Photo: Emerald City’s Little Theatre

Emerald City Theatre Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone announced today the upcoming 2017 – 2018 Season, including two shows at the Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park, a holiday production at Broadway Playhouse, and an ongoing theatrical experience for the very young at Emerald City’s Little Theatre in Lakeview.

“This season we are proud to continue our commitment to literacy and adaptations, with a year of shows based on best-selling and award-winning books. It is our sincere hope that as children are inspired by live performance, they are motivated to extend their experience by opening the corresponding books and letting their imaginations run wild,” said Stone.

The season begins with MOTHER GOOSE’S GARDEN at Emerald City’s Little Theatre in Lakeview. The open-ended world premiere is currently running, and features original songs and familiar characters in an immersive experience for ages 0 – 5. Stone directs.

For the holiday season, the company brings Ken Ludwig’s ‘TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS to Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place. The comedic play with music is a Chicago premiere, again directed by Stone.

At the Apollo, Jamal Howard directs MAGIC TREE HO– USE: SHOWTIME WITH SHAKESPEARE in January, and Aileen McGroddy directs KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL in March.

Emerald City Theatre’s 2017 – 2018 Season (from the press release):

At the Apollo Theater in Lincoln Park

MAGIC TREE HO– USE: SHOWTIME WITH SHAKESPEARE
January 27 – February 25, 2018 | Previews Begin January 19, 2018
For Ages 5+
Book and Lyrics by Jenny Laird and Will Osborne
Music and Additional Lyrics by Randy Courts
Based on Stage Fright on A Summer Night MAGIC TREE HO– USE #25
By Mary Pope Osborne
Directed and Choreographed by Artistic Associate Jamal Howard

A Hip-Hop Adventure on a Midsummer’s Night! Climb into a musical time machine with Jack and Annie, and travel back to Shakespearean England! In this Midwest premiere, the daring sibling duo learns to overcome stage fright to save the famed bard’s show. Based on the critically-acclaimed book series by Mary Pope Osborne, discover how history is shaped by those who learn to overcome their fears. Full of freestyle beats to move your feet, this tuneful tale is a hip-hop hit with kids and grown-ups alike.

KNUFFLE BUNNY: A CAUTIONARY MUSICAL
March 24 – May 26, 2018 | Previews Begin March 16, 2018
For Ages 3+
Based on the Book Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale by Mo Willems
Published by Hyperion Books for Children
Script and Lyrics by Mo Willems
Music by Michael Silversher
Directed and Choreographed by Aileen McGroddy

A Small Heroine with Big Problems. Join us on the hunt for your dearest stuffed animal, Knuffle Bunny, in this comedic musical adaptation of the Caldecott Honor Book by Mo Willems! After losing the beloved toy rabbit at the laundromat, a desperate dad, a merry mom, and toddler Trixie learn the power in communicating, even when there are no words. With stage design inspired by illustrations straight from the book, this treasured tale is an ECT audience favorite.

At Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place

Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Directed by Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone
November 12 – December 31, 2017 | Previews Begin November 10, 2017
For All Ages

A Fantastic, Slapstick Holiday Affair! ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, creatures were stirring, including a mouse! Kick off your family’s yuletide season with this comic take on the classic poem. When Santa’s Naughty or Nice list has gone missing, it’s up to a pair of dancing mice, a spunky girl, and an Elf-B-I agent to solve the mystery before Santa boards his sleigh. This Chicago premiere is a holiday gift for all ages.

At Emerald City’s Little Theatre

MOTHER GOOSE’S GARDEN
Now Playing Through December 31, 2017
For Ages 0 – 5
By Kate Leslie
Directed by Artistic Director Jacqueline Stone

A Tisket, A Tasket, Grab Your Garden Basket! One, two, buckle your shoe, and take a gander at Mother Goose’s magical garden! Enjoy a playful and interactive event in Emerald City’s Little Theatre, a welcoming and safe space for kids and their grown-ups. In this world premiere production, join Jack and Jill as they search for Mother Goose and help a gaggle of your favorite characters along the way. Sing along to live music with Little Boy Blue, Miss Muffet, and others as you experience the fun in teamwork through hand-puppetry and immersive play.

For more information visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com.