After months of preparation, the Mills Entertainment production of American Girl Live had its World Premiere at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, Illinois – just outside of Chicago. Our family was in attendance for the debut performance of the all-new musical, which whisks audiences away to join a group of girls for an adventure at summer camp.
The story follows five campers as they face new challenges or experiences, each hoping to score an exclusive medal that could unlock a special journey to a famed campsite. Each girl arrives at camp with her own American Girl doll, and as the story unfolds, the challenges that they face are further explored through a connection with their dolls. While most of the dolls featured come from the American Girl historical characters range, one big hit with my girls was the inclusion of 2018’s Girl of the Year, Luciana Vega – a girl with dreams of space exploration.
Kids are encouraged to bring their dolls along for the show, and exclusive merchandise being sold includes limited-edition first-run t-shirts (for girl and doll), Camp American Girl sticker packs and a variety of books and doll accessories.
Cast: Jenna Bruce as Tori Buckley/Rebecca Rubin, Ashley Diane as Bella Menendez/Luciana Vega, Laila E. Drew as Nia Marcus/Melody Ellison, Shelby Lysette Miguel as Rosie Imelda/Nanea Mitchell, and Kelsey Elaine Pressnall as Leah Caplan/Maryellen Larkin. Monica Poston stars as camp counselor Alyssa Berman and Julie Albright. Swing performers include Orisa Gutierrez and Mari Skoultchi.
Tickets are still available for premiere weekend performances at The North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie. Remaining shows are Saturday, Dec. 22 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 23 at 1 p.m. Tickets range in price from $37 – $47. Special VIP packages featuring a pre-show party and post-show photo opportunity with the cast are also available. Check out NorthShoreCenter.org or call 847-673-6300 for tickets or more information.
For those outside of the Chicagoland area, visit http://americangirllive.com/ for tour dates, locations and tickets!
