The Independent Players will kick off the fall season presenting The Retreat from Moscow by English filmmaker, screenwriter, playwright and novelist William Nicholson. Performances are on Fridays and Saturdays beginning September 26, 27, through October 3rd, 4th,10th and 11th Performances are at 8:00 p.m. each evening. A Sunday performance has been added for October 5.
The play is directed by Larry Boller and stars Marge Uhlarik-Boller, Jim Quan and David Smith. The story revolves around a family torn by divorce after 33 years of marriage. The New Yorker calls it “Riveting … subtle and powerful, [with] marvelous emotional complexity.” The Journal News called it “The best new play in twenty years … This perfectly written masterwork shimmers with delicacy and precision.” Tickets are available at the door, Adults $15, Seniors $12 and Students $10. For more information call Independent Players at (847) 697-7374
From October 3-18th The Gallery in the Art Showcase will feature two well known area artists. The exhibit will feature images created in Paris by photographer Susan McConnell (www.ParisLikeThis) and oil paintings capturing the Midwest’s Great Lakes coastal environment by artist Craig Dresang (www.thirdcoastgallery.com). An Artist's reception is planned for Saturday, October 11 from 6:30 to 8:00. The public is invited to attend.
On October 17th and 18th the Heartland Voices will present Some Enchanted Evening Gala Benefit at 6 p.m. Guests will enjoy an evening of hors d’oeuvres, wine and a silent auction at this second benefit gala for Heartland Voices. Jack and Marlene Shales will be honored for their lifelong dedication to the Elgin community. Tickets are $40 per person and available by reservations only. Call 847-429-9486 for more information and reservations.
On October 24th, the Showcase will be the site of the Larkin Center’s fundraising gala event, Art & Soul Experience. This elegant event combines fine art from many professional artists, incredible appetizers, music and a cash bar. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Admission is $35.00 per person and reservations are limited. For additional information and ticket purchases call Sharon Prizy at 847-695-5656 x263.
On October 30-November 1, Nothing Special Productions presents Nightmare in Paradise, a Halloween Spooktacular. Performances are at 8:00 p.m. each evening. Tickets are $13 for adults; $10 for students. Contact Alissa Jones for reservations by emailing aajones@ilstu.edu, nothingspecialproductions@hotmail.com or call 630-709-8014
Beginning on October 30, The Gallery in the Art Showcase will feature a photo exhibit of the works of Bill Brown, a well known Elgin area photographer.
Elgin Art Showcase, located at 164 Division Street, is an intimate performance and gallery space in the heart of downtown Elgin. The Showcase is a City of Elgin facility, created to help foster and support the local arts community. It has featured a variety of local group performances including those by the Janus Theatre, Independent Players and VEX Theatre among others.
For more information contact Sylvia Grady, Elgin Arts Showcase coordinator at (847) 951-1515 or grady_s@cityofelgin.org.