Playhouse 38 Returns With 'Cracked Ice' Production After 2-Year Hiatus

GENEVA, IL — Geneva Park District's Playhouse 38 is raising the curtain once more with its first adult theatrical performance after a two-year hiatus, officials announced.

With "Cracked Ice," organizers are promising an evening of comedy. The show, debuting June 9, is comprised of 10-minute vignettes from local playwright Craig Gustafson and Emmy Award-winning writer and producer Ken Levine (known for "M*A*S*H," "Fraiser" and "Cheers," among other things.

"Playhouse 38 has remained committed to providing a variety of performing arts programs to the Geneva community year-round, but after a two-year hiatus from adult productions, this performance is extra special," Joey Kalwat, who oversees Playhouse 38 and serves as aquatics and facility manager for the park district, said in a statement. "This show brings a vast amount of noteworthy talent and creativity to the stage, and we encourage residents to add this must-see event to their calendars."

Here is an overview of each performer's 10-minute pieces.

Ken Levine

• "Noir Man": — A modern-day Philip Marlowe tries to solve the biggest mystery of all: the plot of “The Big Sleep.” With Jack T. Smith, Sylmarie Soto and Rhys Read.
• "The Spirit of 21": A trip to the Chester A. Arthur presidential library/yogurt stand leads to a seance and maybe romance. With Sylmarie Soto and Devon Ortiz.
• "The Reunion": Scott and Carl haven't seen each other in 50 years. By chance, they happen to meet on the street. Scott returns the crayon he borrowed from Carl half a century ago. With Rhys Read and Steve Brunette.
• "Speaking Volumes": A librarian finds his voice by losing his girlfriend. With Matt Hellyer, Erina Johnson, Jay Battles and Jack T. Smith.

Craig Gustafson

• "G.P.S.O.M.F.G.": A couple on a Disneyland vacation and their rental car GPS. It's a good thing GPS systems have no emotions. Or do they? With Erina Johnson and Matt Hellyer.
• "Pre-Code": Two former high school teachers discuss their post-retirement hobbies. One has started collecting movie memorabilia. The other has chosen a less conventional - and legal - activity. With Jennifer Ciombor and Carolyn Pizzato.
• "Spot the Camel": A comedy/drama. A wife tries to talk her husband out of his panic over the possibility of early-onset Alzheimer's. With Jami Johnson, Jack T. Smith and Carolyn Pizzato.
• "A Cheap Maid in Chasteside": A 17th-century maiden is fed up with Living for Love. Show her the cash. With Sylmarie Soto, Erina Johnson, Steve Brunette, Jami Johnson, Devon Ortiz, Jay Battles and Rhys Read.

Audiences will have eight chances to see "Cracked Ice," with showtimes at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday on June 9-11 and again on June 16-18. Two 2 p.m. shows will also run June 12 and June 19 at the theater, 321 Stevens St.

Tickets cost $15 in advance or $20 at the door and can be purchased online. In person, tickets can be bought at Sunset Community Center or Stephen Persinger Recreation Center.