SSP Welcomes Several Chicago Radio Personalities as Guest DJs

For the final production of its 30th Anniversary season, Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling, the Saint Sebastian Players (SSP) welcomes several Chicago radio personalities as "guest DJs." Performances are April 29-May 22, 2011 at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, in Chicago.

In several scenes of Steel Magnolias, the characters are listening to the local radio station, KPPD. The voice of the DJ will be played (via recordings) by the following professional radio voices familiar to Chicago listeners:

George Preston, afternoon drive-time host on 98.7WFMT (April 29, April 30, May 1 performances)
Cooper St. James, WLUW and Random Acts of Radio (May 6 and 7)
Mike Sanders, host on WCPT and the new 9FM (92.7 Kankakee) (May 8 and 15)
Joe Collins, traffic reporter for Metro Networks, heard on WBBM Newsradio 780 (May 13 and 14)
Lin Brehmer, disc jockey on the morning shift for 93XRT (May 20, 21 and 22)
Also, in conjunction with the key role that diabetes plays in Steel Magnolias, SSP will solicit contributions throughout the run, and donate all ticket sales from the May 6 performance, to Jimmy Insulin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of those who have the disease, as well as caregivers, by providing free one-on-one support and guidance.
In Steel Magnolias, a funny, touching story of friendship and trust, Truvy's homegrown beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, is the place that six very different women share their secrets, fears and love for each other while engaging in juicy, hilarious gossip. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they share each moment in their lives with grace, determination and perfectly coiffed hair. When tragedy strikes, it is in the familiar comfort of Truvy's salon where they find the solace and support that carries them through.
SSP's production of Steel Magnolias is directed by SSP company member Steven Walanka, whose past SSP directing credits include Tribute, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest and Picasso at the Lapin Agile, one of SSP's highest-attended productions. The cast includes SSP member Jill Chukerman Test, along with Kate O'Connor, Debra Rodkin, Tricia Rogers, Maggie Scrantom and Kaitlyn Whitebread. SSP members on the production team include John Oster as lighting designer, Adam Seidel as stage manager, Julie Johnson as dialect coach and Jonathan Hagloch as producer. Michael Patrick is set designer, and Deborah Snooks is costume designer.
SSP began producing theatre in 1982 at its original home, the St. Sebastian parish, located at the corner of Halsted Street and Wellington Avenue on Chicago's North Side. When the parish closed, SSP relocated to its current home, St. Bonaventure, at 1625 W. Diversey. During those 30 seasons, the company has produced original and previously produced dramas, comedies and musicals; original audience-participation murder mysteries for special events; and its annual Monologue Matchup Competition, as well as provided support for smaller Sebastian Studio Projects produced by company members. 

Steel Magnolias runs April 29 through May 22, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m., at St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey, at Marshfield just west of Ashland, in Chicago. Free parking is available in two lots. Tickets are $15, $10 for students with valid IDs and $7 for seniors and children younger than 12. Group rates also are available. All programming is subject to change. For information, call 773-404-7922 or visit saintsebastianplayers.org.

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