Theatre Of Western Springs Presents 'The Tin Woman'

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL — The Theatre of Western Springs presents the third Mainstage play of its 90th season, “The Tin Woman,” written by Sean Grennan and directed by TWS Artist-in- Residence Greg Kolack. The theatre said performances will take place Jan. 17 – 27, at TWS, 4384 Hampton Ave., Western Springs.

The schedule for the shows is: 8 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays – Jan. 17, 18, 19, 24, 25, 26; 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sundays, Jan. 20, 26 and 27; and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20.

According to the theatre, “The Tin Woman” is the deeply touching story of a woman who receives a heart transplant and her subsequent meeting with the family of the donor. Based on a true story, “The Tin Woman” uses humor and pathos to explore loss, family, and what it means to be given new life.

“Having known the playwright for decades going back his days as an actor in Chicago, I am very happy to be directing his script at TWS,” Director Greg Kolack said in a release. “This exploration of how one person deals with a second chance at life, and how a family deals with sudden death is being discovered at theatres all around the country, and TWS is excited to join these ranks."

Kolack added, "As part of our research for the show, we will be meeting with heart transplant recipients, as well as the families of heart donors, some of whom have agreed to be part of talkbacks after performances. This will, no doubt, be an educational and moving experiences for the cast, crew and audiences.”

The cast and the crew for the play include: Courtney Beresheim of Brookfield, Noha El Ganzouri of Hinsdale, Haruka Hitchcock of Hometown, Ann Marie Hultgren of Indian Head Park, Harry Hultgren of Indian Head Park, Diane Kasnick of Downers Grove, Jeffery Siddall of Oak Park, Greg Kolack of Elmhurst, Darla Goudeau of La Grange, Shannon Horn of Hinsdale, Ann Serafin of LaGrange Park, Mary Ellen Schutt of Westmont, Tammy O’Reilly of La Grange, Eileen Duban of Lisle, Mike Huth of LaGrange Park, Joe Mills of Westchester, Cassandra Johnson, Linda Bugielski of Indian Head Park, Pat Huth of La Grange Park, Mark MacLean of Willow Springs, Cassandra Johnson of Woodridge, Ginny Richardson of Burr Ridge, Kelly Kopp of Countryside, John Baderman of Hinsdale, Nick Schwartz of Chicago, Patrick Deering of North Aurora, Jennifer Collins of Woodridge, Tim Feeney of Downers Grove, and Joe Mills of Westchester.

The theatre said on Nov. 10, the cast and crew Skyped with New York playwright Sean Grennan
who gave detailed descriptions of each character. In addition, he talked about the flavor of the show and how it relates to a true story. Grennan also provided Kolack with a written back story.

“Sean gave insight into the creation of the show, which his sister Erin pushed him to write after reading a story in the newspaper,” Kolack said in a release . “He gave his impressions of
the characters he created and what was at the core of their actions.

“While discussing what seemed to be a missing piece of the character of Joy’s loner personality, he mentioned he had previously cut a few lines that delved into this. I asked him if he would like us to reinstate those sections, and he said he would, so we are happy to honor his request,” added Kolack

Tickets are $21 and $23.Call the box office at 708-246-3380 or go to: http://www.theatrewesternsprings.com. Free parking is available.

Photos provided by Theatre of Western Springs.