-half hour show retained our attention and kept us laughing throughout. What’s more fun to start things off than dancing gamblers in suits and slick fedoras during the overture? This energetic opening number made it obvious that we were in for a treat.

(center) Cary Lovett and the cast of GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

All Photos by Brett Beiner

Premiering in 1950, Guys and Dolls boasts a familiar score including “A Bushel and a Peck,” “Luck Be a Lady,” “Sue Me,” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat. ” Director Sasha Gerriton writes in her notes that she “fell in love with the show’s rich, lush score and the vibrant dances” when she was 14 years old as a high school student and saw a production in downtown Chicago. In addition to the Tony-winning score by Frank Loesser, the show has a hilarious script with great characters penned by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows.

The entire cast does an admirable job with the singing, acting, and entertaining choreography. Standouts are Callan Roberts as a very funny Nathan Detroit, Kristin Brintnall is delightful as the patiently-forever-waiting-to marry-Nathan Miss Adelaide, and Jeffrey Charles is charming as reformed sinner Sky Masterson.

(L to R) Callan Roberts and Cecilia Iole

“Sue Me/I Could Die” duet between Brintnall and Roberts brought applause in the middle of the song for their wonderful repartee. Cecilia Iole as Sarah Brown, the determined missionary, and Brintnall had a fantastic duet as the frustrated but resolute girlfriends in “Marry the Man Today.” Also of note are Cary Lovett as Nicely-Nicely and David Geinosky as Benny Southstreet, Nathan’s goofy henchmen. I really enjoyed Ian Reed’s Irish-cop accent as Lt. Brannigan. Andrew Freeland adds a *huge* presence as Big Jule, the intimidating gangster from East Cicero outside of Chicago who carries his own questionable dice to New York for the game of “Crap.” We were thrilled to recognize Peter Ruger from one of our favorite theater companies, Hell in a Handbag, where he was Rudolph in their recent Christmas production.

(L to R) Adam Raso, Callan Reed, Andrew Freeland, David Geinosky and Peter Ruger

(L to R) Adam Raso, Andrew Freeland, Alex Villaseñor and Brandon Acosta

Clayton Cross’ choreography is very inventive and creative and adds so much lightheartedness to the show. Our first impression of the set was seeing the orchestra above the stage in a big-band style. We complimented scenic designer Ben Lipinski at intermission, and he said placing the orchestra in full view was one of his first decisions. Kudos to Pianist and Conductor Kevin Disch for his musical direction. It’s cool to be able to watch the instrumentalists in action; so often they are relegated to being behind-the-scenes. Special shout-out to costume designer Bob Kuhn for his inspired ensembles. The dancers’ garden dresses and vegetable-themed hats at the Hot Box Club were amazing! “She has carrots on her head!” I whispered to my sister. :-)

(L to R) Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Jenny Couch, Emma Jean Eastland and Emily Holland

So, head to the suburbs where there is FREE parking and a lovely evening of musical theater awaits. As Benny declares: “I’ve always been a bad guy, and a bad gambler. From now on, I would like to be a good guy, and a good gambler.” Take a gamble and head to Skokie for this enjoyable show. Odds are, you will love it.

Catherine Hellmann is a teacher in Chicago and a theater lover everywhere. An upcoming trip to Hawaii for spring break means she has achieved a long-time goal of visiting all 50 states.

Members of the cast of GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Music Theater Works is proud to kick off its 2025 season with Guys and Dolls, in the North Theatre at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, 9501 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, March 6 - 30, 2025. Guys and Dolls, music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and book by Jo Swerling and Abe Burrows, is directed by Sasha Gerritson, choreographed by Clayton Cross and music directed by Linda Madonia.

(center) Alex Villaseñor and members of the cast of GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works

The performance schedule is Wednesdays at 2 p.m., Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 7:30

p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., with additional performances on Saturdays, March 15, March 22

and March 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are now on sale from $19.50 to $89 with tickets for guests

25 years old and younger available at half-price at MusicTheaterWorks.com or by calling

the Music Theater Works box office at the North Shore Center, 847.673.6300. Group

discounts are also available for groups of 10 or more by contacting 847.920.5360.

Music Theater Works’ season kicks off with what many believe is the “perfect musical” with

every song in its score a part of the American musical classic. Guys and Dolls whisks

audiences from Manhattan to Havana and back again with career gambler Sky Masterson,

“Save-A-Soul” missionary Sarah Brown, Miss Adelaide, Nathan Detroit and others in this

exuberant, big, brassy musical. Join Music Theater Works at the Hot Box Club onstage for

an unforgettable time.

The cast of Guys and Dolls includes, in alphabetical order: Brandon Acosta (he/him,

Liver Lips/Ensemble/US Nathan Detroit/fight and intimacy captain); Jordan Beyeler

(she/her, swing); Kristin Brintnall (she/her, Miss Adelaide); Caron Buinis (she/her,

General Cartwright); Jeffrey Charles (he/him, Sky Masterson); Jenny Couch (she/her,

ensemble); Emma Jean Eastlund (she/her, ensemble); Andrew Freeland (he/him, Big

Jule/ensemble); David Geinosky (he/him, Benny Southstreet/ensemble/US Nicely

Nicely); Joe Giovannetti (he/him, ensemble/US Sky Masterson); Isabella

Gomez-Barrientos (she/her, Agatha/ensemble/US Sarah Brown); Ben Harmon (he/they,

Angie The Ox/ensemble); Emily Holland (she/her, ensemble/US Miss Adelaide); Cecilia

Iole (she/her, Sarah Brown); Dee Kimpel (she/her, Martha/ensemble/US General

Cartwright); Kyle Kite (he/him, ensemble); Miguel Long (he/him, Rusty

Charlie/ensemble); Cary Lovett (he/him, Nicely Nicely Johnson/US Arvide Abernathy);

Matthew Millin (he/him, swing); Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor (she/her, ensemble);

Adam Raso (he/him, Harry the Horse/ensemble/US Lt. Brannigan); Ian Reed (he/him, Lt.

Brannigan); Callan Roberts (he/him, Nathan Detroit); Peter Ruger (he/him,

Calvin/ensemble/US Big Jule); Bob Sanders (he/him, Arvide Abernathy) and Alex

Villaseñor (he/him, ensemble/Non-Equity Deputy).

(L to R) Cecilia Iole and Jeffrey Charles

The Guys and Dolls orchestra includes Kevin Disch (piano/conductor); Alison Tatum

(she/her, violin); Cara Strauss (she/her, reed 1); Eva Lewis Butcher (she/her, reed 2);

Amy Nelson (she/her, trumpet); Stephanie Lebens (she/her, trombone); Eric Von Holst

(he/him, bass) and Lindsay Williams (she/her, drums).

Guys and Dolls’ creative team is Sasha Gerritson (she/her, director); Clayton Cross

(he/him, choreographer); Linda Madonia (she/her, music director); Amber Wutke

(she/her, intimacy and violence choreographer); Kathy Logelin (she/her, dialect coach);

Rachel Rock (she/her, stage manager); Ethan Colish (he/him, assistant stage manager);

Ben Lipinski (any with respect, scenic designer); Nga Sze Chan (she/her, properties

designer), Bob Kuhn (he/him, costume designer); Kristen Brinati (she/her, wardrobe

head); Alice Salazar (she/her, hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Melanie Saso (she/her,

hair/wig/makeup co-designer); Andrew Meyers (he/him, lighting designer); Forrest

Gregor (he/him, sound designer); Kimberly Carbone (she/her, production sound

engineer) and Andersonville Scenic Studios (scene shop).

(L to R) Bob Sanders and Cecilia Iole

(L to R) Bob Sanders, Isabella Gomez-Barrientos, Cecilia Iole, Dee Kimpel and Peter Ruger

Binny’s Broadway Lounge

Music Theater Works’ donors of any level and subscribers are welcome to access Binny’s

Broadway Lounge before the performance and at intermission of Guys and Dolls. Binny’s

Broadway Lounge, sponsored by Binny’s Beverage Depot, is located on the second floor

at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie offering complimentary drinks

and snacks and does not require reservations. The Lounge is available during Guys and

Dolls, Saturday, March 8 (opens at 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, March 15 (opens at 1 p.m.).

ASL Interpreted Performance

The Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. performance will be ASL interpreted by Michael

Albert and Laurie Waldeck.

ABOUT SASHA GERRITSON, DIRECTOR

Sasha Gerritson is an opera and musical theater stage director who directs shows for many local and regional companies. Most recently having directed the critically acclaimed Music Theater Works’ production of Carousel, in addition to previous Music Theater Works’ shows Brigadoon and Irving Berlin's White Christmas, she is proud to return for Guys & Dolls. Known for her expertise in the standard repertoire, Gerritson is also a highly sought after opera director, having most recently directed Puccini's Manon Lescaut and Il Assassinio Nella Cattedrale for The Opera Festival of Chicago, where she serves as general director. In addition to her work as a stage director, Gerritson is a choral conductor and serves as the director of Music Ministries for the Park Ridge Community Church.

Previous work as a choral conductor included positions with the Chicago Children's Choir

and Merit School of Music. Gerritson is a proud board member of Music Theater Works, in

addition to The Goodman Theatre, the Brookfield Zoo and DePaul University, where she

serves as vice chair of the Board of Trustees. She served as the opera and music theatre

director of Northeastern Illinois University from 2010-2022, has directed for Musica Nelle

Marche (Urbino, Italy), Opera Piccola, DePaul University, the Cherub Music Theatre

program for Northwestern University, in addition to various other summer programs in the

area. She lives in Glenview with her husband Eugene Jarvis and their two sons, Nate and

Josh.

(L to R) Jenny Couch, Catherine Rodriguez O’Connor, Kristin Brintnall, Emily Holland and Emma Jean Eastland

ABOUT CLAYTON CROSS, CHOREOGRAPHER

Clayton Cross works nationwide as a choreographer, performer and dance

instructor. Cross was most recently in the ensemble and dance captain of Rock Of Ages

with Mercury Theater Chicago, with Drury Lane in the ensemble and dance captain in

Grease as well as in the ensemble in Evita. He most recently choreographed Brigadoon

for Music Theatre Works. He was last seen on the Music Theater Works stage as “Scuttle”

in Disney’s The Little Mermaid, in the ensemble of Mamma Mia!, as choreographer for

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Billy Elliot The Musical. He was choreographer in

residence with Music Theater Works under the direction of Rudy Hogenmiller for seven

seasons where he choreographed and/or performed in Joseph and the Amazing

Technicolor Dreamcoat as “Benjamin”, Hunchback of Notre Dame, How to Succeed in

Business Without Really Trying, Into The Woods, Anything Goes as “ensemble”, Pirates of

Penzance as “ensemble”, Peter Pan as “Nana/Croc”, Gypsy as “Tulsa”, Mame as “ensemble”, Candide, Guys and Dolls, My Fair Lady, Die Fladermanus, The Fantasticks as “Mute,” Damn Yankees as “Eddie” and in A Chorus Line as “Greg” with Porchlight MusicTheatre. Cross also performed at Marriott Theatre in La Cage Aux Follies as “Mercedes”.

He is an instructor and choreographer for M.A. Dance Nation, a Texas based traveling

convention circuit, where he has been choreographing, teaching and judging since

1999. Cross has five times been a consultant and contributed choreography for the Capital

One Bowl’s “All American Halftime Show.” Throughout his 25 year career as a dancer he

has worked with Robert Battle, Fernando Bujones, Sherry Zunker, Paul Taylor and Anne

Reinking. Cross’s television credits include “Every Dancer Has a Story,

” a PBS special on the River North Chicago Dance Company, where he was a company member for 10

seasons and toured nationally and internationally. He is originally from Midland, Texas

where he received his early training from La Petite Dance Co., Coleman Academy and the

Midland Community Theatre as a member of the Pickwick Players. He holds a double

B.F.A. in Ballet and Modern Dance from Texas Christian University.

(L to R) Kristin Brintnall and Cecilia Iole

ABOUT LINDA MADONIA, MUSIC DIRECTOR

Linda Madonia is thrilled to be back at Music Theater Works where she has previously

music directed Legally Blonde:The Musical, Shrek: The Musical, Mamma Mia! and

Camelot. Other recent projects include; Jersey Boys, Rock of Ages and Sister Act at

Mercury Theater Chicago. Anything Goes, Cabaret and A Chorus Line at Porchlight Music

Theatre. Madonia also serves as the contractor for the Chicago Federation of Musicians

for Porchlight Music Theatre, Music Theater Works and Teatro Zinzanni. She is the vocal

coach for the Master’s Degree program in Music Theatre Pedagogy at Carthage College

and owns American Eagle Productions, which has been at the forefront of Theatre

Education in the Chicago area for the past 35 years.

(L to R) David Geinosky, Cary Lovett and Miguel Long

in GUYS AND DOLLS, from Music Theater Works, now playing through March 30 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.

Music Theater Works 2025 Season

The 45th season includes Guys and Dolls, March 6 - 30; Fiddler on the Roof, August 7 -

17; Godspell, October 23 - November 16 and Annie, December 18, 2025 - January 4,

2026. For more information on the 45th season go to MusicTheaterWorks.com.

ABOUT MUSIC THEATER WORKS

Music Theater Works is a resident professional not-for-profit music theater founded in 1980. During its 45-year history it has presented more than 150 productions and intimate presentations. Music Theater Works is a professional theater company whose mission is to present works for the musical stage including historic repertoire, revitalizing the Golden

Age of Broadway and earlier works, celebrating the Great American Songbook and introducing modern classics.

Show dates and times:

Saturday, March 8 at 7:30 p.m. – Binny’s Broadway Lounge (opens at 6:30 p.m. )

Sunday, March 9 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 12 at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 15 at 2 p.m. – Binny’s Broadway Lounge (opens at 1 p.m.)

Saturday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 16 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 19 at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 21 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 22 at 7:30 p.m. – ASL Interpreted

Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 26 at 2 p.m.

Friday, March 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 at 2 p.m.

Saturday, March 29 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 30 at 2 p.m.

Tickets: $19.50 to $89, tickets for guests 25 years old and younger are available for half- price.

Music Theater Works Box Office: (847) 673-6300

Website: MusicTheaterWorks.com

REVIEW: Barefoot Brilliance of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Enchants at The Auditorium March 7-9, 2025

2025-03-08T09:46:00.180-06:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

returns to The Auditorium March 7-9

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Ronald K. Brown’s Grace. Photo by Danica Paulos

REVIEW

By Bonnie Kenaz-Mara

Last night Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Auditorium Theatre was as stunning as ever. This weekend marks the Company’s 56th visit to The Auditorium and we're here for it. I've seen Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater a number of times and their astonishing talent, superior production values, kinetic costume design, and barefoot brilliance is sure to impress.

Ailey’s Solomon Dumas, Constance Stamatiou and Yazzmeen Laidler in Alvin Ailey's Revelations

All Photos by Paul Kolnik unless otherwise noted

This company exudes world class strength, style, and grace! The lighting is a character unto itself and the score is so good you’ll be humming it for days. It's inspiring to see such tight ensemble work and stellar solo artists. Their 2025 tour is a great mix of acclaimed Alvin Ailey classics dating back to the 60s, mixed with new works.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Jamar Roberts Al-Andalus Blues.

It was chilly and sleeting on this March Chicago night, but Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater brought the soul warming sun!

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Tony Powell

AAADT in Alvin Aileys Revelations with live music. Photo by Christopher Duggan

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Paul Kolnik.

It gave me such joy to see a beautiful mix of races and ages in the audience, from silver haired elders, to enthusiastic teens, and wide eyed children. What a wonderful exposure to the arts and to dance in particular. According to The Auditorium CEO Rich Regan, “In addition to our public programming, we are proud to be offering two student performances by the Company this year, enabling The Auditorium to introduce thousands of students to this inspiring, dynamic company.”

Ailey’s Constance Stamatiou in Alvin Ailey’s Cry.

I feel so fortunate to catch an excerpt of Cry in honor of Ms. Judith Jamison, the beloved Company dancer and Artistic Director Emerita who passed away in late 2024.

Alvin Ailey’s Cry pays tribute to the late Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison on opening night, while Ailey masterpiece Revelations concludes both programs.

Cry excerpt (1971) Alvin Ailey choreographed the solo ballet, Cry, as a birthday present for his mother; it went on to become an enduring work of American art. First danced by the legendary Judith Jamison, an excerpt of this powerful work dedicated to "all black women everywhere - especially our mothers" will be performed on the opening night program (Friday, March 7) as a tribute to Ms. Judith Jamison, the beloved Company dancer and Artistic Director Emerita who passed away in late 2024.

Vernard Gilmore in Alvin Ailey's Revelations. Photo by Andrew Eccles.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Vernard Gilmore in Alvin Ailey's Love Songs.

This weekend is also special because Chicago’s own Vernard J. Gilmore is celebrating his farewell hometown engagement with Ailey, taking his final bow after 28 seasons with the Company. He was met with enthusiastic applause and well deserved ovations. The Auditorium Theatre was packed to the upper balconies with adoring fans of hometown favorite, Gilmore and his impressively long dance career. It was breathtaking to see him so joyfully embraced.

Currently the longest tenured Company member, the Englewood native began his professional dance training at Curie Performing and Creative Arts High School before receiving a scholarship to The Ailey School, performing with Ailey II, and joining Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1997.

The company is only in Chicago for 4 performances, so catch them live this weekend if you can! Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater is truly a treat. Don't miss this! Highly recommended. ★★★★ Four out of four stars.

The Auditorium proudly presents the 2025 Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Chicago season featuring two programs packed with premieres March 7-9, 2025

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, one of the world’s most popular dance companies, returns to The Auditorium, Chicago’s landmark stage at 50 E Ida B. Wells Drive, in four performances only, Friday-Sunday, March 7-9, 2025 as part of a coast-to-coast 2025 United States tour in a season celebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison (1943-2024).

Led by Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, the passionate spirit and extraordinary technique of Ailey’s dancers will be showcased in two exciting programs featuring a trio of Chicago premieres alongside compelling new productions and beloved Ailey Classics including Alvin Ailey’s must-see signature masterpiece Revelations. Tickets start at $39.00 and are now available at AuditoriumTheatre.org. or by calling The Auditorium’s Ticket Service Center at 312.341.2300.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater's Yannick Lebrun andJacquelin Harris in Elisa Monte's Treading

New works abound by Hope Boykin, Lar Lubovitch, and Matthew Rushing, plus 25th anniversary restaging of Ronald K. Brown’s rapturous Grace, and new production of Elisa Monte’s mesmerizing duet Treading.

“Auditorium audiences welcome Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater with great enthusiasm each Spring, knowing a joyful experience awaits, and this year’s programming will be no exception. In this, the Company’s 56th visit to The Auditorium, we are saddened by the recent passing of the legendary Ailey dancer and Artistic Director, Judith Jamison, with whom we collaborated many times, but are pleased to pay tribute with a special opening night performance featuring an excerpt of Cry, the exuberant Ailey work that became her signature,” said The Auditorium CEO Rich Regan.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Aileys Revelations. Photo by Danica Paulos

In addition to the inspiring finale of Revelations for all performances, the programs for the 2025 Chicago engagement of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater are as follows: Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm & Sunday, March 9, at 3pm

Grace (1999, Chicago Premiere of 25th anniversary production) Set to Duke Ellington's classic "Come Sunday," Peven Everett’s hit "Gabriel," and the irresistible pulse of Fela Kuti's Afro-Pop, Ronald K. Brown’s spellbinding work depicts individuals on a journey to the promised land, expanding from a single angel-like figure in white to the fireball intensity of 12 powerful dancers. Here, the secular and sacred meet in a tour-de-force connecting African and American dance.

Finding Free (2024, Chicago Premiere) by former Company member Hope Boykin who returns to explore personal freedoms in this collaboration with pianist Matthew Whitaker who is composing an original score. This insightful work uses Boykin’s movement-language and Whitaker’s jazz- and gospel-influenced music to examine the challenges and restrictions throughout life’s peaks and valleys that propel the journey forward.

Ailey’s Caroline Dartey and James Gilmer in Elizabeth Roxas-Dobrish's Me, Myself and You.

Saturday, March 8 at 1pm & 7:30pm

Sacred Songs (2024, Chicago Premiere) by Matthew Rushing features music used in the original 1960 premiere of Alvin Ailey’s seminal Revelations but later omitted when the piece was edited into the current version that has captivated audiences for decades. Drawing inspiration from the roots of Mr. Ailey’s most venerated and consummate creation, this stirring new work will resurrect and reimagine those spirituals—with the collaboration of musical director Du’Bois A’Keen—as an offering to our present need for lamentation, faith, and joy.

Treading (1979, Chicago Premiere of new production) by Elisa Monte is a sculptural, mesmerizing duet featuring fluid, intricate movements that combine with Steve Reich's evocative music to create an aura of mystery and sensuality.

Many Angels (2024, Chicago Premiere) by Lar Lubovitch in his first premiere for the Company, features the native Chicago choreographer’s renowned lush choreography and musicality set to Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5. Many Angels is inspired by a question posed by 13th century theologian St. Thomas Aquinas, “How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?,” illustrating that some questions have no logical response but are understood as a question of faith.

Culminating each program will be Alvin Ailey’s must-see American masterpiece Revelations, acclaimed around the world for sending hearts soaring and lifting audiences to their feet with its perfect blend of reverent grace and spiritual elation. Since its debut in 1960, Revelations has been moving audiences with its powerful storytelling and soul-stirring music, evoking timeless themes of determination, hope, and transcendence. An intimate reflection of Mr. Ailey’s childhood memories of growing up in the South and attending services at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Texas, Revelations pays homage to the rich cultural heritage of the African American community and explores the emotional spectrum of the human condition.

Ailey’s Chalvar Monteiro in Hans van Manen’s Solo. Photo by Daniel Azoulay

2025 Chicago program & performance schedule

Friday, March 7 at 7:30pm & Sunday, March 9, at 3pm

Grace, Finding Free, Cry* (excerpt), Revelations

*Friday only: Special Opening Night excerpt of Cry as a tribute to Ms. Jamison.

Saturday, March 8 at 1pm & 7:30pm

Sacred Songs, Treading, Many Angels, Revelations

In addition to these four public performances, the Company will present two student matinees at The Auditorium, reaching thousands of youths with an inspiring program of Ailey Classics on Thursday, March 6 and Friday, March 7 at 11am.

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey's Revelations

About Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, recognized by U.S. Congressional resolution as a vital American “Cultural Ambassador to the World,” grew from a now-fabled March 1958 performance in New York that changed forever the perception of American dance. Forged during a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, the Company was established to uplift the African American experience while transcending boundaries of race, faith, and nationality with its universal humanity. Founded by Alvin Ailey, the posthumous recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the nation’s highest civilian honor. Before his untimely death in 1989, Mr. Ailey named Judith Jamison as his successor, and for 21 years she led the Company to unprecedented success. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater has performed for an estimated 25 million people in 71 countries on 6 continents—as well as millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings, and online platforms—promoting the uniqueness of the African American cultural experience and the preservation and enrichment of the American modern dance tradition. In addition to being the Principal Dance Company of New York City Center, where its performances have become a year‐end tradition, the Ailey company performs annually at The Auditorium; Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts; the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC; The Fox Theatre in Atlanta; Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley, CA, and at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark where it is the Principal Resident Affiliate, and appears frequently in other major theaters throughout the United States and the world during extensive yearly tours. The Ailey organization also includes Ailey II (1974), a second performing company of emerging young dancers and innovative choreographers; The Ailey School (1969), one of the most extensive dance training programs in the world; Ailey Arts in Education & Community Programs, which brings dance into the classrooms, communities, and lives of people of all ages; and Ailey Extension (2005), a program offering dance and fitness classes to the general public, which began with the opening of Ailey’s permanent home—the largest building dedicated to dance in New York City, the dance capital of the world—named The Joan Weill Center for Dance, at 55th Street at 9th Avenue in New York City. For more information, visit ailey.org.

The compelling story of the life, work, and legacy of Alvin Ailey is the subject of Portrait of Ailey, a new eight-part documentary series available for free on PBS LearningMedia. Created by Ailey II Artistic Director Emerita Sylvia Waters, Portrait of Ailey uses rare historical film and still images as well as contemporary footage to create a sweeping narrative of Mr. Ailey as a performer, choreographer, celebrity, teacher, social activist, arts advocate, and the creator of an enduring institution. All eight chapters are currently available online.

About The Auditorium

The Auditorium, located at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago, is an Illinois not-for-profit organization committed to presenting the finest in international, cultural, community, and educational programming to all of Chicago and beyond as The Theatre for the People. The organization also is committed to the continued restoration and preservation of this National Historic Landmark that originally opened in 1889. The Auditorium’s 2024-25 performance season features a dynamic mix of cultural events from ballet to rock and roll and everything in between. For more information on The Auditorium and a complete listing of events at The Auditorium, please visit AuditoriumTheatre.org.

Midwest Premiere of Memorabilia Via Teatro Vista at Filament Theatre May 30 - June 29, 2025

2025-02-18T14:46:00.062-06:00

ChiIL Live Shows On Our Radar

TEATRO VISTA

ANNOUNCES CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM FOR

“MEMORABILIA”

Jean Claudio (Salvador); Micah Figueroa (Salvador alternate)

Boleros, Clowns, Acrobatics, Juggling, Dance and Theatre Combine in Midwest Premiere From Chicago’s Premier Latine Theatre

Teatro Vista, Chicago’s premier Latine theatre, today announced the cast and production team of the Midwest premiere of MEMORABILIA, created by Jean Claudio and directed by co-creator Raquel Torre, running May 30 - June 29, 2025. The production is co-presented and staged at Filament Theatre (4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.), a theatre whose focus is creating radical spaces for young people and families to play. Tickets ($35 - $65) on sale March 10, 2025 at www.teatrovista.org.

You’re invited to experience the journey of Salvador, a frazzled inventor, who creates an apparatus to preserve his most beloved memories and maybe… just maybe, face the realities of the darker ones. With courage and foolishness, Salvador will walk you through his days of chaos, memories, and wonder. MEMORABILIA is a solo-show using old boleros, clown, acrobatics, juggling, dance, and theatre to tell a story with humor and heart.

MEMORABILIA is created and performed by renowned Chicago-based Boricua performer Jean Claudio, described by the Chicago Tribune as an “excellent circus-skilled performer” who is “funny, charming and the most poignant presence.” Claudio was recently seen in the title role of Chicago Shakespeare Theater's CORDUROY, the Goodman Theatre's LUCHA TEOTL and THE LIZARD Y EL SOL, and Teatro Vista Productions’ THE DREAM KING, winner of 8 Equity Jeff Awards. Helming the creative process as its director is co-creator Raquel Torre, who is Claudio’s partner in artistry and in life as well as the Michael Maggio Directing Fellow at the Goodman Theatre.

The production team includes Michel Rodríguez-Cintra (Choreographer), Maydi Díaz (Stage Manager), Olivia Ellery (Assistant Stage Manager), Julie Jachym (Associate Producer / Production Manager), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Designer), Lonnae Hickman (Properties Designer), Conchita Avitia (Lighting Designer), Satya Chávez (Sound Designer / Composer), Liviu Pasare (Projections Designer), Sally Dolembo (Costume Design), Wendy Madrigal (Properties Consultant), Alonso Galue (Properties Consultant), Angelina Bill (Robotics Consultant), Stefanie Senior (Assistant Sound Designer), and Zuzel García (Assistant Lighting Designer).

MEMORABILIA

Production Details:

Created By: Jean Claudio

Directed By: Raquel Torre

Cast: Jean Claudio (Salvador); Micah Figueroa (Salvador alternate)

Creative Team: Michel Rodríguez-Cintra (Choreographer), Maydi Díaz (Stage Manager), Olivia Ellery (Assistant Stage Manager), Julie Jachym (Associate Producer / Production Manager), Lauren Nichols (Scenic Designer), Lonnae Hickman (Properties Designer), Conchita Avitia (Lighting Designer), Satya Chávez (Sound Designer / Composer), Liviu Pasare (Projections Designer), Sally Dolembo (Costume Design), Wendy Madrigal (Properties Consultant), Alonso Galue (Properties Consultant), Angelina Bill (Robotics Consultant), Stefanie Senior (Assistant Sound Designer), Zuzel García (Assistant Lighting Designer)

Dates: June 4 - 29, 2025 (Previews May 30 - June 3, 2025)

Press Opening: Wednesday June 4, 2025 at 7:30 PM

Schedule: Wednesdays through Saturdays 7:30 p.m.; Sundays 2 and 6 p.m.

Run Time: 75 minutes

Location: Filament Theatre (4041 N. Milwaukee Ave.)

Tickets: General Admission $45. Previews $35; each performance has a number of Teatro for All tickets for $20 available on a first come, first served basis. At a higher price, the Love Bomb package ($55 previews, $65 regular run) helps support Teatro Vista’s ticket accessibility programs and includes reserved seating and Teatro Vista memorabilia (see what we did there?) as a thank you for being a community champion.

Note: Taxes and fees not included.

Group rates available; contact boxoffice@teatrovista.org for details

Box Office: Visit www.teatrovista.org

ABOUT TEATRO VISTA

Teatro Vista is Chicago’s largest, Equity-affiliated professional Latine theater company and one of the nation’s premier Latine arts organizations.The company’s primary focus is producing new works by Latine theater artists, including work from its own ensemble, a group of multi-generational, multi-ethnic and multi-disciplinary artists.

Teatro Vista ensemble members include Charín Álvarez, Max Arciniega, Conchita Avitia, Cheryl Lynn Bruce, Ramón Camín, Jean Claudio, Lauri Dahl, Sandra Delgado, Melissa DuPrey, Adelina Feldman-Schultz, Johan H. Gallardo, Cruz Gonzalez-Cadel, Lonnae Hickman, Jon Lyon, Sonya Madrigal, Sandra Márquez, Eduardo Martinez, Ayssette Muñoz, Paloma Nozicka, Claudia Quesada, Marvin Quijada, Tommy Rivera-Vega, Gabriel Ruiz, Nate Santana, Denise Yvette Serna, Karla Serrato, and co-founder Edward Torres.

In July, 2021, following a national search, Lorena Diaz was appointed Executive Artistic Director and Wendy Mateo was named Producing Artistic Director.

Teatro Vista’s Board of Directors includes Adela Cepeda, President; Jorge Lopez, Secretary; Julieta LaMalfa, Treasurer; and Carlos Candia, Rosa Escareño, Kareem Mohamednur, Iliana A. Mora, Alice Morado, Irma A. Ortiz, Travis Parr, Letticia Flores Poole, Adrian Rodriguez, and Carina E. Sanchez.

Teatro Vista is supported by TVP Champions Purple Group and Gustavo Bamberger & Martha Van Haitsma and Alphawood Foundation, Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, Chicago Cultural Treasures, The Julian Grace Foundation, DCASE (Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events), Fidelity Charitable, The Field Foundation, The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, Illinois Arts Council, The Joyce Foundation, The Latinos Progresando Excellerator Fund, People’s Gas Community Fund, The National Endowment for the Arts, The National Latinx Theatre Initiative, TCG’s THRIVE! Uplifting Theatres of Color- RECOGNIZE, The Tide Foundation, and the Walder Foundation.

Lifeline Theatre KidSeries Presents the World Premiere of Leaf March 16 Through April 20, 2025

2025-02-15T12:38:00.002-06:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Lifeline Theatre Presents the

World Premiere of Leaf

Based on Sandra Dieckmann’s Debut Picture Book

The production runs approximately 50 minutes with no intermission

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents the world premiere of Leaf, based on the beloved picture book by Sandra Dieckmann, March 15 to April 20 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Adaptor and Lifeline ensemble member Amanda Link teams up with director Nathaniel Niemi to bring audiences a timely world premiere featuring a polar bear on their quest to return home and the young crow who finds it within herself to help them. Leaf centers on our interconnectedness with each other and our planet, and the importance of sharing one’s story.

"Adults will pick up on important themes like the dangers of climate change or fearing those who are different," says Link. "For the kids, I hope to spark their sense of wonder and awaken empathy." Link and Niemi are KidSeries regulars and have appeared in numerous Lifeline hits together, including the popular Click, Clack, Moo series. Now the pair take the reins on Link’s debut adaptation. "The vivid illustrations from the book have inspired a beautiful scenic design, inventive costuming, and dynamic puppets," says Niemi. "I can't wait for the kids to see our giant polar bear!"

I'll be out for the press opening for Leaf on March 16th at 11:00 a.m. so check back shortly after for my full review.

Opening is Sunday, March 16, at 1:00 p.m. Previews are Saturday, March 15 at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Regular performance times (March 22 through April 20) are Saturdays and Sundays at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.

Ticket prices are $20 for regular single tickets and $15 for preview tickets, with group rates for 8 or more available upon request. Tickets may be purchased by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com or through the Lifeline Theatre box office, 773-761-4477. The book will be on sale in the lobby.

PLUS: Join Lifeline Theatre every Sunday at 12:00 p.m. during the run of Leaf (following the 11:00 a.m. show, or before the 1:00 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 $10 per child. Reservations are recommended, though not required. Contact Lifeline Theatre at 773-761-4477 for more information.

ACCESSIBLE PERFORMANCES: The Sunday, March 23, 11:00 a.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. The Saturday, March 22, 1:00 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at noon, and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The performance on Saturday, March 29, at 1:00 p.m. will be sensory-friendly for patrons with social and/or cognitive disabilities. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact our Accessibility Coordinator John Craig at 773-761-4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Leaf includes

CAST: Jake Busse (Squirrel/Dad Crow), Amanda de la Guardia (Fox/Mom Crow), Bradley Halverson (Polar Bear/Hare), Shea Lee (Crow); with understudies Ariya Hawkins, Alexis Queen, and Michele Stine

PRODUCTION TEAM: Lifeline ensemble member Alan Donahue (Scenic and Props Designer), ensemble member Diane Fairchild (Lighting Designer), Jessica Gowens (Costume Designer), Emily Hayman (Sound Designer), ensemble member Anthony Kayer (Producing Director), ensemble member Amanda Link (Adaptor), Caitlin McLeod (Puppet Designer), Nathaniel Niemi (Director), Harrison Ornelas (Technical Director), Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor), Amber Stephenson (Lighting Assistant), and Erik Strebig (Stage Manager)

Now in its 42nd season, Lifeline Theatre continues to explore, interpret, and reimagine books and other literary works to create stories that move us beyond the margins of our own lives. Lifeline Theatre – Big Stories, Up Close.

Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries programs are partially supported by the Carol Oppenheim and Jerome S Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council; Anonymous; Goodman Theatre; Paul M Angell Foundation; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Chicago Community Trust; McMaster-Carr; The Saints; Rogers Park Business Group; Rogers Park Business Alliance; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.

Photo credit: Josh Bernaski

LAST CALL: Don't Miss Lifeline Theatre's Midwest Premiere of Kid Prince and Pablo Now Playing Through February 16th

2025-02-10T17:36:00.000-06:00

ChiIL Mama's Chi, IL Picks List

Lifeline Theatre Presents the Midwest Premiere of

Kid Prince and Pablo

Based on The Prince and the Pauper

The production runs approximately 2 hours with an intermission.

Recommended for ages 13 and up

A new hip-hop adaptation of The Prince and the Pauper. This production will be a first-time collaboration with Salvadoran-American artists Brian and Marvin Quijada.

Brian wrote and starred in Teatro Vista’s highly acclaimed 2022 world premiere musical, Somewhere Over the Border.

Throw 'em a Lifeline...

You have 4 shots left to catch Kid Prince and Pablo. Don't miss this!

Here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows, we've adored Lifeline Theatre for decades! When my children were young, we were season subscribers to all their fabulous KidSeries Shows and I've been reviewing just about all of their adult and family friendly productions since 2010. Lifeline Theatre is truly a local gem, and they've been struggling financially since the pandemic. If you can kick in a little financial love or make it a point to see their shows this season, please do! Tickets are a reasonable $20-$45. There are just 4 performances of Jeff Recommended Kid Prince and Pablo left, so don't miss this.

ChiIL Mama's kids, Dugan & Sage (ages 9 & 7), ChiILin' in Lifeline Theatre's lobby Big Chair

back in 2010! My son grew up to major in Theatre Arts at Northwestern University and now works in the industry in Chicago.

Lifeline Theatre presents the Midwest premiere of Kid Prince and Pablo, a hip-hop musical based on Mark Twain’s story The Prince and the Pauper, January 3 – February 16 at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. Kid Prince and Pablo, adapted by Brian Quijada with music composed by Marvin Quijada, and directed by Raquel Torre, makes its Midwest premiere after its initial run at the Kennedy Center in 2019.

Regular performance times through February 16, are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.

In the divided Capital City, the ruling class has banned rap and dance after an attempted revolution by the People. Kid Prince is set to inherit the throne…that is, until he meets Pablo, a drummer who performs for underground rap battles. When the two hatch a plan to switch identities, mayhem and music ensue. But by standing in each other’s shoes, Kid Prince and Pablo discover connections that could start a whole new revolution.

Photo credit: Josh Bernaski

Ticket prices are $45 for regular single tickets, $20 for active and retired military personnel (with ID), $35 for seniors, $20 for students (with ID), $20 for rush tickets (available half an hour before showtime, subject to availability), and $25 for previews. Group rate for 8 or more is available upon request. Tickets may be purchased at the Lifeline Theatre Box Office, 773.761.4477, or by visiting www.lifelinetheatre.com.

Accessible Performances: The Sunday, January 26, 2:30 p.m. performance will feature a pre-show touch tour of the set at 1:00 p.m. and live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. The Sunday, February 2, 2:30 p.m. performance will feature open captioning for patrons who are hearing impaired. For more information about Lifeline’s accessibility services, please contact our Operations Manager John Craig at 773.761.4477 x703 or at access@lifelinetheatre.com.

The complete cast and production team for Kid Prince and Pablo includes:

CAST: Jesus Barajas (Pablo), Bryan Nicholas Carter (Clemens), Terrance Mayfield Jr. (Samuel), Shaina Toledo (Langhorne), and Joshua Zambrano (Kid Prince); with understudies Kevin Cruz, Yongwoo Park, and Sharon Pasia.

PRODUCTION TEAM: Kasey Alfonso (Choreographer), Heather Currie (Producing Director), Brenden Marble (Lighting Designer), Jasmin Aurora Medina (Costume Designer), Harrison Ornelas (Scenic Designer/Technical Director), Brian Quijada (Adaptor), Marvin Quijada (Composer), Stefanie M. Senior (Sound Designer), Avery Spellmeyer (Lighting Supervisor), Miranda Taylor (Stage Manager), Raquel Torre (Director), and Shokie Tseumah (Props Designer)

Lifeline Theatre’s MainStage programs are partially supported by Carole Oppenheim and Jerome S Lamet Charitable Fund; Illinois Arts Council Agency; Anonymous; Goodman Theatre; Paul M Angell Foundation; Rogers Park Social; S&C Electric Company Fund; The Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation; The Shubert Foundation; The Saints; and the annual support of businesses and individuals.