FREE Outdoor Play – Spoon River Anthology

Oh, the stories they could tell

…and do.
Life and death in a Midwestern town told by their ghosts, in verse and tune.
Heroism, hypocrisy, downfall, dignity…their epitaph weave a rich tapestry for you.

WHAT
Live production adapted from Edgar Lee Masters’ SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY

BRIEF
Life and death in a Midwestern town told by their ghosts, in verse and melody. Oh, the stories they could tell…and do. Heroism, hypocrisy, downfall, dignity…their epitaphs weave a rich tapestry for you.

SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY “is a collection of short free verse poems that collectively narrates the epitaphs of the residents of Spoon River, a fictional small town named after the real Spoon River that ran near Masters’ home town of Lewistown, Illinois. The aim of the poems is to demystify rural and small town American life. The collection includes 212 separate characters, in all providing 244 accounts of their lives, losses, and manner of death.” Wikipedia

We picked some of our favorite characters for an adapted version, so you can make it home before midnight.

FUN FACT
SPOON RIVER was one of Georgiann Goodson’s (Bicentennial Park’s first Manager, 1977-1999) beloved productions. The first time she directed it here was with the Joliet Drama Guild in April 1980.

PRESENTED BY
Bicentennial Park Theatre
Directed by Jan Novotny

WHERE
Outdoor bandshell.
Bring blankets & chairs for hill seating.
Tables available for those that have difficulty with ground seating.

TIME
7:00 pm each night
Thursday, September 24
Friday, September 25
Saturday, September 26

RESERVE
Due to pandemic restrictions, outdoor seating does have a limit. Please contact the Park to reserve your spot:
815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov

MASKS REQUIRED
You must wear a mask while walking around and waiting in line.

SOCIAL DISTANCING
Keep 6 feet distance where possible. Hill seating is by reservation. Your group will be in it’s own circle and 6 feet from others.

CONCESSIONS & CASH BAR
Cash bar on the patio.
Joliet American Legion Post 1080 will be selling food from the kitchen:
* fresh caramel apple slices (with or w/o nuts) $3
* fresh strawberry shortcake $3
* hot dog (ketchup, mustard, relish) $3
* chips $1
* candy bar $1
* hot chocolate/ hot cider/ coffee $1

MAY BRING YOUR OWN FOOD
Yes, you may bring your own food and beverages BUT NO ALCOHOL.
Not to worry…our bar is ready to go!