'Elephant's Graveyard' coming to Glenbard South

"Elephant's Graveyard," which tells the gruesome but true story of Murderous Mary the Elephant, will take center stage this month at Glenbard South High School.

Performances opened Thursday and will continue at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 27 and 28, at the school, 23W200 Butterfield Road in Glen Ellyn. Tickets are $8 and available at glenbardsouthhs.seatyourself.biz or at the door. The show is not intended for young audiences.

The play is set in September 1916, when the circus comes to a small town in Tennessee and forever changes the lives of all involved. Mary the elephant was known for her musical talents, pitching ability on the circus baseball team and short temper. However, after this day in September, she will always be remembered for killing circus member Red Eldridge.

"Elephant's Graveyard" showcases the range of reactions from the town and circus while exploring how the American needs for spectacle and remaining part of a group can push us past the point of no return.

Cast members are Catherine Andres, Addison Budka, Vince Cascio, Mary Kate Cooke, CJ D'Agostino, Sydney Fabis, Sophia Gallo, Julianna Gutierrez, Sam Hume, Olivia Janicke, Justin Martinez, Nicole Palmieri, Marissa Sellers and Dan Swarts. Music is performed by Ashton Allen, Emma Eyrich, Justyna Kruczalak, Tyler Schwartz and Emma Taylor.

Maeve Pinkelman is the assistant director, and the stage management team includes Jake Oates and Sam Nelson. Costume members are Annabelle Alvarez, Keeler Smaistria, Charlotte Nelson, Sara VanPelt and Danielle Fugate. Master carpenter is Sydney Fabis.

For details, contact Jessica Keuth-Rahtjen at jessica_keuth@glenbard.org.