Storytelling for adults returns outdoors June 25

First Person Live, the popular Moth-style storytelling show for adults, is returning to Arlington Heights, partnering with the First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, to offer a series of outdoor shows starting June 25.

The show sold out venues Big Shot and Hey Nonny prior to COVID, but felt an outdoor setting would be the safest way to return - and the most fun.

"This is an opportunity to do a Ravinia-style show in the gardens, with a great indoor backup - they recently renovated their interior space," said Diane Kastiel, producer and host of First Person Live. "It is just a beautiful place, with the perfect vibe for us."

Produced and hosted by three-time Moth StorySLAM winner Diane Kastiel, First Person Live features regular people telling true stories from their lives. Each show has a different theme and a new group of storytellers.

"It's a terrific show and a natural fit for our church; storytelling is in our DNA," said Melissa Earley, lead pastor at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights and a storyteller herself.

"Sharing our stories builds community and compassion, and nurtures the creative spirit in all of us."

First Person Live leverages Kastiel's connection to Chicago's vibrant storytelling community, with tellers from the suburbs adding local voices to the mix. Themes are broad, and part of the fun is how tellers interpret them.

The theme for June is "Lemonade - stories about life's lemons." Future themes are "Fur, Feather & Scales," stories about animals, and "SPAWN," stories about parenthood.

"The stories are funny, moving, suspenseful and often stranger than fiction - just like life," said Kastiel. "The 'Lemonade' theme gives a nod to the past 15 months without directly addressing the pandemic. No COVID stories, just stories of the ways people manage life's lemons. It's going to be a fun and inspirational evening that helps us come back together as a community."

First Person Live was conceived by Kastiel and piloted in January 2017 in the Western suburbs. After a string of sold-out shows in a small venue, it moved to Kastiel's hometown of Arlington Heights in January 2018, continuing to sell out increasingly larger venues, including the Arlington Heights Memorial Library, where it packed the 200-seat performance space - twice.

The show features a curated lineup, including Moth StorySLAM winners. But Kastiel is quick to point out that these are not professional performers, and new tellers can take the show's open mic spot, if available.

In addition to performing regularly at Moth StorySLAMs, Kastiel has told stories on stage at the Park West, Second City, the Athenaeum, and other theaters in Chicago. Her work has been featured on National Public Radio's Moth Radio Hour, its podcast, and at special events for WBEZ, NPR's Chicago affiliate.

Kastiel has conducted storytelling workshops at libraries, schools, community centers and homeless shelters, and regularly teaches storytelling at Northwestern University.

Don Hall, the longtime Moth StorySLAM host and director of events for WBEZ, who is now an independent producer, said, "First Person Live is for any fan of the Moth. In ways, it's more fun because every story is a winner. Diane also has a knack for finding and nurturing local talent. It's one of the best storytelling nights in the Chicago area, and I'm thrilled to see it return and bring storytelling to audiences beyond the city."

First Person Live will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, June 25, at First United Methodist Church of Arlington Heights, 1903 E Euclid Ave. Grounds open at 5 p.m.; show is from 6-8 p.m.

Tickets are $20 general admission. Bring your own chair, food and drinks; no alcohol.

In the case of inclement weather, the show will move indoors and follow all CDC guidelines.

For information, visit www.firstpersonlive.com.