'A wonderful character study': Elgin's Independent Players to present Donald Margulies gem 'Collected Stories'

As its first production of its 46th season, Independent Players will present "Collected Stories" by Donald Margulies at the Elgin Art Showcase.

Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, Sept. 29-30 and Oct. 1 and 6-8. Admission is $20, $15 for students and seniors.

The director is Larry Boller, who has directed 21 plays and acted in 11 other productions for IP.

It stars Marge Uhlarik-Boller, who has performed in 11 IP productions. Her co-star Crystal Skipworth is making her Independent Players debut.

This is not IP's first production of a Margulies play. Boller directed Margulies' Pulitzer Prize-winning "Dinner With Friends" in 2003.

"Collective Stories" is a provocative play that confronts the prominent short story writer Ruth Steiner with her student turned confidante turned competitor Lisa Morrison.

Many critics have said "Collected Stories" is Margulies' best play. Bringing excellent (and sometimes lesser-known) dramatic works to the Elgin stage has always been important in IP's mission.

According to Hollywood Reporter, "Margulies' play is a wonderful character study and a well-drawn portrait of the insular world of fiction writers, demonstrating their gift for sharply written and incisive dialogue." Essentially, "the conflict between the mature established artist and the adoring fan who becomes a protégé, disciple, colleague and friend - and finally a threatening rival - is one of those great topics."

Purchase tickets at www.independentplayers.org or the door with cash or personal check. (No credit card purchases at the door.) The Elgin Art Showcase is at 164 Division St., eighth floor, Elgin.

For information, call (847) 697-7374.