Evergreen Park Candlelight Theatre Brings Whimsical 'Dr. Dolittle' to the Stage

The Evergreen Park Candlelight Theatre will be talking to the animals June 3-5 in “Dr. Dolittle” based on the 1967 blockbuster film starring Rex Harrison.

The theater company brings together the talents of 20 adult and youth performers in this whimsical musical about an English veterinarian with a talent for conversing with animals.

English composer/lyricist Leslie Bricusse edited and revised the rather cumbersome 1967 film -- removing some songs, adding others -- and adapting it for the London stage. Bricusse has continued to revise the show to this day, and it is his latest version that will be performed in the intimate confines of Evergreen Park’s Candlelight Theatre.

The story, however, remains essentially the same:

“Doctor John Dolittle loves and talks to animals; he wants to embark on a voyage to find the Great Pink Sea Snail. A far away friend sends him a gift. . .the rare two-headed Pushmi-Pullyu. . .which allows Dolittle and his young friends to join a circus and make a small fortune which funds his voyage. He eventually finds the Great Pink Sea Snail, but realizes that the voyage has brought him much more. . .things like love and friendship, not only for him, but for his human friends as well.”

Show sponsors include First National Bank of Evergreen Park, Golden Griddle Pancake House, H&R Johnson Brothers and Rosangela’s Pizza, who are helping to underwrite production expenses.

The cast includes:

Ella and Sophie Altena

Maureen Bradley

Tim Broniec

Francesca Canon

Kevin Denny

Liam Duffy

Taylor Hoefler

Michael Kocher

Julie Kehoe Lordo

Claire and Grace McLaughlin

Maura McNamara

Brianna Mooney

Suzanne Noonan

Russell and Isabeau Pogue

Tony and Zoe Reppman

Amelia Woody

The show will be performed at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. A mix of small banquet tables and row seating are available. Performances for “Dr. Dolittle” are 8 p.m. Friday, June 3; 7 p.m. Saturday, June 4; and 3 p.m. Sunday June 5.

Tickets are $12 for adults; $10 seniors and students; and $7 for children under 9. To purchase or reserve tickets, call 708-229-3343 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

We will have a donation box on hand at the Box Office for goods that will be donated to the Animal Welfare League in Chicago Ridge. Visit the animal shelter’ website to view its wish list.

UPDATE: The Evergreen Candlelight Theatre will not be offering a Sunday dinner performance.