'Unshaken Love' takes stage at Itasca Baptist Church
Cuddly puppies are easy to love. So are romantic partners. But when it comes to mothers-in-law, hearts and flowers may not typify every relationship.
Enter Ruth, of the Old Testament, who showed great love for her mother-in-law, Naomi.
"Unshaken Love, the Story of Ruth," a two-act drama about how that love unfolded, will be presented by Overshadowed Theatrical Productions during a 12-performance run that opens Friday, Feb. 20, at Itasca Baptist Church.
"'Unshaken Love' is really a love story," director Kendra Jones said. "It's not really a love story in terms of romantic love, but of a truly selfless love for another."
Jones returns to Overshadowed for her second directorial turn; last year, she directed the Itasca-based company's production of "Arsenic and Old Lace."
Also active with theater programs at the Bartlett Park District and Evangel Assembly of God Church in Hanover Park, Jones also likes to be on stage.
"In addition to directing, I also enjoy performing," she said, recalling that she first got involved with Overshadowed when she spotted an audition notice for the troupe's production of the musical, "Oliver." She won the part of Nancy, a female lead in the show.
She also became friends with Reba Hervas, who founded Overshadowed about five years ago. Hervas said the community theater group, which has aspirations of one day becoming a professional company, features religious themes or stories in about half of its productions but is not affiliated with any church.
Coming shows include a play about evangelist Billy Sunday and a production of "Hello, Dolly," she said.
Hervas not only wrote the script for "Unshaken Love," she also plays the part of Naomi.
In the play, Hervas dramatically interprets the story of Ruth, which begins when an uprooted family suffers the loss of several family members.
"It's a love story on so many different levels," Hervas said.
The cast of 18 includes many regular Overshadowed members, she said. The group has rehearsed and performed at Itasca Baptist Church since its inception, but Hervas said it is on the lookout for a larger venue.
"They've been really wonderful to us, but we're outgrowing it," she said. "My goal is to one day have a theater (where) we're running two plays at a time."
Hervas said "Unshaken Love" runs about two hours, including a short intermission.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Unshaken Love, the Story of Ruth," presented by Overshadowed Theatrical Productions</p> <p class="News"><b>When: </b>7:30 p.m. Feb. 20, 21, 24, 26, 27 and 28 and March 3, 5, 6 and 7; 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 7</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Itasca Baptist Church, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students</p> <p class="News"><b>Box office:</b> (630) 250-7518</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> <a href="http://www.overshadowedproductions.com" target="new">overshadowedproductions.com</a></p>