GreenMan Theatre Storytellers spotlights influential Chicago area women
GreenMan Theatre Storytellers, in collaboration with Elmhurst History Museum, have announced the three actors who will help commemorate the museum’s “History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland” exhibit.
The exhibit will include the biographical monologues of three important Chicago area women from the region’s past: Bertha Honoré Palmer, Audrey Wagner and Frances Willard.
On Saturday, June 20, Debbie Proska will portray Bertha Honoré Palmer — one of the most powerful and influential women in Chicago high society. Palmer managed the Palmer Hotel, a wedding gift from her husband Potter Palmer. An avid art collector, Palmer was an early champion of Impressionist art. Several pieces in the Palmer Collection were purchased by the Art Institute of Chicago, thanks to monetary bequeathments from Palmer.
On Saturday, July 11, Kathi Campbell will explore the life of professional baseball player Audrey Wagner of Bensenville. During and after World War II, Wagner was a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and the National Girls Baseball League. She later became a doctor of obstetrics & gynecology, practicing in Crescent City, California.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, Victoria Rebeck will portray Evanston resident Frances Willard, a renowned educator, proponent of the temperance movement and suffragette advocate. Longtime president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Willard was passionate in her beliefs in total abstinence from alcohol — and in women’s right to vote.
Each “History of Her” monologue will start at 2 p.m. and last about 10-15 minutes including time for questions at the end. The trio of performances will be done in costume.
Performances are free, drop-in events at Elmhurst History Museum, 120 E. Park Ave. Museum admission is free; however, a suggested $5 donation is gratefully accepted to help support the museum's education programs, public events, and both rotating and core exhibitions.
The Elmhurst History Museum’s “History of Her: Women Who Shaped Chicagoland” exhibit will run through Aug. 9, 2026. The museum is open Sunday and Tuesday to Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed Monday. Visit elmhursthistory.org.
In its 22nd season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit 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 “The Odd Couple,” “Dracula,” and “Pride and Prejudice.” 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.
Learn more at greenmantheatre.org or facebook.com/Greenmantheatre.