The Theatre of Western Springs Announces 87th Season

Submitted by The Theatre of Western Springs.

The Theatre of Western Springs is pleased to announce its line-up of plays for the 2015 - 2016 season. Celebrating 87 continuous years, TWS attracts the very best in local talent to perform some of the most exciting plays available.

“We’re over the moon about our upcoming season,” said Eddie Sugarman, TWS Executive Artistic Director. “Audiences are going to laugh till it hurts and be profoundly moved by the shows we have in store for them. Then, of course, there’s a giant man-eating plant.”

The five Mainstage plays presented in the 417-seat auditorium include:

1. “Agatha Christie Made Me Do It” by Eddie Cope, directed by David Knezz;
   Sept. 10 - 20, 2015
   A murder mystery spoof starring police officer Eugene Hootspah and a colorful cast of characters. This who-done-it will keep audiences guessing and laughing.
2. “Calendar Girls” by Tim Firth, directed by TWS Artist-in-Residence Greg Kolack;
   Oct. 22 - Nov. 1, 2015
   Based on a true story and the hit Helen Mirren film, two friends persuade their fellow Women’s Club members to pose nude for a fundraising calendar.
3. “Leading Ladies” by Ken Ludwig, directed by David Knezz;
   Jan. 21 - 31, 2016
   An outrageous comedy about two scheming actors who pass themselves off as women to try to bilk relatives out of an inheritance.
4. “The Clean House” by Sarah Ruhl, directed by Amy Fenton;
   April 14 - 24, 2016
   A funny, touching and magical new play that was runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize. A housekeeper who hates to clean houses attempts to create the perfect joke.
5. “Little Shop of Horrors” book and lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken, directed by TWS Executive Artistic Director Eddie Sugarman;
   June 2 - 12, 2016
   In this monstrously funny hit musical, nerdy Seymour Krelbourn raises a vicious plant that feeds on human blood that tries to take over the world. Musical comedy mayhem!

Located in the theatre’s intimate, 117-seat Cattell Theatre, the Forum series presents two plays each season, each providing audiences a more challenging theatre experience:

1. “Other Desert Cities” by Jon Robin Baitz, directed by Jim Beaudry;
   Oct. 1 - 11, 2015
   A writer returns home for Christmas with her family just before her tell-all memoir hits the shelves. Family battles and secrets refuse to stay buried.
2. “New York” by David Rimmer, directed by TWS Artist-in-Residence Greg Kolack;
   Feb. 11 - 21, 2016
   An uplifting exploration of the effects of 9-11 on the lives of average people. An inspiring portrait of how we survive and overcome adversity.

During the holiday season the Children’s Theate of Western Springs (CTWS) will produce their annual Mainstage Holiday Special for families.

1. “A Charlie Brown Christmas” by Charles M. Schulz, adapted by Eric Schaeffer, directed by CTWS Children’s Director Leslie Price;

Subscriptions are on sale now. Subscriptions for five Mainstage plays range from $78 - $86, and the 7-play series (Mainstage and Forum) ranges from $108 - $120.

Call the TWS box office at 708-246-3380 or visit the website at: theatrewesternsprings.com