Chicago Children's Theatre

For Immediate Release
June 7, 2005

Chicago Children's Theatre Launches with Production of A Year With Frog and Toad

CHICAGO - The new Chicago Children's Theatre (CCT) is a company committed to the development and production of professional theater for young people and their families. Founded by Artistic Director Jacqueline Russell and Board Chair Todd Leland, the company is supported by a Board of Directors comprised of dedicated individuals from the fields of entertainment, philanthropy and business, and a committed Artistic Council of Chicago-based actors, directors, musicians and designers.

"Chicago deserves a first-rate children's theatre, similar to the esteemed companies in such cities as Minneapolis, Seattle and Kansas City," said Russell. "It is our focus to bring children's theater of the highest caliber to Chicago; plays and musicals that are enlightening, imaginative and pertinent for our youth. I am thrilled to have the support of a Board of Directors and Artistic Council that have already demonstrated their strong commitment to making Chicago Children's Theatre the city's premier company for young audiences."

"We are launching this company in the hopes of enriching our community through diverse and significant theatrical programming, programming that engages and inspires." states Leland. "Children's theatre can touch lives. It is vital that Chicago Children's Theatre is accessible to all families and young people who wish to share in this experience."

CCT aspires to provide a theatrical experience that represents the diversity and rich communities that distinguish Chicago as a unique metropolis. "It is our intent to enhance the world view of Chicago's youngest citizens which will enrich Chicago's cultural identity for years to come," added Russell. "We aim to produce work that will encourage children to be more active and curious citizens, while helping them to form a life-long appreciation of the arts."

CCT's deliberate focus on artistic production and quality is critical to the success of producing first-rate children's theatre in Chicago. The strategic emphasis on providing

high artistic value for children's theater will enable CCT to attract top writing, performing and directorial talent, and high-quality design and production expertise. It is also essential that this work be produced in venues where top artists have the ability to realize their compelling artistic potential.

CCT will launch in the winter of 2006 with A Year With Frog and Toad, Rob and Willie Reale's Tony Award-nominated adaptation of the beloved children's stories by Arnold Lobel, to be staged at the Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St. Plans are also underway for an inaugural season in 2006/2007.

The Chicago Children's Theatre Board of Directors, to date, includes Todd Leland, founder and chair; Jacqui Russell, founder and artistic director; Mick Leavitt; David Saltiel; Dana Arnett; Les Coney; Dedrea Gray; Will Hobert; Lynn Lockwood Murphy; Scot Pepper; Gigi Pritzker Pucker and Jackie Tilton.

CCT is in the process of establishing an Artistic Council, including theater administrators, performers, musicians, and directors to collaborate on its productions. To date they include: Claude Binder; Cheryl Lynn Bruce; Ralph Covert; Associate Artistic Director Geoffrey M. Curley; Jim Lasko; Tina Landau; Sean Graney and Andy White.

CCT strives to provide affordable and accessible theater for families and area school children. To enhance the impact of any given production's themes, CCT will develop educational materials and programs for families and educators. Internship and apprenticeship programs are being developed for high school and college level students.

Tickets for A Year With Frog and Toad will go on sale September 1, 2005. For tickets call the Goodman Theatre box office at 312-443-3800. Groups of 20 or more, call GroupTix: 877-4-GRP-TIX (877-447-7849). For more information about Chicago Children's Theatre visit www.chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

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