Want to save money on sites and stores you already love, or discover some new ones? Groupon Coupons is a simple time and money saver that makes so much sense. We've found long time favorites there like Things Remembered for personalized gifts and Claire's, where my daughter and I both got our ears pierced.
Here at ChiIL Mama we're elated to partner up with Groupon once again for this sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own.
Have you checked out Groupon Coupons? Things Rememberedis my go to spot for personalized presents for special occasions and memorable teacher gifts. Back in the day I got my ears pierced at Claire's, and when my daughter was in kindergarten she did the same. We both found some fun Indonesian spiral earrings that summer at Summercamp Music Festival that look like gauges, but really have a post in the middle. We got so many comments and compliments!
My all time favorite comment, however, was from our 4 year old friend, Gabby. She was fascinated and obsessed with my spirals, asking to touch them and curiously checking them out for days. Finally she asked what they were made of.
When I said, "They're carved horn." I could see the wheels turning in her brain.
She paused a few beats, then remarked, "Those must be really little sheep."
Indeed!
Find your favorites at Groupon Coupons.
Once again, here at ChiIL Mama we're elated to partner up with Groupon once again for this sponsored post. As always, all opinions are my own.
I'll be taking a bit of a medical related break from reviewing and shooting events, blogging and social media. I'm going in tomorrow for major left knee surgery. I hope to be back to promoting events from home within a week and out and about in a month or so, but that may be optimistic. We'll have to see how the healing's going. I am still running quite a few giveaways so enter early and often and we'll pick most of the winners in a couple weeks.
Image from Phantasmagoric Theater Tarot
9 of wands reminds us of the importance of other people's contributions.
Today I'll be catching up on as much as humanly possible before surgery. Apologies if my 3" thick pile of to do lists doesn't get completely done. It's a fine juggling act between parenting, paid work, and passions like theatre and live music! See ya on the flip side.
DISNEY JUNIOR AT THE MOVIES – MICKEY’S BIG CELEBRATION
Date: Saturday, November 12
Time: 10:00AM CT
Fathom Events is bringing Mickey Mouse and his Disney pals to the theater for Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration! On November 12 at theaters across the country, kids and parents will celebrate Mickey's birthday during this one-day interactive cinema event, where they will be invited to jump up and sing, dance and play along with some of Disney Junior’s most-loved shows and characters, including Elena of Avalor, Miles from Tomorrowland, Doc McStuffins, The Lion Guard, Sofia the First and more! Got your tickets yet?!
In addition, fans young and old are invited to be among the first to see the upcoming series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the big screen before its television debut in January 2017. Attendees will also receive a $5 offer to the Disney Stores and a free e-book download, as well as other giveaways.
“Disney Junior at the Movies – Mickey’s BIG Celebration” is almost here! Come celebrate Mickey’s Birthday and be the FIRST to see Mickey’s all new series Mickey and the Roadster Racers on the BIG screen. You can sing and dance along with all your Disney Junior favorites, so grab the wheel and join the fun!
Be sure to check out Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Daisy and your favorite Disney Junior pals as Fathom Events and Disney Junior present a special sneak peek of Mickey and the Roadster Racers in select movie theatres nationwide at this hot diggity racer-rific one-day event onSaturday, November 12th!
In this all-new series, Mickey and the gang now run a super-cool garage where they take care of their brand-new, transforming roadsters, as they get ready for races around Hot Dog Hills and around the world!
When they’re not on the road with Mickey competing for trophies, Minnie and Daisy run their own business, “The Happy Helpers”, solving problems for anyone needing a helping hand. Minnie’s skills know no limits and her style will still be as fashionable as ever.
We are huge fans of brain games here at ChiIL Mama. My kids have grown up playing puzzle games, memory games, board games, card games and brain games from toddlerhood on. So, when Gigamic games reached out to us to partner up on a review and giveaway, we jumped at the chance.
Disclosure: We have been given games for review purposes and for our giveaway. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are our own.
I fully believe playing smart games has increased my kids' brain power. Now that my kids are 13 & 15, they're both in advanced honors tracks in two of the best public schools in the city of Chicago, if not the country. My 15 year old son, Dugan, is the VP of a card game club at Lane Tech, and taking 3 college level AP classes and the rest senior level course work. He's also a great game tester for me, along with his sister, Sage, who is an 8th grader in the IB honors program at Taft high school's academic center. Now that my kids are teens, family play is even more fun, and we're all pretty evenly matched. Want to add Quoridor to your family's game collection?
gorgeous wooden Quoridor set ($34.95 value) from Gigamic & ChiIL Mama just in time for the holidays!
Open to US entries nationwide. Enter through midnight 11/24/16.
We were given Quoridor and Panic Lab to review. Both were huge hits with the family. Quoridor is a gorgeous wooden set, classy and classic enough to leave out as decor, on our gaming trunk. Games are meant to be seen and played. We've found that when they're unboxed they get played even more often. Both games are easy to learn quickly. Quoridor remains challenging as it's strategies are easy to learn, tough to master.
Panic Lab is a fast paced, playful game, perfect for multi age groups and keeping the kids off the video games for some family together time. The tin makes travel with Panic Lab a snap. This was my daughter's favorite, hands down. And I will say the kids beat the adults on this one on just about every round. The game play resulted in a lot of laughs. We highly recommend both games!
Many of Gigamic's puzzle and strategy games have educational benefits while the wooden games also make beautiful (yet functional) decorations as coffee table games, on home bars, in man caves and on desks. Many of the tin games are great for travel and will make fantastic stocking stuffers. They are fun, casual games with short teaching time and are fast to play. Gigamic makes quality games that stand the test of time. Quarto is celebrating 25 years and Quoridor is celebrating 20! Whether you want a timeless classic keepsake or a colorful newcomer, Gigamic has you covered.
Marbles (Quarto, Quoridor,Katamino), Amazon (Quoridorand more), Barnes & Noble, & local Chicago games stores like one of our favorites, Cat and Mouse.
Disclosure: Once again, we have been given games for review purposes and for our giveaway. This post contains affiliate links. As always, all opinions are our own.
“Fashionably Late” Black Friday Shopping Event, Extended Hours and Convenient Amenities Help Make Fashion Outlets of Chicago Holiday Shopper’s Paradise
I'm not a huge fans of malls, but I actually enjoy shopping at Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago. They have an easy parking garage, great layout, and a relaxed atmosphere. And their selection of stores is excellent! Check them out this holiday, to simplify your shopping needs and visit one of the most high tech Santa HQs in town.
Macerich's Fashion Outlets of Chicago, located at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way in Rosemont, has partnered with one of America’s leading home and lifestyle brands, HGTV, to introduce Santa HQ: a thoroughly modern, extraordinarily experiential visit with Santa for shoppers to enjoy this holiday season. Fashion Outlets of Chicago will also make the holiday season bright with its “Fashionably Late” Black Friday shopping event, high-end amenities and extended holiday hours.
Set to open Friday, November 11, the new Santa HQ will invite families to experience the wonder of Santa's workshop in the digital and social media age. This engaging new version of a visit with Santa utilizes digital tools to offer an augmented reality environment and a thoroughly new and enhanced social media experience for families. Santa HQ will be open seven days a week through December 24.
Operating hours are:
Mondays through Thursdays: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Special holiday hours include:
Friday, November 25: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, November 26: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Sunday, November 27: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Sunday, December 18: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 24: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
"Our goal at Fashion Outlets of Chicago is to enhance the customer experience in every way possible and deliver exciting opportunities guests can’t find anywhere else,” said Katie Walsh, Senior Marketing Manager at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. “Visits and photos with Santa at shopping centers are a well-loved holiday tradition, and this year we are elevating that experience with the digital and social media components of Santa HQ.” At Santa HQ, children will be "scanned" as they arrive and determined to be "naughty or nice," enter an observatory where they will use special tablets to choose magical environments - the night sky or the inner workings of a clock on the wall, for instance - and be able to take an "ELFIE" (an image of the child as a dancing elf), among other attractions. Furry family members can join in the fun and be a part of family photos with Santa during Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s pet nights. Every Monday, from November 28 through December 19, families can bring their cat or dog to Santa HQ for photos with Santa from 6 to 8 p.m. Fashion Outlets of Chicago encourages shoppers participating in pet nights to park on P2 (second level) of the parking garage and enter the center by Helzberg Diamonds and Converse to easily access Santa HQ.
Visitors are invited to start making reservations as early as mid-September by visiting www.santa- hq.com. Guests can also enter to win $10,000 in cash by registering at the Santa HQ set or by visiting www.santa-hq.com.
Shoppers can celebrate Black Friday in style at Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s “Fashionably Late” event beginning at 10 p.m. Thursday, November 24 and running through 10 p.m. Friday, November 25. Guests can take advantage of incredible Black Friday savings at more than 130 designer outlets while Chicago’s hottest DJs including DJ Lani Love will spin chart-topping hits throughout the 24- hour party.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago will extend its hours during the holiday season in order for shoppers to take advantage of the center’s amazing sales and holiday amenities. Visit www.fashionoutletsofchicago.com for specific holiday hours.
Fashion Outlets of Chicago will help make the holiday shopping season stress-free with its wide range of amenities available at Concierge Services. Through a program powered by Deliv, shoppers can bring their holiday purchases to Concierge Services and enjoy same -day delivery to their home, office or hotel within 10 miles of Fashion Outlets of Chicago for $5. In order to accommodate same-day delivery, items must be dropped off at Concierge Services before 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and before 3 p.m. Sundays. Gift wrapping is also available at Concierge Services and starts at $2 per item.
For Chicago visitors traveling through O’Hare airport, Fashion Outlets of Chicago is a great destination to visit during a layover. Concierge services is available to hold luggage and print boarding passes at the shopping center. International travelers can take advantage of currency
exchange and translation services.
Anchored by Bloomingdale’s The Outlet Store, Forever 21, Last Call by Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom Rack and Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, the two-level indoor shopping center is home to a variety of brands for every shopper including Nike, The Disney Store, J.Crew and Michael Kors. The center also offers outlet stores unique to the Chicago area, including AllSaints, Prada, Burberry, Chico’s, DVF, Gucci, Joe’s Jeans, Kipling, Moncler, lululemon athletica, The Art of Shaving, Tory Burch and vineyard vines.
About Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Macerich’s Fashion Outlets of Chicago is an award-winning 530,000 square-foot, two-level indoor shopping center that is home to more than 130 designer outlets, an impressive contemporary art collection and high-end amenities. The one-of-a-kind upscale outlet property that redefines and elevates the outlet shopping experience, is located at 5220 Fashion Outlets Way in Rosemont – minutes from O’Hare International Airport and Chicagoland’s major highways.
About Macerich
Macerich, an S&P 500 company, is a fully integrated self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust, which focuses on the acquisition, leasing, management, development and redevelopment of regional malls throughout the United States.
Macerich currently owns 55 million square feet of real estate consisting primarily of interests in 51 regional shopping centers. Macerich specializes in successful retail properties in many of the country's most attractive, densely populated markets with significant presence in the Pacific Rim, Arizona, Chicago, and the New York to Washington, DC corridor.
THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO’S FAMILY-FRIENDLY THEATRICAL ADAPTATION OF THE HOLIDAY CLASSIC
THE NUTCRACKER
RETURNS, NOVEMBER 4 – DECEMBER 30,
AT THE CHOPIN THEATRE
The Annual Fan Favorite Offers New Music Additions After This Summer’s Partnership with the Chicago Performance Lab and Stars 16-year old Ariana Burks as “Clara”
The House Nutcracker has been a long time family fav of ours here at ChiIL Mama. It's a beloved annual holiday tradition and we can't wait to catch the revamped 2016 version with some new tunes and Ariana Burks as Clara!
The House Theatre of Chicago once again brings holiday cheer for the whole family with its seventh annual engagement of the all-original, ballet-free The Nutcracker playing at The Chopin Theatre upstairs theatre, 1543 W. Division, November 4 – December 30. Company Members Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell and Tommy Rapley created the adaptation. Company Member Rapley reprises his role as director and choreographer of the holiday production based on E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story.
Previews take place November 4 – 10 following the regular schedule, excluding matinees. The press opening is Friday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. with 3 p.m. matinees Saturdays and Sundays. Preview tickets are $15 with regular run tickets $25 – $45. Student and industry same-day discounted tickets are available for $15 for all dates, based on availability. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773.769.3832 or by visiting www.thehousetheatre.com.
The House’s fantastical expansion of this holiday classic centers on young Clara’s journey to celebrate Christmas in the face of grief after the death of her brother, Fritz. When Fritz returns to her as a magical nutcracker come to life, this brave little girl fights the Rat King and saves her family. The House’s modern holiday theatrical production weaves together riveting dialogue, astonishing puppetry, original song and spellbinding spectacle to tell a heartwarming, darkly moving story of magic and hope—a fun outing fit for the whole family.
Freshly revamped during workshop time at the Chicago Performance Lab this past summer, repeat fans of the show have new musical additions to look forward to and new audiences will delight in the production’s creativity and heart. In addition, making her The House Theatre debut is 16-year old Ariana Burks as “Clara.” The production premiered at the Steppenwolf Theatre in 2007 under the Visiting Company Initiative and has enjoyed highly acclaimed new productions at The House from 2010 through 2015, as well as simultaneous productions in Chicago and Miami in 2012.
AGES: 5 to 105! Read more in the Parent's Guide from co-writer Jake Minton
RUN TIME: 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
The Nutcracker is adapted from “The Nutcracker and the Mouse,” a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann by Jake Minton, Phillip Klapperich, Kevin O’Donnell, and Tommy Rapley.
The cast for The Nutcracker includes Company Member Joey Steakley (Hugo) and returning guest artists Rachel Shapiro (Phoebe) and Desmond Gray (Fritz). New cast members this year are Torrey Hanson (Drosselmeyer), Amanda de la Guardia (Martha), Nicholas Bailey (David), Ariana Burks (Clara) and Ian Maryfield (Monkey).
ABOUT ARIANA BURKS, “Clara”
Ariana Burks is an Emmy nominated, young actress with many film/theatre credits to date including most recently The Compass at Steppenwolf. Other theatre credits include “Little Inez” in Hairspray at Paramount, Alice in Wonderland: Alice's Rock and Roll Adventure with Chicago Children’s Theatre, “Emma” in The Black & White Ball at FWD Theatre, “Elf” in Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Broadway Playhouse, “Belinda/Fan” in A Christmas Carol at the Goodman and “Little Inez” in Hairspray at Drury Lane. Burks's film and television credits include Chicago Fire on NBC, Prank Stars on the Disney Channel and The Jr. Cuisine Cooking Show (Emmy Nominated) on PBS.
ABOUT THE HOUSE THEATRE OF CHICAGO
The House is Chicago's premier home for intimate, original works of epic story and stagecraft. Founded and led by Artistic Director Nathan Allen and driven by an interdisciplinary ensemble of Chicago’s next generation of great storytellers, The House aims to become a laboratory and platform for the evolution of the American theatre as an inclusive and popular artform.
The House was founded in 2001 by a group of friends to explore connections between community and storytelling through a unique theatrical experience. Since becoming eligible in 2004, The House has been nominated for 66 Joseph Jefferson Awards (23 wins), became the first recipient of Broadway in Chicago’s Emerging Theater Award in 2007, and was awarded a 2014 National Theatre Company Grant by the American Theatre Wing—founder of the Tony Awards. The 15th anniversary year of original work began in September 2016 with the world premiere of The Comedical Tragedy of Mister Punch. The House continues its mission to unite Chicago in the spirit of Community through amazing feats of storytelling.
Here at ChiIL Mama we're big fans of Coobie Seamless Bras. I own a handful of them and they truly are comfortable. I'm looking forward to reviewing their Classic Lace Bralette style next. They've offered me a free one to review and two (winners' choice of style) to giveaway to my readers in the near future, so check back early and often so you can enter to win. In the meantime, all of my readers recieve 25% off any order of Coobie Seamless Bras at www.shopcoobie.com. Use code: USFG
Classic Lace Bralette
Seamless Bras don't dig in and leave marks like many others. I have a love/hate relationship with many other bras I've tried (especially underwire ones). I love to hate them! Coobie Seamless Bras are ultra comfortable and supportive. Perfect for everyday wear our versatile one-size fits 32A - 36D, available in 7+ styles and 70+ colors/patterns, with adjustable straps and removable pads! Try one, you'll love it!
I'm past the breast feeding days myself, but as a strong advocate for long term nursing, I'm happy to see Coobie Seamless Bras has a nursing bra style too!
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Disclosure: As a US Family Blogger, I'm happy to partner up with Coobie Seamless Bras again, for a sponsored post. I have been given a complimentary sample for review purposes, in exchange for sharing this promotion with my readers. As always, all opinions are my own.
My daughter, Sage, is fond of saying that she has a green name, green eyes, and a green birthstone. It's also her favorite color, so I was elated at the chance to partner up with KidsGold -14k for Kids to review a pair of emerald earrings. These are well made, gorgeous, real gems and gold, and they're a huge hit with my daughter. She wore them to her 8th grade homecoming dance, with a designer dress in... you guessed it, sage green.
Disclosure: We have been compensated with a sample pair for review purposes, as part of US Family Bloggers. All opinions are my own.
A 20% Off Store-Wide Sale is offered exclusively for ChiILMama's readers from Nov.1 - Dec. 31, 2016. The coupon code to be used at checkout is: USFG20
These earrings are comfortable, with a light weight and rounded post, so even babies or young children can wear them. They're an excellent grandparent gift, birthday keepsake, or memento to mark a special occasion. And kids won't quickly outgrow them like clothes! My teen adores hers and plans to treasure them into adulthood. Highly recommended!
Got a daughter with pierced ears? We have a great special to share, for 14k Gold .50ct TW Genuine Birthstone Earrings. We have been compensated with a sample pair for review purposes.
Since ancient times the wearing of birthstones has been thought to bring good luck and good health. Every month has its own special stone, each with own fabled qualities and benefits. I'm so happy we ordered an emerald pair for my May daughter, born on actual Mother's Day.
Now KidsGold -14k for Kids is offering your favorite girl her very own pair of 14k Gold .50ct TW Genuine Birthstone Earrings in a beautiful basket setting at 20% off! All months with their corresponding gemstones are included!
Each pair of 14k Gold Genuine Birthstone Earrings comes Gift Boxed with a Matching Tote + Free Shipping!
A 20% Off Store-Wide Sale is offered exclusively for ChiILMama's readers from Nov.1 - Dec. 31, 2016. The coupon code to be used at checkout is: USFG20
Beginning in 1979, the creators of KidsGold -14k for Kids have been merchandising 14k gold children's jewelry programs for major retailers throughout the country.
KidsGold -14k for Kids is 14k Gold Children's Jewelry at Great Prices + Free Shipping! Genuine Birthstones, Earrings, Necklaces, Religious, Rings, Bracelets. Every item comes gift boxed with a matching tote. Visit www.kidsgold.com for their complete selection.
Disclosure: We have been compensated with a sample pair for review purposes, as part of US Family Bloggers. All opinions are my own.
CHICAGO CHILDREN'S THEATRE PRESENTS THEATER UNSPEAKABLE'S
MOON SHOT: A RACE TO SPACE,
NOVEMBER 1-20, 2016
**Moon Shot: A Race to Space runs approximately one hour and is ideal for ages 10 to adult. **
Watch seven actors squeeze onto a 21-square foot table
to recreate the story of America's Apollo 11 lunar landing
when Chicago Children's Theatre presents
Theater Unspeakable's Moon Shot: A Race to Space,
November 1-20, 2017.
Theater Unspeakable's a local favorite of ours here at ChiIL Mama and ChiIL Live Shows. We adore their concept of performing contact theatre in a confined space-- a raised 21 square foot table! This leads to Twister-like scenarios and precarious blocking and adds a challenging intimacy to their shows that's fascinating to watch. We're also huge fans of Chicago Children's Theatre's Later Stages series for ages 10+. Chicago's theatre scene is incomparable on the adult productions front and has quite a few stellar companies doing children's theatre for the very young. Until now, the tweens and younger teens have been largely overlooked. Kudos to Chicago Children's Theatre for realizing many savvy urban children age out of early childhood theatre before childhood ends. There are plenty of theatre loving kids from age 10 on, that aren't quite ready for full on adult fare. This is the show for you!
Watch seven actors squeeze onto a 21-square foot table - nearly as tight as NASA's original Mercury capsules - to recreate the story of America's Apollo 11 lunar landing, when Chicago Children's Theatre presents Theater Unspeakable's Moon Shot: A Race to Space, November 1-20, 2016.
Using only their bodies and their voices, this astounding troupe of Chicago actors brings to life one of the most daring times in the history of human exploration: the Space Race. From the Cold War to Sputnik, from Yuri Gagarin to Neil Armstrong, this action-packed show brings Theater Unspeakable's tongue-in-cheek humor to a whole new atmosphere - one where the rules of gravity no longer apply.
Chicago Children's Theatre presents the world premiere of Moon Shot: The Race for Space, commissioned by Palo Alto Children's Theatre, November 1-20 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.
Show times are Tuesdays through Friday at 10 a.m.; Saturdays at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. (Exception: no show Tuesday, November 8.)
Single tickets are $10-$39. For tickets and information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555.
Chicago Children's Theatre's performance home, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, is convenient to public transportation, surrounded by family-friendly restaurants and located just steps from the Magnificent Mile.
CCT also offers discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting groups. Email groupsales@chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call
(773) 227-0180 x 15 to learn more.
Better yet, include Moon Shot: A Race to Space in a 2016-17 Chicago Children's Theatre Membership Pass. Multi-show membership benefits include discounted tickets, reserved seats, flexible ticketing, discounts on CCT classes and camps, no ticket fees and invitations to CCT events. For membership information, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555.
November 12 and 13 is Access Weekend for Moon Shot:
The Race to Space
Access Weekend for Moon Shot: A Race to Space is Saturday and Sunday, November 12-13, with services for persons with disabilities integrated into public performances. These include:
Live open captioning for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing:
Saturday, November 12 at 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 13 at 2:30 p.m.
Sensory friendly performance with quiet room for children on the autism spectrum or with Down Syndrome:
Sunday, November 13 at 2:30 p.m.
For more information about access services, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org/access or contact access administrator Alex Mauney at cmauney@chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
The Apollo 11 lunar landing: A brief history
July 20, 1969: Watch the Apollo 11 Moon Landing
It's the morning of July 16, 1969, a little over eight years since the flights of Yuri Gagarin and Alan Shepard, which spurred President Kennedy to challenge NASA to put a man on the moon before the decade was out. Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins sat atop Saturn V at Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center, ready for the first manned flight to the moon.
At 9:32 a.m. EDT, the engines fired and Apollo 11 cleared the tower. About 12 minutes later, the crew was in Earth's orbit. After one and a half orbits, Apollo 11 got the "go" for what mission controllers called "Translunar Injection" - in other words, it was time to head for the moon.
Three days later the crew was in orbit. A day later, Armstrong and Aldrin climbed into the lunar module Eagle and began the descent, while Collins orbited in the command module Columbia.
When it came time to set Eagle down in the Sea of Tranquility, Armstrong improvised, manually piloting the ship past an area littered with boulders. When the lunar module landed at 4:18 p.m EDT, only 30 seconds of fuel remained. Armstrong radioed "Houston, Tranquility Base here. The Eagle has landed."
At 10:56 p.m. EDT Armstrong planted the first human foot on another world. With more than half a billion people watching on television, he climbed down the ladder and proclaimed: "That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind." Aldrin joined him, and they explored the surface for two and a half hours, collecting samples and taking photographs. They left behind an American flag, a patch honoring the fallen Apollo 1 crew, and a plaque on one of Eagle's legs. It reads, "Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the moon. July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind."
Armstrong and Aldrin blasted off and docked with Collins in Columbia. The crew splashed down off Hawaii on July 24. President Kennedy's challenge had been met. (Source: https://www.nasa.gov.)
Biggest show. Smallest stage.
Theater Unspeakable's Moon Shot: A Race to Space
In 2010, Marc Frost created Theater Unspeakable, formally Un-Speak-Able, as a platform for devising new physical theater projects, drawing upon the heavy influence of Frost's time at the London International School of Performing Arts (LISPA).
The company's current project, Moon Shot: A Race to Space, commissioned by Palo Alto Children's Theatre, developed and presented in association with Chicago Children's Theatre, marks a return as well as a departure from the "platform" style.
It stars David Gordezky as Yuri Gagarin, Quenna Lené as Janet Armstrong, Sarah Liken as Valentina Tereshkova, Aaron Rustebakke as Neil Armstrong, Rejinal Simon as Sergei Korolev, Orion Lay-Sleeper as Wernher Von Braun and Vanessa Valliere as President Kennedy.
Marc Frost directs. Rachel K. Levy is lighting designer. Jacob Watson is additional set designer. Lucía Mier y Terán Romero is music director. Sara Beaman is stage manager. Stacey Klingberg is the assistant stage manager. Filipa Tomas is assistant movement director.
To date, Theater Unspeakable has created three original touring pieces. Their first "platform-style" piece, Superman 2050, was brought to life when Frost was awarded a six-month residency at Links Hall called the Lisa Dershin LinkUp. Chicago Children's Theatre subsequently presented SuperMan 2050 to unanimous audience acclaim in 2014. Other original works include Murder on the Midwest Express and The American Revolution.
Based in Chicago, the company continues to perform in venues across the country including Chicago Children's Theatre, Chicago Humanities Festival, Chicago Cultural Center, Adventure Stage Chicago, Filament Theatre, Links Hall (Chicago); Lincoln Center Education (NY), Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (NY); Palo Alto Children's Theatre (CA); Center of Creative Arts (St. Louis, MO); Alden Theatre (McLean, VA); Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall (Sarasota, FL); Lewis University (Romeoville, IL), Piccolo Theatre (Evanston, IL); Gaillard Center (Charleston, SC) and Peace Center (Greenville, SC). For more information, visit theaterunspeakable.com.
What's Next? A Look Ahead to Chicago Children's Theatre's 2016-17 season
In addition to Moon Shot: A Race to Space, Chicago Children's Theatre kicks off its 2016-17 season with Thodos Dance Chicago's critically-acclaimed story ballet A Light in the Dark: The Story of Helen Keller and Anne Sullivan, co-choreographed by Thodos Dance Chicago Artistic Director Melissa Thodos and Broadway icon Ann Reinking, October 15-23, 2016.
Theatre Unspeakable's Moon Shot: A Race to Space is rotating performances at the Ruth Page with Another Snowy Day with Beatrix Potter & Friends, November 5-20, 2016. Will Bishop's delightful trunk show for the toddler set features mechanical suitcase sculptures with pulls and levers that little kids turn and crank to help tell every family's favorite Beatrix Potter stories.
With the New Year comes the return of CCT's smash hit musical The Hundred Dresses, adapted and created by Ralph "Ralph's World" Covert and G. Riley Mills, directed by Sean Graney, artistic director of The Hypocrites. Don't miss this engaging and enlightening musical about a young girl who struggles to stand up to others-even when she's standing alone, January 17-February 12, 2017.
Has your child asked to take a gap year? Let them find out what it's really like with CCT's world premiere of The Year I Didn't Go to School: A Homemade Circus. Created and directed by Lookingglass Artistic Director Heidi Stillman and based on the popular Giselle Potter picture book, this all-new production will be a thrilling experience for all ages, filled with circus arts, February 28-March 26, 2017.
Brown Bear, Brown Bear & Other Treasured Stories by Eric Carle, presented by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia, closes Chicago Children's Theatre 11th season, May 2-28, 2017.
All shows will be presented at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago. For memberships, subscriptions or passes, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555.
New home for Chicago Children's Theatre to open in January 2017
In addition to presenting its 2016-17 mainstage season at the Ruth Page, Chicago Children's Theatre is busy transforming the former, 12th District Police Station at 100 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago's West Loop into a beautiful, mixed-use performing arts and education facility designed to serve all Chicago families.
Slated to open in January, 2017, Phase One of the new Chicago Children's Theatre will be CCT's headquarters for all educational programming, housing five classrooms for year round courses and camps for ages 0 to 14, and a space dedicated to year round Red Kite programs for children on the autism spectrum.
Phase One also boasts a flexible, 149-seat studio theater ready to host professional performances and student shows.
Phase Two of Chicago Children's Theatre's new building is anchored by a second, 299-seat mainstage theater, scheduled for completion in 2020.
Stay tuned for more exciting news about inaugural events, the first session of theater arts classes in Chicago Children's Theatre's first-ever permanent home starting in February, plus two, must-see live family productions set to premiere in the new studio theater in 2017.
About Chicago Children's Theatre
Since its launch in 2005, Chicago Children's Theatre has cemented its reputation as the city's largest professional theater company devoted exclusively to children and young families.
The company evolved out of Chicago's need for high-quality, professional year-round children's programming to match the quality and significance of theatrical powerhouses such as Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Goodman Theatre and Lookingglass Theatre.
Likewise, CCT has always believed children should be treated as the sophisticated audiences that they are with high-profile and award-winning talent, inventive production values and compelling stories that challenge, educate and entertain.
Audiences have embraced Chicago Children's Theatre since its inaugural production, A Year with Frog and Toad, at the Goodman Theatre in 2006. Since then, the company's productions have featured everything from black-light scenery to live music to interactive four-dimensional sets to life-size puppets, with performances showcasing the heart of Motown to Vaudeville to contemporary, current and modern styles.
Chicago Children's Theatre also has built a national reputation due to its strong focus on new work, producing 12 world premieres in just the last 10 years including The Selfish Giant, The Hundred Dresses, Jackie and Me, Dot and Ziggy, The Houdini Box, The Elephant and The Whale (in association with Redmoon), Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, Leo Lionni's Frederick, Wonderland, Alice's Rock & Roll Adventure, A Snowy Day with Beatrix Potter and Jabari Dreams of Freedom. These enjoyed highly successful inaugural runs in Chicago, followed by new productions at family theaters across the U.S.
CCT has always honored a strong commitment to low-income families and children with special needs. In partnership with Chicago Public Schools, the company offers free tickets to more than 5,000 Chicago-area low-income students each season.
Meanwhile, the company has pioneered immersive theater designed for children on the autism spectrum via its Red Kite Project, and recently expanded programming for children with impaired vision or hearing and Down's syndrome.
Chicago Children's Theatre also offers a full roster of after school theater classes and summer camps.
Led by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell, Board Chair Todd Leland and Community Programs Artistic Director Frank Maugeri, Chicago Children's Theatre is supported by a dynamic Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business. Officers include Jeff Hughes, President; Lynn Lockwood Murphy, Vice Chair and Secretary; David Saltiel, Vice Chair; and David Chung, Treasurer.
Chicago Children's Theatre is sponsored in part by ComEd and Goldman Sachs Gives.
For more information visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org, or call (773) 227-0180.
