Chicago Sun Times January 18, 2008
You've survived the holidays, the most kid-centric time of the year, only to be confronted with the fact that the toys and games that enchanted the younger set in late December have lost their luster a month later. It's too cold for the kids to play outside, and they really don't care about following the primary election results. Fortunately, Chicago's reputation as a theater town extends to the junior demographic as well.
'The Selfish Giant'
Blair Thomas, puppeteer extraordinaire and founder of both Fast Fish Puppet Theater and Redmoon, created and stars in this adaptation for Chicago Children's Theatre. Oscar Wilde's tale concerns a hardhearted behemoth who learns to open his heart -- and his garden -- to the neighboring children. Jesse Mooney-Bullock designed the puppets. Best for ages 4 to 6.
Highlight: Music by folkie favorite Michael Smith, who also composed the score for Victory Gardens' "The Snow Queen."
Be aware: The story has a sad ending, but Thomas emphasizes that it will be staged "in a gentle and subtle manner."
If you go: Jan. 26-March 9 at the Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive; $17-$27, 312-665-7400