Due to strong demand at the box office, 'MESMERIZED' extends its run …!
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s ‘Mesmerized’ Teaches Entertaining But Valuable Science Lesson
“… the play is a romp, with laughs for children and grownups coming from callback audio gags, knowing winks to the audience and plenty of puns.”
'Mesmerized' Review Round-Up
Chicago Tribune - Recommended
"... the upshot of this show, besides the fact that it does manage to be an enjoyable way to spend an hour talking about science, is it reminds audiences, especially children, to be critical and think scientifically. It reminds us all to trust facts and not rest on belief, issuing a cautionary tale of how folks are willing to believe (or not believe) whatever they want to believe (or not believe). In other words, be careful, so you don’t find yourself mesmerized."
"There’s a great show about a Founding Father onstage right now in Chicago who is not named Alexander Hamilton.”
“Mesmerized offers valuable lessons on everything from the scientific method to American and French history, without ever talking down to its audience. Its ultimate message—both science and democracy depend on large numbers of people in order for the experiments to work—is delivered with smarts and empathy.”
"Chicago Children’s Theatre has another hit on its hands."
"Watching the young audience around me on opening weekend, as well as their attentive parents, I noticed that every single person was totally involved in the hour-long play. Tommy Rapley’s exceptional production of Suzanne Miller’s lovely adaptation is a bonafide hit. The play, with its delightfully humorous characters, completely holds the attention the even youngest theatergoer."
Chicago Children's Theatre Reveals 2023-24 Season
"FREDERICK" nominated for four Ovation Awards →
The Lewis Family Playhouse production is recognized for Direction of a Musical, Scenic, Lighting, and Sound Design.
"Elmer the Patchwork Elephant" UK Tour Announced! →
"Frederick" REVIEW - Chicago Sun Times →
“Frederick” tackles life lessons with plenty of wonder and whimsy.
"Frederick" awarded the 2016 “Distinguished Play Award” from the American Alliance for Theater & Education →
"Pete the Cat - the Musical" Review - Omaha World-Herald
"With vivid colors, wonderful four-part harmony and lively dancing, “Pete the Cat” does just what children’s theater should do: It teaches valuable lessons kids don’t know they’re learning."
Read More"Frederick" Review - Chicago Theatre Review →
"Lionni’s book and Miller’s dramatic adaptation both remind children about the strength of community and family, the inspirational power of friendship and the need to accept everyone for who they are. It also emphasizes the importance of art in our world ... In 'Frederick,' that message is loud, clear and colorfully brought to life."
Read More"Frederick" Review - Chicago Tribune
"... very charming and poignant."
Read More"Frederick" Review - Chicago Critic →
"Suzanne Miller’s wonderful and faithful adaptation of reminds us of the importance of finding your own path, even when others may doubt the worth of such dreams."
"Despite all my adult cynicism, I found myself thoroughly engaged ... There's enough in this play for adults to enjoy, too."
"Suzanne Miller and the Chicago Children’s Theatre have successfully created a world where children feel happy and wanted. What a beautiful thing to have."
Read More"Frederick" Review - Chicago Reader →
" ... The enchanting practical effects, original blues and folk songs by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs, and a uniformly musical and animated six-person cast do right by the source material, but the show also adds something subtle and remarkable, establishing a tranquil sense of the inevitability of change in a way young audiences can understand. Even on the most blustery Chicago fall nights, it's impossible to leave without feeling a little warmer."
Read More"Frederick" to premiere in Chicago
Chicago Children's Theatre has announced that it will premiere a new musical based on Leo Lionni's book "Frederick," the story of a poetically inclined field mouse with a penchant for storytelling, even as his friends concentrate on surviving the harsh winter. "Frederick," which is slated to open October 17, will run until November 23, 2014. Stuart Carden directs.