Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money
Get ready to groove to Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s World Premiere R&B Family Musical, based on the book by Christopher Paul Curtis, with music by Motown Legend lamont Dozier, now through March 2
CHICAGO, IL – Now through March 2, thousands of Chicago-area kids, parents and teachers are going to be grooving to Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money, Chicago Children’s Theatre’s all-new, R&B family musical based on the popular children’s book by Newbery Award-winner Christopher Paul Curtis.
Original songs by Motown legend Lamont Dozier, and additional music and lyrics by his son Paris are turned out by a four-piece live band on stage. Kids won’t even know (but parents will appreciate) that they’re being treated to a live medley of popular musical genres ranging from Motown, disco, rap, rock, jazz and hip hop.
The story follows 10-year-old Steven, a self-proclaimed spy and president of the “Flint Future Detectives.”At the heart of this whimsical journey is an intelligent, entrepreneurial boy who must discover the secret to a mysterious dollar bill that appears to be legal tender but has way too many zeroes and an unexpected face. With his pals and their giant dog Zoopy, Steven discovers that family, friends, imagination and determination are the true keys to success; and sharing the spotlight with others can make one even richer.
Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money runs now through March 2, 2014 at the Ruth Page Center for the Arts, 1016 N. Dearborn, Chicago. Press openings are Friday, January 24 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, January 25 at 11 a.m. Single tickets start at $25. To purchase, visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (872) 222-9555. For information on discounted group rates for schools, playgroups, birthday parties and scouting organizations, visit GroupTix.net or call (773) 327-3778.
Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money is recommended for ages 6 and up. Running time is 75 minutes with no intermission.
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s All-Star Team for Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money
Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money brings together a Motown legend, the nation’s top African American children’s author, top producers in Chicago and New York, and an A-list cast and production team. The production is adapted from the best-selling young adult book by Newbery Award-winning author Christopher Paul Curtis, and boasts music and lyrics by Motown legend Lamont Dozier and his son, co-music writer/lyricist Paris Dozier. Derrick Sanders, director of Chicago Children’s Theatre’s recent smash hits Bud, Not Buddy and Jackie and Me, directs. The book is by David Ingber, with musical supervision, orchestrations and arrangements by Brian Usifer. Kevin Iega Jeff (co-founder and artistic director of Deeply Rooted Dance Company) is choreographer.
As 10-year-old Steven, Jonathan Butler-Duplessis, critically acclaimed as Benny in Paramount Theatre’s fall opener In the Heights, leads the A-list cast of Chicago’s top professional musical theater performers. Ashley Elizabeth Honore, seen in
Southbridge at Chicago Dramatists and Home at Court Theatre, plays Steven’s friend Richelle. Travis Turner, who played the title role last season in CCT’s Bud, Not Buddy and appeared in Porgy and Bess, Tartuffe and The Misanthrope at Court Theatre, is Steven’s friend Russell. Acclaimed Chicago soul singer Yaw Agyeman is Mr. Chickee. Alexis J. Rogers, 2013 Equity Jeff Award winner as Billie Holiday in Porchlight’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, plays dual roles – Steven’s mother Lynetta and Madame Director. Bear Bellinger, who appeared in Paramount’s Miss Saigon and Court’s Porgy and Bess, plays Steven’s father, Elmwood. Elena Flores, Lisa in the Broadway production and national tour of Mamma Mia, plays Agent 2. Brian Grey, recently in The Wheel at Steppenwolf and a veteran of CCT’s Bud, Not Buddy, plays Agent Fondoo. Puppeteer Sam Deutsch (Redmoon’s The Cabinet) brings fun, funky life to Steven’s loyal dog, Zoopy.
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s world premiere of Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money is presented in association with Funny Money Enterprises and Bisno Productions. CCT’s world premiere of Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money will be followed by a New York production at The Atlantic Theater Company in Spring 2014.
