Today, I visited the opening show for the Special Gifts Theatre 2025 season. The performance is the junior version of Walt Disney’s Frozen, Jr” and was held at Ebinger School located at 7350 West Pratt in Chicago. ( they will also do a performance on Sunday).
As a Board member of this organization, I also do some volunteering and today, along with Serena Peterson ( who at one time was the Principal of this school) we brought the lunch for the volunteers who work with the performers and build the sets as well as make sure that all goes well with the program. If you take a look at the website www.specialgiftstheatre.org, you will learn a great deal about this amazing organization that’s mission is “Special Gifts Theatre, through the performing arts, works collaboratively to create inclusive and transformative experiences for individual with disabilities to fully engage in the world”.
Watching the pieces fit together as they put on a mini version of the production is quite an experience, and one that is filled with emotion as well as awe and a little extra something. Watching the parents and grandparents of the actors is a special treat itself, and if you find a tear in your eye as you watch the story unfold, that’s okay. The tear is one of joy and happiness….a moment to savor.
As a board member, my duty today was to provide lunch for the volunteers. One of my radio “sponsors” is the amazing Fat Rosie’s restaurant and since they have a new location in Lincolnwood ( at Lincoln and Touhy), just 3 miles from Ebinger School, they wanted to pitch in, so they prepared a banquet of goodies for the volunteers. Two trays of assorted tacos ( they are known for having amazing tacos, and if you read my review, you will see that to be the case), lots of rice and of course refried beans ( they are terrific). They also gave us some chips and dips. Thank you Fat Rosie’s for making this day special for those who worked furiously to beat the clock and open the show on time.
The Fat Rosie’s is located at 4504 West Touhy in Lincolnwood- phone number 847-594-3100 . Visit www.fatrosies.com By the way, they have free parking and a private party room 
available. A tip of the sombrero to GM Carlos Zavala.
ABOUT THE SHOW:
The adaptation done by Special Gifts and several different actors play the roles, so one sees different actors in different scenes. The actors are onstage with the mentors ( these are non-performers, who are there to lead and guide the performers and keep them from straying off course. It takes a village , so to speak, to put on one of these productions, but to be honest, the reward for the actors, mentors, family and friends is well worth every minute spent making it all take place.
SGT has venues ( and shows) in Libertyville, Winnetka, Rolling Meadows, Palatine and Chicago. 847-564-7704
You can get involved or just make a donation. The choice is yours.
More Stories
“Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis ” reviewed by Amy Menzel
“Soup’s On” returns- 2025
Galentine’s Market at Marriott Lincolnshire