SEASON ANNOUNCED: Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 2017-18 Season To Include 3rd Stage, The Yard

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces

2017/18 Season

Including the introduction of innovative third venue:

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare

Here at ChiIL Live Shows and ChiIL Mama, we're elated about Chicago Shakespeare Theater's new season and new stage, a third Navy Pier performance venue, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare! We can't wait to check it out.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater announces nine productions of the 2017/18 Season—which will engage audiences with timeless stories in transformational settings. The season also marks the introduction of the Theater's new and innovative third performance venue, The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. Additional productions are to be announced this summer.

Artistic Director and Carl and Marilynn Thoma Endowed Chair Barbara Gaines said, "On the heels of the Theater's 30th Anniversary and the yearlong Shakespeare 400 Chicago festival, we have curated a season that reflects upon historic moments with radically fresh eyes—and at the same time blazes a trail forward by reimagining Shakespeare’s plays for today’s audiences. These works give voice to our collective soul, and serve to unite us in a time when the world feels more divided than ever.”

Regarding the opening of The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, Executive Director Criss Henderson shared, "We are thrilled to introduce audiences this season to The Yard—a forward-thinking venue that is one-of-a-kind in terms of its flexibility and artistic vision. In concert with our existing spaces in the Courtyard Theater and Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare, The Yard allows us to best serve our artists and audiences with a dynamic range of spaces that will be responsive to theater-makers for generations to come."

Opening in the 2017/18 Season,The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare redefines the traditional, fixed relationship between artist and audience—offering a radically versatile theatrical platform. Repurposing the footprint of Navy Pier's former Skyline Stage with an enclosed, year-round theater space, this third performance venue connects to Chicago Shakespeare's two existing spaces—the Courtyard Theater and the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare—through expanded lobbies. The innovative design features a series of mobile towers that allow the space to be configured in a variety of shapes and sizes with audience capacities ranging from 150 to 850. The new space allows the Theater to expand its programming, host a wide range of international productions, and double its service to students and teachers.

Kicking off the season, Barbara Gaines re-examines Shakespeare's notorious "battle of the sexes" in The Taming of the Shrew (September 16–November 12, 2017; Courtyard Theater) with an all-woman company. Gaines partners with playwright Ron West (CST's The Comedy of Errors, 2008) to frame Shakespeare's story as a performance by a group of Suffragettes in 1919—on the eve of the passing of the 19th Amendment.

In The Yard is James Thierrée's The Toad Knew (September 19–23, 2017; The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare), presented by his La Compagnie du Hanneton from France as part of CST’s World’s Stage series. Blending together the artistry of dancers, contortionists, and high-wire artists with Thierrée's extraordinary physical prowess, this spectacle premiered at the Edinburgh International Festival, where it was called "flamboyant, hallucinatory and ravishingly beautiful" by The Guardian. Thierrée returns to CST after his magnificent Farewell Umbrella (2007) and Bright Abyss (2005). Tickets for The Toad Knew will go on sale later this summer; CST subscribers and donors will have early access to this limited engagement.

Chicago Shakespeare then partners with the Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) in its inaugural International Latino Theater Festival (Fall 2017; Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare) with a Latin American production as part of the World’s Stage series to be announced. Founded through an alliance between the National Museum of Mexican Art, Puerto Rican Arts Alliance, and the International Cultural Center, CLATA aims to celebrate and amplify the voices of Latino theater artists in Chicago.

A theatrical revolution comes to the stage in Red Velvet (December 1, 2017–January 21, 2018; Courtyard Theater), staged by leading Broadway and Chicago director Gary Griffin. The award-winning play by Lolita Chakrabarti chronicles the seldom-told, true story of Ira Aldridge, an African-American actor who challenged convention by taking the London stage as the first black Othello in 1833—sending shockwaves through the city at a time when anti-abolition protesters rioted in the streets.

In 2018, the abridged Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night's Dream (January 24–March 10, 2018; The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare) introduces Shakespeare's mystical comedy to family and student audiences in a new production in The Yard, where its extended run will serve thousands of additional students and teachers next year.

Two resolute rulers—Queen Elizabeth I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots—face off in a struggle for the faith of the nation in Schiller's Mary Stuart (February 21–April 15, 2018; Courtyard Theater), with an electric adaptation by Peter Oswald. The production is staged by acclaimed director Jenn Thompson, former artistic director of The Actors Company Theater (TACT), which was named "Company of the Year" by The Wall Street Journal during her tenure.

Celebrated director and playwright Aaron Posner and Teller (of famous duo Penn & Teller) join forces with a new production of Macbeth (April 25–June 24, 2018; The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare), returning after their Jeff Award-winning production of The Tempest at Chicago Shakespeare in 2015. This supernatural thriller dives into the psyches of the power-hungry Macbeth and Lady Macbeth with astounding magic to immerse audiences in the storytelling.

Featured as part of Chicago Shakespeare's World's Stage series is Samuel Beckett's masterpiece Waiting for Godot (May 23–June 3, 2018; Courtyard Theater), presented by Ireland's Druid Theatre and staged by Tony Award-winning director Garry Hynes. The Irish Times called it, "the freshest, funniest and most affecting production of the play in at least a quarter of a century." This production marks the company's third return to Chicago Shakespeare following The Cripple of Inishmaan (2011) and The Walworth Farce (2009).

Touring to neighborhood parks across the City in Summer 2017 in partnership with the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, Boeing and production sponsor BMO Harris, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks presents FREE performances of Shakespeare's timeless Romeo and Juliet (July–August, 2017; neighborhood parks across Chicago) in a gripping 75-minute production, adapted and directed by Marti Lyons.

These productions join the previously announced summer family musical, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure (July 13–August 27, 2017; Courtyard Theater). Based on the DreamWorks Animation motion picture, this wild new musical is directed and choreographed by Matt Raftery at the Theater's home on Navy Pier.

For information on purchasing tickets, visit www.chicagoshakes.com or call the CST Box Office at 312.595.5600. A variety of flexible packages start at just $180—offering savings over single tickets, and guaranteeing your seat at every production you choose to see. Discounted tickets are also available for groups of 10 or more; Access Shakespeare patrons; and anyone under age 35 through the CST for $20 initiative.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater's 2017/18 Season (at press time)

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure

in CST's Courtyard Theater

July 13–August 27, 2017

based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture

book by Kevin Del Aguila | original music and lyrics by George Noriega & Joel Someillan

directed and choreographed by Matt Raftery

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks

Romeo and Juliet

in neighborhood parks across Chicago

July–August, 2017

by William Shakespeare

adapted and directed by Marti Lyons

The Taming of the Shrew

in CST's Courtyard Theater

September 16–November 12, 2017

by William Shakespeare

adapted and directed by Barbara Gaines

additional dialogue by Ron West

from FRANCE | La Compagnie du Hanneton

The Toad Knew

in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare

September 19–23, 2017

by James Thierrée

International Latino Theater Festival

Title to be announced

Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare

Fall 2017

Red Velvet

in CST's Courtyard Theater

December 1, 2017–January 21, 2018

by Lolita Chakrabarti 

directed by Gary Griffin

Short Shakespeare! A Midsummer Night's Dream

in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare

January 24–March 10, 2018

by William Shakespeare

Schiller's Mary Stuart

in CST's Courtyard Theater

February 21–April 15, 2018

in a new version by Peter Oswald

directed by Jenn Thompson

Macbeth

in The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare

April 25–June 24, 2018

by William Shakespeare

adapted and directed by Aaron Posner and Teller

from IRELAND | Druid Theatre

Waiting for Godot

in CST's Courtyard Theater

May 23–June 3, 2018

by Samuel Beckett

directed by Garry Hynes

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) is a leading international theater company and a recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award®. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST is dedicated to creating extraordinary production of classics, new works and family programming; to unlocking Shakespeare's work for educators and students; and to serving as Chicago's cultural ambassador through its World's Stage Series. Through a year-round season encompassing more than 650 performances, CST attracts 225,000 audience members annually. One in four of its audience members is under eighteen years old, and today its education programs have impacted the learning of over one million students. CST is proud to take an active role in empowering the next generation of literate, engaged cultural champions and creative minds. Throughout 2016, CST spearheaded the international arts and culture festival, Shakespeare 400 Chicago, a yearlong, citywide celebration of the playwright's 400-year legacy.

OPENING: DAVID CARL'S CELEBRITY ONE-MAN HAMLET UPSTAIRS AT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Chicago Shakespeare Theater presents 

Comedian and improviser David Carl in

DAVID CARL'S  

CELEBRITY ONE-MAN HAMLET

★★★★ Carl’s 90-minute solo is as much fun as its title suggests...  It's crazy hilarious.  Time Out New York

Chi, IL LIVE Shows On Our Radar:

A riotously funny breakout hit from New York Fringe

part of Shakespeare 400 Chicago, July 12–17, 2016

On the occasion of the 400th Anniversary of Shakespeare’s legacy in 2016, Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) welcomes New York Fringe Outstanding Solo Performance Award-winner David Carl and his hilarious David Carl's Celebrity One-Man Hamlet as part of the year long Shakespeare 400 Chicago celebration. Co-created by Carl and director Michole Biancosino, David Carl's Celebrity One-Man Hamlet depicts Shakespeare’s Hamlet as one imagines Busey might—unhinged and full of detours to his movies and personal grievances. Deemed a “deliciously deranged… head-spinning performance” by The New York Times, this offbeat spectacle is featured in the theater Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare for only eight performances, July 12–17, 2016.

Carl performs as Busey in a fury of tragically epic madness. Having triumphed in Celebrity Big Brother, survived Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, and taken on Meatloaf and Donald Trump, the eccentric, cult classic film star now undertakes his biggest challenge yet: performing all the parts in Hamlet with outrageous songs and homemade puppets. Carl channels the ultimate “Hamlet-ized Busey” in what the Georgetown Voice has deemed “the best impersonation of Gary Busey the world will ever know.” This riotous one-man show comes to Chicago as part of the diverse lineup of Shakespeare 400 Chicago.

Acclaimed by critics, Shakespeare scholars and fans of Busey alike, David Carl’s Celebrity One-Man Hamlet was a breakout hit in the New York comedy scene and received Outstanding Solo Performance at New York Fringe. It garnered four stars and a critic’s pick designation from Time Out New York, and the New York Post proclaimed that it is “so demented a concept that it actually works.” The production also traveled to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2015, where The Scotsman called it a “defiantly unpretentious reimagining of Shakespeare’s tragedy.”

Comedian, actor and improviser David Carl is a dynamic performer on comedy stages across New York City, and has been featured in television and film. Co-creator and director Michole Biancosino is a Co-founding Artistic Director of the award-winning Project Y Theatre Company, where she develops and directs new work. Biancosino is the recipient of numerous grants and awards for her productions. David Carl’s Celebrity One-Man Hamlet is presented by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, Richard Jordan productions, PM2 Entertainment and Project Y.

Show Dates/Times

Tuesday, July 12, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, July 13, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, July 14, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Friday, July 15, 2016 – 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, July 16, 2016 – 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, July 17, 2016 – 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Tickets: start at $35

For more information about the production, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/gary.

ABOUT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

CST is a leading international theater company, known for extraordinary productions; unlocking Shakespeare’s work for educators and students; and serving as Chicago’s cultural ambassador through its World’s Stage Series. Throughout 2016, CST is spearheading the international arts and culture festival, Shakespeare 400 Chicago, a citywide celebration of the playwright’s 400-year legacy. CST serves as a partner in literacy to Chicago Public Schools, working alongside English teachers to help struggling readers connect with Shakespeare in the classroom, and bringing his text to life on stage for 40,000 students every year. And each summer, 30,000 families and audience members of all ages welcome the free Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks tour into their neighborhoods across the far north, west and south sides of the city. Reflecting the global city it calls home, CST is the leading producer of international work in Chicago, and has toured its plays to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and Executive Director Criss Henderson, CST was the recipient of a Regional Theatre Tony Award. Its work has been recognized internationally with three of London’s prestigious Laurence Olivier Awards, and by the Chicago theater community with over 80 Joseph Jefferson Awards for Artistic Excellence. CST’s work with Chicago Public School students and teachers was recognized by the White House in 2014 with the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award. www.chicagoshakes.com

ABOUT SHAKESPEARE 400 CHICAGO

Shakespeare 400 Chicago is a yearlong international arts festival in 2016 celebrating the vibrancy, relevance and reach of Shakespeare as the world commemorates the four hundred years since the playwright’s death in 1616. Spearheaded by Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the festival unites 60 of the city’s world-class institutions, and welcomes scores of leading artists from nations around the world including Australia, India, Mexico, the United Kingdom and beyond. Events spanning theater, opera, music, dance—even cuisine—celebrate, interpret and reimagine Shakespeare’s work. Shakespeare 400 Chicago will engage more than 500,000 Chicagoans and visitors to our City through 850 events. With leading support from the Julius Frankel Foundation, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Pritzker Military Museum & Library, this quadricentennial celebration is the world’s largest and most comprehensive celebration of Shakespeare’s enduring legacy. www.shakespeare400chicago.com

OPENING: King Lear at Chicago Shakespeare

Act Out:
Chicago Theatre openings, closings, reviews, giveaways, ticket sale dates and more. Chi, IL Live Shows on stage and on our radar.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater Launches Season Barbara Gaines directs Shakespeare’s masterpiece King Lear Featuring Larry Yando in the title role Chicago Shakespeare Theatre has long been one of our favorite venues for the bard and beyond. ChiIL Live Shows will be the for the press opening of King Lear tonight, so check back like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often for our full review. The Fool (Ross Lehman) shelters from the storm with the destitute King Lear (Larry Yando) in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s production of Shakespeare’s King Lear, directed by Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, in CST’s Courtyard Theater through November 9, 2014. Photo by Liz Lauren. A wrenching story of love, loss and reconciliation, King Lear has fascinated audiences for more than 400 years, and stands as Shakespeare's most towering achievement. Directed by CST Artistic Director Barbara Gaines, the brilliantly versatile actor Larry Yando takes on the monumental title role, marking his twenty-third production with Chicago Shakespeare. A monarch obscured by the shadows of dementia resolves to retire, and divides his kingdom among his three daughters. The unexpected consequence of losing everything that defines him is shattering, a sobering reminder that even the most powerful can be undone. Director Barbara Gaines brings audiences a King Lear for our times to open Chicago Shakespeare's 2014/15 season in the Courtyard Theater now through November 9, 2014. Click here to purchase tickets and learn more.

PHOTO RECAP: Cirque Shanghai Warriors at Navy Pier #OriginalPhotos #Review #ChiILPicksList

ChiIL Mama was stoked to be back at Cirque Shanghai for the fifth year, to shoot and review at the press opening last week. It's become one of our favorite annual shows, and we were stoked to see many of their breathtaking signature acts are back again, along with new Warrior themed choreography.








Both of my kids and two of their friends were able to catch the show and the kids and I all dug it. 



We recommend Warriors as a fun, affordable, all ages treat and we've added them to our ChiIL Picks List.

Check Out Our Full Set Of Original Photos In The Slide Show Below:

(Check the bottom of this post for more of our favorite live show shots from that night, if you can't view the slide show on your device, or just want our "best of".)



ChiIL Mama's ChiIL Tips:

1.  Check out the merch table.  Seriously. Compared to most circuses where a sno cone will seriously set you back, Cirque Shanghai's merch is downright affordable! We got a cool half mask for $3 and the full face masks are just $5. Same goes for the big, red fans. They're a steal at $5. Be forewarned, this may be the loudest fan EVER. They snap open with a thwack and are waaaaaay more than $5 worth of fun. 3 of the 4 kids with me that night got them, and before we'd even left Navy Pier, they had choreographed fan routines worked up.  We're all about toys that inspire creativity!






The fans also double as a keepsake and a great place to collect signatures of the performers who are happy to sign after the show.  





If you're opposed to loud noised while driving, DO secure the fans before take off. I don't mind as long as there's no high pitched tween shrieking. That's where I draw the line. My daughter & her 2 friends had a fabulous time all the way home, belting out Eye of the Tiger and Crazy Train accompanied by frequent fan snapping.  





2. Catch the show on a Wed or Sat and stay for the free fireworks. They're short and sweet but they're a colorful, fun way to cap off the evening and happen shortly after the show.  Go for the evening show any Wed-Sat night and Navy Pier and the Chicago skyline look magical after dark!

We embrace the multicultural, here at ChiIL Mama, so we're listing their acts with the Chinese names as well as the English. Pretty cool, huh? (Your kids can practice their calligraphy.)

Speaking of Chinese characters, my kids are wondering what the wonderful fans they got at the show say.  Anyone who can translate, please let us know in the comments section.  I'm picking up a friend coming from O'Hare on Friday afternoon, who has been teaching in China for years, so if nobody has replied by then, I'll run it by her and share our findings!

List of Acts

1, Opening Wushu/ Kinetic poles

开场荡竿／武术棍术

2, Masters of the Sword and Shield/ The water Meteor.

武术盾剑／流星

3, Hoop diving

武术对打／地圈

4, Chinese Mouth Balancing

顶技

                                                 

5, Teeterboard

功夫扇／大跳板

6,Silk

绸吊

7, Wushu: The pageant of Arms

中华利器

8, Shoulder Ballet

肩上芭蕾

9, Comedy Bowl Kicker

滑稽翘碗

10, Wheel of Destiny

生死轮

11, Globe of Death

环球飞车

12, Final

谢幕




Check out the Warriors Promo Video Here:

“CIRQUE SHANGHAI: WARRIORS” RETURNS FOR 9^th SUMMER SEASON TO NAVY PIER^® PEPSI^® SKYLINE STAGE MAY 21 – SEPTEMEBER 1

Tickets now on Sale for “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” with New Acts Including the Martial Prowess of Chinese Kung Fu and Wu Shu Masters

“Cirque Shanghai” is proud to return this summer to Chicago’s Navy Pier with a brand new show, “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors.” Performances begin Wednesday, May 21 and run through Monday, Sept. 1 at the Pepsi^® Skyline Stage, a 1,500-seat, canopied, open-air theater on Navy Pier^® (600 E. Grand Ave).

Tickets are currently available via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai.

Now in its ninth consecutive summer season at the Pepsi^® Skyline Stage, this latest installment of “Cirque Shanghai” combines the impressive acrobatics audiences have enjoyed in the past with the martial prowess of Chinese Kung Fu and Wu Shu masters. The result is powerful display of athleticism and the mastery of disciplines that formed the backbone of military might in ancient China for thousands of years.

This summer’s production of “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” brings an extraordinary line-up of thrilling acts to the stage, including The Kinetic Poles, the powerful Water Meteor and the heart-pounding Pageant of Arms. Returning to the production from last year is the fate-tempting “Wheel of Destiny,” and China’s premier daredevil steel-globe motorcycle troupe, “Imperial Thunder”.

Directed by Miao Miao Chen, “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” is presented in this exclusive U.S. engagement by Navy Pier in conjunction with International Special Attractions, Ltd. (ISA) production headquarters in Shanghai, China. 

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND TICKET INFORMATION

“Cirque Shanghai” will perform May 21 – September 1. Performances will be held at 10:30 a.m. May 21 and 29. Beginning May 23 the regular performance schedule is:

• Wednesday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m. 
• Thursday at 2 and 8 p.m.
• Friday at 2, 7 and 9 p.m.
• Saturday at 2, 6 and 8 p.m.
• Sunday at 2 and 4 p.m.

Tickets are on sale beginning May 2 via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com/shanghai. Tickets are $19.50- $39.50 for adults and $15.50 for children ages 3 to 12. Discounted tickets for groups of 10 or more are also available by calling GroupTix at 773.327.3778 or visiting www.grouptix.net.

Special Packages for summer 2014 include: The Navy Pier Fun Package containing, a Emperor’s Court “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” ticket, a 40 min Skyline boat cruise, a Ferris Wheel voucher, a Pepsi Skyline Stage $5 concession voucher and a 20% off RIVA coupon for $43, with a children’s version available for $28. In addition, the Navy Pier Nightlife package combines a “Cirque Shanghai: Warriors” Emperor’s Court ticket, a Landshark Beer garden $10 voucher and a Hagen Daas double scoop cone/cup voucher for $36.50.

ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM

International Special Attractions (ISA) was established in 1996 and over the past two decades has become a world leader in the production of large scale special attractions, events and theatrical productions. In addition to presenting Cirque Shanghai, ISA was the first company to bring Chinese acrobats to Broadway.  For the past two years, ISA has presented The Ice Kingdom, a 14,000 square foot experience made entirely of ice, at the Queen Mary in Long Beach, CA.  ISA’s other ICE! attractions are mounted annually at four Gaylord Hotel locations throughout the United States, and are enjoyed by over 1 million people each year. ISA also produces Luminasia, the larger-than-life lantern attraction, which was seen last year at the Washington State Fair, and for the past four years at The Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY.  In 2014, ISA is adding two additional Luminasia locations, one in Blackpool, England, and another in conjunction with the LA County Fair.  ISA clients have included The Walt Disney Company, Gaylord Entertainment, The Queen Mary, The New Victory Theatre in New York, Navy Pier Chicago, The Galt House Hotel, Busch Entertainment Corp and Six Flags, Inc.  Featured Television coverage has aired internationally, on networks including NBC, CBS and ABC to name but a few.

Drawing from his classical music background, Haiping Ge was one of the earliest producers serving in the Shanghai government’s Office of Cultural Exchange Affairs. From that office, he hosted many of the first Western entertainers performing in China.

For the last two decades, Haiping Ge has been producing shows with ISA for the world’s premium venues. His current productions include: Cirque Shanghai for New Victory Theatre on Broadway; ICE! Attractions in Dallas, Nashville, Orlando and Washington D.C. in association with Gaylord Resorts; Luminasia at The Galt House in Louisville, KY, USA. Haiping also produced a Chinese acrobatic show for Disney World, Florida which will run through the end of this year.

Miao Chen is a second-generation performer as well as the show’s director.  She studied with the internationally famous Shenyang Performing Arts Academy beginning at age five, and joined the acclaimed Shenyang Acrobatic Troupe, one of the top ten troupes in all of China, at age 13.  Chen is the recipient of a Gold Lion Award from the International Acrobatics Competition in France, and received the top award for Best Innovative Performance in Uruguay. Chen has performed throughout the USA, Canada, Europe and Asia. In 2006 and 2007, Chen worked as a choreographer for “Le Grand Cirque” which has toured in cities across Australia, the United Kingdom and United States. Chen previously directed hit productions of “Cirque Shanghai” in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

ABOUT NAVY PIER 

Located on Lake Michigan, just east of Chicago’s downtown, Navy Pier is the most-visited tourist and leisure destination in the Midwest, welcoming nearly 9 million annual visitors.  Originally opened in 1916 as a shipping and recreation facility, it is now one of the country’s preeminent recreation and exposition facilities, showcasing 50 acres of parks, gardens, restaurants, shops, attractions, sightseeing and dining cruise boats, exhibition facilities and more.

ABOUT CHIIL MAMA

ChiIL out with ChiIL Mama for the coolest happenings all summer long in Chi, IL and beyond. 

Check back with ChiIL Mama & ChiIL Live Shows  like we vote in Chi, IL... early and often.

We have photo & video filled features, loads of great reviews and interviews, and lots of weekly giveaways--nationwide toys/games/products and Chicago based music and theatre tickets.  

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