Elgin’s theater scene is making a comeback with Up and Coming Theatre Company and Elgin Summer Theatre joining forces to present the musical comedy “Nunsense” at the outdoor Wing Park Pavilion.
The goal is to create an experience that’s similar in look and feel to what they do at Ravinia, the open-air concert and performance venue in Highland Park, organizers said.
“We are so grateful to be producing a show this summer in a new, unique environment,” producer Lindsey Weiss said. “It is nice to take slow steps back into the theater world.”
There are cast members who worked in the theater professionally before the COVID-19 pandemic, and found themselves out of work, Weiss said.
“For them to be part of something that’s coming back in a unique setting is really awesome,” she said.
Elgin Summer Theater, once an independent theater group, often partners with other groups to put on shows at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Elgin. This is the Elgin group’s second collaboration with Up and Coming Theatre, formed in 1993 in the northern suburbs.
The two presented “Seussical” in 2019 at the Hemmens.
“Then last year, nobody did anything,” Weiss said.
When the two groups began meeting in February about a new production this year, no one was sure if indoor theater would be back by summer, she said.
“We had a show chosen for an indoor production, (but) we were unsure not only what the restrictions might be but also if people would be comfortable seeing a show inside,” Weiss said.
“As a board, we knew we needed to look at an alternative approach. We chose a different show and worked with the people at the Hemmens to find the best way to present it.”
Hemmens staff recommended the bandshell pavilion at Wing Park, she said.
They also chose a show with a smaller cast, Weiss said.
“It’s six people. It was much more likely we could have a fully vaccinated cast,” she said. “It’s also audience interactive, and there are a lot of songs as opposed to dialogue. It’s funny. It’s got a lot of shticks. I think it will capture people’s attention and interest.”
The obvious challenge with an outdoor production is the weather, but they have a good plan and a great crew, Weiss said.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on July 9 and 10 and July 16 and 17 and for 3 p.m. on July 11 and 18. Wing Park Bandshell is located at 1010 Wing St.
“Nunsense” is a play about the Little Sisters of Hoboken holding an event to raise money to bury the nuns accidentally poisoned by the convent cook, a news release from the Up and Coming Theatre Company said.
All tickets are $15, and can be purchased at the Hemmens Cultural Center box office at 45 Symphony Way, by phone at 847-931-5900 or by going online at www.hemmens.org. Tickets sold at the door will be limited, organizers said.
Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
