Go Behind the Scenes of The Snow Queen at free Open Rehearsal on November 20

Victory Gardens Theater is excited to offer not one, but TWO chances to go behind-the-scenes of The Snow Queen, the company's smash hit holiday musical, sledding back into town for her third go-around as Chicago's #1 alternative to traditional holiday fare:

OPEN REHEARSAL FOR THE SNOW QUEEN

Thursday, November 20, 6 pm

Free

Start up that holiday spirit with an insider's look at the mid-point of rehearsals for The Snow Queen.  Be the first to see what's new when the cast performs an excerpt from the show, followed by a talkback with the director, designers, actors, musicians and puppeteers.  Meet this year's new Kai - Patrick Andrews.   Bring the kids!   After the presentation, enjoy free refreshments and light appetizers courtesy of Zig Zag Café in the Victory Gardens Biograph lobby.  This event is free, but reservations are recommended.  Email events@victorygardens.org or call Will Rogers at (773) 549-5788 x 2167 to reserve.

And

THE SNOW QUEEN BACKSTAGE TOUR

Thursday, December 4

6 pm pre-show event

7:30 pm show

Single tickets:  $39

Go behind-the-scenes of The Snow Queen - literally.   Before the show, Victory Gardens' artistic staff will lead small groups on backstage tours.  See how the playful puppets from Blair Thomas & Company operate, and how they're carefully "staged" for their entrances and exits.  See pre-show preparations, learn what the stage hands do backstage to make holiday magic happen onstage, and watch The Snow Queen band prepare for their pre-show tune-up.  Call the box office, (773) 871-3000 to book your tickets.  6 pm pre-show event is free.  However, depending on capacity, ticket holders for that night will be given priority on tours.

Victory Gardens Theater's smash hit winter musical The Snow Queen is conceived by Chicago folk music legend Michael Smith, Tony Award-winning director Frank Galati, and master puppeteer Blair Thomas & Co.    Based on Hans Christian Andersen's beloved winter tale about a boy who is lost in the cold, and the girl who won't give up until she finds him, it is the rare family musical that sings to children, and speaks to adults.   Eye-popping puppetry, warm storytelling, and a chillingly beautiful score combine for "a terrific holiday show in a great theater" (Chicago Sun-Times) and "the nicest present we've gotten for the holidays" (Time Out Chicago).

The Snow Queen begins previews November 28.   Performances run through December 28, 2008 at the Victory Gardens Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago.    The Snow Queen is recommended for children eight and up.  For tickets and information, click here, or call the Victory Gardens box office, (773) 871-3000.