Eureka College Fine and Performing Arts to Present ‘Story Theatre’
EUREKA – Eureka College Fine and Performing Arts will present a production of Paul Sills’ “Story Theatre” on Nov. 12-13 at Pritchard Theatre.
“Story Theatre” is a collection of folk stories and folk songs from The Brothers Grimm, Aesop and others created by Paul Sills. It has won two Tony awards, two Drama Desk awards and an Outer Critics Circle award. Eureka College’s production will be directed by Nick LoChirco, who joined Eureka College as a theatre course adjunct and director this fall.
The company includes Eureka College students Paytyn Arends, Steven Bartkus, Sean Blair, Abby Boyle, Baylor Cluver, Josh Dietrich, Faith Catour, Madison Draughn, Abi Gasper, Emmalyn Paul, Mackenzie Thompson and Ashley Weitzel. Musical direction will be provided by Emmalyn Paul.
There will be four performances, with the first taking place on Friday, Nov. 12 at 4:30 p.m. and the second at 8 p.m. On Saturday, Nov. 13, the performances will take place at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Times are subject to change and more performances could be added.
Masks must be worn by the audience to attend and actors will not be wearing masks while performing. Seating will be limited, so to secure tickets, contact tickets@eureka.edu. Tickets are free, but donations are always appreciated. Please be advised that the production has some adult situations and language.
These will be Eureka College’s first performances of Story Theatre since 1978. The performances featured alum Kevin McQuede, a generous supporter of Eureka College Theater and this year’s Eureka College Fine and Performing Arts Hall of Fame inductee.
LoChirco was previously taught by Sill for three years. Sills, who created improvisational theatre, founded Chicago’s legendary Second City Theater. Years later, while employing his improvisational techniques, he created a second form of theater called Story Theatre, which he developed and directed. Known for possibly being the only person to create two distinct forms of theatre, Sills is in the American Theater Hall of Fame.
Located in Eureka, Illinois, and chartered in 1855, Eureka College cultivates excellence in learning, service and leadership while providing students uniquely personalized and custom educational opportunities.
Originally founded by abolitionist members of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Eureka College holds the unique distinction of being the first college in Illinois and only the third in the nation to admit men and women on an equal basis. The College, which is located on nearly 70 wooded acres in central Illinois, is the smallest of only 24 colleges and universities to ever award a bachelor’s degree to a future President of the United States.