Bison Grove Theatre Company presents Neil Simon’s classic comedy ‘Fools’
The Bison Grove Theatre Company’s upcoming production will be “Fools,” the comic tale by legendary American playwright Neil Simon.
The production promises to be a night of delightful absurdity, blending fairy-tale whimsy with Simon’s signature wit. Performances run for three nights: Thursday to Saturday, Nov. 20-22, all at 7 p.m. in the Miller Theatre at Buffalo Grove High School, 100 W. Dundee Road.
Set “a long time ago” in the cursed village of Kulyenchikov, the story follows Leon Tolchinsky, a young schoolteacher given just 24 hours to cure the entire populace of a 200-year curse of chronic stupidity.
If he fails, he’ll become stupid, too! The challenge is complicated when he falls for the charming, but hilariously dim-witted Sophia, forcing him to fight both the curse and the distraction of love.
Fools is a laughter-filled farce that reminds audiences to laugh at the foolishness of others — and occasionally, ourselves — without taking life too seriously.
Each show is brought to life by the talented actors of Buffalo Grove High School, including Gia Alexakis, Marlo Ansfield, Nina Carter, Greg Cruz, Isaac Douglas, Eden Kim, Peter Kim, Ethan Lebron, Angelli Manalansan, Jose Martinez, Natalie Michael, Evan Michalakos, Lily Nelson, Ender Puent, and Elly Williams.
The production is directed by Bison Grove Theatre’s Lauren Stenzel alongside student director Lily Nelson. Technical director Ed Conkle and student technical director Payton Johnson lead the backstage team, along with audio director Thomas French.
The student stage management team includes stage manager Asche Sullivan and assistant stage managers Haley Barbakoff and Jethro Woodard, supported by crew members: Hailey Barbakoff, Kate Barysenka, Seastian Bolanos, Zoe Caleraro, Nina Carter, Alex Clarke, Tommy Conroy, Isaac Douglas, George Dragonov, Geetika Esarapu, Anna Gerdes, Audra Gerdes, Carly Goldstein, Maureen Hatch, Patyton Hyde, Gabriela Meschbach, Lexi Paulov, Jasmine Petrospour, Yuyi Ruiz, Juneillyz Ruiz Vargas, Joseph Salas, Arjun Sharma, Brooklyn Smith, Julianne Smith, Zech Smith, Evelyn Sokolowski, and Anastasia Stavrinou.
The costume crew, under the direction of Debbie Andres, features student costume chiefs Cassie Bustos and Lily O’Malley along with costume crew members Irene Barrios, Paige Dasgupta, Jairy Guzman, Kayla McKloskey and Kaitlyn Quilantan. Debbie Jacks provides house management.
“Fools” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.
Tickets are $10, available online or at the door. Online tickets for any of the shows include a service charge and may be purchased at GoFan.co. All seating is general admission.
The box office opens 60 minutes before curtain time. Cash, checks and credit/debit cards are accepted at the door. For information, call BGHS House Manager Debbie Jacks, (847) 718-4011.