IT’S SHOWTIME AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

IT’S SHOWTIME AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

The Hobbit, The Wizard of Oz, Around the World in 80 Days, and Night of the Living Dead Appear at the Arboretum this Summer

LISLE, IL (May 6, 2011) – Fantasy, suspense, madcap comedy, and even a campy “zombie chorus” made up of local youth are all on the program in the exciting 2011 Theatre-Hikes® season this summer at The Morton Arboretum. The whole family can walk along with the action in a gorgeous natural setting.

“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.

Tolkien in the trees! This summer’s Theatre-Hikes® season kicks off in July with The Hobbit. A marvelous retelling of the classic story by J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit is for all ages. In this prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, we meet Bilbo Baggins, a brave hobbit who is tricked by Gandalf the Wizard into going on an adventure with 13 dwarves. Directed by Bradley Baker, who has acted in and directed previous performances at The Arboretum, including Key Exchange, Treasure Island, Little Women, Mountain Days, and Jackie, An American Life.

There’s no place like home! The Wizard of Oz is August's theatre-hike. Follow the yellow brick road with Dorothy, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man, and The Cowardly Lion as they travel to The Emerald City to ask the great and powerful wizard to help them attain their heart's greatest desires. Based on L. Frank Baum's novel, this adaptation will warm your heart. Directed and choreographed by Matthew Powell, who choreographed last year’s Robin Hood theatre-hike.

Stampeding elephants! Raging typhoons! Runaway trains! In September, join fearless explorer Phileas Fogg and his faithful manservant, Passepartout, in Around the World in 80 Days—a whirlwind of a show where danger, romance, and comic surprises abound. Five actors portray 39 characters who traverse seven continents in this fast-paced race to beat the clock. Directed by Lavina Jadhwani, Artistic Director of Rasaka Theatre Company of Chicago, who also directed last year’s Peter Pan theatre-hike.

Just in time for Halloween, Night of the Living Dead appears on the Theatre-Hikes® stage in October. In this campy horror classic, zombies rise from their graves and take over the world. Six junior high and high school youth from Chicago and local communities will appear in each performance as extras in the “zombie chorus”! Watch the wacky weirdness unfold when a group of unfortunate people penned up in an isolated house fight back. Suitable for ages 13 and up, due to violent content. Directed by Frank Farrell, founder and managing director of Theatre-Hikes®, who has directed many other past shows.

Each theatre-hike presents a different scene at a different location on the Arboretum grounds. Audience members walk to each location to enjoy the unfolding story. Regular hikes, which can cover up to two miles with multiple stops along the way, are on Saturdays, and low-impact hikes (suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs) are on Sundays. Hikes begin at the Thornhill Education Center. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle, blanket, or lawn chair.

Individual show tickets $13 - $19 with discounts for Arboretum members. Season tickets available for $45 - $60 with discounts for Arboretum members. For more information or to purchase tickets: phone- 630-725-2066 web- www.mortonarb.org or in person at the Visitor’s Center.

The Hobbit: July 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
The Wizard of Oz: August 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Around the World in 80 Days: September 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Night of the Living Dead: October 1-2, 8-9-10 (Columbus Day), 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, from 3-5:30 p.m.

Theatre-hikes are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

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 4,128 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: Allison Phelps, (office) 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it