A bat who thinks she's a bird is the inspirational animal star of "Stellaluna and Other Tales," a world premiere family musical based on the beloved children's books by Janell Cannon, opening the 10th anniversary season for Emerald City Theatre Company — Chicago's largest professional theater devoted entirely to families.
"Stellaluna and Other Tales" kicks off with a 10th Anniversary celebration on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1 p.m. Regular performances continue through Nov. 5, on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m., except Oct. 8, which has only 1 p.m. Single tickets are $9 for children, $12 for adults. Emerald City Theatre Company performs at the Apollo Theater, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave. For tickets and information, call (773) 935-6100, or visit www.emeraldcitytheatre.com.
Published in 1993 and winner of the American Bookseller Book of the Year Award, "Stellaluna" tells the adventures of a baby fruit bat who gets separated from her mother, falls into a nest, and is raised by birds. While Stellaluna eventually learns the birds' ways, she can't shake her instinct to hang upside down — a skill that saves the day in this popular tale about being true to yourself.
In addition to "Stellaluna," Emerald City audiences will be entertained by stories of other misunderstood animals invented by Cannon, including Verdi, a snake who learned a long time ago that the key to happiness is to grow up without growing old, and Pinduli, a funny looking hyena with her own tale about overcoming the casual cruelty of fellow animals.
The show is written by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers. The cast features Kara Konken (Stellaluna), Libby Lane (Pinduli), Andrew Nadon (Verdi), Rachel Boller (Mother Bat), Melissa Carlin (Mother Bird), plus ensemble members Chuck Quinn, Tom Weber and Priscilla Parchia. Directing is Shole Milos, director of Lifeline Theatre's popular KidSeries productions of "Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type," "Bunnicula" and "The Cricket in Times Square."
Costumes and puppets are by L. Nicholas Saubers, and George Howe is Music Director. Ann Davis is Scenic Artist, Julie Ballard is Lighting/Spectacle Designer, and Tara Freeman is Stage Manager.
"Stellaluna and Other Tales" is best suited for ages three and up. All children receive a kid-sized program and are invited to meet the actors after the show. All performances are 60 minutes.
Street and adjacent paid parking ($6) are available at the Apollo. In honor of this world premiere, Coldstone Ice Creamery, 613 W. Diversey Ave., has created a Stellaluna ice cream flavor that will be available at the store only during the run of the show. Other nearby family restaurants include Lou Malnati's Pizza, Salt 'n Pepper Diner and McDonald's.
The Apollo Theatre is conveniently located five minutes from Lincoln Park Zoo and Notebaert Nature Museum. The Apollo is easily accessible by CTA trains and buses. The Fullerton el stop (Red, Brown and Purple lines) is located a few minutes south of
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