Chicago Children’s Theatre Presents World Premiere, “Milo Imagines the World”
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s 2024-25 season kicks off with the world premiere musical, Milo Imagines the World, adapted from the book by Newbery-winning children’s author Matt de la Peña and illustrator Christian Robinson.
Milo Imagines the World follows a young Milo, played by Ian Thigpen in his Chicago debut, who uses art to process the realities of growing up with an incarcerated parent. Audiences join Milo and his big sister, Adrienne, on an urban subway ride. Adrienne is at odds with her little brother and does her best to tune him out, while Milo passes the time drawing colorful pictures of the other passengers, imagining the wonderful lives they must lead. Once the train reaches its destination, Milo understands that you can’t really know anyone’s story just by looking at them.
“By telling Milo’s story, we have the opportunity to expand what children in Chicago see on stage,” says actor and playwright Terry Guest, who is himself the child of an incarcerated parent. “We are reflecting their stories back at them and making them feel less alone. Milo is so many of us, and it’s an honor to bring him to life on the stage.”
Jeff Award winning director, Mikael Burke is also making his debut with Milo Imagines the World. “This play is a ride, a musical odyssey of imagination, a journey from house to home,” adds Burke. “Through vibrant songs, expressive dance, and a whole lot of imagination, this magical, musical journey takes audiences through the mind of a child, as he learns to see the world as it really is.”
Trauma-informed awareness plays a key role in CCT’s programming. It seeks to assess, recognize and respond to the effects of traumatic stress on children, caregivers and health care providers. The goal is to leverage the power of theater to promote healthy coping mechanisms and communication, instill confidence, inspire creativity and give youth more hope about their futures.
Milo Imagines the World performances run from October 12 through November 10, 2024, Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., plus a large number of weekday morning matinees for school groups. The musical is recommended for ages six and up. Run time is approximately 60 minutes. For additional information, please visit chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (312) 374-8835.
