Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences continues its tradition of introducing new pieces to the realm of children's theatre with the world premiere production of Natalie Babbitt's THE SEARCH FOR DELICIOUS, adapted by Mark Frattaroli, March 31- May 23, 1998, at DePaul University's Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. The play is directed by David L. Avcollie, Artistic Director of Chicago Playworks, with scenic design by Jessica Summers, costume design by Sara Manship Wilcox, lighting design by Kimberly Pross and sound design by Jeffrey Webb. For performance times and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

Based on the popular children's novel by award-winning author Natalie Babbitt, this new adaptation tells the story of a dictionary that nearly brought war to a kingdom and the boy and the mermaid who tried to stop the battle. The Prime Minister of the land is stumped when he sets out to write a dictionary and tries to arrive at a definition for "delicious." When he sends twelve-year-old Gaylen on a quest through the kingdom, the young adventurer finds many colorful citizens determined to offer their own special, and often surprising, definitions of the wonderful word. "Growing up is sometimes a tricky journey," director David L. Avcollie says. "This charming and humorous play teaches us about communication, how we have to find ways to talk to each other and make room for other opinions."

Chicago Playworks was founded as the Goodman Children's Theatre in 1925. In September 1997, Chicago Playworks was honored by the Illinois Theatre Association with the Children's Theatre Award, for outstanding contribution to children's theatre over its 72-year history. "In our effort to bring quality children's theatre to our audiences, we continue to search for new plays, books and literature," Mr. Avcollie says. "Bringing new adaptations like The Search for Delicious to the stage is critical to our mission, to sustain our tradition of a high level of design and performance and a full theatrical experience for young people."

Performances of The Search for Delicious are Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m., March 31 - May 23, 1998. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no performances on Saturdays, May 2 and 9 and Thursday, May 21. Performances are held at DePaul University's Merle Reskin Theatre, 60 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago. Discount parking is available with coupons from the Box Office.

Ticket prices are $6; $2 for children 18 months and younger. Group rates are available for 15 or more people. Seniors (over 60), Corporate Partners, DePaul employees and alumni, and college students receive a discount on regular prices. Dinner Packages at the Chicago Hilton and Towers Pavilion Restaurant are available through the Box Office: $17.50 for adults; $9.75 for children age 12 and younger.

SPECIAL EVENT: An Ice Cream Social and post-show discussion with the cast follows the performance on Saturday, April 18, at the Chicago Hilton and Towers. Tickets to this event are $2.50 and are available through the Box Office: (312) 922-1999.

Further information about The Search for Delicious and The Theatre School is available via the Internet on The Theatre School's Website, located at http://theatreschool.depaul.edu .

Author NATALIE BABBITT is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator. The Search for Delicious, her first children's novel, was named a Best Book of the Year by the New York Times in 1969. In 1975, she received the Christopher Award for Juvenile Fiction for Tuck Everlasting, among other awards. Chicago Playworks presented Mark Frattaroli's adaptation of Tuck Everlasting last season at the Merle Reskin Theatre. Ms. Babbitt's numerous other works include Dick Foote and the Shark, The Something and The Eyes of the Amaryllis.

Director DAVID L. AVCOLLIE is the Artistic Director of Chicago Playworks and is head of the Acting Program at The Theatre School. His directing credits for Chicago Playworks include The Snow Queen, Ozma of Oz, The Arkansaw Bear ad Wiley and the Hairy Man. In 1996 he directed the critically acclaimed Chicago premiere of David Saar's he Yellow Boat, which was invited to the 1996 Chicago Humanities Festival. Mr. Avcollie's 1982 Playworks production of The Arkansaw Bear was one of the first shadow-signed performances for hearing-impaired children in the Chicago area. He is also co-founder and former Artistic Director of the Chicago Children's Theatre.

Scenic Designer JESSICA SUMMERS is an advanced student in the M.F.A. Scenic Design Program at The Theatre School, where she recently designed scenery for The Clearing. Costume Designer SARA MANSHIP WILCOX is an advanced student in the school's Costume Design Program. Lighting Designer KIMBERLY PROSS is an advanced student in the Lighting Design Program, where she designed lights for Stage Door. Sound Designer JEFFREY WEBB is the resident sound designer at DePaul's Merle Reskin Theatre.

The Theatre School is a member of ASSITTEJ/USA, the American Arts Alliance for Theatre and Education, the Illinois Alliance for Arts Education, the League of Chicago Theatres and the Illinois Arts Alliance.