Big Noise Theatre presents ‘Butterflies Are Free’ in Des Plaines

Big Noise Theatre Company, celebrating its 10th anniversary of presenting live entertainment at the Prairie Lakes Theater in Des Plaines, presents “Butterflies Are Free” as its second production of the 2011-12 season.

Performances will be held Jan. 13-Feb. 5.

Big Noise’s revival production is being directed by Catherine Davis and produced by Peter Rasey. Written by Leonard Gershe, “Butterflies Are Free” is a romantic comedy that 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 boyfriend, girlfriend, a parent …” says Davis. “It is about being emotionally free to commit to another human being.”

The original Broadway production opened in 1969 and won a Supporting Actress Tony Award for Blythe Danner. A successful movie version starred Goldie Hawn, Edward Albert and won Eileen Heckart an Oscar as Best Supporting Actress in 1972.

The Big Noise cast includes Reid O’Connell as Don Baker, Philena Gilmer as Jill Tanner, Karen Doyle as Mrs. Baker and Aaron Rumack as Ralph.

Director Catherine Davis has worked as a director and educator since earning a master’s degree in theater, accumulating more than 110 full-length productions to her directing credits. She was a Joseph Jefferson Awards committee member and served on the advisory board and as suburban coordinator for Season of Concern.

The Prairie Lakes Theatre is at 515 E. Thacker St. (Dempster), Des Plaines.

Tickets are $24; $22 for seniors and $16 for kids. Order them at (847) 604-0275 or online at bignoise.org. Big Noise Theatre Company is a division of Winnetka Theatre.