Chicago Theatre Review
Holiday Redemption through Music
A Christmas Carol: the Musical
Charles Dickens’ famous cautionary tale about the old miser who learns to love Christmas can be found in more
A Family Holiday Treat
The Nutcracker – Marriott
With Christmas fast approaching, Marriott’s Theatre for Young Audiences brings back one of its holiday favorites. Based upon E. T. A. Hoffmann’s children’s story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King,” which in turn inspired Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s world famous ballet suite, Marc Robin has created a 60-minute play with music and dance that captures the magic of both pieces.
The story opens on Christmas Eve in the Victorian home of youngsters Marie and her mischievous brother Fritz. Just as dinner is being served, their Uncle Drosselmeyer arrives surprising them with gifts, including a beautiful Nutcracker, which Fritz immediately breaks. After he’s mended Marie falls asleep next to her cherished Nutcracker. She dreams that all the Christmas toys have come to life and a battle ensues between the Nutcracker and the Mouse King over possession of a magical crown. Their journey takes Marie and her new friends to Candy Land, through the Snowflake Forest and to the Kingdom of the Sugar Plum Fairy. After the crown is rightly restored to the Nutcracker, Marie awakens to find that her prince looks very much like the new boy next door, and young audiences will be assured that the magic will continue.
Read MoreMary Wilson's Holiday Spectacular
The Holiday Season gets a taste of the Motown Sound as “Mary Wilson’s Holiday Spectacular Featuring Special Guests The Four Tops” blows into the Windy City December 23, 2013 – January 5, 2014 at the Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph St.) Presented by Reach Out Entertainment and Starvox Entertainment and Marketing, audiences will be taken on a journey through some of the greatest Motown hits as well as Holiday classics by Mary Wilson, one of the original Supremes and the legendary Four Tops, celebrating 60 years of performing in 2013. Pre-sale tickets ($59.99 – $119.99) go on sale Tuesday, October 22 at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com with an American Express Card. General Public tickets go on sale Sunday, October 27 and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, HarrisTheaterChicago.org, by calling 312.334.2419 or at the Harris Theater Box Office. For more information visit marywilsonandthefourtops.com.
“It is a dream to celebrate the Holiday season in Chicago,” said performer Mary Wilson. “To perform with my good friends The Four Tops while singing the great songs that introduced us to world combined with some of my favorite Holiday tunes, is the perfect way to usher in the New Year and celebrate the spirit of the season.”
“Mary Wilson’s Holiday Spectacular” stars the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, and Vocal Group Hall of Fame recipient Mary Wilson who will treat audiences to rousing renditions of some of the signature songs that catapulted the Supremes to become the most successful “girl group” in history. Favorites include “Stop In The Name of Love,” “I Hear a Symphony,” “Come See About Me,” “Can’t Hurry Love,” “Back In Your Arms Again,” Someday We’ll Be Together” and many more. Abdul “Duke” Fakir, leading The Four Tops will also bring the music of Motown to life with “Baby I Need Your Lovin’,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch),” Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” “Bernadette” and “Ain’t No Woman Like the One I Got” and “In The Still of the Night.” Wilson and The Four Tops will then join together on stage, putting the Motown sound into everyone’s favorite holiday classics including “White Christmas,” “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” “My Favorite Things” and a special rendition of “Baby It’s Cold Outside” sung by Wilson and Fakir. These living legends bring their soul and passion to the stage, embracing the warmth of the season and welcoming in a new year with memorable songs that are sure to have audiences singing along and embracing the spirit and the sounds of holiday.
“We are so thrilled to bring together some of Motown’s living legends and present them to Chicago audiences during the holiday season, said Starvox President Corey Ross.” Both Mary Wilson and the Four Tops have continued to delight audiences for decades and to see them join together on one stage and showcase their incredible talent will be a holiday treat for all.”
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
“Mary Wilson’s Holiday Spectacular Featuring Special Guests The Four Tops:”
Monday, December 23, 2013 – Sunday, January 5, 2014
December 23, 25 – 29, 31 and January 2 – 4 at 8:00 p.m.
December 28 and January 4 – 5 at 3:00 p.m.
December 31 at 10 p.m. (Special New Year’s Eve performance, details TBD)
*no performances December 24 and December 30
Tickets ($59.99 – $119.99) are available online at , by calling
312.334.7777 or in-person at the Harris Theater Box Office (205 E. Randolph St.). Discounted Group Ticket reservations are available for groups of 10 or more at Grouptix.net or by calling 773-327-3778.
Events at MB Financial in Rosemont
KICK-START YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE RETURN OF SKATING IN THE PARK AT MB FINANCIAL PARK AT ROSEMONT FRIDAY, NOV. 29
The winter season is fast approaching and MB Financial Park is kicking off the holiday season with Skating in the Park November 29, 2013. The NHL sized skating rink opens to the public for free ice skating at 11 a.m. followed by skating appearances from cherished holiday characters and horse-drawn sleigh rides throughout the afternoon and evening.
Rosemont’s Mayor Stephens will arrive at 5:30 p.m. to join in the opening day celebration and introduce a special performance by The Chicago Skates Open Juvenile Team, skating out of McFetridge Sports Center for almost 25 years. Coached by Kathy Janik and comprised of skaters ranging in age from 12 to 18, the team participates in competitions throughout the Midwest and the country, including the US Figure Skating Midwestern/Pacific Synchronized Skating Championships.
Following the performance, Mayor Stephens will welcome Santa Claus to join him in the MB Financial Park tree lighting ceremony. The rink closes for the evening at 10 p.m. MB Financial Park restaurants will be open for lunch and dinner throughout the day.
Skating at the Park will be open November 29, 2013 through February 2, 2014. Admission to the ice rink is free; Skates can be rented onsite for $8. Santa Claus will make additional appearances to meet children at MB Financial Park throughout the holiday season. Specific appearance dates are listed below.
Skating in the Park at Rosemont Opening Day Schedule
Open skate: 11a.m. – 5:15 p.m., 6:15 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sleigh rides: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Mayor’s welcome: 5:30 p.m.
USFS performance: 5:40 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony: 5:45 p.m.
Santa Claus Appearances at MB Financial Park
Dec. 14: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 15: 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Dec. 21: 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Skating in the Park at Rosemont Regular Hours
Monday-Thursday: 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Sat: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Sun: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Extended Winter Break Hours
Dec. 23: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Dec. 24: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Dec. 25: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Dec. 26-28: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Dec. 29: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Dec. 30: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Dec. 31: 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.
Jan. 1-3: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Old Jews announces extension
BY POPULAR DEMAND, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES
EXTENDS RUN AT ROYAL GEORGE THEATRE FOR 12 WEEKS, THROUGH FEBRUARY 16, 2014;
The laughs will keep emanating from the Royal George Theatre for an additional 12 weeks as OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES proudly announces a new block of tickets on sale for performances through Sunday, February 16, 2014. The hit off-Broadway comedy, now playing on the Main Stage of the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, features a quintet of Chicago favorites: Dara Cameron, Alex Goodrich, Tim Kazurinsky, Renee Matthews and Gene Weygandt. Tickets are currently on sale through Sunday, Nov. 24; by popular demand, a new block of tickets, for performances Nov. 26, 2013 through February 16, 2014, will go on sale Monday, Sept. 30, at 10 a.m. by calling (312) 988-9000; visiting the Royal George Theatre box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com.
Created by Peter Gethers and Daniel Okrent, OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES is directed by Marc Bruni (Associate Director, The Book of Mormon Chicago) and showcases the five actors in a comedy that pays tribute to and reinvents classic jokes of the past and present. The show also features comic songs — brand new and satisfyingly old – as well as tributes to some of the giants of the comedy world and to OldJewsTellingJokes.com, the website created by Sam Hoffman that inspired the show.
In addition to Okrent, Gethers and Bruni, the rest of the creative team is David Gallo (Scenic and Video Design); Jeff Croiter (Lighting Design); Alejo Vietti (Costume Design); Peter Fitzgerald (Sound Design); Steve Channon (Animation); Adam Wachter (Musical Supervision and Arrangements); and David Ruttura (Associate Director). It is produced by Daniel Okrent and Peter Gethers, and Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch and Marc Routh.
Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch and Marc Routh have produced and managed a wide range of productions for more than 27 years including – A Little Night Music, Hairspray, The Producers, Stomp, The Norman Conquests, Gypsy, Sweeney Todd, Company, Little Shop of Horrors, The Weir, The Sound of Music, Smokey Joe’s Café, Angels in America, Oleanna, Love Letters, Driving Miss Daisy, Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune, Penn & Teller and many others. Their shows have been awarded 36 Tonys, 47 Drama Desk Awards, 38 Outer Critics Awards, 4 Grammys™, 8 Olivier Awards and 2 Pulitzer Prizes. They have the rare distinction of having won Tony Awards in all four “Best” categories – play, musical, revival of a play and revival of a musical.
NEW HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION:
OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES will be performed at the Royal George Theatre, 1641 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, through Sunday, February 16, 2014, with the following schedule: Tuesdays – Fridays at 7:30pm; Saturdays at 5 & 8pm; and Sundays at 2 & 5pm. Starting the week of October 7, Wednesday matinees at 2pm will alternate with Tuesday evening performances. Plus, special holiday performance schedules will be in effect:
Week of Thanksgiving (and Hannukah!): Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 7:30pm; Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 2pm; Thursday, Nov. 28, no show; Friday, Nov. 29 at 2 and 7:30pm; Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 1 at 2 and 5pm.
Week of Christmas: Tuesday, Dec. 24, no show; Wednesday, Dec. 25 at 7:30pm; Thursday, Dec. 26 at 2 and 7:30pm; Friday, Dec. 27 at 7:30pm; Saturday, Dec. 28 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Dec. 29 at 2 and 5pm.
Week of New Year’s: Tuesday, Dec. 31* at 5 and 9pm; Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2014, no show; Thursday, Jan. 2 at 7:30pm; Friday, Jan. 3 at 8pm; Saturday, Jan. 4 at 5 and 8pm; Sunday, Jan. 5 at 2 and 5pm.
Tickets range in price from $49 – $69. * There will be special New Year’s Eve performance pricing. All prices do not include a $1 facility fee. Tickets for the new block of tickets are now on sale by calling (312) 988-9000; visiting the Royal George Theatre box office, or online at Ticketmaster.com. Plus, give the gift of humor for Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa or the holiday of your choice – with OLD JEWS gift certificates available at the Royal George box office.
Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are available by calling Group Theater Tix at 312-423-6612 or visiting www.grouptheatertix.com.
For more information on OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES in Chicago, visit http://oldjewstellingjokesonstage.com . Follow OLD JEWS TELLING JOKES on Twitter @OldJewsTweeting or on Facebook.
The E3 VIP Experience
“The other guy” Chef Joey
So I have had two Chicago Bears experiences. The first one was the one and only game I have ever attended and it was the day Walter Payton set the record for rushing yards. You could really feel the excitement in the air.
Richard and Noreen
Ironically the other experience also involved Walter Payton. My good friend in high school (Larry) was a huge fan of Walter. So much in fact that he wore the jersey number 34. He was also an amazing artist who had done some paintings of Mr. Peyton. I happened to be at the Chicago Auto Show where there I saw Walter Peyton signing autographs. In my infamous assertiveness I managed to get to him and tell him about Larry and the paintings. He proceeded to give me his phone number and said to call. Not only did I call but several days later Larry, his paintings and I found ourselves spending the afternoon with Connie and Walter Peyton. His graciousness, class humbleness and quiet demeanor were only exceeded by his incredible hospitality.
So after 53 years of living in Chicago I had my third bears experience. And its true the third times a charm. I have always been familiar with the concept of tailgating. But this past Sunday I had the chance to be part of it. And here’s my advice. Whether or not you are a football fan, grab a bunch of people and head to one of the lots around Soldier Field for good food, camaraderie and a sea of blue and orange. This is really something everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. I also experienced this event thr0ugh E3 VIP with my gracious host Richard Carrier. All the information is listed below. Do yourself a favor and try the E3 VIP experience for yourself. You will not be disappointed.
Otis Wilson, Gayle and Dan
E3 VIP ANNOUNCES 2013-2014 ONE-OF-A-KIND CHICAGO SPORTING AND SOCIAL EVENTS SCHEDULE FOR LUXURY FULL-SERVICE TRAVEL AND DESTINATION EXPERIENCE From Luxury Mobile Tours to Custom Event Services and High-End Tailgate Membership, E3 VIP Delivers Exclusive Event Experiences Richard Carrier, CEO of E3 VIP, an exclusive event experience company specializing in VIP mobile tours, custom event services and luxury tailgating, has announced the 2013-2014 sporting and social events schedule, including Chicago Bears and collegiate games. The one-of-a-kind experience in Chicago accommodates guests looking for the ultimate tailgate experience, mobile cocktail tours and custom luxury events. Using MXR-SkyBox luxury motor coaches, E3 VIP excels in impeccable service and dedication to the finest levels of detail to deliver a mobile venue concept to clients, members and guests at world-class events and destinations. Past national event and tour packages have included the Kentucky Derby, Formula 1, The Masters, Phoenix Open, the Super Bowl and more. E3 VIP takes tailgating to a whole new level by combining the amenities of a luxury suite or skybox at a football game with the traditional pregame parking lot party experience. The luxury tailgating includes food, premium bar, fresh charcoal-grilled meats, entertainment and exclusive access to the E3 Alliance Network and national events. For each social event or game, the E3 VIP experience fills approximately 2,000 square feet of parking lot space with a DJ and a staff of ambassadors in a velvet roped-off, carpeted area next to the custom motor coach. Tickets for the E3 VIP Experience for a single tailgate are available at $250 per guest for general admission. Corporate discounts are available for groups of 10 or more. Tailgate and game ticket packages start at $395 per guest. Exclusive branded corporate tables are available upon request. * Sun 11/17/13 Noon Ravens @ BEARS Soldier Field * Mon 12/9/13 7:40PM Cowboys @ BEARS Soldier Field * Sun 12/29/13 Noon Packers @ BEARS Soldier Field Additional social and sporting events to be added throughout the season. E3 VIP also offers a four-hour "Best of Chicago Tour" with stops at the very best Chicago venues. Custom itineraries are built for each group to ensure an experience that will surpass their wildest expectations. Each tour includes E3 VIP's luxury motor coach that comfortably accommodates 20 guests, complimentary catering and bar, and two E3 VIP Ambassadors to serve you and your guests. This world-class luxury experience starts at only $250 per guest. Additionally, E3 VIP offers custom event services for corporate, personal and family groups looking for a best-in-class experience. Experienced event planners work individually with clients to plan and execute a memorable mobile luxury experience based on each group's requirements and desires. Based on the budget, these types of events can be planned and executed by E3 VIP in any city or destination within the continental United States as a single event, series or tour. For more information or make a reservation, please call 877.243.3334 ext.107 or visit www.e3vip.com.
Revisiting the Summer of Love
Once Upon a Dream
![Dino_Danelli,_Felix_Cavaliere,_Steven_Van_Zandt,_Eddie_Brigati,_Gene_Cornish_-_photo_by_David_Rohde[1]](https://i0.wp.com/www.chicagotheatrereview.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Dino_Danelli_Felix_Cavaliere_Steven_Van_Zandt_Eddie_Brigati_Gene_Cornish_-_photo_by_David_Rohde1.jpg?ssl=1)
Isn’t it incredibly magical how a smell, a taste or a specific song can unlock fond memories? Once the houselights dim, young theatre goers and especially Baby Boomers find themselves suddenly transported back to their high school and college years, courtesy of the music created by one of the ’60’s best-loved bands. Then, The Young Rascals, labeled America’s “blue-eyed soul group,” rose to popularity during an era primarily populated by the British Invasion bands. This quartet of likable, talented young musicians burst onto the scene with songs like “Good Lovin’,” “Groovin’,” and “It’s a Beautiful Mornin’.” Other hits included “A Girl Like You,” “How Can I Be Sure?” and “People Got to Be Free.” Their music was the soundtrack for what was affectionately termed The Summer of Love. That summer lasted a decade until the band broke up, each going their separate ways. The Rascals recorded several songs and record albums that became Top Ten Best-sellers. In 1997 the group reunited for the first time in years and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
NEWS FROM BROADWAY IN CHICAGO
- CHICAGO (Oct. 8, 2013) – Broadway In Chicago, Cameron Mackintosh and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Group are delighted to announce the casting for the spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA. With newly reinvented staging and stunning scenic design, this new version of PHANTOM, the most successful musical of all-time, will be performed by a cast and orchestra of 52, making this one of the largest productions on tour in North America. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA will play Chicago’s Cadillac Palace Theatre (151 W Randolph) January 9, 2014 through March 2, 2014.
- Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce the upcoming 2014 spring season line-up. Supporting Broadway In Chicago’s commitment to Chicagoans seeing shows first, the season features four premieres. Coming to Chicago first is the World Premiere Pre-Broadway production of THE LAST SHIP, the U.S. Tour Premiere of MOTOWN THE MUSICAL and the North American Premiere of HEARTBEAT OF HOME, as well as the U.S. Tour Premiere of BUYER AND CELLAR as an off-season special. Also included in the season is GHOST THE MUSICAL, JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT, PETER & THE STARCATCHER and THE WIZARD OF OZ. The 2014 spring off-season includes: ONCE UPON A DREAM STARRING THE RASCALS, THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, ALTON BROWN LIVE!, CHICAGO, ROCK OF AGES, ERTH’S DINOSAUR ZOO and MAMMA MIA!.
TICKET INFORMATION
The Broadway In Chicago Season is available now to current subscribers and will go on sale to the public Friday, October 11, 2013. Tickets are now available for groups of 15 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for 2014 Spring Season productions will go on sale at a later date
The Perfect Nanny
Mary Poppins – Marriott Lincolnshire
From P.L. Travers’ imaginative series of books, to Walt Disney’s 1964 classic Oscar-winning film, to producer
A Puppet’s World is Flat
The Table – Chicago Shakespeare Theatre
As part of CST’s lauded and much-welcome World Stages Series, the United Kingdom’s eclectic Blind Summit Theatre tours to Navy Pier with a three-person, one-puppet performance that defies description. Not so much a play, and certainly not a “puppet show” in the literal sense, this ingeniously offbeat 70-minute production is part philosophical discussion, part stand-up comedy act.
The technical support for this performance couldn’t be simpler: a table placed front and center on an otherwise empty stage, enough lighting to illuminate Moses, the irascible Bunraku star of this performance piece, and his puppeteers Mark Down, Sean Garratt and Irena Stratieva. As director, Down operates the character’s left hand and large, cardboard head, while providing Moses‘ voice. Garratt controls the puppet’s right hand and “bum” while Ms. Stratieva, bent over the table, manipulates the character’s feet. With the puppeteers clad entirely in black, the effect is that Moses is really in control of his humans.
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