Originally slated to close Dec. 23, it will now run to Jan. 6, 2008, at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.

This is a return engagement of the 2006 sensation directed by Frank Galati and written by folk songwriter Michael Smith, who drew from Hans Christian Andersen's fantastical story.

In 2006 it quickly became one of the biggest hits in Victory Gardens' 33-year history. According to VGT, "This magical winter ride into Hans Christian Andersen's mythical world of myth and dream has enjoyed the return of Tony Award-winning director Frank Galati, master puppeteer Blair Thomas & Co, and most of last year's actors and on-stage band, along with a magical new set by top Chicago designer Jeff Bauer, new choreography by nationally-acclaimed actor/dancer/director Jim Corti, and the same haunting, hilarious music that charmed young and old alike."

Kai and Gerda's friendship is broken when Kai's eye and heart are pierced with frozen shards from the Devil's mirror, and the loving boy Gerda knew vanishes. The Snow Queen has put Kai under her trance and spirited him away to her palace of snow and ice. Wooden soldiers, talking reindeer, a sly enchantress, robber girls and lost children swirl in her mysterious spell. But it is up to Gerda to brave the Snow Queen's icy ire and bring Kai home to the love that awaits him.

A new CD, "Songs of The Snow Queen," a soundtrack featuring 11 original songs from Chicago's favorite new holiday musical, is now on sale in the Victory Gardens Biograph lobby for $15. Go to VictoryGardens.org to download the free single "Up in the Clouds," and to sample snippets of Smith's songs, including "Lapland," "Red Shoes" and the audience favorite "Love Letter on a Fish."

Tickets to extension performances are $20-$55. To purchase tickets, call the Victory Gardens box office, (773) 871-3000, or buy tickets online at www.VictoryGardens.org.