Hello friendly faces! It’s that time of the week! We’re back with a new CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom spotlight brought to you in part by Mary Gifford of Gifford Law. This week’s Meet a Mom interview is with a Highland Park mom of two boys, busy attorney mama and Board member of Chicago Children’s Theatre, Sharone Levy Marck!
Despite her busy career representing parties in taxable and tax-exempt financings for public and private projects as counsel in the Project Finance and Public Finance Group at Nixon Peabody LLP, Sharone has dedicated time and energy to Chicago Children’s Theatre. Why? After attending a production with her two young kids, she was absolutely smitten. Sharone joined the Board of Directors four years ago and became dedicates to helping this nonprofit’s mission of bringing world class theatre productions and education programs to underserved populations, children with autism spectrum and children with developmental disabilities and other disabilities. Sharone loves this place and she’s certain you will, too! Welcome, Sharone!
Hi Sharone! Please introduce yourself.
Hi, I’m Sharone Levy Marck. I grew up just south of where I live now, or one train stop, in northwest Glencoe. After living in various parts of the U.S. and short stints abroad, I returned to Chicago. My husband and I moved to the Braeside neighborhood of Highland Park from Rogers Park when our oldest kid was 2.5. Like many other young families we wanted more space and easy access to good schools and public amenities. We liked Highland Park for its downtown and proximity to the City (where we both worked), the Lake, the Green Bay Trail, Botanic Gardens and Ravinia.
Your a mama! Tell us about your kids.
My oldest is 11 and recently started middle school. My youngest is 8 and the oldest (and tallest) kid in 2nd grade. Both boys. We also have a 3 year old mixed breed rescue dog named Louie and a 6ish year old rescue tabby cat named Bamba.
What are one or two fun facts to know about you?
I love singing along to the radio but generally make up my own lyrics. I make an amazing chocolate chip cookie in a cast iron pan.
What are your favorite local places to spend with the family?
We love visiting the Wildlife Discovery Center in Lake Forest and my oldest has taken a bunch of classes and camps there. Their summer market is fantastic. Our most visited restaurants are Mean Weiner in Highwood, Backyard Grill in Highland Park, Grateful Bites in Hubbard Woods and Akai Hana in Wilmette. For date night I love Disotto in Highwood and Guildhall in Glencoe.
Please introduce Chicago Children’s Theatre (CCT)! What is the mission and vision and how long has this been a staple in Chicago?
CCT was founded in 2005 with the idea that as the greatest theater city in the world, Chicago deserved a great children’s theater. Today, Chicago Children’s Theatre is the city’s largest professional theater company devoted exclusively to children and young families, with an emphasis on access and inclusion. CCT provides tens of thousands of free and reduced-price tickets to under-resourced schools each season in partnership with Chicago Public Schools. CCT also continues to grow its education programs emphasizing student authorship, youth empowerment, and community leadership. Particularly noteworthy is CCT’s Red Kite Project, which is a series of unique and innovative programs for children on the autism spectrum and their families, as well as initiatives and productions that make our programming accessible to children with developmental disabilities and other disabilities.
You joined the Board of Directors for CCT the summer of 2019. Why is this particular nonprofit so important to you?
Yes, this is my 4th year as a Board member! I became interested in CCT when, through my husband’s job, we received 4 tickets to see their production of Arnold Lobel’s “A Year with Frog and Toad.” It was magical – like nothing I had seen before. The sets were inventive, every actor played multiple instruments – it was silly and fun. My kids – who at the time were about 3 and 6 – were spellbound. When I had the opportunity to join the Board I jumped at it. It was only then that I learned about all the amazing things CCT does in the community – reaching out to underserved kids and providing programming for kids on the autism spectrum. CCT also reinvented itself during lockdown with wonderful virtual productions, family events, a neighborhood-based podcast series, in-person and virtual education programs, among other initiatives.
What productions are coming up for CCT?
CCT just finished a run of “Leonardo the Terrible Monster” which was very well received. We are having an abbreviated season – our first completely in person since the start of the pandemic. Around the holidays the theater is presenting The Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party – a mesmerizing, interactive trunk and puppet show, complete with original music and hot chocolate! Lastly will be an encore production of “The Very Hungry Caterpillar,” which features a menagerie of over 75 magical puppets telling 4 beloved Eric Carle stories.
Is there anything else you’d like us to know?
On Friday, November 18, CCT will celebrate 18 years serving our community as Chicago’s premier professional theatre company dedicated to children and families, with an emphasis on accessibility. CCT’s annual P.O.P. (Power of Play) Gala is Chicago’s hippest fundraising party, featuring the best in West Loop dining, a program showcasing CCT’s mission, and The Ron Burgundy Band.
The Board and Staff of CCT is hosting the event at City Winery with a mix of great food and drink in an electric atmosphere. I’m looking forward to a night of dancing and fun, all to benefit CCT’s mission-driven programming. Please join me! Tickets are available on CCT’s website and it would be wonderful to see a strong North Shore contingent.
Sounds so fun! How do our readers learn more about Chicago Children’s Theatre programs and productions?
CCT’s website has a ton of information about upcoming shows, our mission and the P.O.P. Gala. Check out a play with your kids – I promise you will be hooked!
About Our Meet a Mom Sponsor
A very heartfelt thank you to CNSMoms’ Meet a Mom sponsor, Lake Forest mom of three and owner of Gifford Law, a solo Estate Planning Firm (wills and trusts). Mary, we appreciate your support of local moms in our North Shore communities! Learn more about Mary by visiting her Meet a Mom spotlight Chicago Children’s Theatre (CCT)! Contact Mary directly here: [email protected].
