GreenMan Theatre's Graveside Stories cemetery walk set for Oct. 6-7
Ever wondered about the life stories of those buried at St. Peter & St. Mary Cemeteries on the Elmhurst University campus?
In a semiannual event with Elmhurst History Museum, GreenMan Theatre Troupe's Graveside Stories will bring to life nine Elmhurst residents from scripts curated by the museum and theater members.
"Elmhurst History Museum always works with us on such interesting projects," said Becca Easley, event director and Greenman Theatre board president.
The cemetery walk at the university's two historical cemeteries will be held from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7.
"This project has been achieved through what we call collaborative playwriting," added Jessie Wandersee, the museum's supervisor of education services.
"The No. 1 priority for 'Graveside Stories 2023' is to provide really accurate historic information about those being featured, to be respectful to them and to their families still in the area," said Wandersee.
"These don't have to be famous people. It's an amazing way to connect our community with its history," she added.
Residents being featured during "Graveside Stories 2023" will include three individuals, two pairs of married couples, and two women speaking about a child who perished in an Elmhurst train accident.
One resident was Caroline Hohmann (1890-1961), who attended the original Hawthorne School in Elmhurst and graduated from Chicago's Metropolitan College. During her business career she worked as a secretary for Marshall Fields, American Can Company, and the Elmhurst Park District.
"We're trying to diversify those residents we are featuring, because sometimes we don't have stories of women from this era," Wandersee said.
Friday night's performances will be lit by lanterns, although nothing is scary or spooky about "Graveside Stories 2023," said Easley.
"It's going to be so beautiful. It's that extra fall ambience that people are looking for," she added.
Elmhurst's St. Peter & St. Mary Cemeteries are located near Myrtle and Alexander streets.
Tours depart from the cemetery gates every 15 minutes, with a limit of 10 attendees per time slot. Cost is $12. Advance ticket purchases are suggested.
The "Graveside Stories" will feature Caroline Hohmann played by Anita Loomis; Anthony Paul Krause by Locke Bowman; Berend Uhlhorn by Howard Raik. The "Duet Scenes" will feature Mrs. Kopf played by Karyn Ustas and Mrs. F.W. Dwyer by Maura Shea; Joseph Wolf played by Dane Wilder and Anna Maria Wolf by Kimberly Brumirski; and Margaret DuBois played by Marilyn Connolly and Raymond DuBois by Tom Kaiser.
For tickets, go to www.greenmantheatre.org/graveside-stories-2023.html.
In its 20th season, GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts.
On Oct. 13-14, celebrate the Halloween season with an evening of ghost stories, and spooky songs for adults and older children. "Spooky Stories and Songs of the Season" will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The cost is $10, payable by cash or check at the door. Performances will be at the First United Methodist Church of Elmhurst, 232 S. York St.
You also can check out the Elmhurst Public Library performance on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
The tellers for "Spooky Stories '23" are Cassy Beach, Julie Brandon, Marilyn Connolly, Melanie Conklin, Laurel Poe Gallagher, Debbie Proska, Victoria Rebeck, Steven Soria, Larry Vietsky, and Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff.
GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003. Past productions include "The Odd Couple," "Dracula," and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan also offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production. GreenMan programs are partially supported by Explore Elmhurst, as well as other individual and corporate donations.