Full cast and crew have been announced for Citadel Theatre’s holiday season production of ELEANOR’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH – THE MUSICAL. The musical for kids of all ages by Chicagoans Denise McGowan Tracy and Kathleen Butler-Duplessis is the story of a rag doll who lives with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the North Pole and wishes for a best friend and home of her own. It premiered to critical and popular acclaim in Chicago in 2019 and has been produced around the US since, as well as in a streaming production that was available during the pandemic holiday season of 2020. CHICAGO ON STAGE’s Karen Topham wrote of the premiere production, “This adorable little show, aimed at children, but fine for the young at heart of all ages, will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.” CHICAGO PARENT called it “a must on the pre-holiday list… the fun music by composer Kathleen Gibson would keep even Scrooge's toe tapping and is designed to delight young audiences. The soundtrack is one busy parents wouldn't hate to put on repeat in the car, while reliving the delightful story. “ ELEANOR’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH – THE MUSICAL will play December 20 - 31, 2023 at Citadel Theatre, in residence at the Lake Forest School District West Campus building at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. The 18-performance schedule is primarily daytime and early evening curtain times convenient for families with young children.
Director Gregg Dennhardt, who has previously at Citadel directed the company’s Theatre for Young Adults productions of JUNIE B. JONES, WINNIE THE POOH (twice) and JUNIOR CLAUS, is directing this production. His cast includes Elizabeth Bushell (Eleanor), Bob Sanders (Santa Claus), Ashley Veltman (Mrs. Cookie Claus), Kylie Sullivan (Twinkle), Nico Caputo (Sprinkle), Mia Abraham (Sparkle), Chloe Bassett (Clara Claus), Asha Dale Hopman (Noelle), and Angelica Joy Tryger (Holly).
Top row L-R: Mia Abraham, Chloe Bassett, Elizabeth Bushell.
Middle row L-R: Nico Caputo, Asha Dale Hopman, Bob Sanders.
Lower row L-R: Kylie Sullivan, Angelica Jot Tryger, Ashley Veltman.
Dennhardt is serving as costume designer as well as stage director. Kyra Leigh, who has music directed and/or composed and arranged for Kokandy Productions, Jedlicka PAC, Theatre of Western Springs, Prop Thtr, Chi Arts, and Music Theater Works, will be music director. The production team also includes Bobby Lee (Lighting Designer, Stage Manager), Alex Trinh (Sound Designer, Sound Board Operator), Patrick McGuire (Properties Design), Jason Clark (Set Builder), and Ellen and Scott Phelps (Production Managers).
Citadel Theatre is in residence in the West Campus of the Lake Forest School District at 300 S. Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. Further information and ticketing is available on the company’s website at www.citadeltheatre.org.
LISTING INFORMATION
ELEANOR’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH – THE MUSICAL
Book and Lyrics by Denise McGowan Tracy,
Music and Lyrics by Kathleen Butler-Duplessis
Musical Arrangements by David Fiorello
Directed by Gregg Dennhardt
December 20 – 31, 2023
Citadel Theatre, located in the West Campus building of the Lake Forest School District, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest, IL. 60045
Recommended for ages 4+.
Tickets $20.00, available at www.citadeltheatre.org, or by phone at 847-735-8554, ext. 1
Performances Wednesday, 12/20 at 6:00pm, Thursday, 12/21 at 6:00pm, Fri 12/22 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Sat 12/23 10:00am and 1:00pm, Tues 12/26 at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Wednesday 12/27 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Thurs 12/28 at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Fri 12/29 at 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm, Sat 12/30 10:00 am and 1:00 pm, and 12/31 10:00am and 1:00pm.
A holiday musical for kids of all ages. “My very merry Christmas wish is to have a best friend and home of my own,” wrote Eleanor, a rag doll who lives at the North Pole, in a personal letter to Santa. Although she loved living with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the elves and reindeer in their glistening, magical world, Eleanor knew that every toy should belong to a special boy or girl. With the help of her North Pole family, Eleanor learns that wishing alone is simply not enough to truly make your dreams come true.
BIOS
Gregg Dennhardt (Director) is known as “Doc” for his PhD in Theatre from the University of Illinois. He has directed hundreds of plays and musicals both for children and adults and served as Artistic Director for a Chicago area Equity Theatre for over 30 years. Before that, he taught Theatre at St. Ambrose College, the University of Illinois, the University of Arizona and Northwestern’s National High School Institute. For Citadel he has directed TYA productions of JUNIE B. JONES, WINNIE THE POOH (twice) and JUNIOR CLAUS. When not doing theatre, he likes sailing on Lake Michigan and sharing family with wife, Lauren; sons, Joel and Jeff; daughters-in-law, Ashley and Kelsey and grandsons, Sam and Jack.
Denise McGowan Tracy is a native Chicagoan and recognized face and force in Chicago’s entertainment and events community for more than 40 years. A Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette graduate, she began her career managing and booking talent for Byfield’s nightclub in The Ambassador East Hotel. She served as Director of Entertainment for Navy Pier for a decade. Her DMT Entertainment & Events produced events for clients including Driehaus Design Initiative, Lettuce Entertain You and The ABA. She was the creator/co-host of the popular Monday Night Live at Petterino’s, which celebrated their 500th show prior to a pandemic forced final bow. Her theatrical debut of ELEANOR’S VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS WISH – THE MUSICAL began a chapter as playwright, lyricist and theatrical producer. ELEANOR is based on her story which was published by Koehler Books in 2015.
Scott Phelps (Artistic Director) is in his 22nd year as the Artistic Director at Citadel. He’s acted in and directed dozens of Citadel productions over the last decade and a half since founding this North Shore theatre in 2002 with his friend and lifelong companion, Ellen. Earlier in 2023, he starred in the leading role of Pastor Paul in THE CHRISTIANS. He has acted/directed in NYC, and in his home state of California, trained as an actor at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts in Santa Maria, CA, received his BFA from the University of Utah, and did an apprenticeship at the Actors Theatre of Louisville in KY. For 18 years Scott worked for a promotional company and raised his three daughters and his son in Lake Forest. Recently he has been taking on the next chapter of his life — the role of “Beepa” to his grandchildren. Although he is unsure if he is old enough to play that part, he’s been enjoying the challenge.
Citadel Theatre is one of Chicagoland’s premier live theatres, producing hundreds of performances annually and inspiring audiences for nearly 22 years. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps in 2002, Citadel Theatre is comprised of its Main Stage performances and its theatre acting classes for children. A proud member of the League of Chicago Theatres and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff ArtsLink, Citadel Theatre offers a unique intimate theatre experience that transports you to another setting and leaves you feeling exhilarated and wanting more. A recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, Citadel can accept tax-deductible donations. For more information, ticketing, and to donate, please visit Citadel online at www.CitadelTheatre.org or call 847.735.8554.