Save the Date: Evanston Children's Theatre presents "The Wizard of Oz" April 12-14

EVANSTON, IL - Evanston Children's Theatre will present "The Wizard of Oz" at the Levy Senior Center the weekend of April 12-14. Performers age 8 through eighth grade will share the story of little Dorothy Gale of Kansas, who dreams of what lies over the rainbow.

One day, a twister hits her farm and carries her away over the rainbow to another world. Come join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tinman, the Cowardly Lion and Toto as they travel the universe of Dorothy’s imagination.

Performances will take place Friday, April 12 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 13 at 3:00 and 7:00 p.m.; and Sunday, April 14 at 3:00 p.m.

The Levy Senior Center is located at 300 Dodge Ave., Evanston. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased by phone at 847/448-8250, in person at the Levy Center and at the door.

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre to Hold Auditions Dec. 17

From the City of Evanston website:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 11, 2012
Media Contact: Martha Logan mlogan@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847/448-8041

Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre to Hold Auditions Dec. 17

EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston's Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre will hold auditions on December 17 for its summer 2013 play, "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enough." The theatre is looking to cast African American women 18-50 years of age.

Auditions will take place at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Studio 223, 927 Noyes St., Evanston. Auditions will start at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17. Actors should bring a headshot and resume and be prepared to present a one- to two-minute monologue.

Rehearsals will take place from May 13 through June 6, 2013. The play will preview on June 7 and performances will take place June 8-23. All rehearsals and performances will be held at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center. For more information or to make an interview appointment, please call 847/448-8260 and ask for Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre.

Click here for more information

Dec. 10: Rough Magic, a glorious Winter Celebration at Next Theatre

From the Rough Magic Facebook Invite:

On the evening of Monday December 10th, please join us for a special night of Rough Magic at Next Theatre!

Rough Magic is a celebration of creative abundance. A one night only performance by Chicago’s theater community and an opportunity to learn about and give to local, national and international organizations who are practicing daring, inspired, creative innovation for good.

This December's Rough Magic will be a glorious Winter Celebration at Next Theatre, with readings of holiday stories and music by Next Theatre actors, including Mary Ann Thebus, Polly Noonan, Erik Hellman, Alex Goodrich and others, in an evening directed by Michael Rohd. Enjoy cheap art, live music and delicious home baked treats!

In addition, we will celebrate three local organizations who are using the human power of creative thinking, storytelling and hard work to meaningful and inspired effect in the world. We'll give a vivid snapshot of The Moran Center, The Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse, and Evanston Scholars. What kind of innovation inspires us? Who can make best use of a gift of resources? Every guest can choose exactly where they'd like their $10 to go! At the end of the night we'll see how much we've raised by celebrating the season together.

This will be a very special evening. Here's what you need to know: Monday December 10th, Next Theatre at the Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes Street, Evanston IL 60201

7 PM: Celebration space opens with art, music, and home-baked treats. 7:30 PM: Performance.

$10 (CASH VASTLY PREFERRED), all to be given to an Evanston organization dedicated to CREATIVE INNOVATION FOR GOOD.

Come celebrate!

This Weekend: Dr. Seuss Live at Raymond Park

Up in the Tufts of a Truffula Tree: An Outdoor Dr. Seuss Spectacular!

Join us for this free family event to celebrate sunshine, nature, and community through some of Dr. Seuss's greatest stories, including Yertle the Turtle, The Sneetches, and The Lorax! An ensemble of Northwestern University students has been working all spring to bring these stories to life through original music, movement, and storytelling. Following the show, stay for some kid friendly activities including bubbles, planting seeds, and more!

The show promotes working together and being environmentally conscious. A group of kids get together and hear about the time when the Truffula trees existed, and that the Onceler may have the last seed. When the kids get to his house and ask for the last seed, he says no. In response, the kids tell him the “Yertle the Turtle” story (as a warning about power and treating people with respect).

In response to that, the Onceler tells the kids the “Lorax” story, and tells the kids that he has the last of the seed, which is the last hope for the trees, and says that he doesn't trust that the world is ready for a second chance. This is why he has to keep the seed, because he knows the destruction that people can cause.

The kids then tell the Onceler the story of the “Sneetches,” proving to the Onceler that people CAN change. The Onceler still isn't totally convinced that the kids are the ones who are ready to have the seed. The kids then begin to argue amongst themselves.

This continues on until one kid steps up and says that by arguing like that, they are proving the Onceler's point. “If we can't even take of each other, then we can't take care of the seed.” The kids realize their mistake and band together. The Onceler sees that the kids are ready and give them the seed. Together, the kids plant the truffula seed.

Presented by Spectrum Theatre Company in collaboration with Purple Crayon Players. June 1-3, 2012 at Raymond Park (On Chicago Ave between Grove St and Lake St in Evanston). All ages are welcome. Bring your own blankets, camping chairs, picnics, etc.

Show Times:
Friday, 5 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Saturday, Noon, 3 p.m. & 5 p.m.
Sunday, 3 p.m.