Theatre Critic to Make Rare Stage Appearance at Steel Beam Theatre

Theatre critics are known for their ability to blend anonymously into a dark room and then share their opinions on the quality of a play or musical.

Giving a slight twist to that equation, Rikki Lee Travolta – theatre critic for Life and Times and Northwest Herald– will put down his writing instruments and take the stage himself in “Love Letters” as a special fundraiser for Steel Beam Theatre from February 23 – March 3.

Starting this Friday, Travolta will be headlining a two-week limited engagement of A.R. Gurney’s romantic masterpiece “Love Letters” to raise money for Steel Beam Theatre in a time of crucial need. Due to a governmental agency processing error, the theatre is without its normal grant support – placing them in crisis mode.

“Steel Beam Theatre needs a little extra love and tenderness right now in the form of financial support, and seeing a top-tier production of one of modern time’s best romantic scripts being performed by two of the area’s premier talents is one way people can do that,” explains managing director Catie Early.

Although “Love Letters” marks a rare stage appearance by Travolta these days, he is a former national headliner who has thrilled audiences around the country in comedies such as “Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding”, musicals such as “West Side Story”, and dramas such as “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” He still makes occasional film appearances, winning the Best Actor Award in the prestigious 2023 Midwest Film Festival for his starring role as The Amazing Ron in the dark comedy “The Sleight” from director Ben Kurstin.

Joining Travolta in the two-person drama is acclaimed Chicago actress Deborah Swinford. The Shakespearean-trained actress first performed opposite Travolta in the Tennessee Williams classic “Cat On a Hot Tin Roof” two decades ago. “Love Letters” marks their first onstage reunion in all the ensuing years.

“Like the characters in ‘Love Letters’, Deborah and I have enjoyed a lifelong friendship. It is an honor to be sharing the stage one more time with such a talented and giving performer,” says Travolta.

The Pulitzer Prize finalist play presents soulful interpretations of a lifetime’s worth of love letters between two entwined souls – beginning when they were just children and culminating at the end of their lives. The production is helmed by Regina Belt-Daniels, who won the 2022 Heartstrings Award for her direction of “I Hate Hamlet” at Elgin Theatre Company.

Recognizing the importance of Steel Beam Theatre’s contributions, a number of sponsors have stepped up to help produce the fundraiser including Poster Sponsor Kimmer’s Ice Cream, Publicity Photo Sponsor Laura Orrico Public Relations, and Men’s Formal Wear Sponsor Generation Tux. Additional promotional assistance has been provided by John Olson Communications and revered Chicago arts administrator Joseph Keefe.

“There are so many ways to help. You can buy a block of tickets and give them to your employees or customers,” suggests Travolta. “What better way to show appreciation to both the fine arts community and to the people who make your business a success at the same time?”

To purchase individual tickets or blocks of tickets to see Rikki Lee Travolta and Deborah Swinford in LOVE LETTERS to benefit Steel Beam Theatre in its time of need visit: https://steelbeamtheatre.thundertix.com/events/223766.

Additional sponsorship opportunities are available for companies, foundations, and individuals looking to help keep Steel Beam in operation. A full list of sponsorship opportunities is available at: https://wp.me/P9uGNq-1pu

“If you don’t see the sponsorship title you want listed, let us know and we’ll create it for you,” adds Travolta. “If you want to pledge your support, we’ll make sure you can.”

To donate or pledge a sponsorship go to: https://steelbeamtheatre.thundertix.com/campaigns/2530

Steel Beam Theatre is located at 111 W. Main Street in beautiful St. Charles, IL.