Chi Children's Theatre Announces Cast and Crew of FREDERICK

Chicago Children's Theatre's kicks off its thirteenth season with its own, smash hit family musical Leo Lionni's Frederick, based on Leo Lionni's Caldecott Award-winning book about Frederick the mouse.

Performances are October 9-November 11, 2018 at Chicago Children's Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave. in Chicago's West Loop. Press opening weekend is October 13 and 14.

Lionni's early-reading picture book is much loved for introducing children to the idea that there is a place for all of us in this world, with a special shout out to the importance of artists in our society. Who doesn't love Frederick the mouse, who appears to be daydreaming the summer away while his fellow field mice work hard gathering food for the winter. But when cold weather arrives, it is Frederick who has a surprise stored up - something special to help his friends survive the long, dreary winter.

"Very charming and poignant...adapted delightfully for the stage" was how the Chicago Tribune welcomed Frederick when Chicago Children's Theatre first premiered its new musical in 2014. homemademothering.com agreed "any event that can captures the imagination and wonder of two, four and six year olds is truly special."

Perfectly timed for families preparing to brave the Chicago winter, Chicago Children's Theatre brings Frederick back this fall for the city's newest generation of young theatergoers with an A-list team of Chicago's top professional theater artists on stage and behind the scenes.

At the top is Tommy Rapley, company member with The House Theatre of Chicago and one of this city's most in-demand choreographers, who promises to make his CCT directing debut with a raucous, fleet footed and playful new take on Leo Lionni's Frederick.

A talented company of six actor/musicians frequently seen on Chicago's top stages are all ready to "get their mouse on" at CCT. Playing the titular role of Frederick is Tommy Rivera-Vega, acclaimed for his recent work in shows including Goodman's Support Group for Men and Teatro Vista's Parachute Men (Jeff nomination, best supporting actor).

Playing Frederick's fellow field mice are Chicago stage veterans Liz Chidester (Lizzie Borden in Firebrand's rock musical Lizzie, and a Chicago Children's Theater teaching artist) as Sunny; Joe Dempsey (Lookingglass' 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Northlight's Faceless) as Ernest; Nicole Laurenzi (Mamma Mia! national tour, also a CCT teaching artist) as Nellie; Leslie Ann Sheppard (CCT's The Hundred Dresses, Northlight's The Legend of Georgia McBride) as Baby; and multi-instrumentalist Jess McIntosh, a frequent composer/performer for The House Theatre.
Leo Lionni's Frederick, a 2014 CCT world premiere, was adapted for the stage by Suzanne Miller and features a spirited folk and rock blues music score by Sarah Durkee and Paul Jacobs.

The world of Frederick is inventive, do-it-yourself and highly physical, with the cast and crew working together to transform ordinary objects and everyday ideas into the extraordinary. Bringing this to reality is the Frederick production team: Matthew Muñiz (music director), John Musical (scenic design), Izumi Inaba (costume design), Lee Fiskness (lighting design), Kevin O'Donnell (sound design), Eleanor Kahn (properties design) and Jamie Abelson (casting director).

Frederick show times, ticket and subscription information
Leo Lionni's Frederick runs October 9-November 11, 2018 at Chicago Children's Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Avenue in Chicago's West Loop.
Public performances are Saturday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

School matinees are Tuesdays through Fridays at 10 a.m. Frederick is an all-ages show. Single tickets are $39 including fees. For subscriptions, single tickets and information on group rates, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call Chicago Children's Theatre Guest Services, (312) 374-8835.

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