Oak Park Festival Theatre and Oak Park River Forest Walk-In Ministry announce the third annual concert reading of "Mrs. Coney: A Tale at Christmas".
Benefit performances are Friday, November 20 and Sunday, November 22 at 7 p.m. in Frank Lloyd Wright's famous Unity Temple, Lake at Kenilworth Street in Oak Park.
"Mrs. Coney" won the Kennedy Center prize for Best New Short Play, and has enjoyed critically acclaimed productions across America. Local reviews include Hedy Weiss of the Chicago Sun- Times: "A lovely little piece of storytelling that appeals to the heart and spirit rather than the wallet...better than any Christmas carols." Richard Christiansen, Chicago Tribune, had reported "It's a darling show, artful and heartwarming in the telling."
The play, described as "a small theatrical miracle wherein magic, folklore and the spirit of Christmas combine to weave a powerful spell" will this year be directed by the playwright, Oak Park resident Belinda Bremner.
For the very first time in any production a girl will play the role of Jamie, the young hero. Nine-year old Miranda Theis will make her professional debut. Her Ma and Pa in the production will be her actual, real-life professional actor parents, Sara Nichols and Kevin Theis. Kevin is a Chicago-area director who has earned plaudits for his directorial accomplishments, and has performed in Goodman's "A Christmas Carol".
In fact, the entire Theis family will be featured, when Miranda's six-year old sister, Gwendolyn, joins her in the music and singing which opens the play.
Equity actors Barbara Zahora (Mrs. Coney), Tony Dobrolowski (James), Jack Hickey (Uncle Bob), and Susan Gosdick (Aunt May) round out the cast.
The production is a benefit for the Oak Park Festival Theatre and the area's Walk-In Ministry, which offers emergency clothing, food, and transportation assistance to those in need.
Popular Farmers Market and Buzz Cafe musicians Heather Walls, Mike Casey and Scott Daniel will provide old timey Appalachian songs with which the audience is invited to sing along, and will provide music throughout the concert reading.
The play is filled with humor, music and memory, suitable for ages eight and older. It tells the story of the hardscrabble Christmas in the woods of 1935 Kentucky, when a young boy's surprising kindness brings great healing.
Tickets are $15, with a student/senior rate of $10. Further information is available at 708-445-4440.