“Consistently ingenious and fun.”
“Black Button Eyes Productions’ brilliantly realized “Shockheaded Peter” is a sensational work of theater, dance, music, cabaret, puppetry and circus that bursts with exquisite design and bravura performances by a 12-person cast.”
“Perversely appealing....darkly lovely”
“The first gem of the new theatre season”
“A Perverse Victorian Delight...perfectly directed with macabre relish by Ed Rutherford.”
“Charmingly Nightmarish...The Tim Burton-esque characters are masterfully portrayed by this ensemble of talented actors.”
“Highly entertaining...this spectacle satisfies and dazzles.”
August 11-September 16, 2017 Performances Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm.
Opening night: Saturday August 12
In this Chicago Storefront Premiere musical, a sinister but incompetent master of ceremonies leads the audience through the tale of a childless couple that has their fondest wish granted in the most delightfully dreadful way imaginable, accompanied by vignettes in which the hilariously horrible fates that befall naughty children everywhere are brought to darkly comedic life. Featuring music composed by the Tiger Lillies, this musical returns to the Athenaeum (and Chicago) for the first time since the show toured here with the original cast in 2001 in its first homegrown production by Black Button Eyes Productions.
Created for the Stage by Julian Crouch and Phelim McDermott
Original Music & Lyrics Composed by the Tiger Lillies
Adapted from Heinrich Hoffman's The Struwwelpeter
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Ed Rutherford
at the Athenaeum Theatre.
Starring: Ellen DeSitter, Kat Evans, Jessica Lauren Fisher*, Caitlin Jackson, Cody Jolly, Josh Kemper, Genevieve Lerner, Pavi Proczko, Stephanie Stockstill, Gwen Tulin, Kevin Webb, and Anthony Whitaker.
*Jessica Lauren Fisher will appear in place of Caitlin Jackson at the 8/31, 9/3, 9/6, 9/10 and 9/14 performances.
NOTE: Appropriate for ages 13+ May be too intense or spooky for young children.