Live Theater and Spoken Word/Storytelling Performances Showcased At Charlie’s Center for the Arts

September 4, 2013, St. Charles, IL – The St Charles Arts Council, in partnership with the St. Charles Park District, and their Civic and Arts Partners, the St. Charles Public Library and Fox Valley Repertory showcase some of the terrific arts programming going on during the All-City, All-Arts Event – Charlie’s Center for the Arts – ALL of the ARTS, ALL over TOWN.

The St. Charles Public Library is sponsoring both the GrassRoots Literary Showcase, hosted by Russ Devereaux and Featuring J. W. Basilo, as well as a Storytelling Olio. (Literature Meets Theater!) On September 14th, at 6 p.m., at the First Street Plaza (downtown St. Charles, ½ block south of Main Street/Route 64), an evening of inspiring and invigorating words will be orchestrated by three of the most talented poets from the Chicagoland area – J. W. Basilo, Jeremy Mercado and Corey Davis Dillard – hosted by St. Charles’ very own poet, Russ Devereaux. Says Devereaux, "The GrassRoots Literary Showcase will provide the St. Charles community the opportunity to experience the Slam Poetry movement, which began in Chicago decades ago by Marc Smith. These poets exemplify the best parts of performance poetry. The Showcase will be a free event for all ages, so please bring your folding chairs and come experience an incredible lineup. It will be an evening of free entertainment unlike anything St. Charles has ever experienced.”

In addition to the Showcase, the Library has organized a Storytelling Olio especially for Families. The Olio will be held in the Carnegie Room at the St. Charles Public Library on Sunday, September 15 from 2 – 3 p.m. Storytellers Sue Black and Linda Gorham will be telling stories from around the world and right next door. There will be stories that are fun and full of energy and stories that will make you want to chant, sing, think, imagine and dream. Register or drop in.

Diana Brown, Director of the Library explains their involvement in Charlie’s – “The mission of the St. Charles Public Library is to be a gateway to information, reading enjoyment, cultural enrichment, community involvement, and lifelong learning. [We are] partnering with the St. Charles Arts Council, artists, and local arts organizations to engage our community in a festival of the arts is one of the best ways possible to fulfill this mission.”

Fox Valley Repertory continues their 2013 theater series with a wonderful production that will have you singing and dancing along to the nostalgic sounds of legendary Broadway wit and composer Cole Porter in Let’s Misbehave! Directed and Choreographed by Fox Valley Rep veteran and Multi-JEFF Award-winning director and choreographer Kevin Bellie, performances will take place at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage through October 20, 2013 (www.foxvalleyrep.org; box office 630-584-6342).

Set in 1930’s New York, three friends find themselves gathering for a post-party pity party where they bemoan their shared status as singles. The trio makes a pact to find true love and their quest is all in good fun until the two women, Alice and Dorothy, find that they have eyes for the same man. This rollicking song-and-dance revue celebrates the life and times of legendary Cole Porter, showcasing over 30 of his classic songs such as “Anything Goes” and “Kiss Me Kate,” even including selections from musicals “Fifty Million Frenchmen” and “Gay Divorce.” Clever, funny, and irresistibly romantic, this is a must-see revue of one of America’s most beloved and prolific musical theater composers.

For the long September 12 – 15 weekend, the SCAC and the Park District, along with their Arts and Civic Partners like the St. Charles Public Library and Fox Valley Rep have organized an event featuring multiple artistic disciplines in venues all over the city. Charlie’s will feature visual art galleries/studios, music, literature (spoken word performances, storytelling, etc.), dance, live theater, and as much Arts Programming as we can pack into the weekend.

Come to town early for coffee and a baked treat, attend Charlie’s Fine Craft/3D Art Show and all of the many Art Shows, Studios, Galleries, and Visual Art Demonstrations going on all over town, and enjoy lunch or dinner in any of St. Charles’ dozens of restaurants. Or consider a late summer drink and/or a bite to eat at one of the restaurants’ gorgeous outdoor patios.

East Side, West Side, and Downtown – ALL over TOWN – residents and visitors will be treated to an incredible array of arts programming.

For more information about this fantastic weekend of art, check out the St Charles Arts Council’s web site – StCharlesArtsCouncil.org or call the SCAC at 630.443.3794 or email us at info@StCharlesArtsCouncil.org.

About the St. Charles Arts Council:

The SCAC will serve all those individuals (professionals, amateurs, and students) who produce tangible, consumable works of the imagination and all organizations, businesses, and groups that include and represent those people. This would be arts and cultural activities in their broadest sense, including graphic, plastic, and decorative arts, architecture, crafts, literature and poetry, music, theater, and dance. The primary long-range goal is the transformation of St. Charles into an arts community/an arts magnet/a nationally-known arts market. Ultimately we foresee a municipal arts center, more working artists and opportunities in arts education, many privately-owned galleries, performance venues, and related arts businesses, and a downtown architecture and streetscape conducive to both the aesthetics and business of art.

About the St. Charles Park District:

The St. Charles Park District is a special purpose government unit. It is the mission to enrich the quality of life of Park District residents through excellence in programs, parks, facilities, and services. This is the mission of the Park District as expressed by the Park Board. The mission represents the fundamental statement of purpose and is the point of reference for all decision making.

About the St. Charles Public Library:

The St. Charles Public Library is an integral part of the community that has met the information and resource needs of St. Charles residents for over 100 years. The Library's role has grown from a simple book lending service in 1906, to a multi-service library and information center using 21st century technology.

The Library is recognized for its outstanding collections and programs. Its Youth, Reference, and Special Services programs and staffs have won state-wide awards for excellence. The community's high use and support of the Library are indicative of the value residents place on it.

About Fox Valley Repertory

Fox Valley Repertory (FVR) is a not-for-profit performing arts company based in St. Charles, Illinois dedicated to entertaining, enriching and educating lives in the Fox Valley Area. As the largest professional arts organization in the area, FVR strives to present outstanding products and provide exceptional education programs through the FVR Performing Arts Academy.