Bartlett resident narrates theater’s new screenplay

Eileen Lucietto has retired from a long career as professor of foreign languages and English at City Colleges of Chicago, including a brief stint in educational administration. She discovered a love of aural interpretation and is active in the Bartlett Historical Society Players.

Retirement has allowed her to pursue her many interests in music, gardening, art and international travel and to serve her church and the community as a volunteer.

Lucietto appeared in the premier performance of “The Awakening Time” as the production’s key role of narrator. This time she serves also as assistant director. She lives in Bartlett with her sculptor husband, Lambert, and has two adult daughters.

Donna Steele, executive director of the St. Charles’ Steel Beam Theatre agreed to offer three Readers Theatre performances of this new screenplay, “The Awakening Time,” written and adapted to live theater by Elgin resident Beth Raines, screenwriter and Hollywood actress. The dates for the performances are July 13, 14 and 15, in coordination with the St. Charles Summer Theater Festival.

Tickets are available through the Steel Beam box office website SteelBeamTheatre.com or by phone at (630) 587-8521. Although Main stage performances are normally $25, tickets have been reduced to only $20 for these performances on a limited first-come, first-served basis.

Raines is an experienced actress and appeared in features such as “Forever” and “The Waltons,” before writing her first screenplay, “The Awakening Time.” Audiences for its first Bartlett performance raved about the strong performances and excellent storyline.

Carol of Bartlett said, “Spellbinding and thought-provoking. The performances were outstanding.”

Jerome of Crystal Lake said, “‘The Awakening Time’ was an amazing experience. I closed my eyes during the performance and I could see everything that was happening in my mind’s eye.”

Sometimes a spiritual journey begins with a loss, and that is exactly what happens to 46-year-old Katie in “The Awakening Time.” After losing her husband, John, to cancer, Katie lives an isolated and emotionally disconnected life. Her life changes when she meets a charming, offbeat, French woman who seems to have the answers to questions Katie doesn’t even know how to ask. This mysterious woman opens doors to the other side that helps Katie realize that love is worth the pain.

Proceeds from these performances will benefit two local nonprofits, the St. Charles Noon Rotary Club, who is supporting Raines’ screenplay production in St. Charles, and the Steel Beam Theatre, beginning its 12th season in downtown St. Charles.

When Raines was a junior in high school, she benefited from her local Rotary Club which sent her abroad to study for a year in Holland. These performances are Raines’ way of giving back to Rotary for a life-changing experience, while supporting the efforts of Steel Beam Theatre’s support of the St. Charles Summer Theatre Festival.

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