ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM
Robin Hood, Peter Pan, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Grace the Tree-Lined "Stage"
LISLE, IL (May 3, 2010) - Romance, suspense, and adventure are all on the program in the exciting, 2010 "theatre-hike" season that promises to give the whole family a good time this summer at The Morton Arboretum.
"Watching a theatre-hike unfold under a canopy of wondrous, lush summer trees really gives the audience a new appreciation for trees and theatre," says Marilyn Baysek, Arboretum Special Events Manager.
The season begins in July in "the English forest," where thrilling sword fights erupt in Robin Hood. When King Richard leaves for war in a foreign land, those in charge of his kingdom turn out to be cruel and unjust. Amid the tyranny of the High Sheriff of Nottingham, Robin Hood and a group of loyal friends launch a revolt. Robin also meets a young maiden, the Lady Marion of York and the two fall madly in love. Will Robin be able to protect the people of England in Richard's absence? What will become of him and Lady Marion? Find out when this classic tale comes to life. This show is directed by Dan Scurek of Aurora, a veteran of several professional theater companies, including Noble Fool Theatricals, Theatre-HikesTM, Steel Beam Theatre, and EverGreen Theatre Ensemble.
J.M. Barrie's classic tale Peter Pan flies to the Arboretum in August. The story unfolds when Peter sneaks into the bedroom of Wendy, John and Michael Darling to retrieve his shadow. With the aid of his fairy friend, Tinker Bell, he finds his shadow, but in the process wakes the Darling children. Peter sprinkles the kids with fairy dust and they are off to Neverland for fantastic adventures with Peter and his crew of Lost Boys. Join Peter, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys as they fight Indians and the infamous Captain Hook and his pirates. Peter Pan will delight all ages. It's directed by Lavina Jadhwani of Chicago, who is Artistic Director of Rasaka Theatre Company.
Our Town is in your town! In September, Thornton Wilder's Our Town will take visitors along with the Webb and Gibbs families as their children fall in love, marry, and encounter many of life's early 20th century issues. Our Town is directed by Adam Webster of Chicago, who has directed the past Arboretum theatre-hikes Frankenstein, Dracula, and the theatre-bike The Duck Variations. Currently Webster is the artistic director of the Rogers Park company: The Side Project.
Just in time for October, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde stalk the woods of the Arboretum. Dr. Jekyll is searching to find a potion that will eliminate the "bad" in people. He mixes a concoction that he believes will work and tests it on himself. Instead of removing his "bad," he actually brings out an alternate "bad" persona, Mr. Hyde. Around the same time, a series of murders occurs in London. Coincidence? Come find out! Directed by a familiar face on the Theatre-HikesTM circuit, Bradley Baker has acted in and directed previous shows including, Key Exchange, Treasure Island, Little Women, Mountain Days, and Jackie, An American Life. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is recommended for children ages 13 and older.
Each theatre-hike presents a different scene at a different location on the Arboretum grounds. Audience members hike to each location to enjoy the unfolding story. Regular hikes are on Saturdays and low-impact hikes (suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs) are on Sundays. Hikes begin at the Thornhill Education Center. Tickets $8-$19 with discounts for Arboretum members.
Robin Hood: July 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, and 31, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Peter Pan: August 1, 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Our Town : September 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Dr. Jeykll and Mr. Hyde: October 2-3, 9-10-11 (Columbus Day), 16-17, 23-24, 30-31, from 1 - 3:30 p.m.
The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges our sponsors: ComEd; Illinois Arts Council; Edy's Ice Cream, and sponsors of Youth and Family Programs.
The Morton Arboretum is a world-renowned leader in tree science and education, working to save and plant trees. The 1,700-acre outdoor museum features magnificent collections of 4,117 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. Central Time until sunset. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit Press Room at www.mortonarb.org, call to learn more.
Media Contacts: Gina Tedesco, (office) 630-725-2103,
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Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768,
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