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Community Corner

'Al Capone's Speakeasy - a fun benefit for TWS

The Theatre of Western Springs and the Children’s Theatre of Western Springs are having a fundraiser titled, “Al Capone’s Speakeasy: A Benefit for the Theatre of Western Springs,” following the 4 p.m. performance of “Al Capone Does my Shirts” on Saturday, Feb. 26, at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave.

“The best way to beat the winter blues will be to revisit the colorful flapper era as we celebrate our children’s theatre production of ‘Al Capone Does My Shirts’,” said Jennifer Jermano Miller of Indian Head Park, chairwoman of the event. “It promises to be a ‘roaring’ event as we raise funds to benefit our theatre.”

The event will feature a personal appearance by Gennifer Choldenko, author of the children’s book upon which the play, “Al Capone Does my Shirts,” is based. The book made the New York Times bestseller list, and it was named a Newbery Honor winner. Choldenko lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her two children. She graduated from Brandeis University and attended the Rhode Island School of Design.

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Gennifer Choldenko has another reason to visit the Theatre of Western Springs. Her grandmother, Mary Cattell, founded the Theatre of Western Springs in 1929.

“We are honored to have Ms. Choldenko as our very special guest,” said Jermano Miller. “We are all excited to welcome her and show her the theatre which was her grandmother’s life’s work.”

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Choldenko will answer questions about her book as well as relate a few family stories about Mary Cattell.

Fundraiser guests who pay in advance will be given a red flower to wear on their lapel to show that they are to be admitted to the speakeasy. They will receive a map to the secret speakeasy door. 

The theatre welcomes guests to dress in “gangster and flapper period” if they wish. There will be appetizers and drinks including wine, but because there will be children in the upstairs lobby, the alcohol will be limited to the adult wing. 

And watch out. Guests can get arrested! There will be a jail and mug shots will be taken. The children will have the opportunity to arrest the adults who will either pay bail (a donation) or stay in the jail for a certain amount of time. 

The children’s party in the upstairs lobby includes a DJ spinning the latest tunes as well as pizza and soft drinks.

Raffle baskets for both kids and adults will fill the theatre, and lucky speakeasy guests will take them home. (See list below.)

The speakeasy benefit is chaired by Jennifer Jermano Miller of Indian Head Park and members of the planning committee include Jennifer Collins of Woodridge, Courtney Cordova of Naperville, Bonnie Hilton of Western Springs, Chris Hochstetler of Western Springs, Mary Ellen Schutt of Westmont, Janet Gassman of Western Springs, Kelli Kopp of Countryside, and Ginny Richardson of Burr Ridge.

Tickets to the fundraiser are $20 for adults and $10 for children. Call the box office at 708-246-3380.

 

 

                       

 

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