Theatre of Western Springs presents 'An Evening with Dale Benson, Veteran Chicago Actor'

Submitted by the Theatre of Western Springs.

As part of its Cattell Series of free lectures, the Theatre of Western Springs (TWS) presents, “An Evening with Dale Benson, Veteran Chicago Actor,” at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, at the Theatre of Western Springs, 4384 Hampton Ave.

This is a one-night-only evening of conversation with the iconic actor. The public is invited to the event which will take place in TWS’ Cattell Theatre.

Last year, Benson was honored with a Life Time Achievement Award from Chicago’s famed Joseph Jefferson Society for 55 continuous years of versatile portrayals as a member of Actors Equity Association.

“If you ever saw a production at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, chances are you saw Dale,” said Greg Kolack, artist-in-residence at TWS. “He performed in dozens of shows there over 22 years, each one of them memorable.”

Benson has worked at many theatres in Chicago and around the country, notably with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in Henry IV Parts I and II and to great acclaim as Justice Silence at Stratford-upon-Avon in England. Some of Benson’s favorite roles include Dr. Watson in Sherlock’s Last Case,Captain Andy in Showboat, Lutz in The Student Prince, Sylvia St. Croix in Ruthless and William in You Never Can Tell by George Bernard Shaw.

His awards include a Joseph Jefferson for Little Me, the National Career Award from the National Society of Arts and Letters, two After Dark awards and a Distinguished Alumni award from DePaul University.

“He is currently appearing in White Christmas at Drury Lane and will be spending one of his nights off with TWS and the community,” Kolack said. “I have known Dale for nearly 40 years, and he is one of the funniest, humblest and nicest people you will ever meet. He is well loved by the entire Chicago theatre community.”

A reception will follow. As always, the Cattell Series event is free, but a reservation is requested. Call708-246-3380 or go to: theatreofwesternsprings.com.