Mystery at Prairie Center recalls '60s sci-fi TV March 4-5
The campy charm of 1960s sci-fi TV shows mixes with the jangle pop cheer of top-40 oldies when the Prairie Center Arts Foundation presents "Mystery Rocket-a-GoGo" at 8 p.m. Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5 at the Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court in Schaumburg
The musical-comedy-cum-murder mystery marks the eighth installment in a series that began in 1997. Not impressed with the traveling cookie cutter mystery packages offered to area theaters, Prairie Center staffers decided to take a stab (so to speak) at an original whodunit. "We're housed in a theater with all the resources needed to put together a quality production," says Lucinda Flodin, executive director for the Prairie Center Arts Foundation. "And those resources are employed to raise money for the arts in Schaumburg," she adds of the fundraising event.
Rob Pileckis, production supervisor at the Prairie Center, feels fortunate to have what he believes is the best talent to turn his script into an entertaining evening of theater. "When you've worked with hundreds of actors over the years, you hold on to the cream of the crop. And that's what makes up the cast for our mysteries," says Pileckis. "Not only are they funny, but they're great singers, and they know how to connect with an audience."
As for "Mystery Rocket-a-GoGo," the title almost speaks for itself. The corny mash-up of sci-fi wonders such as "Star Trek" and "Lost in Space," along with 1960s dance pop showcases like "Hullabaloo" and "Shindig," is designed to keep the audience laughing, singing along and momentarily forgetting the realities of daily living. The plot follows a ragtag crew of space travelers as they tangle with an unlikely assortment of aliens, thugs and loveable characters, while belting out jukebox hits from the sixties accompanied by a live house band.
The cast includes past Mystery alumni Mike Concialdi, Jilliane Ann Baumert, Paige Ehlman, Leo Mueller, Tim Philbin, Mark Pontarelli, and Jim Vozzella. Joining them are Schaumburg Summer Theatre favorites (featured in last year's The Mikado) Alex George, Josh Kiesel, Jake Robertson, and Mikey Saubert. Prairie Center regulars Eleanor Ekovich, Angela Panzarella, and Carl Vachlin -- and introducing Robbo the Robot -- round out the company. Schaumburg Summer Theatre Music Director Marc Beth is the band's frontman.
Patrons can also enjoy a private reception with "Bahama Breeze at the Mystery."
A preshow reception at 6:30 p.m. Friday, March 4 offers Bahama Breeze signature appetizers including coconut shrimp, Island onion rings, spinach dip with Island Chips, and a cash bar. The post-show dessert reception on Saturday, March 5 features dulce de leche cheesecake, key lime pie, coconut cream cheese, cookies, coffee, and cash bar. Admission for the reception is $10. Space is limited.
Tickets for Mystery Rocket-a-GoGo, $30, can be ordered by calling (847) 895-3600. Tickets are available online at www.prairiecenter.org.
This program is sponsored by Bahama Breeze Island Grille and presented by the Prairie Center Arts Foundation.