GreenMan Theatre names cast for fifth annual ‘8 to the Bar’ play festival
Elmhurst’s GreenMan Theatre Troupe has selected cast members for “8 to the Bar 2025,” its fifth annual production of 10-minute plays to be performed July 18-20.
“We are excited to welcome actors to our stage who are a mix of new to GreenMan, new to the ‘8 to the Bar’ series and back from a prior year performing,” said Becca Easley, the festival’s producer.
Plays, directors and actors for “8 to the Bar 2025” are:
• "A Benevolent Alliance of Mourners" by Ken Preuss of Oviedo, Florida; directed by Anthony C. Brown with Sarah Johnson (Ellie) and Ashleigh King (Alex).
• "Acting on Impulse" by Margie Semilof of New Paltz, New York; directed by Kimberly Brumirski with Gina Palmer (Margaret), Lisa Deily (Amy), and Caleb Kurowski (Man).
• "College Hunk Movers" by Les Abromovitz of Boca Raton, Florida; directed by Karyn Ustas with Mary Breier (Connie Roman) and Craig Gustafson (Frank Elder).
• "Ghost Light" by Gary A. Davis of Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio; directed by Laura Miller with Antonia Arellano (Kay), William Lyons (Al), and Jacob Borre (Raul).
• "Hope & Greg" by Emily Beck of Fargo, North Dakota; directed by Derek Dillon with Jayne Furlong (Hope) and Luke Hernandez (Greg).
• "None of Your Beeswax" by Reg Stout of Minooka, Illinois; directed by Margie Gustafson with Lauren Bries (Rosemary Goze), Evan Fenne (Edison Lighthouse), Howard Raik (Dr. Baffledome).
• "Path of Love" by James McLindon of Northampton, Massachusetts; directed by Carl Zeitle with Beth Goncher (Audrey) and Elliot Brtva (Mark).
• "Wishes" by Mark Harvey Levine of Indianapolis, Indiana; directed by Kelly Belmont with Ji Un Saw (Rebecca) and Jay Dressler (Scott).
A committee blind read 120 short plays based on the prompt “Moving On” in order to select the plays chosen for “8 to the Bar 2025.”
“We received plays from 29 states, Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Canary Islands, England, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Portugal and Singapore!” Easley said.
New this year, tickets will be sold in advance with limited walk-up tickets available. Cost is $20 per ticket; tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/3djbrten.
“8 to the Bar 2025” will be held at 7:30 p.m. Friday to Sunday, July 18-20, at Mystic Vines, 219 W. St. Charles Road in Villa Park.
In its 22nd season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts.
GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include "Dracula," "Pride and Prejudice" and “Doubtful Abbey.”
GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.