Northbrook resident directs 'Butterflies are Free' opening Jan. 13
Big Noise Theatre introduces Catherine Davis, director of "Butterflies are Free."
Early in Catherine Davis' theater career, she auditioned for the role of Jill Tanner in Leonard Gershe's romantic comedy “Butterflies are Free”. The character of Jill had been associated with well known actresses during the title's early history: Blythe Danner won the 1970 Tony Award for playing Jill in the play's Broadway production and Goldie Hawn brought the character into the mainstream in the 1971 film version.
“I did not get the role and I was slightly happy because the girl has to be in her underwear and I didn't feel comfortable doing that,” says Davis.
A retired teacher and now full time theater director, Davis opens her own production of “Butterflies are Free” this month — she is directing the play for Big Noise Theatre Company. Performances will be held at the Prairie Lakes Theatre in Des Plaines from Jan. 13-Feb. 5th, 2012.
Davis is a familiar face and name throughout the Chicago theater community. An MFA graduate in theater from University of Colorado, she has directed over 110 productions in her 40 years of theater experience, has been a member of the Jeff Committee, and was the suburban coordinator for Season of Concern. Last season, she directed Big Noise's critically acclaimed production of “Beau Jest”.
The plot of “Butterflies…” centers on a blind man´s attempt at self-reliance, a young woman´s fear of commitment, and a loving mother´s struggle with letting her son go. “It's about being in a relationship, whether it is with a boy friend, girlfriend, a parent,” says Davis. “It is about being emotionally free to commit to another human being.”
Playing the leading blind character of Don, portrayed in Big Noise's revival production by Reid O'Connell, may sound challenging for some actors and directors alike. Davis' entire cast, however, has made the entire rehearsal process easy for her. “Everyone is doing amazingly well in every aspect.” Chicago resident Philena Gilmer plays the underwear clad/budding actress Jill, Karen Doyle is Don's well-intended mother, and Aaron Rumack rounds out the cast as up and coming theater director, Ralph.
Davis' affinity for the play isn't understated. “I love it! Every reference--famous person mentioned, article of clothing, figure of speech--takes me back to 1969.” Davis is especially happy to direct this production for Big Noise this season to help the Company celebrate their 10th anniversary of presenting live entertainment at the Prairie Lakes Theater.
Tickets for “Butterflies are Free” are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and $16 for kids, and can be ordered by calling (847) 604-0275 or online at www.bignoise.org. The Prairie Lakes Theatre is located at 515 E. Thacker, Des Plaines.
Big Noise Theatre Company, a division of Winnetka Theatre, strives to produce high-quality shows that stretch the creative talents of their actors and staff as well as surpass the expectations of their audience.