Western Springs Resident Writes And Directs Play

ELMHURST, IL — Local actors are set to appear in GreenMan Theatre’s dinner theater production of “Speakeasy or Die Hard 2,” written and directed by Western Springs resident Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff. The show runs five performances over two weekends at Angelo's Ristorante at 247 N. York St. in Elmhurst.

The production opens Feb. 21 with additional shows Feb. 22, 28, 29 and March 1. Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m. The final performance is at 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Tickets are $55 and include the show and an Italian dinner. Cash bar and a chance to mingle with the cast begins an hour before the show. There is ample free parking available, but seating is limited. Tickets for the event must be purchased in advance. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 630-464-2646 or visit greenmantheatre.org to buy tickets online. Some GreenMan performances sell out quickly.

“Speakeasy or Die Hard 2” is set in Chicago during the Roaring Twenties at the height of Prohibition. It features gangsters, bootleg alcohol and a speakeasy disguised as a tearoom in the basement of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. Add to that a pair of Russian spies, stolen jewels and murder. After the detective arrives, the audience will have an opportunity to win a prize by guessing the killer or killers. Prizes may also be awarded to audience members who dress up in the style of the show, 1920s glitz and glamour. GreenMan’s dinner show offers comic action, songs and dances, and audience interaction.

Returning to GreenMan’s stage will be Hillside resident Shazad Mehta as Alphonse, who heads up his late father’s bootlegging empire. Countryside resident Donna Miller appears as Alphonse’s mother, and Kay Rower of Chicago plays his girlfriend. Elmwood Park resident Megan Promisco returns to GreenMan, playing Carmen, Alphonse’s sister. Greg Winston of Chicago and Jim Zervas of Elmhurst play two of Alphonse’s henchmen.

Also returning to GreenMan is Rhys Read of Des Plaines, who plays Big Louie, head of a rival operation. Other colorful characters in the show include Zelda and Scotty, a glamorous 1920s couple, played by Katie Lahey of Villa Park and Steven Higgins of Roselle. Boris and Natashia, a pair of bumbling Russian spies, are played by Chicago residents and GreenMan veterans Jerry Moore and Vicky Giannini.

Carson Van Horn of Barrington plays a talent agent, looking for new acts to promote. Regulars at the speakeasy are played by Grace Martinez of Aurora as Delilah, Elmhurst resident Marilyn Connolly as Doris, and Mayra Echevarria of Elmhurst as Marisol. Also returning to GreenMan will be Elmhurst resident Joe Schram, who plays Father Francis. He is supported at the church by Kate Troc of Lombard and Heather Ristanovic of Downers Grove as Sister Aggravata and Sister Ermentrude. The evening’s MC announcer will be Patrick Cramer of Chicago.

The musical director is Vicky Giannini. Also working behind the scenes on the show are Alma Read, Becca Easley, Cheryl Turek, Chuck Erickson, David Soria, Debbie Proska, Erick Sosa, Gary Davidoff, Jim Ocasek, Lisa Miller, Megan Promisco and Steven Soria.

GreenMan Theatre Troupe is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide a source of cultural enrichment and pride for the community by presenting diverse, quality productions and providing opportunities for personal growth in the theatrical arts. GreenMan has been presenting plays in Elmhurst since being founded in 2003.

Past productions include “The Odd Couple," "Dracula" and "Pride and Prejudice." GreenMan offers classes and workshops for members and the community and welcomes new members and participants in all aspects of theater production.

GreenMan programs are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and through financial support provided by the City of Elmhurst Community Grant Program, as well as other individual donations.