See 'Belle of Amherst' in Elgin this weekend

After nearly a decade, Camille Webb will return to Elgin to star in William Luce's "The Belle of Amherst," a play which she premiered for Independent Players in 1988.

Based on the life of the American poet Emily Dickinson, the play will be presented at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday at the Elgin Art Showcase, eighth floor of the Professional Building, 164 Division St. in downtown Elgin.

Webb, who moved to Plano, Texas nearly a decade ago, had long been associated with Independent Players, starting in the summer of 1981 when she starred in Milan Stitt's "The Runner Stumbles" and continuing until the fall of 1997 when she starred in Neil Simon's "The Prisoner of Second Avenue."

Drawing heavily on the poems, letters and first-hand accounts of the poet from close relatives and friends, "The Belle of Amherst" brings Dickinson to life. Among other things, the poet tells the audience about her childhood, her recipes, her thoughts, her writing, her relationships and her longing to be published. Through her, one meets the people and shares the major events of her life. The play invites a renewed acquaintance with the poems and the poet.

Tickets are $15 or $12 for seniors and $10 for students with an ID. Cash or personal checks only. Group rates are available on request. For information or reservations, call (847) 697-7374. Tickets will be on sale at the door prior to each performance.