"Based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved winter tale about a boy who is lost in the cold, and the girl who won't give up until she finds him," Victory Gardens' The Snow Queen "is the rare family musical that sings to children, and speaks to adults," according to the Tony Award-honored company.
Opening is Dec. 1 at 7:30 PM at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.
In its second outing in 2007, the original 2006 production returned with a new scenic design by top Chicago designer Jeff Bauer, new choreography by nationally acclaimed actor/dancer/director Jim Corti, "and the same haunting, hilarious folk music score that charmed young and old alike."
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Reprising their roles for year three are award-winning actress Cheryl Lynn Bruce as The Storyteller, and Blair Robertson as Gerda. Patrick Andrews, who played Charlie Bucket in Willy Wonka at Chicago Shakespeare Theater this past summer, and appeared in House Theatre's The Sparrow, is new to the cast as Kai. Backing Smith live on stage are The Snow Queen band — Barbara Barrow, Sue Demel, Bob Goins, Cathy Norden, and Rob Arendt.
Also returning are Tony-winning director Galati, choreographer Corti, master puppeteer Blair Thomas, Meredith Miller (co-puppet designer), Jeff Bauer (sets), Tatjana Radisic (costumes), Jenna McDanold (lights) and Joe Cerqua (sound). Puppeteer/dancers are Jackson Evans, Nicole Pellegrino and Lindsay Noel Whiting. Tina M. Jach is production stage manager.
The Snow Queen is recommended for children eight and up. For tickets and information, call the Victory Gardens box office, (773) 871-3000, or visit www.victorygardens.org.