World Premiere of Emerald City Theatre's 'HANSEL & GRETEL' Begins Tonight at Broadway Playhouse

Broadway In Chicago and Emerald City Theatre have announced the World Premiere of HANSEL & GRETEL: A WICKEDLY DELICIOUS MUSICAL TREAT, with music and lyrics by GRAMMY-nominated Justin Roberts and a book by Emerald City Theatre Artistic Director Ernie Nolan. The classic story of Hansel & Gretel reimagined as a rock musical for all ages will play the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place (175 E. Chestnut) tonight, November 22, 2014 through January 4, 2015.

Fairy tales ROCK, especially this story featuring the fearless sibling duo of Gretel and Hansel! Still reeling from the disappearance of their mother and classmates, Hansel believes with all of his heart that he's found a way to rescue them deep within The Forbidden Forest. Doubtful, the streetwise Gretel follows in pursuit of her dreamer brother.

When they come across a candy house, their bond and beliefs are put to the test until love saves the day. This story is brought to musical life through the talents of The Grimm Brothers Band performing a live rock and roll score. Nationally produced playwright Ernie Nolan teams up with GRAMMY -nominated 'kindie' artist Justin Roberts to create a wickedly delicious musical treat for the entire family.

Chicagoan Justin Roberts is one of America's top children's recording artists. He performs more than 150 family concerts each year around the nation. With a sound that's more akin to Fountains of Wayne than Romper Room, Roberts blends his deft indie-pop sensibilities with a keen understanding of what it's like to be a kid. He's been variously compared to Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe, Weezer and Loudon Wainwright. Music critics from the Washington Post to Salon.com are invariably surprised at the musical sophistication and lyrical depth of the songwriting. WXPN Radio's Kathy O'Connell was quoted in USA Today, calling Roberts "the Paul McCartney of children's music."