Theatrical Adventures Return for Another Season at The Morton Arboretum
The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Wind in the Willows, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Werewolf's Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Appear at the Arboretum this Summer
LISLE, IL (June 23, 2012) – Here’s your ticket to summer fun! Enjoy the Arboretum’s gorgeous natural scenery as you walk along with the action from scene to scene at Theatre-Hikes® at The Morton Arboretum. One-day admission to The Morton Arboretum is included in the ticket price—so before and after the show, theatre guests can enjoy the Maze and Children’s Gardens, Tree House Tales exhibition, biking, and more!
This summer’s line-up for Theatre-Hikes® at The Morton Arboretum includes lofty Shakespeare, a sweet children’s story, a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and a campy Werewolf movie spoof. A new show debuts each month.
Be in on the case with Sherlock Holmes in July’s show, The Hound of the Baskervilles, which is based on the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A mysterious hound has just killed the Baskerville heir, and now the last remaining male Baskerville seeks out the assistance of the famed detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Watson. Follow the sleuths as they solve the mystery on the moors. Appropriate for ages eight and up.
Follow Mr. Toad, Ratty, and Mole and their woodland friends on a musical adventure, The Wind in the Willows, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame. In Augusts’ play, the loveable characters from Grahame's classic tales will warm your heart and teach lessons about friendship. Strolling musicians will liven things up and get everyone singing classic childhood tunes. Appropriate for ages four and up.
Enjoy Shakespeare among the trees in September. In the bard’s The Tempest, Prospero and his daughter are shipwrecked on an enchanted island when another ship crashes and the crew struggle ashore. Watch what happens when Prospero encounters the spirits Caliban and Ariel, and employs their magic for his own personal gain. The dramatic opening shipwreck scene will engage children, but parents should exert discretion if they have very sensitive children.
Halloween fun is in order for October, with Werewolf's Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow. A vegan couple find themselves in a pickle when Harry is bitten by a werewolf cub. Now he craves rare roast beef and gets very hairy at every full moon. Luckily, Dr. Frank Einstein and Madam Clara Voyant may have a cure. Meet a campy cast of characters in this spoof of the horror movies of the 1930s. Suitable for ages eight and up, but may not be appropriate for children who are afraid of monsters.
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 cover up to two miles with multiple stops along the way. Low-impact hikes (suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs) are presented on the first Sunday performance of the month. Hikes begin at the Thornhill Education Center. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle, blanket, or lawn chair.
Admission to The Morton Arboretum is included with ticket fees. 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: mortonarb.org; or in person at The Morton Arboretum Visitor’s Center.
The Hound of the Baskervilles: July 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
The Wind in the Willows: August 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Shakespeare’s The Tempest: September 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Werewolf's Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: October 6-7 (Columbus Day Weekend), 13-14-15), 20-21, 27-28, from 3-5:30 p.m.
Theatre-Hikes® at The Morton Arboretum are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
About The Morton Arboretum
The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized outdoor tree museum on 1,700 acres. Plant collections, scientific research, and education programs support the mission to plant and conserve trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Throughout natural landscapes are specialty gardens, 16 miles of trails, and nine miles of roads. Other offerings include tree-focused events, activities, and services for adults, children, professionals, and communities. The Arboretum welcomes 800,000 visitors annually and serves 34,000 member households. Located 25 miles west of Chicago in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open daily 7 a.m. until sunset. More information is available at www.mortonarb.org or 630-968-0074.
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Media contact: Mary Beth Sammons | This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it | 630-725-2103