Mayor Richard M. Daley Declares 9/18 As Laugh Out Loud Day In Chicago

On Friday, September 18, "Laughter, merriment, and general carrying-on is expected and encouraged...in honor of Goodman Theatre's production of Animal Crackers," wrote Mayor Richard M. Daley, proclaiming this day "Laugh Out Loud Day" in Chicago. "(I) urge all Chicagoans to take a moment to laugh out loud as they reacquaint themselves with the Marx Brothers and the Goodman's madcap musical."

Starting at 12 noon on "Laugh Out Loud Day," cast members from Animal Crackers deliver a sneak peek of the show, performing a sampling of musical acts at Macy's on State Street (1st Floor, Handbag Department).

Chicagoans of all ages can meet "Groucho Marx," receive a pair of Groucho glasses* and take home an Animal Crackers-inspired creation from a balloon artist. Stop by the Estée Lauder counter, with Groucho glasses in hand, to receive a complimentary consultation and gift with purchase. Register to win a four-pack of Animal Crackers tickets at the Macy's Express Desk with any purchase made on September 18. *One per customer, while supplies last.

The mayhem continues at select Loop locations-including Borders and Petterino's-throughout the day as patrons can enter to win tickets to Animal Crackers and spot "Groucho," as he makes his way to the first performance of Animal Crackers at Goodman Theatre (170 North Dearborn) at 8pm that evening.

Goodman Theatre launches its new 2009/2010 Season with tap dancing, acrobatics and tumbling in an original take on the rarely-produced Marx Brothers classic musical Animal Crackers, written by George S. Kaufman and Morrie Ryskind, with music and lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby and directed by Henry Wishcamper. Chicago native Joey Slotnick is African explorer Captain Jeffrey T. Spaulding-the vaudevillian persona created by Groucho Marx for the 1928 stage original. Joining Slotnick in the roles originated by the other Marx Brothers are Molly Brennan as The Professor (Harpo); Jonathan Brody as Emanuel Ravelli (Chico); and Ed Kross as Horatio Jamison (Zeppo). Also featured in the ensemble cast are Ora Jones as Mrs. Rittenhouse; Jessie Mueller as Grace Carpenter; Tony Yazbeck as Wally Winston; Mara Davi as Arabella Rittenhouse; and Stanley Wayne Mathis as Hives.

Animal Crackers runs September 18 - October 25, 2009 in the Goodman's Albert Theatre. Production Sponsors include Abbott, Mayer Brown LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP and Goodman Theatre's Women's Board.

Tickets to Animal Crackers ($25 - $76) are currently on sale at GoodmanTheatre.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office (170 North Dearborn) or by phone at 312.443.3800. Mezztix are half-price mezzanine tickets available at 12 noon at the box office, and at 10am online (promo code MEZZTIX) day of performance; Mezztix are not available by telephone. 10Tix are $10 mezzanine tickets for students available at 12 noon at the box office, and at 10am online on the day of performance; 10Tix are not available by telephone. Valid student I.D. must be presented when picking up the tickets. Limit four per student with I.D. All tickets are subject to availability and handling fees apply. Discounted Group Tickets for 10 persons or more are available at 312.443.3820.