My family was given five free tickets to see Emerald City’s presentation of Corduroy at the Athenaeum Theatre in exchange for posting a review of the show. All thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own. 

Show Overview

Join Corduroy, a small stuffed bear come to life on the shelves of Freeman’s Department store, on the adventure of a lifetime. With the help of some fellow toys, and dodging the ever present Night Watchman, he searches department by department for his lost button so he can be ready for a little girl named Lisa who’s promised to take him home in the morning.

Will Corduroy ever find his button? Does it even really matter to Lisa? Find out in this heartwarming tale of friendship and unconditional love based on the Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy books by Don Freeman.

Show Highlights

Corduroy is an unexpected and entertaining tribute to a beloved children’s book series. Here were a few of my favorite takeaways:

Unique Storytelling

As a parent there is a certain expectation going to any children’s theater production. There is a story to be told, by actors and actresses, through lines and song, often with special effects or unique staging.

Corduroy indeed tells a story, and incorporates it’s own special effects and varied staging, but it does so primarily through movement. Half of the cast (Corduroy and the two Clowns) had no spoken lines beyond Corduroy’s “button” and “friend” relying on the physicality of mime and acrobatics to communicate the story they had to tell. The script was elemental and extremely child-like in it’s approach to storytelling, which was perfect for the audience it sought to entertain, and at several points, extremely funny with it’s slapstick approach to comedy.

The Night Watchman

My favorite character was the Night Watchman, who often performed his scenes opposite a miniature stuffed version of Corduroy. With a thick Chicago accent, and reminiscent of Ben Stiller’s Night at the Museum, the Night Watchman was hilariously frustrated as department by department he slowly loses all control of the store. Matt Miles we LOVED you!

Corduroy’s Acrobatics

While Jean Claudio may not have had to spend a lot of time memorizing lines for his turn at Corduroy, I do suspect he spent a lot of time physically training for this role. Not only was it a pleasant surprise to see so many acrobatic stunts throughout the performance, they were done impeccably well and with wonderful comedic timing. This element of the show was truly an exceptional treat!

Parent Notes

Talking Points

Theater is such an incredible way to connect with your kids, and it’s important to take time after a show to debrief. Here are a few ideas that we’ve used with our boys, that may help you connect after a show with your kids:

Tell me more about this story.
What was the point of this play?
What message was being communicated through the drama?
What did you like or not like?
Why do you think (this character acted in this way)?
What made you feel something in this show?
What did you think about (a particular theme/scene/concept)?

Corduroy is the kind of show that’s pure entertainment and an all around good time.  But it also definitely makes the point that friendship goes beyond what someone looks like. That it costs something and it’s valuable. These are all good talking points for kids of all ages to consider. Take the time and have the conversation. You won’t regret it!

Emerald City serves even their youngest patrons

Toward the end of the show some of the action happens off stage accompanied by loud clamoring and crashing. The intent is to be comedic, and my older boys thought it hilarious, but it was a lot for my three year old who has a sensitivity to loud noises. While the rest of the crowd was thoroughly delighted, my little one had to leave, and I must stress that this is ENTIRELY OK.

Emerald City Theatre is a children’s theater and as such they are completely prepared to service their youngest patrons. While we were slightly embarrassed as parents, trying to understand what could have caused him to become so upset, the staff was kind and sympathetic. They directed us to a separate room they have set aside to give kids space to settle down and regroup. There was no judgment, no frustration, just grace. Something we really appreciated at that moment :).

Theater and Parking

The Athenaeum Theatre is a really beautiful space. It feels like you’re walking in to a theatrical performance when you step foot into the lobby and the experience is completed when you walk into the theater and are greeted by a balcony and wings. I don’t know how much my kids noticed, but I appreciated that touch to the entire experience.

There is limited free street parking available west of Southport, and the theatre shares a lot you can pay for parking with St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, but your best bet is to come early as the parking goes quick!

Show Run & Ticket Info

Corduroy
“A Bear. A Button. A Place to Belong.”

March 1 – April 20, 2019
At the Athenaeum Theatre

Adapted for the stage by Barry Kornhauser
Based on the Corduroy and A Pocket for Corduroy books by Don Freeman
Directed by Artistic Associate Jamal Howard
For ages 3+

Ticket prices are $22-29 and can be purchased at AthenaeumTheatre.org or through the Athenaeum Theatre box office at 773-935-6875. Visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com for more information. Educators may visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com or call 773-529-2690 to book a field trip that includes a performance and companion study guide.

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**Post update 7/19/19***

Corduroy is returning to Chicago for the 2019-2020 season, November 15-January 5 at the Broadway Playhouse. Tickets are available September 8, 2019. Visit EmeraldCityTheatre.com for more information.