ChiILoween II--More Hot Happenings before Oct. 31st--CICFF Kids Film Festival, 500 Clown Frankenstein, Parents Nights Out, and Theatre Updates

Here are some of the best, that stand out from the rest, in a packed couple of weeks here in Chi Town.

The 26th Annual Chicago International Children's Film Festival begins today, Thursday, October 22nd and runs through November 1st.   Check out the CICFF web site.   I've been a volunteer at Facets for 20 years, and they are truly one of Chicago's treasures.   If you go to the film fest at Facets on Halloween morning, say hi.  ChiIL Mama, Du-Jay and Sagezilla will be volunteering with the box office and concessions from 9-12:30.

Monday, October 26th--Frankenstein with franks and  steins!

Parents need a night out, too.   And, if you can snag a rare Monday night sitter, or talk your "significant other" into wrangling the monkeys while you have a girls or guys night out.........this is the place to be!   Adrian is not only an acrobatic superstar, but a local Chicago Dad and a friend of ours.   If you've never seen a 500 Clown show, your life is incomplete.  They're wacky, wonderful, and not to be missed!

500 CLOWN FRANKENSTEIN with franks & steins Monday October 26 Reserve your tickets now with a donation 7 pm show 9 pm show party happens between shows at Galaxie, 2603 W. Barry Ave, Chicago "Outrageous humor and ape-shit acrobatics" Time Out Chicago 500 Clown Frankenstein came to life in 2003 in a hole in the wall theater in a Chicago downtown building slated for demolition. The show continues to have an active touring life in fancy and not so fancy digs all around the US (with one European stint so far). Now begins 500 Clown Raw – a series of Chicago-based 500 Clown events that celebrate immediacy, risk, and liveness in small spaces with small crowds. First up: Shaking up 500 Clown Frankenstein with a new performer line up featuring 500 Clown veteran performer Adrian Danzig partnering with the fabulous and riveting Matt Hawkins and Leah Urzendowski. We hope you join us on this new and exciting ride, which will take us into 2010, filled with new shows, clown jams, and inspiring action-events building community around the unpredictable power of the moment. click here for more info and to watch some 500 Clown Frankenstein (click on video in left column) "Fiercely clever and monstrously funny ... a bold, compassionate and often dangerous distillation of Mary Shelley's horror novel about arrogance, obsession and irresponsibility." Daily Herald Donate now to reserve tickets. 7 pm show 9 pm show $30 gets you a show, franks & steins. whaaa? yes. and more frankenstein... The Hypocrites' Frankenstein at the MCA Opening Night Performance & Private Party Saturday, October 24th, 7:30pm Only ten tickets left Call 773.989.7352 exclusively to book now before they sell out

Rocky Horror Show--Another great night out that'll take you right back to your college days....and make you forget about dirty diapers and homework help for a few precious hours. October 22-31only.  Shows at 8PM  @  Athenaeum Theatre  

The Raveonettes were one of our favorite bands we'd never seen, from Lollapalooza 2009.   They'll be at Metro this Sunday at 7pm, with The Black Angels.  

And, if Rocky Horror isn't kitschy and seasonal enough for ya.   Here's another production goin' on this week at one of our favorite venues, Hideout.   Check out Little Shop of Horrors at 8PM tonight through Sunday only.   Tickets are a reasonable $15.00.   Reserve in advance.   It's a small space and likely to sell out.

Finally, Our Kid-Friendly Theatre Update through the end of October:

Special Halloween Treat--two for one tickets to The Hundred Dresses

Buy one ticket, get one free*
for the hottest family show in Chicago!  

Special Halloween performances at Noon and 3pm. Come in costume! Treats and a gift bag for every child!

* One child ticket FREE with purchase of each full-price adult ticket for Sat., Oct. 31 shows!
   Request Treat1 when ordering

Treasure Island at Lifeline Theatre has been extended by two weeks.

Performances are selling out - don't miss your chance to experience Robert Louis Stevenson's legendary high-seas adventure, adapted for Lifeline Theatre by award-winning ensemble member John Hildreth. Treasure Island runs Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 4pm & 8pm, and Sundays at 4pm, through November 15, 2009. Call the box office today at (773) 761-4477 or order ONLINE.