Theatre Of Western Springs Presents ‘Shakespeare In Hollywood'

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The Theatre of Western Springs closes its 89th season with the inventive comedy “Shakespeare in Hollywood” by Ken Ludwig and directed by David Knezz. The theatre said performances take place May 31- June 10 at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs. The play is suitable for adults and young people age 10 and older.

Shows will run at 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - May 31, June 1, 2, 7, 8, 9; 2:30 p.m. - Sundays, June 3, 10; 2:30 p.m. - Saturday, June 9; and 7:30 p.m. - Sunday, June 3.

“You don’t have to know Shakespeare to enjoy this play,” Director David Knezz said in a release. “It’s written by one of the master comedy writers, Ken Ludwig, who makes the Shakespeare characters very accessible. It’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ thrown into old time Hollywood.

The theatre said “Shakespeare in Hollywood” was commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company and had its world premiere in 2003. It won the Helen Hayes award for Best New Play of the Year.

“It’s madcap, just a blast and a very fun play,” Knezz said. Tickets are $20 or $22. Call the box
office at 708-246-3380.

Cast includes:

• Oberon - Rob Cramer of La Grange Park
• Puck - Janet Venzon of Western Springs
• Jack Warner - Joe Mills of Westchester
• Max Reinhardt - Joe Delaloye of La Grange
• Will Hays - Kurt Lemke of Niles
• Daryl - Kevin Wilson of Woodridge
• Olivia Darnell - Jackie Raschke of Brookfield
• Lydia Lansing - Kerri Mummert of La Grange
• Louella Parsons - Karen Holbert of Western Springs
• Dick Powell - Rob Nardini of Naperville
• Jimmy Cagney - Brian Centers of Westmont
• Joe E. Brown - Tom Gess of Indian Head Park
• Woman of Hollywood - Pat Huth of LaGrange Park, Linda Bugielski of Indian Head Park and Cathy Van Horne of Aurora

Crew includes:

• Director - David Knezz of Homer Glen
• Stage Manager - Darla Goudeau of La Grange
• Asst. Stage Manager - Eileen Crow of Hinsdale
• Asst. Stage Manager - Haruka Hitchcock of Hometown
• Costume Designer - Lori D’Asta of La Grange
• Costume Designer - Jen Torchia of Lombard
• Dramaturg - Harry Hultgren of Indian Head Park
• Lighting Designer - Cal Turner of Naperville
• Make-up Designer - Peggy Carlson of La Grange
• Program Editor - Marion Reis of Lombard
• Program Editor - Ed Barrow of Hinsdale
• Props Designer - Linda Cunningham of La Grange, Rich Kropp of Glen Ellyn
• Publicity Chair - Nancy Belda of Downers Grove
• Set Construction Chair - John Baderman of Hinsdale, Tim Gannon of LaGrange Park and Mike Janke of Downers Grove
• Set Designer - Nick Schwartz of Chicago
• Set Dresser - Martha Niles of Chicago
• Set Painting Chair - Tim Feeney of Downers Grove
• Sound Designer – Kurt Lemke of Niles and Mark MacLean of Willow Springs
  

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  Photo provided by Theatre of Western Springs.