Palatine's 'Button for Nuttin' musical April 11-13

Posted March 30, 2014 11:00 pm

Submitted by Lydia Quill

Palatine Police & Fire Benevolent Association Charities, LTD and Big-2-Do Productions presents the premier of "Button For Nuttin," Palatine's original homegrown musical, for one weekend, April 11, 12 and 13, at Cutting Hall, 150 W. Wood St., in Palatine.

All profits will be donated to PPFBA Charities LTD to support its community outreach programs.

"This is the first time our charitable organization has ever partnered to sponsor a musical," said Bruce Morris, director of PPFBA Charities LTD. "It may seem to some like an odd fit, but we feel it'll be a great show with lots of memorable songs and an upbeat ending. We know the audience will have a terrific time."

"Button For Nuttin" was written by Palatine resident Marc Ross with original music by Lawrence Boisen and arrangements by Frank Rebeka. Julie Price, also from Palatine, is directing.

"It's an hilarious story about a little town, a guaranteed loner and a big red button. It's also about a fable that strives to reinvent itself," said Marc Ross, who is coproducing along with his wife, Judith. "There are 20 great new songs plus a lot of laughs and surprises. It's edgy, yet family-friendly. The cast includes the most talented performers we've ever worked with."

The musical features Robb Fanning, Anne Arza, Jim Sullivan, Sue Mrotek, Rick Hollander, Tamara Kist, Katie Dapper, Judith Ross, T.R. Frye, Nancy Nelson, Brendan Foley, Tyler Callahan, Rick Browne and Mary Ross.

"I'm an offstage voice," said Marc Ross. "That's probably a good place for me!"

Additionally, each performance will include a cameo by a uniformed Palatine police officer.

"Button For Nuttin's" songs come in many different styles, from tango and doo-wop to country and '40s swing. "This has all been a dream come true," said Judith Ross. "We are happy to support the programs and services offered by PPFBA Charities by creating a show that we promise will be highly entertaining, and we hope will engage our audience to dance in the aisles. We see it as a win for both PPFBA Charities and for all those who join us."

"Nuttin" is the name of the unluckiest of all towns. Nothing ever seems to go right, however, their fortune may be just about to change. National "Feed Your Face Day" is just around the corner - for many a day of celebration - but for the two rival towns of Nuttin and Plenty it will be a day of reckoning. Nuttin stands to lose everything until the arrival of a mysterious stranger who claims that he can save the hapless city of Nuttin with a secret recipe for a feast like no other.

Ticket prices vary and there are discounts for preordering as well as for groups of 10 or more. Advanced tickets can be purchased online at www.cuttinghall.org.

Tickets can also be purchased on the day of the performance one hour prior to the show. Cutting Hall accepts MasterCard and Visa or checks made payable to Palatine Park District.

Funds raised through the three performances of "Button For Nuttin" will directly aid services offered by PPFBA Charities LTD. These include support to the Palatine policing and firefighting community, particularly to families of those who have fallen in the line of duty. Additional outreach is extended to those in need throughout the Palatine community. For donation information, call Bruce Morris at (847) 963-6257.

"We hope audiences will flock to Cutting Hall for our world premiere weekend," says director, Julie Price. "We know they'll agree that it's good for Nuttin!"

• Send us 'Your News' using the form at www.dailyherald.com/share. For submissions with multiple photos, email them to nbrcalendar@dailyherald.

'Button For Nuttin" cast members, from left, Brendan Foley, T.R. Frye, Judith Ross, Robb Fanning and Officer Bruce Morris, examine a copy of The Daily Nuttin. Courtesy of Marc Ross

If you go

What: Palatine Police & Fire Benevolent Association Charities, LTD and Big-2-Do Productions present the original musical, "Button For Nuttin."

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12; and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 13.

Where: Cutting Hall, 150 S. Wood St. Palatine (Cuttinghall.org or Box Office: (847) 202-5222)

Prices: Adults, $16 in advance, $18 at the door; students or 62 and older, $14 in advance, $16 at the door; ages 12 and younger, $8 in advance, $10 at the door. Save $1 per ticket with Daily Herald readers discount code: PPFBA

Learn more: www.buttonfornuttin.com

Article Comments

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.