Favorites Fill The Program At The Morton Arboretum “Theatre-Hikes”

Cultural Experience In Delightful Nature Setting

LISLE, IL (May 5, 2006) – Enjoy the ABCs of The Morton Arboretum’s special experience in nature through Acting, Beautiful trees, and Cherished memories with family and friends. The Arboretum is rolling out this season’s Theatre-Hike schedule, with professional actors performing a scene in one outdoor spot, followed by a hike to another spot for the next scene.

June features “The Miracle Worker” by William Gibson – a memorable play about a true story that generation after generation has enjoyed. The tale recounts Annie Sullivan’s dogged determination to help blind, mute Helen Keller emerge from her own world to communicate with others – first to speak in sign language, and then to read Braille. At this same time, Anne taught Helen to end her screaming and temper tantrums, and behave in a civilized manner. But these “miracles” were hard fought in turbulent, emotional sessions that the actors bring to life.

June 3-4, 10-11, 17-18, 24-25.
Start Times: 1 p.m., except the Dinner Theatre-Hike June 18, which starts at 4 p.m.
Note: “Low Impact” hike (wheelchair, stroller, walker friendly) is June 11.

In July, the Arboretum presents “Moby-Dick: Rehearsed,” adapted from Herman Melville’s whale story. We see the crew of the Pequod sailing the open seas to search for the great white whale, Moby Dick. The story is a classic not only for its tales about the lives of sailors, but symbolism about life in general – and satire about moral values, traditions, and political figures of the day.

July 1-2, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23
Start Times: 1 p.m., except the Dinner Theatre-Hike July 16, which starts at 4 p.m.
Note: “Low Impact” hike (wheelchair, stroller, walker friendly) is July 9.

In August, it’s the story of an orphan girl who seems to bring joy and delight whenever you encounter her. In “Heidi,” we present lovely Schumann melodies to create a show with universal appeal. Johanna Spyri's classic story of a young orphan sent to live with her grumpy grandfather in the Swiss Alps has charmed and intrigued readers since its original publication in 1880. Much more than a children's story, the narrative is also a lesson on the precarious nature of freedom, a luxury too often taken for granted. Heidi features a book by William Friedberg and Neil Simon, adapted from Max Liebman's television spectacular and based on the book by Johanna Spyri with music by Clay Warnick, based on the works of Robert Schumann, with lyrics by Carolyn Leigh.

August 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27
Start Times: 1 p.m., except the Dinner Theatre-Hike August 20, which starts at 4 p.m.
Note: “Low Impact” hike (wheelchair, stroller, walker friendly) is August 13.

September’s offering – Sterling North’s “Rascal” - is a classic and award-winning children's story, adapted as a theatre-hike, which offers a memorable portrait of a friendship between a boy and a raccoon and its effect on his family and town in 1918 Wisconsin.  2006 is the Centennial of Sterling North’s birth in nearby Edgerton, WI, the setting for this timeless yet nostalgic American tale.

September 2-3-4 (Labor Day), 9-10, 16-17, 23-24
Start Times: 1 p.m., except the Dinner Theatre-Hike September 17, which starts at 4 p.m.
Note: “Low Impact” hike (wheelchair, stroller, walker friendly) is September 10.

October’s Theatre-Hike is inspired by the season with “Frankenstein” by Tim Kelly. A brilliant young scientist, Victor Frankenstein, returns to his Swiss chateau to escape a terrible pursuer. No one can shake free the dark secret that terrifies him. Victor has brought into being a creature made from pieces of the dead. The creature tracks Victor to his sanctuary to demand a bride to share its loneliness. While at times scary, this play is very funny, too.  It’s a spooky autumn treat!

October 7-8-9 (Columbus Day), 14-15, 21-22
Start Times: 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – two shows per day
Prices: $12 members, $15 non-members

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of more than 3,700 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (CDT) and 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CST). The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT) and 9:30 to 4 p.m. (CST). Visit www.mortonarb.org or call 630/968-0074 to learn more.

Media Contact:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Marty Cusack, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it