Once Upon a Time (or the Secret Language of Birds)

Created and directed by Redmoon Associate Artistic Director Frank Maugeri and written by Joe Meno, Once Upon a Time (or the Secret Language of Birds) champions courage, leadership, and the possibility that song gives meaning to life. Set in a bleak 1920s American city, the story follows Emily, a lonely young girl who understands the language of birds. She quickly develops a friendship with Bruno, a neighbor who has retreated to a life of solitude after a fatal wrestling accident. When the birds of the city mysteriously disappear, the unlikely duo must save the city from the calamitous effects of a world without music.

With the development of Once Upon a Time, Redmoon Theater has created an intricate spectacle event, unlike anything seen before. This adventure, narrated by puppeteers, uses handcrafted two-dimensional puppets, sets, and props contained in an exquisitely detailed miniature theater. The story inside the theater is filmed live to create a larger-than-life animated cartoon projected before the audience’s eyes.

Once Upon a Time (or the Secret Language of Birds) is presented as part of Chicago Winter Delights 2007, a citywide initiative offering 100 unique events representing Chicago’s Top 10 cultural pastimes.