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Join Kirk Players in celebration of women

Submitted by Kirk Players

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of women's right to vote by attending Kirk Players' "Votes for Women Celebration" Sunday, Jan. 26.

In 1920, the ratification of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution granted the right to vote to all U.S. citizens, regardless of their sex. To honor this historic event, Kirk Players will present the popular suffrage play "A Woman's Influence" by Gertrude Jennings.

Written in 1909 during the height of the movement, the play explores the topic of conditions for women working in factories and the interesting relationships between men and women during the struggle.

Gretchen Grassl, Kirk Players' artistic director, offered some thoughts on her selection of the suffrage play: "This play articulates the dream so well ... The dream that women could effectively work together, leveraging their unique personalities and intellects to achieve equality.

"In 1909, in Great Britain and in America, women were simply not seen for their intelligence, but primarily for other characteristics. Our audience will appreciate how the story illustrates with drama and humor the rich, emerging power of 'sisterhood.'"

Assisting Grassl in the direction of "A Woman's Influence" is Nat Brautigam, with Michael Lieberman stage managing the production. The cast includes Meghan Lane, Monica Stark, Jessica Motyka, Jenna Rose-Drea and Peter Grassl.

The main event, "Votes for Women Celebration," will take place at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at Innovation Park - The Stage, 1950 Innovation Way, West Building, in Libertyville.

This event is an extended celebration and will include guest speakers and performers: professional storyteller Paddy Lynn as Harriet Beecher Stowe, Kirk Player performers Jon Matousek as Teddy Roosevelt and Amy Sharer as Susan B. Anthony, and special speaker Lake County Treasurer Holly Kim. There will also be refreshments, raffles and more.

"Everyone we have asked to help on this endeavor has been so receptive," Grassl, chair for the event, said. "We really hoped it would be a call to the community to come together and celebrate. We've been truly impressed with how welcoming and supportive the community has been!"

Admission is free; however, registration is required. Visit www.kirkplayers.org, call (847) 521-6192 or email tickets@kirkplayers.org.

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