Glass Slippers Are So Back

Mary and Kate at Cinderella

Kate and Mary, fifth grade sisters who attend Hamilton Elementary, saw the Broadway in Chicago production of Cinderella. Below are their reviews....

Kate:

Last week, on opening night, I saw Cinderella at the Cadillac Palace Theater and I thought it was really good, 

even though it had a few twists. One of the stepsisters, Gabrielle, was actually decent. She was sort of nice to Cinderella 

and she also had a boyfriend named Jean-Michel. Jean-Michel was a guy who wanted to talk to the prince, Topher, 

about peasants losing their homes and about the poor not having enough to eat.This was part of the reason Cinderella went to the ball, to try to talk to the prince for Jean-Michel. Lastly, Cinderella left her shoe on purpose, instead of kicking it off accidentally. With these additions (plus a lot of long songs and dances) the performance was very modernized. All of the actors were perfect for their roles and expressed themselves very dramatically. 

Overall, I thought the play was amazing.

Mary:

The lights turned off and the magic began: the scenery, the music, the dancing; it all turned into a Cinderella wonderland. 

The audiences eyes were fixed on the stage! But this story of Cinderella was a little different, there was a major twist
in the story. Gabrielle, one of the stepsisters, had a crush on a townsman named Jean-Michel. He was interested in politics and focused on the poor. He got Cinderella to talk to Prince Topher and they got to know each other. Because of this, Cinderella and the prince did not marry when they first met, they knew each other a bit. I always thought it was kind of crazy that Cinderella and the prince married, but this made more sense. I really enjoyed the dances, songs and scenery.

The actors were well fit for their roles and the stage crew made the magic look real. This performance was different and enjoyable, and I give it five stars!

Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella plays at The Cadillac Palace Theatre through January 4, 2015

Click here for details

if you would like to be a StudentsXpress blogger/reviewer, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com

Student Review: A Christmas Carol

Below is a student review of A Christmas Carol, playing at the Goodman Theatre.

The cast of A Christmas Carol at Goodman Theatre (November 15 – December 28, 2014). 

www.goodmantheatre.org/joy

On Sunday, November 23, I saw the play A Christmas Carol at the Goodman Theatre and this is 
what I thought of it. There were sad parts and happy parts. One of the happy parts was when Scrooge, 
a man with no Chrismas spirit, got his Chrismas spirit back. One of the sad parts was when Scrooge saw 
what it would be like in the future when he died. There were exciting parts and scary parts too. 
One of the really exciting and happy parts was when Srooge opened his present, after he had become 
a bit nicer and jolly. The present was from his nephew who had Chrismas spirit unlike his Uncle Scrooge. 
One of the scary parts was when thunder boomed and lightning cracked. I loved the play because there 
were musicians and the settings looked SO real you would think they used real houses and buildings, 
but the people in charge of the settings just built them! There were also great costumes and the actors 
really expressed themselves when saying their lines in the play. Those were the reasons I loved the play 
A Christmas Carol.
By Lucille, 2^nd Grade, Waters Elementary

Lucille interviewed William Burke, who plays Young Scrooge in A Christmas Carol.

William Burke

How long have you been acting? Professionally for 4years, but all my life I have known that I 

loved entertaining people.

Did you choose to be young scrooge or did somebody else? The way that professional acting 

works you don't get to choose who you get cast as but you do audition for certain roles and the 

casting directors decide which character you should be.

How old are you? Do you want to keep acting when you are older? I am 15 years old and I 

will continue to act as an adult.

Have you acted in other theaters?If so, name one of them.I have acted at Steppenwolf, 

Drury Lane and with the Lookingglass Young Ensemble. 

Is anyone else in your family an actor? 

Yes, my little sister is also a professional actress.

How would you describe the overall experience of being in a Christmas Carol at the 

Goodman Theatre? 

My experience at this theatre has been amazing! Everyone is so kind and talented. This production

 is filled with veteran actors that I can learn from and really enjoy working with. The best part is 

that the audience enjoys every second of A Christmas Carol and we can feel that energy from 

the stage.

Thank you so much!

We Are Family!

The Family (Where I'm From) issue will be delivered the week of Dec. 8. 

Here's a sneak peek at some of the wonderful artwork!

Lookingglass Alice is Something to See

Alice: Lindsey Noel Whiting; White Knight and Others: Samuel Taylor
Cheshire Cat and Others: Anthony FlemingIII; Mad Hatter and Others: Kevin Douglas
Red Queen and Others: Molly Brennan

This past weekend my family saw Lookingglass Alice at the Lookingglass Theatre downtown. Adapted from the works of Lewis Carroll, adapted and directed by ensemble member David Catlin, and produced in association with The Actors Gymnasium, this show is a must-see. We happened to be sitting across from Chris Jones, critic for the Chicago Tribune. I couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking during the performance. Even before reading his four-star review in today's paper, we knew we were witnessing something special—and magical.

The whole show was engaging from beginning to end. Each cast member was fantastic, and it looked like they were having so much fun with each other (and with the audience...and with the stagehands). For a real professional review, check out Chris Jones in the Tribune, but here are some short reviews from my kids:

Lookingglass Alice is a new and interesting approach to the classic Alice in Wonderland. If you're in the mood for a silly play, I recommend this one. Characters are hilariously funny and enjoyable to watch. From the main star Alice to the wicked red queen, Alice is guaranteed to bring laughs to the whole family. I do think this play is a feel-good play because it has such a silly nature. The thing that is so great about it is that it also has the strong story to go along with the humor. Not to mention it also has cool acrobatic stunts. Lookingglass Alice is a play to see. —Ethan, age 12

The play "Lookingglass Alice" at the Lookingglass Theatre was magnificent. It includes amazing acting, acrobatic stunts, and a show of their own. They take "Alice in Wonderland" to a new level in their own way. It is so fun to watch. They make it a good show and a funny one. I would love to see this play again!  —Samantha, age 10

For tickets, go to www.lookingglasstheatre.org or call 312-337-0665

If you would like to be a theater blogger for StudentsXpress, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com

The American Revolution as You've Never Imagined it Before

Last weekend I took my kids to see "The American Revolution" at Adventure Stage Chicago in the Vittum Theater. This 50 minute show was devised by Theater Unspeakable and recreates the entire American fight for independence from Lexington to Yorktown. There are seven actors and no props on a 21 square foot platform two feet above the ground. These actors were incredible. They were so in sync with each other, telling the story flawlessly and at some times hilariously. It was like something I've never seen before, and I'd love to see these actors in other shows in the future.

The performance is recommended for children 8 and older. Though some parts were confusing to my 10 and 12 year olds, the way it was put together was incredibly entertaining. It is a perfect show to bring a school class for a field trip—not too long, educational, AND entertaining. The few times I have attended a performance at Vittum, they have always done a great job at engaging the audience before and after the show, so it is always a positive learning experience.

Here's my son Ethan's review:

"The American Revolution” is not only an enjoyable play but fun for all audiences. 7 actors suspended on a small platform act out some of America’s strangest and greatest moments. I guarantee that you will be laughing the whole time. All 7 actors give incredible performances, as they play various characters. It is also quiet informative. I would definitely recommend this play to people who want to have a great time while absorbing some interesting facts about America.

Adventure Stage Chicago 1012 North Noble, Chicago, Illinois 60642 773.342.4141

Leo Lionni’s Frederick, A New Musical by Chicago Children’s Theater

Leo Lionni’s Frederick, A New Musical by Chicago Children’s Theater

Reviewd By Parker Cunningham, 7

Nettelhorst School, Room 116, Ms. Levinsky

I gave it 25 stars because the set design and singing was great.  

My favorite character was Frederick because he was funny and the main character.  
It was about teamwork. 

My favorite part was the machine because it was funny and did the boogie dance.

I love musicals. This play was a musical.

I think all kids should go. I mean the book won a Caldecott award. 

If you would like to be a theater blogger for StudentsXpress, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com

Leo Lionni's Frederick will play through November 16, 2014 

at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. 

While other mice are gathering food for the winter, Frederick daydreams the summer away. When dreary weather comes, it is Frederick who has stored up something special for the long cold winter. The classic, much-loved early reading book celebrates the idea that there is a place for all of us in this world. 

This production is ideal for ages 3 and up. 

Single tickets are on sale now, starting at $28. Or, cost-conscious, theater-loving families should entertain purchasing a Membership Pass to save up to 20 percent on single tickets to Chicago Children's Theatre's 2014-15, three-play season, which also boasts a remount of CCT's 2008 smash hit, The Selfish Giant by Blair Thomas and Michael Smith (January 23-February 22, 2015) and a second world premiere musical, Wonderland, Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure, co-created by Michael Mahler and Rachel Rockwell (April 22-May 24, 2015).

Visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555 to purchase tickets or CCT membership passes. For information on deeply discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups, email GroupSales@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (773) 227-0180 x 13.

Fatherhood Plays Major Role In Goodman Theatre's Smokefall

Review by Robert E. Croston,
Interim Principal at Jenner Elementary

Smokefall is Noah Haidle’s, playwright, surrealist perspective on the power of fatherhood. In a play where in utero fetus explore existentialism and the doctrine of “original sin,” there is potential for misunderstanding.  However, once the characters begin to reveal their motivating forces, one realizes how powerful fathers are to intergenerational stability. The absence and abandonment of the father turned upside down the family for three generations. Although love can be lost in a lifetime, the love of a father or spouse, Haidle challenges us “to love anyway. All love ends by death or by someone falling out of love.” Like all great experiences in life, love must come to an end. A sobering idea for anyone considering sharing her love with another. The trick, according to the Colonel, is to hold on to love while it lasts because it is not supposed to last forever. “Be grateful [because love] won’t come again.” This is the 21 century echo of Alfred Lord Tennyson “Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”.  The storytelling is mesmerizing in a Toni Morrison Beloved kind of way. The set design is breathtaking and serves as an additional cast member to visually capture the power of a broken home. I highly recommend this play to adults seeking to explore their personal struggles with identity as it relates to their childhood. I am sure you won’t be disappointed. I can’t wait to see it again. 

(L to R) Mike Nussbaum (Colonel) and Catherine Combs (Beauty)

(L to R) Eric Slater (Fetus 1) and Guy Massey (Fetus 2)

Mike Nussbaum (Colonel), Eric Slater (Daniel) and Katherine Keberlein (Violet)

Kids Review CATS

Ethan and Betty before the show

The musical CATS is playing at the Paramount Theatre in Aurora through Oct. 12. Ethan S. from Nettelhorst and Betty S. from Hamilton both attended the press opening on Sept. 13, and here's what they had to say.....

ETHAN: During the weekend I went to see a wonderful play in Aurora called Cats. It was wonderful in so many ways, starting off with the songs. Magical Mister Mistofellees was my personal favorite but each song was special in so many ways. The soundtrack was definitely something I would listen to all day. Along with the songs came amazing dances that made the songs that much more interesting, vivid and amazing. I loved the acrobatics, the flips, and the dances where they just stayed on their feet. And to go with all of  this they had a simple yet interesting story that kept your attention. I loved this play very much.

Illustration by Betty S.

BETTY: This was the first Broadway  (or at least has been on Broadway) play that I’ve ever seen and it has set my expectations high for all those to come. All the actors had beautiful voices and all of them were so flexible making the dance choreography have no exact limit. The set was very colorful, strategic, and the lighting was even part of it. This play stuck to its original roots, but still this company kind of put their own spin on it which wasn’t such a bad thing. In conclusion, my overall evaluations of this beautiful Broadway production is that it is sure to stick in my “Memory”

If you would like to be a theater blogger for StudentsXpress, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com.

 Production Photos 
by Liz Lauren

My Finest Hour.....by Drew Swartz

Pictures of Peace

The fall issue of StudentsXpress focuses on PEACE and will be delivered soon!
Here's a sneak peek at some of the fabulous artwork you'll find inside.....

Cats at the Paramount is Sure to Entertain

SEPT. 10-OCT. 12 AT AURORA’S PARAMOUNT THEATRE    

I'm really excited to see Cats for the first time at Aurora's Paramount Theatre, as they kick off their 2014-15 Broadway Subscription series. Check back here for the review of the show, and in the meantime, maybe get some tickets for yourself and your kids. It's rated G, and sure to be a lot of fun.

Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Book and Best Score, CATS is one of the most popular and beloved theatrical productions on the planet, filled with unforgettable music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lush orchestrations by David Cullen and Andrew Lloyd Webber. 

  

Performances are September 10-October 12, 2014.

Show times are 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.; and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

To purchase, go to ParamountAurora.com, call (630) 896-6666, or visit the Paramount box office Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and 2 hours prior to evening performances. 

Cats is based on T.S. Eliot’s collection of poetry, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The action takes place on the most sacred night of the year as a tribe of felines prepare for the Jellicle Ball. Every member of the tribe tries to prove they’re worthy enough to be “the one” selected to be reborn in the afterlife and live for eternity in the glorious “Heaviside Layer.”

It takes more than six words to cover the whole scope of Heartscape

Funny. Happy. Sad. Love. Talent. Entertaining.

Those are the six words my 9-year-old daughter used to describe Heartscape, the performance put on by Goodman Theatre’s General Theater Studies group. She only used six words because that’s what the 80 cast members used as their bios in the “who’s who” section of the program. This was a great way to peak our interest before the show started. 

By the end, when the cast introduced themselves, we wanted to find out who Kyle was (his six words were “I’m the sexiest person here, baby.”) and who played Detective Pumpernickel. She had us laughing so much, we had to read the six words she used in her short bio.

But the Goodman’s GTS Program can’t possibly be described in only six words. It is so much more than that. A comprehensive six-week program is designed to further critical thinking, literacy and storytelling skills in 14-18 year-old students, emphasizing the fundamentals of writing, oral history, storytelling and ensemble. Members also learn the basics of production, direction and design from some of the finest teaching artists in the city. At the end of the six weeks, the teenagers come together for two performances at the Goodman Theatre. This year, the focus was on love. The participants did research with family, friends and members of their communities around the question “When was a moment you had to fight for love?” The resulting showcase, titled Heartscape, was a mixture of comedy and tragedy, with songs and dancing to keep the energy level high and upbeat. 

What struck me the most about the performance was how well the students worked together and how much fun they seemed to be having —especially apparent at the very end when they each introduced themselves to the audience. They really put their heart (and soul) into Heartscape—and it showed.

The mission of the Goodman Theatre’s GTS program is very similar to that of StudentsXpress—to give young people a voice to express themselves through their joys and pains, triumphs and sorrows. Heartscape did all of this. As Director of Education and Community Engagement, Willa Taylor, explained before the students took to the stage, "if we allow young people the power of their voices, the power of their stories, the world will be a much better place. The arts have the power to transform lives." It was obvious that Heartscape was more than just a performance for these teenagers. I can only imagine what a wonderful summer they must have had learning all they did, working together to put on such a wonderful show.

I attended the performance on Monday, August 11, with my daughter and my 11-year-old son. Here is his review:

What I loved so much about the play Heartscape was that there was one big story that consisted of so many elements inside and was executed so well. Never was I even close to being bored, my mind was only fixated on the play. The story was in-a-way dramatic but the comedy incorporated in it made it all very pleasant to watch, and I can truly tell you that I enjoyed every bit of this play, from start to finish—for its elements of laughter and overall story line.

If you would like to be a theater blogger for StudentsXpress, please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com.

Brigadoon Wows at the Goodman Theatre

Jamy Meek, 

Maggie Portman and Richard Strimer

Kevin Earley and Jennie Sophia

Rod Thomas and Kevin Earley

By Sasha P.

One of the most well-known musicals in our history, "Brigadoon", has clearly outdone itself in this new rendition of the Scottish romance. It balances love and loss with bravery and cowardice so beautifully that every scene is met with tears and laughter, with gasps and applause.

The dancing is coordinated wonderfully, giving you a glance at what life was like in Brigadoon, a magical island filled with lively, loving Scottish people taking every possibility offered to express their emotions towards every person they meet. 

When two men adventuring find Brigadoon and its people by complete and utter accident, they are taken aback by Brigadoon's happy and unselfish nature, its aura of magic and possibility, its open-minded people. Tommy, one of the explorers, meets Felicia, a woman of Brigadoon, and both fall madly in love with each other, enchanted with stories of other times.

The music, expressed by not just the people signing, but also by the time period, seems completely accurate and yet important to the storyline that it seems that Brigadoon wouldn't be understandable without it. Overall, "Brigadoon" is a complete success and definitely a musical you want to see.

An Interview with Maggie Portman

Maggie Portman plays Meg Brockie in Brigadoon. She answered some questions Sasha asked about her character, the production and theater in general.

Sasha: Why do you think you were chosen for the role? 
Maggie: I think my height and sense of humor helped a lot!  Meg is such a funny character in the face of some pretty hard circumstances. But there is definitely a sadness to her story too, and I think I really understood that.

Are you anything like the character you portray?I think we share qualities, her strength in the face of adversity, her forced independence, and her sense of humor about life is a lot like me. Meg isn't a crier—she chooses to laugh about her unfortunate life and I do love to laugh and often find myself laughing about the curves life throws me rather than dwelling in the sadness or tough times and moving on, looking forward to find a solution to whatever comes my way. However Meg's dependence on finding a man and most of her life choices I do NOT share. Thank goodness. I am lucky enough to have a wonderful husband at home who is my equal in every way. 

Who is you favorite character in the play, and for what reason?Fiona is a wonderfully strong independent woman. I respect that she refuses to settle for anything less than her dream. So many great female roles from history are written and portrayed as weak, and Fiona is quite the opposite. I respect that so much, especially when she is living in a time period where women were viewed as weak unless they had a male figure to take care of them. Fiona takes care of her family and is such a strong root in our little village.

How many hours a day do you rehearse? 
We rehearse 10 to 6 pm, six out of the seven days a week with one day of rest. In our tech week—which is the week leading up to opening—we pull 10 to 12 hour days, so that can be tough.

Summarize your part in the play. What do you enjoy most about it?Meg Brockie is an orphan who only has a couple of cows to offer to pull her weight in the town. She has no dowry which in those times every woman had to have to offer to her husband as part of a marriage. And because they are stuck living within the borders of Brigadoon, Meg is one of the unfortunate ladies to not have a lad to call her own and it is really the only thing she wants more than anything in the world. So Meg unfortunately has resulted in using the few things she has left to try to remedy the situation. Luckily the MacGuffie family has been kind enough to let her work for them in exchange for the milk from her cows.
Meg has a really hard life, but she chooses to hide behind laughs in order to stay strong and carry on. She is still hopeful through all the rejection and continues to try to see the good in some not-so-good situations. 
What I enjoy most about her is that very thing—that she stays fairly positive and hopeful in a pretty much guaranteed lonely, sad outcome.

What is your favorite scene in the play, and for what reason?I of course love the scene between Jeff and I in my milkin shiel. It is hilarious that she throws this giant guy around the whole time and Curt is great to work with. It's a lot of fun.

Do you have any favorite books you wish could be turned into a play/musical?I don't know if it's a book but I'd love to see the movie Princess Bride turned into a musical!

Do you like how the performance ends?I think it is beautiful that Fiona and Tommy get a happy ending but my hope is that the rest of the townspeople get their happy ending someday too. It certainly does help those like Meg in the town who feel so defeated,  have hope that a miracle can happen if you believe. I'd like to think the perfect lad will stumble into the town in the next hundred years just like Tommy did. 

If you could choose to play a different role in the play, which one would you choose? 
Hmmm I'd choose Meg—lol!  I know that's not the question but she is the character I'd want to play.  Otherwise I'd want to be in the chorus as a dancer cause it's so fun and beautiful. 

Why did you decide to become an actor? It was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I was an only child so I began portraying all my imaginary brothers and sisters as soon as I could talk. My mom could hear me through the heater vents in my playroom and she said she'd come check on me sometimes thinking I'd snuck some other kids in to play and it was always just me and my million different voices. I started acting, singing and dancing at age 2 and I haven't stopped! It's my joy and passion. I love stepping in someone else's shoes and getting to see life through so many different people's eyes. Actors are rare people that actually do get to walk in someone else's shoes for a day and typically are more empathetic and understanding and observant than those who are outside the business because we do get that rare chance to live another's life for a day.

What has been your favorite play/musical you've seen so far?
I love Peter Pan!

Who has been your favorite character you've played so far?Eva Peron in Evita

What character (In a different play/musical) would you like to play?Peter in Peter Pan

What should people expect when they come to see Brigadoon?Laughs, tears, beautiful music and people, and a story of faith and love and friendship that I hope inspires them when they leave the theatre. The dedication and love these people have for each other is so amazing, and I hope our audiences take this pride and love out into the world and into their own families and lives.

What advice would you give to young people who want to get into acting?Stay dedicated. Know that it is extremely hard work. Long hours, loads of responsibility and dedication, lots of homework and independent work and research. And most importantly confidence and focus. Learning early that you don't always get the part you want and being able to pick up and move on to the next thing with your head held high or embrace the part you got and make it the best thing ever! These are all qualities that an actor needs in order to make it in this very tough business. Never stop learning, immerse yourself in history, take dance classes, acting classes, and observe this world full of characters you're around every day. You never know when that lady at the bus stop that you saw is going to be the inspiration for a character your gonna play in your next project!

Interested in being a StudentsXpress blog theater reporter? 
Please contact rachel@studentsxpress.com.