Filament Theatre Slates Immersive, Adventurous 2018 Lineup

Filament Theatre's 2018 season will have the whole family playing along with its immersive and adventurous productions for young and family audiences including the world premiere adaptation of Michelle Cuevas and Erin E. Stead's award winning picture book, "The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles" and a return of Filament's family dinner theatre experience "The Van Gogh Cafe" at Fannie's Cafe and Bakery.

---

The season opens with "FORTS! Build Your Own Adventure" (Jan. 6 - Feb. 11), a self-directed creative play experience for children and parents. Developed by Filament artistic director Julie Ritchey, "FORTS!" uses theatrical design elements to inspire the imagination and get families playing together. General performances are targeted for families with children ages 5 and up. "Tuesday Toddlers Takeover" and "Grown-ups Only" performances are also offered.

Filament's 2016 world premiere production of "The Van Gogh Cafe - A Story in 5 Courses" (Jan. 20 - Feb. 4) based on award winning author Cynthia Rylant's book, will play at Fannie's Cafe & Bakery concurrently with "FORTS!" This unique family dining experience adapted by Filament resident artist Andrew J. Lampl and directed by artistic director Julie Ritchey, puts audiences right in the middle of the magical 'Van Gogh Cafe' as they enjoy a five course meal served throughout the performance by the characters.

The world premiere of Michelle Cuevas and Erin E. Stead's award winning picture book "The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles," (Apr. 21 - June 3) follows. Named a best children's book of 2016 by TIME, People Magazine, the Boston Globe and more, "The Uncorker of Ocean Bottles" is adapted by Filament resident artist Andrew J Lampl and Melissa Lampl and directed by artistic director Julie Ritchey. The production puts audience members at the center of a heartwarming mystery leading everyone to a celebration of friendship and community. Families are encouraged to come early and stay after the production to engage further with the story by participating in show related activities.

The return of Filament's 2014 hit production of "The Snow Queen" (Nov. 10 - Jan. 20) directed by Allegra Libonati will close out the season. Allegra Libonati returns to Filament Theatre after having her directorial work produced by Broadway Asia, The American Repertory Theatre, The Boston Lyric Opera, The New Victory Theatre, and more. With music, puppetry and a blizzard of theatre magic, audiences will embark on an epic journey to the wintry wonders of the North Pole and beyond.

---

Filament Theatre will continue to offer school field trips and sensory-friendly performances throughout the season. Ticket packages and single tickets are now available online. Packages of three or more productions start as low as $21. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.filamenttheatre.org or call (773) 270-1660. Filament Theatre is located at 4041 N. Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60641. Filament Theatre - Where Families Come to Play.

To post a comment, you must register and login.