Chicago Kids Company Announces 2009 Schedule

New Schedule including New "Princess and the Pea" Production and
Premiere Spanish Cinderella "La Cenicienta"

NEW PRODUCTION: "The Princess and the Pea" at three locations:
Stahl Family Theatre (St. Patrick Performing Arts Center), 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
$10 tickets at 773-205-9600 or www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com
Runs January 14-March 11, 2009

Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (at Western), Chicago, IL, 60655
$10 tickets at 773-205-9600 or www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com
Runs June 18-August 21, 2009

Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
$12 at the door/$10 advance tickets at 847-251-7424 or www.WilmetteTheatre.com
Runs July 11-August 15, 2009, Saturdays at 10 a.m.

"Goldilocks and the Three Bears" at two locations:
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (at Western), Chicago, IL, 60655
$10 tickets at 773-205-9600 or www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com
Runs February 4-May 8, 2009, weekdays at 10:30 a.m.

Wilmette Theater, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
$12 at the door/$10 advance tickets at 847-251-7424 or www.WilmetteTheatre.com
Runs February 14-March 21, 2009, Saturdays at 10 a.m.

"Cinderella" at two locations:
Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
$12 tickets for adults/$9.50 for children at 847-577-2121
Runs April 2-10, 2009

Stahl Family Theatre (St. Patrick Performing Arts Center), 5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
$10 tickets at 773-205-9600 or www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com
Runs April 14-July 16, 2009

NEW PRODUCTION: "La Cenicienta" (Cinderella performed in Spanish)
Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (at Western), Chicago, IL, 60655
$10 tickets at 773-205-9600 or www.ChicagoKidsCompany.com
Runs May 12-29, 2009, weekdays at 10:30 a.m.

In Chicago Kids Company's brand new musical "The Princess and the Pea," the prince wants to marry a real princess, so he travels the world searching but returns home disappointed. Then a young woman claiming to be the real deal seeks shelter from a storm at the prince's castle, so the queen tests her worthiness by placing a single pea under 20 mattresses. The show runs one hour with no intermission, and is for kids aged 2-12. The artistic staff includes Jesús Perez (Director, Scenic and Costume Design), Paige Coffman (Musical Director, Choreographer) and Lara Caprini (Stage Manager). The cast features Sharon Carr (The Queen), Chad (no last name, a Jester), Michael Cook (a Jester), Peter Durkin (The Prince), and Carol Rose (The Princess).

CKC's most popular show, the "just right" musical "Goldilocks and the Three Bears" follows a young girl named Goldilocks wants to find a friend for her "groovy" mom, Wynona. She ventures into the woods and stumbles upon a cute house with three bowls of porridge, three chairs, and three beds . . . which, of course, belongs to the crazy Bear family. This musical version of the favorite fairy tale features five original songs, including a three bears rap (an audience favorite), and Wynona's 60s sing-along number. The show runs one hour with no intermission, and is for kids aged 2-12. The artistic staff includes Jesús Perez (Scenic and Costume Design) and Paige Coffman (Musical Director, Choreographer). The cast features Jeny Wasilewski (Goldilocks), Matt Bonaccorso (Papa Bear), Adam Cobb (Baby Bear), Lauren Creel (Wynona) and Katie Justice (Mama Bear).

Another CKC favorite, "Cinderella" is a modernized re-telling of the classic fairy tale. Dreams really do come true in this musical version of the story of a step-daughter who cannot go to the ball because she must clean the house. She is visited by her own Fairy Godmother who turns a mouse, a pumpkin, and a bundle of rags into a horse, a carriage, and a beautiful gown for Cinderella ... and helps her find her way to the ball, and to a handsome prince. This show features six original hip-hop songs, including "Cinderella," "Believe in the Power" and "So You Wanna Go to the Ball?" The show runs one hour with no intermission, and is for kids aged 2-12.

"La Cenicienta" is another brand new CKC show, and features the Cinderella story entirely in Spanish (both text and songs). This production is perfect for Spanish-speaking families and school groups, as well as those learning Spanish, and is also for ages 2-12.

Chicago Kids Company, now in its 17th year, is funded in part by The Illinois Arts Council, a state agency. Venue locations and transportation information include:

Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. (at Western), Chicago, IL, 60655
Free parking lot, wheelchair accessible
CTA: 111th Street bus from 95 th Street (Red line El)

Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights, IL 60005
Parking is available on the street and in the garage behind the theatre; handicapped accessible

Arlington Heights Station on the Union Pacific Northwest Metra Line

The Stahl Family Theater, located at the St. Patrick Performing Arts Center
5900 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60634
Free parking lot, wheelchair accessible
CTA 77-Belmont, 85-Central buses
Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091
Metered street parking