Mother Nature sets the scene for Theatre-Hikes at Morton Arboretum
A howl tears through the deep greens of the Morton Arboretum's foliage. Conversations lull, children look up from play, a breeze suddenly stops blowing.
During weekends in July, the sounds of a menacing hound may be heard as this season's Theatre-Hikes performances get under way.
But no worries. Should people hear the hound, they'll never see him.
"The description is so much more terrifying than anything we create," said Bradley Baker, the artistic director of Theatre-Hikes, the company that combines the arts with exercise on Saturdays and Sundays at the Morton Arboretum now through October. "The imagination is more wild than anything."
Throughout the month, "The Hound of the Baskervilles" begins at 1 p.m. and follows Sherlock Holmes on his whodunit quest to hunt down this killer dog who has eliminated members of the Baskerville family one by one.
It kicks off this summer's lineup of Theatre-Hikes - performances that take the audience on a two-mile adventure through the arboretum grounds with scenes in various locations.
"This summer's lineup is very diverse," said Janelle Hardtke, the arboretum's special events manager. "It includes Shakespeare, a mystery and child-friendly shows. It's really nice that there's some diversity throughout the performances, and if people want to check out one each month, there's a package option as well."
August's performance is "The Wind in the Willows." In September, catch Shakespeare's "The Tempest." In October, see "Werewolf's Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow."
Nature acts as a unique character of the show - with the capability of adding to or detracting from a performance. A dark, gloomy day may enhance scarier stories or hot, humid days may seem more like the warmer climates of the southern states.
"It will completely change the energy of the show or the feel of the show. That's the beauty of theater versus a movie. The show that you see is unique. With us having to deal with nature on top of it, that's one more element that makes it even more unique than indoor theater," Baker said.
The shows go on rain or shine, with performances moved to a shelter upon request.
"It's a great opportunity for people to come to the arboretum and check out our gorgeous grounds," Hardke said. "Ticket prices include a one-day admission, so people can hang out before or after shows. They can hang out in the children's garden, ride bikes or take advantage of the entire grounds of the arboretum."
The first Sunday of each month, a low-impact adaptation of the hikes stays near the path to better accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
Audience members are encouraged to wear walking shoes and bring a water bottle. People are free to bring a lawn chair or blanket - whatever they feel like carrying. Admission to the arboretum is included with the ticket fees, which range from $13 to $19 with discounts for arboretum members. Season tickets range from $45 to $60 with discounts for members.
Purchase tickets by calling (630) 725-2066 or visiting mortonarb.org, or at the Visitor Center.
Shows begin at 1 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from July until September and at 3 p.m. in October.
The Morton Arboretum features more than 4,000 types of trees, shrubs and other plants and is situated on 1,700 acres near I-88 and Route 53.
For information about Theatre-Hikes, visit theatre-hikes.org.