'Ordinary People' Closes This Weekend At EP Candlelight Theatre

EVERGREEN PARK, IL — The Evergreen Park Recreation Department Candlelight Theatre will present the dramatic play, "Ordinary People,” to be performed for two weekends Sept. 27 to Sept. 29, and Oct. 5 and Oct. 6.

"Ordinary People" is a novel by Judith Guest that became an Academy Award-winning film in 1980. Dramatized here by Nancy Gilsenen, the story revolves around high school senior Conrad Jarrett, who is trying to work his way back into school and normal life following a suicide attempt as a result of survivor's guilt after the death of his older brother in a boating accident. Complicating his readjustment is a tenuous relationship with his mother who, though unspoken, clearly favored the older son and, deep inside, blames Conrad for the older son's death.

Though written in the late 1970s, the issues raised in the play are, sadly, more than relevant today in this world of teen anxiety and peer pressure in the age of social media."

"What I like about the play script is that it makes itself a little different than the movie, really going back to the tone of the book," said Glenn Pniewski, communications director the Village of Evergreen Park. "Our cast is really making this their own."

The play features the talents of local actors/residents Kevin Denny, Suzanne Noonan, Tom Jakubczak, Gianna Pinotti, Brianna Mooney, Ella and Heather Altena, Chris Cavanaugh and Andrew Kenny.

"Ordinary People" opens on Friday, Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Evergreen Park Senior Center, 9547 S. Homan Ave. It continues Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 29 at 3 p.m. The play then moves to second weekend, with a performance on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. Seating is done by way of candlelit banquet tables, with some row seating as well. As tickets are first-come, first-served, advance ticket purchases are recommended.

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, and are available by visiting the Evergreen Park Community Center, 3450 W. 97th St. or by calling (708) 229-3343.