Coming just in time for summer, the James Downing Theatre is presenting the world premiere of “Parish Play,” opening on June 17.
This bright original comedy, written and directed by Sue Mrotek, centers on the frustrations of a church pastor who’s trying to cope with mounting bills and a series of unproductive fundraisers. The parish’s Finance Committee members complicate matters by bringing their personal views on fundraising to every meeting. Can they combine their talents to save the parish?
Performances will be held on June 17-18 and 24-25 at the Edison Park United Methodist Church, 6740 N. Oliphant Ave., on Chicago’s Northwest Side. Evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays will begin at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday matinees start at 1:30 p.m.
Advance reservations are required. Seated ia limited. Tickets for this production are: $15 general admission; $12 for senior citizens or students; $10 per person for groups of six or more.
Tickets can be purchased online with a credit card at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/17818 or reserved by phoning (224) 725-3696 or e-mailing jamesdowningtheatre@gmail.com. In your voice mail or e-mail message, please provide: your first and last name; the day and date of the performance you'd like to attend; the number of tickets you’d like reserved (specify how many adult and how many senior or student tickets); your complete phone number and/or your e-mail address. Only cash or checks are accepted at the Box Office.
The cast includes: Tom Akouris as the pastor, Virginia Gibbons, Paul Barile, Linda Sak, Hilary Black, David Retseck and Lily Mitchell as his finance committee; and ensemble members Mark Kroon, Rick Hollander, Margaret Jackson, Terry Maloney, Ron Denham, Leah Israel, Danelle Baroja, Judiel Bibat, Kevin Ramirez, Joy Israel, Micah Fortenberry, Manny Schenk, Alexis Stein, Nick Demas, Carl Bley, Dave Downing, Theresa Hart and Gloria Field.
The James Downing Theatre and the John Waldron Arts Center are sponsored programs of the Edison Park United Methodist Church. The theater is convenient to the Kennedy Expressway and the Tri-State Tollway. It also can be reached by public transportation, via the CTA’s 68-Northwest Highway bus or from the Edison Park Metra stop two blocks away.

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