Evergreen Park Candlelight Theatre Presents 'Babes In Toyland'

EVERGREEN PARK, IL -- An all-ages cast appears in Evergreen Park Candlelight Theatre’s production of Victor Herbert’s famous operetta BABES IN TOYLAND. The troupe hits the boards at the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 3450 W. 97th St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. at April 27 and april 28, with an afternoon matinee April 29 at 3 p.m.

The story is set in Storybook Grove, home to all the classic Mother Goose characters, including Red Riding Hood, Little Miss Muffet, Little Bo Peep, Jack and Jill, Goldilocks and more. The evil Barnaby wants to marry Contrary Mary and intends to woo her with the money he stands to inherit from his niece Jane and nephew Alan. So he plots to "eliminate" the two youngsters with the help of his two comic foils, Gonzorgo and Roderigo.

This leads to a chase through the Forest of No Return, where they all find themselves in the magical Toyland. A whirlwind of musical romantic comic misadventures brings about the "March of the Wooden Soldiers", and, of course, everyone lives happily ever after.

With music by Victor Herbert and lyrics/story by Glen McDonough, the show premiered in Chicago in 1903 and it was four hours long. The original libretto’s plot was dark and changed during many re-stagings through the years. Laurel and Hardy made a comedy musical of it in 1934 (straying a bit from the plot); and then Disney made the live-action musical in 1961, with Ray Bolger, best known as the Scarecrow in the film version of “The Wizard of Oz," as the villain Barnaby.

Specifically adapted for the auditorium stage at the Senior Center, BABES IN TOYLAND showcases some of the best of Evergreen Park’s own local talent. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 seniors/students and $5 for children under 9.

“The original libretto is almost unstageable because of its length and massiveness, including multiple sets,” said Glenn Pniewski, the village’s public information officer and avid community theater participant. “Interestingly, the librettist of the original script, Glen McDonough, wrote a novelization of the story. I was lucky to track down a third edition of the 1925 book.”

Tickets can be purchased directly at the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th Street; or reserve early by calling the theatre hotline at (708) 229-3343. Tickets may be available at the door, but the priority seating at intimate candlelit tables tends to go quickly, so buy your ticket now for this musical masterpiece.