Theater season starts at Morton Arboretum
There typically isn’t much threat of poison ivy at the theater.
Tennis shoes aren’t necessary.
The sun’s location, mosquito-filled overgrowth, the temperature — those aren’t on the minds of most play directors planning the set. Or audience members, for that matter.
When theater takes a hike, literally, out into the wilderness, many of the rules change but the premise is the same: a fun experience watching an entertaining production.
It just happens in the woods.
Frank Farrell’s Theatre-Hikes troupe returns to the Morton Arboretum this summer with four productions between July and October.
So, is Theatre-Hikes a cultural event? A sport?
The man who brought theater to the woods says both.
“We’re a hybrid,” said Farrell, who founded the company and its unique production style that moves its invisible stage and audience to various locations throughout the play.
The first production of the Theatre-Hikes season at the Morton Arboretum begins Saturday, July 2. “The Hobbit” begins at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays throughout the month.
Saturday hikes are typically two miles, while Sundays are considered low-impact walks and stay near the path to better accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
The traveling productions attract a different audience than perhaps a traditional theater.
“It’s not a traditional theatergoing crowd per se, it’s more of a blend of people,” said Marilyn Baysek, the arboretum’s special events manager. “It gives nature lovers an opportunity to combine nature with culture, as well as a little hike.”
Audience members are free to bring a lawn chair or blanket — whatever they feel like carrying.
“We do make them two miles long and they’re not 100 percent easy because part of what we’re doing is asking the audience to make some effort,” Farrell said.
People are getting exercise almost in disguise.
“Now we do not work on farms and are not very physical,” Farrell said. “Most of us have a day job and sit at a computer. Walking is a great thing for everyone to do as much as they can.”
The season continues with “The Wizard of Oz” in August, followed by “Around the World in 80 Days” in September and “Night of the Living Dead” in October.
Tickets can be purchased online at mortonarb.org, on the phone at (630) 725-2066 or in person.
“It’s a great way to combine culture and nature and a little heart-healthy exercise along the way,” Baysek said. “Just be sure to bring your bug spray, appropriate walking shoes, a bottle of water and something to sit on.”
Shows begin at 1 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays from July until September and at 3 p.m. in October.
For information about Theatre-Hikes, visit theatre-hikes.org.
Theatre-Hikes “The Hobbit”
<B><a href="http://www.mortonarb.org/">When: 1-3:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, July 2 to 31
Where: Morton Arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle
Cost: $13 to $19
Info: (630) 725-2066 or mortonarb.org</a></B><B></B><B></B><B></B>