Chicago Children’s Theatre’s The Hundred Dresses and the Party Dress Project launch Dress Donation Campaign

Bring a new or gently used dress to the show, help a local youth service agency 

Chicago Children’s Theatre encourages all moms and girls to bring a new or gently used dress with them when they come to see The Hundred Dresses, playing November 3-December 2 at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie.  Dresses will be collected and displayed in the lobby throughout the run, then donated to the Party Dress Project, with proceeds benefitting a local youth service organization.  Pictured here:  Leslie Ann Sheppard as Maddie.  Photo credit:  Michael Brosilow.

 Chicago, IL ― Chicago Children’s Theatre encourages all moms and girls to raid their closets before attending The Hundred Dresses, and bring any new and gently used dresses with them to the North Shore Center of the Performing Arts to donate to the Party Dress Project.

Founded by Northbrook moms Stacy Simpson and Beth Hirshman and their teenage children, the Party Dress Project (partydressproject.org) is a non-profit organization that solicits donations of new and gently used dresses year round, and holds an annual sale of the donated dresses every fall with proceeds benefitting a local youth service organization.

Starting with the first performance on November 3, dress donations will be accepted before the show and immediately hung on clothing racks that will be displayed in the North Shore Center lobby.  Please drop off dresses in good condition, cleaned and on a hanger.  By the end of the run on December 2, Chicago Children’s Theatre anticipates having a lobby full of dresses to donate to the Party Dress Project.

Chicago Children’s Theatre’s smash hit musical The Hundred Dresses, based on Eleanor Estes’ timeless children’s novel takes audiences of all ages on a fun, funny, heartwarming journey that explores the bonds of friendship, the willingness to be yourself, and the courage it takes to stand up to others ― even when you’re standing alone.

The production is co-written for the stage by musician Ralph Covert (Ralph’s World, The Bad Examples) and his longtime playwright partner G. Riley Mills, and directed by CCT Artistic Associate Sean Graney.   The Chicago Sun-Times called The Hundred Dresses “altogether beguiling…enchanting…bound to become a family classic…its biggest hit to date.”   The Chicago Tribune raved “The best yet! Chicago Children’s Theatre has finally delivered on its promise to elevate the experience of children’s theatre in this city.”

Performances of this must-see musical for children, families, school, scouting and youth groups are November 3 through December 2 at the Centre East Theatre in the North Shore Centre for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie, Illinois.  Press opening is Sunday, November 7, at 1 p.m. Tickets are $26 for children (17 and under) and $36 for adults.   Call the North Shore Center box office, (847) 673-6300 or visit northshorecenter.org for tickets and show times.

 Note:   The North Shore Center boasts free, plentiful on-site parking. Additionally, groups of 10 and more can receive discounted group rates, including deep discounts for school groups and scouting organizations, by calling GroupTix at (877) 447-7849 or visiting GroupTix.net.

The Hundred Dresses is recommended for children ages 6 and older.