Elgin plays will bring you to your feet

You won't need a theater program or binoculars to catch a theatrical performance in Elgin this month.

Just your walking shoes, an open mind and $12.

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission will sponsor its first-ever "Walkabout: Theater On Your Feet" on Aug. 16, 23 and 30.

In an nutshell, patrons will take a one-hour tour of sorts of downtown Elgin, stopping at five locations for five plays that are about seven to 10 minutes each.

"The whole idea is to mix it together like gumbo in a pot and see what happens," said Sean Hargadon, producing director at the Janus Theatre who helped organized the event. "It's unique. It's a way to see Elgin in a different light."

Hargadon, also a commission member, said he was influenced by three sources: a street-side music festival he heard in Paris; a recent walking tour in Chicago in which theater groups each interpreted a chapter from "Alice in Wonderland;" and the open-air Globe Theatre in London.

"We're hoping for a positive response. People have to be down here to make it a reality," he said.

Overall, five theater groups will participate. The event runs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays - Aug. 16, 23 and 30. Tickets are $12 and reservations are required by calling (847) 841-1713.

The tour will end near DuPage Court, where musicians will play along the streets and sidewalks and artists will display and sell their creations at the Alley of Art.

Cathleen Ann, president and co-founder of the Palatine-based Vex Theatre, said the performances are a mix of sad, funny and strange.

The Walkabout appealed to Ann and her group because they

enjoy performing at the Professional Building in Elgin and want to bring more people to the downtown area.

"It's a wonderful idea. I've been in a lot of businesses in downtown Elgin. There's a great variety," Ann said. "Each of us have our own style and performances. You can actually pack a lot into 10 minutes of theater. We really think Elgin has the best of the urban, like Chicago, and suburban environment. It's a hidden gem."

If you go

What: Elgin's first "Walkabout: Theater On Your Feet," which is five short plays by five different play groups at assorted downtown Elgin locations. Followed by musicians and art show called "Alley of Art."

When: 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 16, 23 and 30

Where: Tours begin the Professional Building, 164 Division St., Elgin, last about an hour and begin every 15 minutes until 2 p.m.

Web: Visit www.elginwalkabout.blogspot.com

Cost: $12, cash only, at the door.

Info: (847) 841-1713.