The popular Community House Players’ biennial Revue, billed this year as “The Real Trophy Wives of Hinsdale,” returns for 6:45 p.m. performances March 6, 7, 13, and 14 at the Community House, 415 W. Eighth St., Hinsdale.
Billed as a “laugh-out-loud musical revue packed with Broadway-style numbers, sharp satire, and plenty of hometown humor,” the production takes playful aim at life in Hinsdale, from social status and friendships to the unspoken competitions that everyone secretly recognizes, said producer Susan O’Byrne.
“Every community Revue is first and foremost a fundraiser for the programs at TCH,” she said. “Beyond that, we poke gentle fun at life in the village of Hinsdale. We believe laughter and community work together to get us through tough times.”
O’Byrne said the community Revue was started in 1996 by a group of area residents who loved humor, Hinsdale and musical theater.
“The idea was sparked by the desire to include Kettering Hall in The Community House renovations so that theater and other arts programs might be part of TCH’s regular offerings,” she said. “And it just grew and grew into a beloved community event.”
O’Byrne said she has described Revue as a “love letter” to Hinsdale.
“We show our friends and neighbors the silliness that sometimes occurs in this small, but mighty village, and allow them to laugh at themselves a little,” she said.
This year’s production has a cast of 24. Some have been involved with Revue since the very beginning.
“Over the years, as some people have moved away or, sadly, passed away, we’ve reached out to interested individuals with a keen sense of fun and a dedication to our mission,” O’Byrne said.
She said the writing of shows begins in June, with work on script and music throughout the fall, and rehearsals starting in January.
“Because much of our content is based on local and national events, the script is ever-evolving,” O’Byrne said. “Sometimes we make revisions in between performances.”
Allison Peters has lived in Hinsdale since 2012 and is taking part in her third show. Alisa Messana is a 13-year Hinsdale resident, who has been participating in Revue since 2020.
“I first learned of Revue when my friends who had seen the shows suggested that I join,” said Peters, a former professional musical theater actress who also has a background in improv comedy. “I didn’t know much about it when I sent that first email. Since that time, I’ve come to love this time of year.”
She said being a part of Revue has been a true joy for her.
“There are few things that I love more than making people laugh, and we get to do that in spades,” Peters said. “That I get to support the excellent programs at The Community House at the same time is the best part of all.”
Messana said a friend who was involved in Revue encouraged her in 2017 to see the “Hinsdamilton” show.
“I have no theater background, but do enjoy dancing and singing,” she said. “I knew I wanted to perform in the next show. The rehearsal schedule is intense, but we have a lot of fun. I can’t think of a better way to spend the months of January and February.”
O’Byrne said director Dave Heilmann, who has handled that job since Revue began, writes the script, along with a team of cast members
“We are lucky that the residents of Hinsdale always provide us with ample material to parody,” she said. “No two scripts are alike, aside from being centered on life in Hinsdale.”
O’Byrne said she is very proud of the reputation Revue has gained over the years.
“People look forward to our lampooning; it’s something very special to hear local names and places mentioned onstage in an original musical revue,” she said. “Revue will always have something unexpected in it. There are many, many things mentioned in our script that local audiences will recognize.
“Hinsdale is a special place to live and Revue celebrates that uniqueness with laughter and song. Plus, it supports a great cause. What could be better than that?”
Tickets are available at www.thecommunityhouse.wellattended.com/.
Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
