THE HOUDINI BOX Set for Skokie Run 3/14-25

Chicago Children's Theatre's new musical THE HOUDINI BOX, currently enjoying a run at Chicago's Mercury Theater through Mar 4, will transfer to the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 N. Skokie Blvd. in Skokie, for a second suburban run, Mar. 14-25.

CCT's newest musical adventure is based on children's author and illustrator Brian Selznick's popular first novel about a mischievous boy who receives a mysterious box that just might contain the secrets of Harry Houdini's success.

In addition to being deeply involved in the creation of CCT's live stage adaptation of The Houdini Box, Selznick has catapulted to fame since his Caldecott Award-winning book, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, debuted last fall as Martin Scorsese's first-ever family film Hugo, and was subsequently nominated for 11 Academy Awards including Best Picture.

Puppeteer Blair Thomas directed and created sets and puppets for CCT's The Houdini Box. Book and lyrics are by Hannah Kohl, with original music by Mark Messing, music director of Chicago's circus punk marching band Mucca Pazza.

The cast for The Houdini Box features Alex Weisman as Victor, Sara Sevigny as Mother and Derek Hasenstab as Barker. Designers for The Houdini Box are Rick Simms (sound),Sarah Hughey (lights) and Elizabeth Wislar (costumes). Brett Schneider is magic consultant. Dennis J. Conners is stage manager.

For tickets and information, go to chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call the North Shore Center box office, 847.673.6300.