Elmhurst, IL – GreenMan Theatre Troupe is set to open their 13th season on Friday September 23 with a three weekend run of the classic 1946 comedy “Born Yesterday” by Garson Kanin.
The show opens on Friday September 23 and runs thru Sunday October 9. The Friday and Saturday performances have a 7:30 pm curtain and Sunday matinees curtain at 2 pm. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased by calling the Green Man Ticket Reservation line at 630-464-2646 or by visiting their website at www.greenmantheatre.com. Tickets are $17 for adults and $15 for seniors/students. All performances will be held in Asbury Hall at First United Methodist Church, 232 S. York Street, Elmhurst. Free parking is available.
The “Born Yesterday” cast includes Denis Duffy as the abrasive, uncouth, and wealthy junk dealer Harry Brock; Maureen Denhof as his chorus-girl girlfriend, Billie Dawn. Erick Sosa plays the Washington D.C. reporter Paul Verrall, who Brock hires to educate and refine Billie Dawn; Patrick Deering is Ed Devery, Harry Brock’s lawyer whose legal ethics can be found at the bottom of a liquor bottle; Jaime Sandoval plays Eddie Brock, Harry’s lackey cousin; Patrick Feeney portrays Senator Norval Hedges, who Harry Brock has targeted as a politician who “can be bought” for political favors; Arlene Arnone plays both Senator Hedges cookie cutter politician’s wife and Helen, the humorous and opinionated hotel maid; Derek Dillon is the accommodating Asst. Hotel Manager; Carson Van Horn plays the intimidated bellhop, and Jim Bruner is the barber.
Barb Singelmann, who directed GMTT’s production of “Born Yesterday,” has always considered this to be one of her favorite plays. Barb feels that “Born Yesterday” is a timeless piece full of rich characters. As Barb sees it “Money talks, more often than not, especially in Washington D.C.” People with money have always tried and usually expect to succeed in getting their way. However, as Barb points out, “when money for whatever reason doesn’t talk, then there’s the very real possibility of brute strength and stiff arming becoming an option.” Harry is a classless and ruthless business tycoon who has arrived in Washington, D.C. with his brassy girlfriend, Emma “Billie” Dawn, and Ed Devery, his crooked lawyer, to “influence” a politician or two. During their stay at a very posh hotel in Washington D.C. Harry becomes disgusted with Billie’s ignorance and lack of manners (even though he himself is an uncouth brute). So he decides to hire a tutor for her—journalist Paul Verrall. Billie blossoms under Paul’s tutelage. She learns to use proper grammar and learns about literature, history, politics and the law.
As Barb points out, “A little education can be a dangerous thing.” Billie’s new found education and lessons in classy behavior leaves Brock with a more refined and independent thinking girlfriend, which is anything but what he wanted. Billie discovers that she can break out from under Brock’s oppressive and abusive control.
“I have been blessed with a talented cast. They have brought many of their own ideas into this production, too. I think we have created a show that will give you, the audience, an evening full of laughter, drama, surprises, and a lesson or two.”
For more information about GreenMan Theatre Troupe or for ticket reservations please visit their website at www.greenmantheatre.com or call the GrrenMan Ticket Reservation line at 630-464-2646