Critically acclaimed Chicago directors Shade Murray and Chuck Smith will be spending part of their summer mounting productions for Timber Lake Playhouse in Mt. Carroll, Illinois. This long established summer stock company is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year with a wide spectrum of adult and children shows. Murray, who was responsible for Writer’s Theatre’s stunning production of “The Chosen,” is currently directing the Phillip Barry vintage comedy “The Philadelphia Story,” which runs June 15-24. Smith, whose Goodman Theatre production of “Crumbs from the Table of Joy” just announced an extension through July 2, will mount the popular Fats Waller musical revue “Ain’t Misbehavin’” August 10-20.
Best remembered for the starry 1940 film adaptation that starred Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant and James Stewart, “The Philadelphia Story” concerns a spoiled heiress who is planning her second marriage that will be the high society event of the year. Her ex-husband and a magazine reporter assigned to cover the celebrated nuptials add romantic and comical complications in one of Phillip Barry’s most enduring classical capers. The play was also transformed into a Cole Porter musical called “High Society” starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra that itself was reincarnated in a stage production. Sarah Dothage, Kyle Sandall, Sean Riley and Abby Haug are featured in Timber Lake’s production of the original play, the second show of its summer season.
The joint will be jumping in August as Chuck Smith helms the delightful, toe-tapper “Ain’t Misbehavin’” at Timber Lake. Filled with such rousing tunes as “Honeysuckle Rose,” “Mean to Me,” “I’m Saving My Love For You,” “Keeping Out of Mischief” and “The Jitterbug Waltz,” this enduring revue recreates the ambiance of a swinging Cotton Club nightclub in the 1940’s. The remainder of Timber Lake’s schedule includes the dark musical satire “Urinetown” June 29-July 9, “Tom, Dick & Harry,” a zany new farce by Ray and Michael Cooney July 13 - 22, 2006, and “The Wizard of Oz” July 27-August 6. Timber Lake’s Magic Owl Children's Theatre features productions of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” July 6-8, and “The Wizard of Oz” August 2-5.
Founded in 1962, Timber Lake Playhouse continues its goal of presenting quality live theatre and a showcase for emerging artists to the Midwest. TLP is the oldest continuous operating summer theatre in Illinois. Since TLP first opened its doors on June 28, 1962, the Playhouse has presented more than 350 plays and musicals and more than 3800 performances. The Timber Lake Playhouse is unique from other summer theatre companies by its challenging choice of repertory: the mix of musicals, new plays, and contemporary classics. TLP’s alumni includes numerous veterans of film, television, and Broadway.
The present theatre building, (erected after a fire destroyed the original frame structure in 1974) houses a wide semi-thrust stage with a revolve, and 375 fixed seats. Behind the theatre are 10 smaller structures which are used for costumes, scene and paint shops, and housing for the company. The Resident Company consists of 25-30 persons selected by interviews and auditions in nine cities across the country. Many volunteer performers and instrumentalists augment the large cast shows.
Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Tuesdays at 7:30 pm, Sunday evenings at 6:30 pm (not available every week), with matinees on Wednesdays and Sundays at 2:00 pm. Adult Tickets are $17, and $15 for Sunday evening shows. Student tickets are $8 with a valid ID and Magic Owl Children's Theatre tickets are $5 for children and adults. For reservations, call (815) 244-2035. Visit www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for further information.
Joe Stead |
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| Theatre In Chicago News Contributor Joe Stead has spent over 20 years as a critic, director, designer and performer. His reviews currently appear online at www.steadstylechicago.com. | |