The Kirk Players celebrate 60 years!
A picture-perfect summer day on Park Street in Mundelein set the stage for a milestone celebration as The Kirk Players marked their 60th anniversary on Sunday, July 12.
Nearly 100 current and former members, community leaders, partners and supporters gathered at Park Street Restaurant to commemorate six decades of community theater and service. The event celebrated not only the organization's rich history of theatrical productions, but also its enduring commitment to enriching the community through the performing arts.
The celebration’s chief planner, longtime member Gretchen Grassl, said, “It was wonderful to hear stories about the early days of the Kirk Players and to realize now how much impact the arts can have on a community.”
Founded in 1966, The Kirk Players have remained true to their mission of giving back through the arts, providing opportunities for performers, volunteers and audiences while offering scholarships and supporting local charitable causes. Over the years, the organization has become a cornerstone of Mundelein's cultural community, bringing together people of all ages who share a passion for theater.
Guests enjoyed an afternoon of reminiscing, reconnecting with longtime friends and celebrating the many individuals whose dedication has helped sustain the organization for six decades. Stories of memorable productions, lasting friendships and volunteer service highlighted the impact The Kirk Players have had both on and off the stage.
“It could not have been a more beautiful day,” Jon L Lynn, son of founder John W Lynn, said. “The shared love and camaraderie between current and former members was the best! To have the chance to reminisce with people that I acted with 55 years ago and looked up to as heroes when I was just a young teenager was so fun! This celebration was a testament to what my dad always called ‘this little band of players’ and what we have accomplished over the last 60 years. We have persevered to create fine theater and continued in so many various ways to give back to our community!”
As the organization honored its past, the celebration also looked toward the future, reaffirming its commitment to producing quality community theater and continuing its tradition of service for generations to come.
This summer, The Kirk Players will partner with the Mundelein Arts Commission to present “A Midsummer Showcase — Shakespeare Shorts,” Aug. 21-23, at the Kracklauer Park gazebo. The performance will also serve as the Concert in the Park on Sunday, Aug. 23rd. These performances are free, no tickets or reservations needed.
The troupe will launch their 61st season in October with the comedy mystery play “An Old Fashioned Family Murder” by Tony Award-winning playwright Joe DiPietro. For more information about their 61st season, visit kirkplayers.org.