CCT — New Theater...
Chicago Children's Theatre has its inaugural production at the Owen Theatre, the second stage inside The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. The show, "A Year with Frog and Toad," is in previews. Regular performances begin on Friday, Jan. 20, and continue through March 5. A special Inaugural Production Gala will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21.
"A Year with Frog and Toad" follows the adventures of two best friends as they grow through four fun-filled seasons collected from Arnold Lobel's award-winning series of children's books. The Frog is charming, the Toad is a worrywart, and they leap off the pages of the children's book along with Snail and Mouse. They do some kite-flying, sled-racing and cookie munching. Amphibians come to life with songs inspired by '40s style music.
Acclaimed Chicago-based director Henry Godinez directs. The cast features Joseph Anthony Foronda as Frog, Bradley Mott as Toad, and ensemble members LaShawn Banks, Julie Ruth and Ora Jones.
To purchase a ticket ($12-$33 for a preview performance through Thurs., Jan. 19; $17-$38 for a regular ticket beginning on Jan. 20), call the Goodman Theatre box office at (312) 443- 3800 or visit www.goodman-theatre.org. But there is still another way to view "A Year with Frog and Toad." Read on.
CCT — Inaugural Production & Gala...
On Saturday, Jan. 21, Chicago Children's Theatre will present its Inaugural Production Gala Festivities which could be a fun afternoon or evening for the kiddies and adults. Here's the deal: View the show "A Year with Frog and Toad" at either 3:30 p.m. or 8:30 p.m. (your choice) in the Goodman's Owen Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. The celebration begins at the Gala Reception at 5 p.m., followed by a Gala Party that includes dinner and a raffle at Union Station, Burnham Great Hall, 210 S. Canal St. For those attending the 8:30 p.m. show, they also will arrive at the Gala Reception at 5 p.m. and then go on to the theater. After the performance, all guests are invited to the Gala Cast Party at 10:30 p.m. (possibly a bit late for the young ones). If you do decide to attend the Cast Party, "wear your party clothes."
There is complimentary valet parking and shuttle service at the Goodman Theatre and Union Station.
For more information or to buy a ticket to the Inaugural Production Gala ($500), please phone Chicago Children's Theatre at (773) 227-0180, or The Goodman Theatre at (312) 443-3800, or visit www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
Post Show-and-Tell Time: After each performance, audience members will have the opportunity to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of a play. "A Year With Frog and Toad" is most enjoyed by children four years of age and older.
Children's Theater at CST...
For the next 10 weekends (Saturday, Jan. 21, through April 22), Chicago Shakespeare Theater (at Navy Pier) is teaming up with Quaker to offer children's and family programs.
"My, What Big Ears You Have (The Better to Hear Music With, My Dear)" will be performed by the Chicago Chamber Musicians on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 10 a.m. and again at 11:30 a.m.
The hour-long interactive concert is highly recommended for 3 to 12 year-olds and includes two children's classics: "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Peter and the Wolf" by Sergei Prokofiev. If the kids haven't yet heard Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf," they should because they will definitely will love it and remember it.
Tickets for this production are $12 each for children 12 and under. Adults pay $15 each.
Between the performances, the audience can meet the musicians and enjoy instrument demonstrations in the theater lobby (11 to 11:25 a.m.).
Continuing for nine Saturdays beginning at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 4, is "Short Shakespeare! Macbeth," a 75-minute abridged production that tells the classic story as Macbeth struggles with his conscience and chooses a tragic life.
A ticket for "Short Shakespeare! Macbeth" is $10 for a student 18 and younger and $15 for an adult. (This show is recommended for ages 10 and up.)
For additional information or to purchase tickets, call the Chicago Shakespeare Theater Box Office at (312) 595 -5600 or visit www.chicagoshakes.com.
Please remember that if you are attending a show at Chicago Shakespeare, your parking is guaranteed even if the Navy Pier lots say they are full. There are designated parking places for every seat at the theater. Parking is also 40 percent off the regular price. All you have to do is tell anyone or everyone that you're attending Shakespeare. You'll feel like a VIP.
15th Anniversary Season...
Shattered Globe celebrates 15 years with its first presentation of the season: John Guare's "The House of Blue Leaves," now being performed at Victory Gardens Theater, Upstairs Studio, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. The play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.
The story takes place in 1965 Queens, NY, where a middle-aged zookeeper dreams of finding fame and fortune in composing for Hollywood movies.
Artie Shaughnessy has a few problems which multiply throughout the play. But it's only the beginning. Set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1960s, the outrageous ingredients in Guare's comedy of misplaced ambition are certain to prove explosive.
A ticket to any performance ranges in price $20-$35. Students and seniors receive an additional $5 off.
To purchase a ticket, phone (773) 871-3000 or visit Ticketweb.com.
Theater in Jeff Park...
The Gift Theatre Company opens its second production in the new Jeff Park location at Lawrence and the Kennedy Expressway, at 4802 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Tony Award Winning Playwright David Rabe's "Hurlyburly" is a 1984 black comedy about four pleasure-loving, self-indulgent, lewd and lustful LA Big Shots and the women they love to love—
and hate.
Directed by Artistic Director Michael Patrick Thornton and Assistant Director Frank Cermak, Jr., the cast features ensemble members John Kelly Connolly, Paul D'Addario, Brendan Donaldson, Mary Fons and Lynda Newton. Also featured are Hillary Clemens and Seven Misetic.
The show continues through Saturday, Feb. 13. For information regarding show times, ticket purchase, directions, etc., please call the Box Office at (773) 283-7071 orvisit www.thegifttheatre.org. A ticket ranges in price
$20-$25.
Please send information about local benefits to
Paulette Wittenberg at PauletteWitt@aol.com. |
