In a bold experiment, Portage Park's Filament Theatre has created an immersive performance where the audience is encouraged – nay, actively invited – to let their guard down. For "RAIN: for babies and their carers," babies and their adult companions are ushered into a specially designed space that's part art installation, part performance, and 100% adorable.
The show begins with a soothing soundtrack of pitter-pattering rain and a blanket-covered stage where the actors perform rain-themed songs. It's here that things get delightfully surreal: babies drool, snuggle, play with each other, while their carers sit back and enjoy some well-deserved respite from the sleep-deprived haze of parenthood.
For Filament Theatre director Ellie Levine, this production is a game-changer. "All of the focus should be on the babies," she emphasizes. "I've told our cast that there is nothing in the performance that is more important than the babies having a safe and enjoyable time." And it's clear that the show has been designed with this mantra in mind: from the mosquito nets filled with tulle fabric to resemble giant raindrops, every detail aims to create an immersive environment where tiny humans can thrive.
But what about the carers? How do they fit into this world? Levine assures us that they're not just passive observers but active participants in a show designed to facilitate bonding and calm. And from what we saw at rehearsal, it seems like the actors are more than happy to be upstaged by their pint-sized co-stars.
For Kessler and Bradford, two Logan Square parents who brought their 7-week-old Margaretta to the show, "RAIN: for babies and their carers" was a godsend. "I was flabbergasted to hear there was something available for someone her age," says Kessler. "There's such a need for it." And from what we saw on stage, this production is exactly what new parents like them need – a space to let go, relax, and enjoy some quality time with their little ones.
In short, Filament Theatre's latest show is an unapologetically messy celebration of life's most messy moments. If you're looking for a night out that won't leave your carer feeling frazzled or your baby feeling fussy, then "RAIN: for babies and their carers" is the ticket. For tickets, head to filamenttheatre.org – but be prepared for some seriously adorable snuggles on stage!
The show begins with a soothing soundtrack of pitter-pattering rain and a blanket-covered stage where the actors perform rain-themed songs. It's here that things get delightfully surreal: babies drool, snuggle, play with each other, while their carers sit back and enjoy some well-deserved respite from the sleep-deprived haze of parenthood.
For Filament Theatre director Ellie Levine, this production is a game-changer. "All of the focus should be on the babies," she emphasizes. "I've told our cast that there is nothing in the performance that is more important than the babies having a safe and enjoyable time." And it's clear that the show has been designed with this mantra in mind: from the mosquito nets filled with tulle fabric to resemble giant raindrops, every detail aims to create an immersive environment where tiny humans can thrive.
But what about the carers? How do they fit into this world? Levine assures us that they're not just passive observers but active participants in a show designed to facilitate bonding and calm. And from what we saw at rehearsal, it seems like the actors are more than happy to be upstaged by their pint-sized co-stars.
For Kessler and Bradford, two Logan Square parents who brought their 7-week-old Margaretta to the show, "RAIN: for babies and their carers" was a godsend. "I was flabbergasted to hear there was something available for someone her age," says Kessler. "There's such a need for it." And from what we saw on stage, this production is exactly what new parents like them need – a space to let go, relax, and enjoy some quality time with their little ones.
In short, Filament Theatre's latest show is an unapologetically messy celebration of life's most messy moments. If you're looking for a night out that won't leave your carer feeling frazzled or your baby feeling fussy, then "RAIN: for babies and their carers" is the ticket. For tickets, head to filamenttheatre.org – but be prepared for some seriously adorable snuggles on stage!
, but also a bit worrying... like, are we relying too much on technology and design to make us feel better about our lives? I mean, it's easy to just hand the babies over to these performers and sit back, relax – what's happening in that space when the actors aren't around? Are the parents even getting any real parenting time or support? It feels a bit too perfect for its own good 
. But at the same time, I get why this show is so important for new parents – they need all the help they can get! So yeah, it's a mixed bag 
...
- a theatre show just for parents and babies?! It's like they're speaking my language 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to experience a night out where they can let their guard down (literally 
) and just enjoy some quality time with their tiny human? The concept of the show is so genius - it's not about the parents being "on" all the time, but rather creating a safe space for them to relax and bond with their babies. And those adorable rain-themed props 
are just the icing on the cake! I'm totally getting my little ones (if I ever have some 
) into this show ASAP! 
It's like a sleepover for grown-ups too 
. I'm definitely adding this to my bucket list for when our kiddo is old enough (or young enough 
). The attention to detail is insane – those mosquito nets with tulle fabric? Genius! 
... my sister had a tough time with her first kid and it's nice to see someone is making an effort to create a space where families can just chill out together 
... anyway, I'm totally gonna check this out with my partner 
. And what's with the emphasis on the babies' experience over everyone else's? Don't they have feelings too? I'm not convinced this is a game-changer like director Ellie Levine says it is... 
And it sounds like the actors are just happy to have some mini-actors stealing the show 
. As for me, I'm just over here thinking about how awesome it'd be to take my own kid (if I ever had one 
.
Omg this sounds like so much fun!!! I mean who needs a fancy dinner date when you can spend an evening with tiny humans being adorable on stage?