CTWS presents "Al Capone Does My Shirts'

The Children’s Theatre of Western Springs (CTWS) and The Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) present a new stage adaptation of the Newbery Honor book, “Al Capone Does My Shirts,” directed by Tripp Burton, at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave.

The author of the book is Gennifer Choldenko who is the granddaughter of Mary Cattell, the founder of the Theatre of Western Springs in 1929. Fourteen members of Choldenko’s family, including the author, will attend the Saturday, Feb. 26th performance and the fundraiser, “Al Capone’s Speakeasy,” following the performance.

“Al Capone Does My Shirts” is recommended for ages nine and older. 

Performances take place at:
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 25
• 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 26
• 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 26
• 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 27

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 4
• 11 a.m. Saturday, March 5
• 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5
• 2:30 p.m. Sunday, March 6

Moose Flanagan has it pretty tough. Not only is his sister Natalie “different,” his family has moved to Alcatraz, so his dad can work as a security guard and Natalie can go to a special school in San Francisco. Baseball? Not for this 12-year-old who spends his afternoons looking after his sister and wondering about Alcatraz’s most infamous resident.

Featuring both children and adults from the Theatre of Western Springs, this thoughtful adaptation reminds us that sometimes the strength of a child is the greatest strength of all.

 Gennifer Choldenko, the granddaughter of Mary Cattell, was born in Santa Monica, Calif. in 1957. She was the youngest child in a large boisterous family, and she spent most of her time on the back of a horse, exploring the hills of Southern California.

After college, Choldenko got a job as a copywriter at an ad agency. In the evenings, she took classes in illustration at Pasadena’s Art Center College of Design. This eventually led her to full-time study of illustration at Art Center and the Rhode Island School of Design.

But always, her true dream was, and remains, writing for young people. After RISD, she began to pursue children’s books with passion and determination.

After having a lot of success in advertising, it was very clear to Choldenko that she’d rather be a failure in a field she loved than a success in a field she hated.  Luckily, she is blessed with tenaciousness and a supportive husband.

Choldenko  is married to Jacob and has two children, Ian and Kai, she lives in Tiburon, California with her family. 

She will speak at a fundraiser titled, Al Capone’s Speakeasy, immediately after the show. Open to the public, the Speakeasy is a family friendly event that features food, raffles, and entertainment.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $20 for adults and $10 for children and may be purchased by call the theatre’s box office at 708-246-3380.

Tickets to the play are $12 for adults and $6 for children under 18 years old.

Reservations are strongly recommended, and free parking is available. For more  information or to buy tickets, call 708-246-3380 or visit www.theatreofwesternsprings.com.

“Al Capone Does My Shirts”

 CAST

Moose Flanagan                            Brendan Stelmach of River Forest

Natalie Flanagan                           Ava Thompson of La Grange Park

Mr. Flanagan                                   Rob Snyder of La Grange Park

Mrs. Flanagan                                 Amanda Ragan of La Grange Park

Piper Williams                                Amanda Bolton of La Grange

Warden Williams/Mr. Purdy   Bob Baker of Western Springs

Miss Bimp/Mrs. Capone             Tricia Boren of Darien

105                                                        Jim Pusztay of Streamwood

Theresa                                               Kate Coleman of La Grange

Jimmy                                                  George Levy of Clarendon Hills

Annie                                                     Emily Bielski of Western Springs

Scout                                                     William Belden of Western Springs

Del                                                           Kaelin Reichmann of Hinsdale

Daily                                                       Jake Youngman of Clarendon Hills

Meeger                                                  Jake Schroeder of Western Springs

Penelope                                              Erin Cook of La Grange Park

Esther                                                    Grace Sampson of La Grange

Stanford                                               Charles Woods of Willowbrook

Students                                               Madelyn Flynn of Clarendon Hills

                                                                  Adam Kubil of Western Springs

                                                                  Cate Locke of Western Springs

                                                                   Cal Snyder of Hinsdale