Independent Players to Reprise Present Laughter in Crystal Lake

For the third time in three years, Independent Players is transporting one of its current season’s shows north to Crystal Lake in July-early August where it is co-sponsored by Right Center Left Production Company Theater’s Dinner Theater Extravaganza “Eat, Play, Give! 2019”.  Having previously exported Blithe Spirit and Tartuffe in the past two seasons, it has selected Noel Coward’s Present Laughter as its contribution for 2019.  As it stands, the production is basically the same as that which was produced at the Elgin Art Showcase in Elgin during March with the exception of two new actors replacing two of the original cast who have commitments which prevent them from continuing in the roles they created in March.  Trace Gamache replaces IP favorite, Madeline Franklin, and Jim Pierce replaces another IP favorite, David Hudson.  So for August, the cast consists of the following actors:  Gabor Mark, Lori Rohr, Dana Udelhoven, Trace Gamache, Elizabeth Dawson, Steve Connell, Blase Horn, Jim Pierce, Jonathan Horn, Nicole Netsen and Mary Kirkman.

When the production closed in March, everyone involved was saddened by the fact that this amazing experience was coming to an end.  Steve Connell, who was in the cast, proposed the possibility of IP bringing the show to Crystal Lake as part of his 2019 month-long dinner theater  season. In the euphoria of the moment, everyone was on deck to bring it all back up to performance speed; now that we have got a complete cast again, this is exactly what they are doing.  The show will be performed during the fourth week of the RCLPC Theater annual summer season, Friday through Sunday, August 2, 3 & 4, 2019.  Dinner and Show begin at 6:30 PM on Friday and Saturday, and Show and Dessert begin at 2 PM on Sunday.

Tickets are as follows:

Dinner Shows (Friday/Saturday):  Adult: $40; Group (6-8):$35@; Senior/Student: $35; Child: $20.

 

Matinee Shows (Sunday) Adult: $30; Group (6-8): $25@; Senior/Student: $25; Child: $10.

 

For Reservations/Information:  online: www.rclpctheater.com;   phone: 708-267-2572.

 

Address: Presbyterian Ridgefield Church, 8505 Church Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60012-2860

 

Incidentally, RCLPC Theater is again raising funds for charity. This production benefits Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) of McHenry County.

 

During the three weekends prior to the run of Present Laughter, RCLPC is presenting Paul Osborn’s delightful comedy Morning’s at Seven, directed by Regina Belt.  It runs July 12-14, 19-21, & 26-28, 2019.  All other pertinent information is listed above.  “This charming portrait of small-town America is an absolute charmer!! “Four sisters, Chekhov would have smiled.  So will you, and laugh out loud at times too.”—N.Y. Daily News. Don’t miss it if you can help it! and support Pioneer Centerfor Human Services(first weekend) and Living Waters for the World (second and third weekends).  The latter charity is worldwide and it provides sustainable clean water for towns and villages around the world which need it most (This charity is a favorite of IP!)

For further information, go to the website listed above.

Final Note:  The main reason Independent Players has been part of this Project for three consecutive years is because Steve and Amy are dedicated to present great theatre and donate the proceeds to various charities local and international. People who work in theatre are keenly sensitive to the fact that the world is full of people who need help. This is IP’s chance to collaborate in a program which acknowledges these needs and does something concrete to speak to those needs!