ShawChicago Presents SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY

ShawChicago presents Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology as its spring fundraiser. Starring Paddy Lynn, Jon Lynn and Patti Ecker, this is a one night production on June 12 at the Ruth Page Theater, 1016 N. Dearborn, from 7 to 9:30 PM. A dessert and wine reception will follow the performance.

Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters was first published in 1915. The Anthology is a collection of over 200 interconnected free-verse epitaphs spoken by former residents of a fictitious town named Spoon River. Characters speak from their graves to tell the truth about their lives. And we all know that oftentimes, the truth can be uncomfortable.

The Anthology caused a sensation with its frankness on sex, moral decay, and hypocrisy. And although it was banned in Fulton County, the center of Illinois that housed both the towns of Lewiston and Petersburg where Masters lived, the book captured the imagination of the nation. It quickly went through multiple printings and became one of the most popular books of poetry in the history of American literature.

Even today, Spoon River Anthology remains as relevant as it was in 1915 when it was written. Through stories and songs, this program captures the joys, sorrows, and secrets of the human condition.

This production toured Illinois for two years under the auspices of the Illinois Humanities Council and received rave reviews.

About The Actors:
Paddy Lynn started performing at the age of 6 and never stopped. She is a professional storyteller and actress and her programs reach people of all ages from preschoolers to senior groups. Paddy travels throughout Illinois and the Midwest with her lively programs. She also serves as the Artistic Director for The Kirk Players Community Theatre. Outside of performing, she enjoys writing children's stories.

Jon Lynn retired after 35 years of directing and teaching high school theatre. Jon continues to act and direct with his community theatre company The Kirk Players in Mundelein. He is an accomplished actor and avid camper and gardener.

Patti Ecker, (parlor guitar, mountain banjo, harmonica and vocals) was raised in what is now the Peaslee House Museum, home to the South Elgin Historical Commission. She has been on the staff at the Old Town School of Folk Music, the Grove in Glenview, and the Hoosier Grove Schoolhouse Museum and has provided programs melding music and history for many Chicago area museums. Her NAPPA award winning CD, "Prairieland" is a collection of traditional songs reflecting Illinois history.

Tickets are $50 and may be purchased online at www.shawchicago.org or over the phone at 312-587-7390.

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