Selected Community Events
‘Tuesdays With Morrie’ Comes Alive at TLP
Timber Lake Playhouse, Mount Carroll ILMount Carroll, IL-- Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP) follows up its hit season opener, A Chorus Line, with the stage adaptation of Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays With Morrie opening Thursday, June 20. Acclaimed Chicago director Chuck Smith returns to direct the show that stars longtime TLP favorites Robert Maher and Courtney Crouse in the story of an accomplished journalist who visits an old college professor and gets one final lesson on the meaning of life.
Mitch Albom’s book has sold over 15 million copies worldwide since its release in 1997 and became a cultural touchstone. A TV movie starring Jack Lemmon was filmed in 1999. The stage adaptation was praised as “Unforgettable! No matter how well you tell the story, the play makes it more vivid, more humorous, more shattering.”
To celebrate the life-affirming themes of the play, Timber Lake Playhouse is looking for people to share their own stories of their mentors. Maybe it was a grandparent, or a teacher, or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and searching, helped you see the world as a more profound place, gave you sound advice to help you make your way through it.
For Mitch Albom, that person was Morrie Schwartz, but most people have heroes in their lives they never thank. TLP will give away two tickets to each performance of Tuesdays With Morrie to people who have served as mentors to others. To nominate your mentor, email info@timberlakeplayhouse.org with your name, your mentor’s name and contact information and a short explanation of how this person inspired you. TLP will pick 11 mentors to receive free tickets to the production.
Tuesdays With Morrie runs June 20-29 for 11 performances only. TLP is located at 8215 Black Oak Rd. in rural Mount Carroll, IL. Tickets are $15-23 and are available at the box office, by calling 815-244-2035 or visiting www.timberlakeplayhouse.org. Following Tuesdays With Morrie, TLP will present The Music Man July 5-14, Unnecessary Farce July 18-27, Monty Python’s Spamalot August 1-11. Seussical, based on the books of Dr. Seuss, will be presented for children and families July 9, 11, 12 and 13 and August 6, 8, 9 and 10. All tickets to Seussical are only $6.
Full Production Credits:
TIMBER LAKE PLAYHOUSE presents
Mitch Albom’s
Tuesdays With Morrie
by JEFFREY HATCHER AND MITCH ALBOM
BASED ON THE BOOK BY MITCH ALBOM
Directed by
CHUCK SMITH
Original New York production produced by
David S. Singer, Elizabeth Ireland McCann, Joey Parnes,
Amy & Scott Nederlander, Harold Thau,
Moira Wilson, Shadowcatcher Entertainment
Originally presented by New York Stage and Film Company and the Powerhouse Theatre at Vassar College, 2002.
Tuesdays With Morrie was supported by a playwright’s residency and public staged readings at the 2001 O’Neill National Playwrights Conference of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, Waterford, CT.
Tuesdays With Morrie is presented through special arrangement with
Dramatists Play Service, Inc.
TLP Production Partner Sponsors:
Compliance Signs Kunes Country Auto Group
Suit Supply Chicago Timber Lake Resort Anonymous
This program is partially sponsored by a grant from the
Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
Chuck Smith (Director) has served twelve consecutive seasons at TLP. A twenty-one year Goodman Theatre artistic staff member and an associate producer of Legacy Productions, a Chicago-based touring company, he recently received the 2012 Goodman Theatre August Wilson Award and the 2011 Lloyd Richards Directing Award with his production of Knock Me a Kiss at the National Black Theater Festival (winner of 11 New York Audelco awards, including Director of a Dramatic production and Dramatic Production of the Year). Smith’s Goodman credits include the Chicago premieres of By the way Meet Vera Stark, Race, The Good Negro, Proof and The Story; the world premieres of By the Music of the Spheres andThe Gift Horse; James Baldwin’s The Amen Corner, which transferred to Boston’s Huntington Theatre Company where it won the Independent Reviewers of New England (IRNE) Award for Best Direction; Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun; Pearl Cleage’s Blues for an Alabama Sky; August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom; the Fats Waller musical Ain’t Misbehavin’; the 1993 to 1995 productions of A Christmas Carol; Crumbs From the Table of Joy; Vivisections from a Blown Mind; and The Meeting. He served as dramaturg for the world-premiere production of August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean at the Goodman. At Columbia College Chicago he was facilitator of the Theodore Ward Prize playwriting contest for 20 years and editor of the contest anthologies Seven Black Plays and Best Black Plays. He won a Chicago Emmy Award as associate producer/theatrical director for the NBC teleplay Crime of Innocence, and was theatrical director for the Emmy Award-winning Fast Break to Glory and the Emmy Award-nominated The Martin Luther King Suite. Mr. Smith is a 2003 inductee into the Chicago State University Gwendolyn Brooks Center’s Literary Hall of Fame and a 2001 Chicago Tribune Chicagoan of the Year. He is the proud recipient of the 1982 Paul Robeson Award and the 1997 Award of Merit presented by the Black Theater Alliance of Chicago. He is currently a board member of the African American Arts Alliance of Chicago.
PRODUCTION STAFF
Production Stage Manager …................................................................... Rena Waits
Stage Manager.............................................................. Mary-Catherine Mikalayunas
Scenic Designer........................................................................................... Loren Borja
Lighting Designer............................................................................ Tony Luetkenhaus
Costume Designer ….......................................................................... Kelcey Matheny
Costume Shop Manager ...................................................................... Emma Crafton
Technical Director............................................................................... Roger Chapman
Properties Master …............................................................................ Tasha Sandage
Sound Designer/ Engineer........................................................................ Patrick Bley
Master Electrician…………….................……........................…...…… James Kolditz
Assistant Technical Director …...........................................................… Carrie Peiffer
Scenic Artist ….............................................................................. Catie DelleMonache
Carpenter …................................................................................... Matthew Birchmeier
Costuming Assistant ……………….............................................……. Hollyann Lillie
Timber Lake Playhouse, Phone: (815)244-2035
The Adventures of Robin Hood
See BelowMerry Men, adventure, and heart; it’s all in the Northwest Illinois Theater Coalition production of The Adventures of Robin Hood by Michele L. Vacca.
A change from the usual, this production, directed by Peter Woodruff, is a play for and with the youth of the community. Woodruff’s experience as director, as well as on stage, makes him a great choice to “lead” Robin Hood and his Merry Men in their daring, dashing deeds.
Show times are at 7:30 pm Thursday and Friday, July 11 and12 in Stockton on the Plum River Players stage at Christ Lutheran Church. The Back Street Players will put on their show in Hanover at the Township Hall, 111 Monroe Street, at 7:30 pm on Saturday, July 13 and at 2:00 pm, Sunday, July 14. And finally, The Mighty Richland Players in Orangeville will host their usual dessert show at 203 High St., 7:30 pm Friday and Saturday, July 19 and 20, and at 2:00pm Sunday, July 21.
For ticket information at Mighty Richland Theater, call The Monroe Arts Center at 608-325-5700. Tickets for Back Street Players can be purchased by calling 815-244-1014. Plum River Playhouse tickets are on sale at Stockton Banking Center in Stockton by calling 815-947-2000.
Les Misérables
Jun 26, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Jun 27, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Jun 28, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Jun 29, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Jul 31, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Aug 1, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Aug 2, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Aug 3, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Aug 4, 2013 June 26-29 & July 31 – August 4, 2013 at 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 29
Rock Valley College Bengt Sjostrom Starlight TheatreBook by: Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg
Music by: Claude-Michel Schönberg
Lyrics by: Herbert Kretzmer
Rated PG
This international smash-hit may be the most popular musical in the world. In 19th century France, Jean Valjean is released from 19 years of unjust imprisonment, but finds nothing in store for him but mistrust and mistreatment. He breaks his parole in hopes of starting a new life, initiating a life-long struggle for redemption as he is relentlessly pursued by police inspector Javert, who refuses to believe Valjean can change his ways. Finally, during the Paris student uprising of 1832, Javert must confront his ideals after Valjean spares his life and saves that of the student revolutionary who has captured the heart of Valjean's adopted daughter. His world-view shattered, Javert commits suicide, and Valjean at last attains the peace he has sought for so long. Epic, grand and uplifting, LES MISÉRABLES packs an emotional wallop that has thrilled audiences all over the world. The sung-through pop opera is ideal for a cast of exceptional singers and overflows with melodies that are already standards. A spectacle on Broadway and in London, LES MISÉRABLES is equally effective with a minimal set; it is its powerful affirmation of the human spirit that has made LES MISÉRABLES a popular masterpiece.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be ordered in advance at rvcstarlight.com or by calling (815) 921-2160.
Mike Webb, m.webb@rockvalleycollege.edu
RVC Starlight Theatre Presents: Xanadu
Jun 12, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jun 13, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jun 14, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jun 15, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jul 17, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jul 18, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jul 19, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jul 20, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Jul 21, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15th
Bengt Sjostrom Theatre at Rock Valley CollegeFor full descriptions of the musical go to rvcstarlight.com. Tickets are just $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be purchased in advance by calling (815) 921-2160 or online at rvcstarlight.com. Season tickets are also on sale for $65 for adults and $55 for students/seniors.
RVC Starlight Theatre Presents: Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express
Jun 5, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jun 6, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jun 7, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jun 8, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 10, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 11, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 12, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 13, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 14, 2013 All shows are at 8:00 p.m. with additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Bengt Sjostrom Theatre at Rock Valley College Rockford, ILAndrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express (June 5-8 and July 10-14, 2013) tells the story of a child’s train set that magically comes to life and of the various engines that compete to become the “Fastest engine in the World.” It promises to be the fastest and most dynamic musical you will ever experience, featuring a rock/pop score with enormous appeal for everyone.
For full descriptions of the musical go to rvcstarlight.com. Tickets are just $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be purchased in advance by calling (815) 921-2160 or online at rvcstarlight.com. Season tickets are also on sale for $65 for adults and $55 for students/seniors.
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
Jun 19, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jun 20, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jun 21, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jun 22, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jul 24, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jul 25, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jul 26, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jul 27, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Jul 28, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 22
Rock Valley College Bengt Sjostrom Starlight TheatreMusic and Lyrics by: William Finn
Book by: Rachel Sheinkin
Conceived by: Rebecca Feldman
Additional material by: Jay Reiss
Rated PG-13
Six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves, learn that winning isn't everything and that losing doesn't necessarily make you a loser. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee is a hilarious tale of overachievers' angst chronicling the experience of six adolescent outsiders vying for the spelling championship of a lifetime. The show's Tony Award winning creative team has created the unlikeliest of hit musicals about the unlikeliest of heroes: a quirky yet charming cast of outsiders for whom a spelling bee is the one place where they can stand out and fit in at the same time.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be ordered in advance at rvcstarlight.com or by calling (815) 921-2160.
Mike Webb, m.webb@rockvalleycollege.edu
Xanadu
Jun 12, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jun 13, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jun 14, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jun 15, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jul 17, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jul 18, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jul 19, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jul 20, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Jul 21, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 15
Rock Valley College Bengt Sjostrom Starlight TheatreBook by: Douglas Carter Beane
Music and Lyrics by: Jeff Lynne and John Farrar
Based on the Universal Pictures film with a screenplay by: Richard Danus and Marc Rubel
Rated PG
Xanadu follows the journey of a magical and beautiful Greek muse, Kira, who descends from the heavens of Mt. Olympus to Venice Beach, California in 1980 on a quest to inspire a struggling artist, Sonny, to achieve the greatest artistic creation of all time - the first ROLLER DISCO! (Hey, it's 1980!) But, when Kira falls into forbidden love with the mortal Sonny, her jealous sisters take advantage of the situation and chaos abounds. This hilarious, roller skating, musical adventure about following your dreams despite the limitations others set for you, rolls along to the original hit score composed by pop-rock legends Jeff Lynne and John Farrar, and includes, "Magic,""All Over The World," "Suddenly," "I'm Alive," "Evil Woman," "Have You Never Been Mellow" and "Xanadu," to name a few. It is based on the Universal Pictures cult classic movie of the same title, which starred Olivia Newton-John and Gene Kelly. It's hilarity on wheels for adults, children and anyone who has ever wanted to feel inspired, as one of Broadway's master storytellers, Douglas Carter Beane, weaves a moving, electrifying tale of endless fun that will keep you in stitches, while the original, legendary chart-topping tunes lift you out of your seat. You'll want to keep the music in your head, and Xanadu in your heart, forever.
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be ordered in advance at rvcstarlight.com or by calling (815) 921-2160.
Mike Webb, m.webb@rockvalleycollege.edu
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express
Jun 5, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jun 6, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jun 7, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jun 8, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 10, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 11, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 12, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 13, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Jul 14, 2013 8:00 p.m. with an additional 2:00 p.m. matinee on June 8
Rock Valley College Bengt Sjostrom Starlight TheatreLyrics by: Richard Stilgoe
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Additional Lyrics for "Next Time You Fall In Love" by: Don Black
Rated G
A child's train set magically comes to life and the various engines compete to become the "Fastest – engine in the World"! The underdog, Rusty the Steam train, has little chance until he is inspired by the legend of the "Starlight Express" and ultimately defeats his arch-rivals "Greaseball" and 'Electra before going on to win the hand of the lovely first class coach, Pearl. Andrew Lloyd Webber's Starlight Express is the fastest and most dynamic musical you will ever experience! The show has a rock / pop score with enormous appeal for everyone!
Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students/seniors and can be ordered in advance at rvcstarlight.com or by calling (815) 921-2160.
Mike Webb, m.webb@rockvalleycollege.edu