It`s been a long time between shows for the fledgling Sandcastle Productions in Hillside. The group, which has been dark since its debut a year ago with ”South Pacific,” is back on stage this weekend with Robert Harling`s play ”Steel Magnolias,” presented at the Proviso West High School Little Theatre.
”We`d like to have been more active, but it hasn`t been easy raising money or finding a local theater where we can perform,” says Sandcastle`s co- founder and president, Laura M. Phillips, in explaining the extended hiatus. This time, the group will hardly get a chance to catch its breath before mounting a big-budget musical, ”West Side Story,” planned for a July 19 opening. After that, however, the calendar is empty until December, when a fund-raising madrigal dinner is planned.
Fund-raising problems aside, Sandcastle`s initial reception last year was little short of spectacular. The group put up ”South Pacific” with sponsorship from the village of Hillside in a tent on the lawn of the village commons, recalling the outdoor performances by the long-defunct Melody Top Theatre elsewhere in town in the 1960s. Sandcastle`s crowds got so large that the tent sideflaps were rolled up to accommodate extra bleacher seats. When it started to rain, theatergoers huddled in the aisles under cover.
”It was a bizarre scene, but also very exciting for us,” Phillips says. ”The turnout confirmed our belief that this area would support community theater.”
Phillips, a member of Proviso West`s Class of 1970, started Sandcastle in partnership with a former classmate, Lynn Pedicini of Downers Grove. Both had been active with productions at St. Domitilla Catholic Church previously. Phillips had never seen ”Steel Magnolias” on stage but got interested in the play after seeing the film version starring Shirley MacLaine, Dolly Parton and Sally Field.
Directed by John Michael Quinn of Berwyn, ”Steel Magnolias” is a gossipy comedy-drama set in the bustling beauty shop of Truvy Jones in small- town Louisiana. The female cast was ideal for Sandcastle, which has trouble getting men to turn out for auditions (male dancers are still being sought for ”West Side Story,” in fact). Kathryn DeYoung of Franklin Park portrays Truvy, supported by Jo McMahon of Berwyn, Mary Jane Bressler of River Forest and Joyce Rocco of Oak Park.
Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays May 31 through June 8 at Proviso West, corner of Harrison and Wolf Roads in Hillside. For tickets, call 708-969-6325.
Notes
– The 1940s musical revue ”Any Bonds Today?” is presented at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 29 in the Arts Center, 200 N. Oak Park Ave. in Oak Park. Director Michael A. Termine oversees a cast of 22 and a 13-piece band performing such standards as ”In the Mood,” ”Rosie the Riveter” and
”Chattanooga Choo Choo.” Call 708-524-2929.
– The Village Players in Oak Park are seeking directors for the group`s 1991-92 season. The lineup of shows includes ”Steel Magnolias,” ”Biloxi Blues” and ”Into the Woods.” All positions are salaried. Resumes should be sent to the group at P.O. Box 1033, Oak Park 60304. Call 708-524-1892 for details.
– The Riverfront Playhouse revives Tennessee Williams` ”Cat on a Hot Tin Roof,” continuing at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through June 8 at its downtown Aurora theater, 11 Water Street Mall. The cast includes Steve Rasmussen, Sharon Kolarik and Bob Becker. Anthony DiSanto directs. Call 708-896-7144.
