How to Survive a Fairy Tale at Lifeline Theatre

Chicago Reader - Somewhat Recommended

"...Trouble is, Grote weds that promising conceit to a plodding, banal didacticism ("Being nice to someone can help them change for the better"). I don't know what the kids in the crowd thought of that, but it sure killed the fun for me."

Centerstage - Highly Recommended

"...When the show was over and the audience was filing out, I heard a child thank their grandparent for taking them to the show. If you bring your children to see “How to Survive a Fairy Tale” I’m sure they’ll tell you the very same."

ChicagoCritic - Recommended

"...The kids quickly become enchanted with playwright James E. Grote’s tight, quite funny and clever presented story. With terrific costumes (by Jana Anderson) with the vivid props and set (designed by Alan Donahue) add zest to the fairy tales that come alive. Lifeline Theatre’s production values and the terrific comic skills by the cast makes for a delightful children’s show that is also adult proof. Once more Lifeline theatre scores with this wonderful kid’s show. Take the kids."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...There once was a boy named Jack, who is not Jack from "Jack and the Beanstalk," and not the Jack that jumps over a candlestick. He's not even allowed to be read a fairy tale, which he thinks is spelled fairy tail, by the way. This Jack was raised by a "Princess" (at least she thinks she is) and a "Frog" who should be a prince but they haven't yet figured out the formula. Welcome to the wonderful fantasy world of "How to Survive a Fairy Tale" by James E. Grote and directed by Shole Milos and presented at Lifeline Theatre."

Let's Play at ChicagoNow - Highly Recommended

"...Lifeline Theatre’s KidSeries presents HOW TO SURVIVE A FAIRYTALE. Jack doesn’t know jack about fairytales. His parents never clued him into the pretend world. His bedtime stories have been IKEA instruction manuals and cookbooks. He hasn’t had a *normal* childhood. His mom thinks she’s a princess. And his dad IS a frog. One night, a book sends Jack into the enchanted forest. The woods are full of bears and a wolf and kids! What’s going on? Before he can return home, Jack needs to help others find their happily everafter. HOW TO SURVIVE A FAIRYTALE is a family-fun romp down memory lane."

Chicago Theater Beat - Highly Recommended

"... Playwright James Grote takes neorealist approach to the characters’ portrayals – but with some modern touches. Grandma has the ‘rheumatiz’ and watches ‘The Real Princesses of the Enchanted Forest’ in an arch nod to the public fascination with so called reality television. A sound bite of Snow White dissing Cinderella is heard in the background."