Kokandy Productions Opens the Chicago Premiere of ‘AMÉLIE’ at the Chopin Theater
Chicago’s Kokandy Productions invites you to spend the summer in Paris (Montmartre, to be exact), as it kicks off its 2025 season with the premiere of Amélie, the charming tale of young woman and the fantastical world of whimsy and romance that surrounds her.
Amélie is now playing through September 28, 2025, in the Chopin Downstairs Studio, 1543 W. Division St. The entire Chopin basement, including the lobby, bar and cafe, will envelop audiences in Amélie’s journey.
Based on the 2001 film of the same name, the production of Amélie is about an extraordinary young woman who lives quietly in the world but loudly in her mind. She covertly improvises small but surprising acts of kindness that bring joy and mayhem. When a chance at love comes her way, Amélie realizes that to find happiness she’ll have to risk everything and say what’s in her heart.
Amélie is directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, with music direction by T.J. Anderson and Anna Wegener, book by Craig Lucas, music by Daniel Messé and lyrics by Nathan Tysen and Daniel Messé.
The Chicago premiere will be led by Aurora Penepacker as Amélie Poulain. The eccentric world that swirls around her includes Todd Aulwurm (Hipolito Jeunet, Elton John), Lucas Burr (Blind Beggar, Garden Gnome), Rachel Carreras (Amandine Poulain, Philomene de Noirpois), Joe Giovannetti (Nino Quincampoix), Sonia Goldberg (Gina Wells), Sam Hook (Lucien Villeparisis), Mizha Lee Overn (Georgette Cornuel, Sylvie Legrandin), Jon Patrick Penick (Collignon, Julien Dufayel), Quinn Rigg (Joseph Cottard, Fluffy Poulain), Samantha Ringor (Suzanne Sacripant) and Kelan M. Smith (Raphael Poulain, Bretodeau). This talented ensemble (many of whom play instruments in the show) will also portray a range of Parisians, tourists, customers and reporters who frequent the streets, cafes, sex shops and photo booths of Montmartre. Swings include Joel Arreola, Hailey Brisard, Neill Kelly, Andrew Lund, Gavin Rhys and Melanie Vitaterna.
Director Derek Van Barham comments, “Get ready to fall head over heels for this charming jewel box of a musical! The world of this show is just so much fun, and so perfect for our eccentric and idiosyncratic space. Amélie Poulain reminds us to focus on goodness and to look for love wherever we can. Whether a fan of the beloved cult movie or coming to this whimsical tale for the first time, there’s something tasty, touching and tantalizing for everyone in this wild and whimsical show.”
Tickets are currently on sale at kokandyproductions.com or bit.ly/AmelieChicago.
