THE ELEPHANT AND THE WHALE Closes Chicago Children's Theatre's 2012-13 Season, 5/26; 2013-14 Season Announced!

Chicago Children's Theatre's current world premiere, The Elephant and The Whale, the company's first collaboration with Redmoon, will wrap up its highly successful run May 26, 2013 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn St., Chicago.

Uniformly positive reviews, online buzz spurred by mom bloggers, and all-important word-of-mouth from happy audiences exiting the theater helped make The Elephant and The Whale become one of the theater's top selling shows in recent seasons, with 11 sold out houses even before the always busy final weekend.

In addition to capacity crowds on weekends, school groups flocked to weekday morning matinees in record numbers. In total, more than 4,300 Chicago area elementary students will enjoy CCT's all-new family fable.

Another highlight was the May 4th matinee of The Elephant and The Whale - Chicago's first-ever "Autism-Friendly" live theater performance - which was taken off public sale and marketed exclusively to families with children on the autism spectrum. Proving yet again the power of live theater, that audience of more than 100 parents and their children, many who had never seen a play before, sat in rapt attention enjoying the slightly modulated production in a "judgment-free" house. Due to its success, Chicago Children's Theatre hopes to select one of its shows next season and again offer one performance exclusively to Chicago-area families with children on the autism spectrum.

A spectacle in miniature, The Elephant and The Whale is an epic tale that invites audiences of all ages to discover the majesty of the largest animals on our planet, and a story of friendship conquering all obstacles. The year is 1919, and it's the end of an era for a beloved circus elephant named Ella. When a nefarious new owner takes over the homegrown Hoogebeck Family show, Ella the star elephant discovers an unexpected new animal in the circus: a landlocked and homesick baby whale. What happens when the circus arrives in Chicago is fun and touching story of friendship and adventure that spans species, rivers, railroads and nautical miles.

The Elephant and The Whale is conceived by Redmoon's Frank Maugeri, with an original story by Seth Bockley, Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, and Frank Maugeri, and script and songs by Seth Bockley with composer Kevin O'Donnell. The Elephant and The Whale is directed by Leslie Buxbaum Danzig (of 500 Clown) and Maugeri, and stars Kurt Brocker, David Catlin, Kasey Foster and Becky Poole.

The Elephant and The Whale wraps up performances Sunday, May 26 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Show times are Tuesday at 10 a.m.; Wednesday at 10 a.m. and 12 p.m.; Thursday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Friday at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; and Sunday at 11 a.m. and 2p.m. Running time is 60 minutes with no intermission.

Tickets are $26 for children, $36 for adults. Thursday evening shows include a free pizza party starting at 5:45 pm, for a package price of $25 for dinner and show. On Friday nights, families can kick off their weekend at the 6:30 p.m. show, and then stay after for a post-show craft party sponsored by Wishcraft. Friday evenings are $25 for show and party.To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. For group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.

A look ahead to Chicago Children's Theatre's 2013-14 season:

Next fall, ChicagoChildren's Theatre (CCT) returns to the Ruth Page to present three wildly imaginative productions in 2013-2014:

A revival of A Year with Frog and Toad, the company's inaugural production eight years ago, directed by Henry Godinez (October 9- November 24);

The world premiere of Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, a new rhythm and blues musical, based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis, author of Bud, Not Buddy, featuring music and lyrics by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son Paris Dozier, directed by Derrick Sanders (January 21 - March 2);

And The Very Hungry Caterpillar and other Eric Carle Favorites performed by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (opening at the North Shore Center in Skokie April 25 - 26, moving to The Ruth Page Center for the Arts April 29 - June 1.)

In addition to CCT's usual three-show season, Chicago Children's Theatre is launching a new series next season called Later Stage. The program will add four evening performances during the spring 2014 run ofThe Very Hungry Caterpillar featuring work for older children (8 and up) being created by smaller, cutting-edge companies like Theatre Unspeakable and Manual Cinema, as well as more established companies like Blair Thomas & Company who are working on the development of a new family piece.

Chicago Children's Theatre is offering an early bird pre-sale for Family Membership Passes with a 30 percent discount on all three plays next season. The early bird sale runs through June 15, when standard Family Membership Passes still offering 20 percent off go on sale. To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call the Chicago Children's Theatre Box Office, (872) 222-9555. For information on discounted group rates, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.

Chicago Children's Theatre focuses on the production of first-rate children's theatre in Chicago, with top writing, performing and directorial talent and high-quality design and production expertise. Chicago Children's Theatre aspires to enrich our community through diverse and significant theatrical and educational programming that engages and inspires the child in all of us.

Launched in 2005, Chicago Children's Theatre strives to provide affordable and accessible theatre for families and area school children. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, Chicago Children's Theatre offers educational materials and programs for families and educators.

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