Prairie Center Arts Foundation’s Mystery at the Theatre presents “The Grizzly” Nov. 15 and 16
Taking its cue from the adage “old habits die hard,” the Prairie Center Arts Foundation brings back its most enduring event with Mystery at the Theatre on Nov. 15 and 16 at Schaumburg’s Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts. In addition to a full-length comedy play, the arts fundraiser includes a silent auction, raffles and a “Chef’s Table” package serving food before and after the performance.
“The Grizzly,” a new original comedy by the Prairie Center’s own Rob Pileckis, is a send-up of cooking shows, parodying their tropes and stock characters. For mystery fans, the play is also a bona fide whodunit, complete with clues, accusations, plot twists, and a tidy resolution. The 12-member cast features seasoned Mystery veterans, some going back in the series as far as 20 years.
As for the show’s entertainment factor, Pileckis adds “we never thought that after the first mystery in 1997 we’d still be putting them on 27 years later. We must be doing something right.”
“The Grizzly” stars Jill Baumert, Alissa Brunet, Angela Carrington, Jon Cunningham, Eric Holst, Jerry Kelel, Nathan Kozakis, Tony Lentino, Jared Mason, Carlos Olmedo, Mikey Saubert, and Chris Zeglin.
For Tiana Weiler, Schaumburg’s Director of Cultural Arts and the foundation’s executive director, the event is an ideal vehicle to raise awareness and funds for arts in the community.
“The mystery is sure to entertain, but more importantly, it brings support to the Prairie Center’s programming efforts and offsets the costs of maintaining essential community arts programs like the Schaumburg Youth Orchestra, Choral Program, Dance Ensemble, and Summer Theatre,” Weiler said.
Patrons can enhance their theater experience with the Chef’s Table package that includes pre-and postshow bites from Bahama Breeze, Bella Napoli, Cielo Mexican Grill, Dave & Busters, Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, McAlister’s Deli, and Mezé Mediterráneo. The package also includes two drink tickets to the foundation cash bar.
An online silent auction features premium items including a weekend getaway at the Schaumburg Renaissance Hotel, a Schaumburg Boomers Suite, and Medieval Times tickets. Patrons can buy bucket raffle tickets for a chance to win any of 17 items such as jewelry, tickets to entertainment attractions, food, and wine. Other raffles, including Split-the-Pot and a “Sips & Snacks,” add to the evening’s festivities.
Auction, raffle, and Chef’s Table begin at 6:30 p.m. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 ($75 for the Chef’s Table package) and can be purchased online at prairiecenter.org or by calling (847) 895-3600. The Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts is at 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg.
The Chef’s Table is sponsored by Schaumburg Bank & Trust. The Daily Herald is the event’s Media Sponsor. The Prairie Center Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.