Chicago Children's Theatre Moves to Ruth Page Center for the Arts

Thursday and Friday nights just got a whole lot more fun for Chicago families, now that Chicago Children's Theatre has moved in to its first-ever permanent home, the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn Street, Chicago.

Itinerant no longer, Chicago Children's Theatre is expanding its performance schedule and adding new value-added, family-friendly evening show times for the company's inaugural show as a resident company at the Ruth Page, Harold and the Purple Crayon, October 11-November 4, 2012.

To start, Thursday is the new Friday for families too, thanks to the debut of Piece Pizza Party Nights at Harold and the Purple Crayon. Starting at 5:30 pm, Thursday, October 18, October 25 and November 1, families are invited to the Ruth Page to enjoy pre-show pizza courtesy of Piece Pizza, Izze Sparkling Juices, and then see CCT's Chicago premiere of its new live musical based on the beloved children's books by Crockett Johnson at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only $20.

Friday, October 19, October 26 and November 2 are Pajama Party Nights with Wishcraft at Harold and the Purple Crayon. Families can kick off the weekend at the 6:30 pm show, and enjoy a post-show party with the cast and crafty activities led by Wishcraft Workshop. Tickets are $25. Suggested attire? Pajamas.

Newly added Thursday and Friday evening shows are an expansion of Chicago Children's Theatre's familiar slate of weekend performances for the public and weekday morning shows for school groups. The complete performance schedule for Harold and the Purple Crayon, October 11-November 4, 2012, is: Tuesday at 10 am; Wednesday at 10 am and Noon; Thursday at 10 am and 6:30 pm (including pre-show pizza party at 5:30 pm); Friday at 10 am and 6:30 pm (including post-show PJ Party); Saturday at 11 am and 6 pm; and Sunday at 11 am. Exceptions: No 6:30 pm show on Thursday, October 11. No performances Saturday, October 13. Press opening is Friday, October 12 at 6:30 pm.

More events connected to Harold and the Purple Crayon include a visit from Building Block Toys on Sunday, October 11 at 11 am, back this year to sponsor a post-show party including face painting, glitter tattoos, yummy treats, activities and giveaways.

Neighborhood Parent's Network is back hosting the Sunday, October 21, 11 am performance of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Continuing CCT's tradition of giving back to the community, families are encouraged to bring new or gently used children's books to any performance to donate to Chicago area kids in need via the Open Books donation box in the lobby.

Harold and the Purple Crayon is recommended for ages 3 and up. Running time is approximately one hour. For all performances, the Ruth Page lobby will be plastered with blackboards, butcher paper and buckets of purple chalk so kids can doodle before and after the show, just like Harold.

Single tickets to Harold and the Purple Crayon are $20-$36. Purchase tickets online at chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call Chicago Children's Theatre's new dedicated box office line at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 872-222-9555. For discounted school, scout, playgroup and group rates, contact GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visit GroupTix.net.

Built in 1927, the Ruth Page Center for Arts is an iconic Chicago theater, and former home to such respected local companies as Lookingglass and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. The Ruth Page is located at 1016 N. Dearborn Street, a lovely tree-lined street in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood, just steps from the Magnificent Mile. Neighborhood street parking is available, or the Ruth Page offers discounted parking with ticket validation at the self-parking deck at the intersection of Division and Dearborn. Via public transit, the Ruth Page is a short walk from the CTA Red Line Clark/Division and Chicago stops, and the Clark, Broadway, Division and Chicago Avenue bus lines.

Nearby family-friendly restaurants include Chicago Q (1160 N. Dearborn), Epic Burger (40 E. Pearson), Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (1120 N. State), Edwardo's Natural Pizza (1212 N. Dearborn), The 3rd Coast Café (1260 N. Deaborn), and for the family looking for a full day of fun, Dave and Busters (1030 N. Clark).

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