This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Arts & Entertainment

Citadel Theatre Company's Tenth Anniversary Season

The opening play 'Other People's Money' focuses on relevant issues

Artistic Director remembers the group’s cramped beginnings in the basement of when the theatre was founded in 2002.

“There wasn’t a lot of room to work on the sets,” Phelps said. “We’ve gone from that to a 150-seat theater with dressing rooms. That’s a huge change for us. (Citadel) grows every year, and it’s a testament to the fact that the work is good. I knew if we did good theater, they would come.”

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Citadel Theatre Company will open its 2012-2013 season with “Other People’s Money,” a comedy exploring the ethical dilemmas of corporate business. The play, written by Jerry Sterner, will run from Sept. 29 to Oct. 28 at Citadel’s Stage on the Lake Forest High School West Campus. 

“(Other People’s Money) opened in the eighties, but it still resonates today,” Phelps said. “The independent (business) is struggling. America as a whole is trying to figure out where we are. We’re facing unemployment, jobs are going overseas and if you’re thinking about selling your house don’t bother. This show is very topical and it resonates with the times.”

The story follows a New York City corporate raider as he moves to liquidate his latest acquisition, a small-town company trying to survive in a dying industry.

Director Robert D. Estrin said the show is interesting because it shows both sides of today’s financial issues. “It’s extremely different from the movie,” Estrin said, noting that “Other People’s Money” won Best Off-Broadway Play in 1989. “It’s really intriguing – a battle of wills.”

Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The cast of “Other People’s Money” includes Denise Maher, Rob Frankel, Nancy Fellers, Pat Murphy and Edward Kuffert.

Citadel is also working closely with area senior centers to produce one-off performances of Todd Logan’s Botanic Garden and will continue their outdoor theatre hike series this October with performances at Elawa Farms, dates and times to be announced.

Find out what's happening in Lake Forest-Lake Bluffwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“This season is very accessible,” Phelps said. “There’s something for everyone.”

 Citadel Theatre Company’s 2012/13 Season Calendar

Unless otherwise noted, performances are offered every Thursday-Sunday during a play’s run, with performance times at 8 p.m. Thursday - Saturday and at 3 p.m. Sundays.

Other People’s Money | September 29–October 28, 2012

By Jerry Sterner | directed by Robert D. Estrin

Special Wednesday 1 p.m. matinees Oct. 10 and 17

Little Women | Nov. 23 through Dec. 30

By Ann Noble | World Premiere Adaptation

The timeless tale honors generosity and proclaims the possibility of hope and celebration in the midst of difficult times.

Special Wednesday 1 p.m. matinees Dec. 5 and 19

Special Saturday 1p.m. matinees Dec. 15 and 22

God of Carnage | Feb. 8 through March 10

By Yasmina Reza | Tony and Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Play

A darker side of the human condition emerges as a simple playground disagreement between children devolves into chaotic friction between their parents. The laughable, if all too familiar, over-the-top confrontation makes for some of Citadel’s most poignant drama.

Special Wednesday 1 p.m. matinees Feb. 20 and March 6

Enchanted April | April 26 through May 26

By Matthew Barber | An Italian Vacation

Citadel’s main stage explores a vacation to an Italian castle with the women of Matthew Barber’s Enchanted April.

Special Wednesday 1 p.m. matinees May 8 and 22

Special Saturday 1 p.m. matinees May 4 and 18

Tickets can be purchased on the website or via the Citadel Box Office hotline at 847-735-8554. Subscription packages start at $23.50 per show including free parking and significant dining discounts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?