GreenMan Theatre to put on 'Spooky Stories and Songs of the Season' Oct. 8-9
GreenMan Theatre in Elmhurst presents their annual event "Spooky Stories and Songs of the Season," which offers stories and songs developed by participants in a storytelling class taught by Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff.
Performances are Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9.
Several genres of stories will be offered, such as classic tales that come out of the oral tradition, literary tales written by a specific author, personal tales, and urban legends.
"Spooky Stories and Songs of the Season" is presented in two sets with a brief intermission. The program is recommended for adults and children ages 8 or older.
The storytellers joining Thomas-Davidoff in the production are Cassy Beach (also music director), Marilyn Connolly, Pat Cooley, Becca Easley, Laurel Poe Gallagher, Katie Lahey, Nikki Lahey, Debbie Proska, Alma Read, Rhys Read, Steven Soria, and Larry Vietsky.
Thomas-Davidoff worked with each of them closely in her storytelling class and through the rehearsal process, developing the production.
Thomas-Davidoff stressed that the storytellers shouldn't be concerned with memorizing their stories but rather just tell them the best way they can through visualizing the details and including them in their stories one detail at a time.
"My mental image for it is that it's like fingering a string of rosary beads with your mind; you go from bead to bead until you're done," she explained.
Due to COVID restrictions, performances of "Spooky Stories and Songs of the Season" will be a little different this year.
On Friday, Oct. 8, the show will be held at 6:30 p.m. outdoors on the lawn at First United Methodist Church at 232 S. York in Elmhurst. Patrons are requested to bring a lawn chair for the outdoor performance on Friday.
The second performance will be at 6:30 p.m. indoors at the Community Bank, 133 N. York in Elmhurst.
The rain date for the Friday outdoor show is Sunday at 4 p.m. There are two performances only. The show begins at 6:30 p.m. on both evenings.
Suggested donation is $10. Free parking is available. For more information or ticket reservations, call (630) 464-2646 or visit www.greenmantheatre.org.
For the indoor performance, patrons will be asked to provide proof of vacinnation against COVID or provide a negative COVID test result performed within 72 hours of the Saturday show. Patrons will also need to be masked properly, with nose and mouth covered, for the indoor performance at Community Bank.
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 Secret Garden," "Dracula," and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan 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 a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and through financial support provided by the City of Elmhurst Community Grant Program, as well as other individual donations.