Oakton theater students stage 'Nickel and Dimed'

"Nickel and Dimed," a staged reading focusing on the true-life experiences of a middle-aged, middle-class woman who leaves her comfortable life and tries to survive on minimum wage in America, will be presented at 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24, at Oakton Community College's Studio One Theater, 1600 E. Golf Road, Des Plaines.

"In 'Nickel and Dimed,' we see a glimpse of working class Americans struggling to make a living. Although set in 2001, the story line is very relevant and applicable to our current struggles," says Chairman of Performing Arts John Frisco, professor of speech and theater.

Based on Barbara Ehrenreich's best-selling nonfiction book, "Nickel and Dimed" details the author's vivid odyssey that includes working double shifts, sharing a tiny room, begging for food and swallowing humiliation constantly. The play is dotted with enduring characters who survive despite life's struggles.

"Our staged readings are programmed to showcase the words of a play more than see it fully performed," Frisco said. "The purpose in this is to expose our audiences to either new works or plays that deal with social and political issues.

"The audience also will be able to witness the talents of our student and community members. All our plays at Oakton use a combination of our diverse student body and community actors to depict stories."

General admission tickets are $8. Purchase online at www.oakton.edu/tickets or call (847) 635-1900.