Mokena's Curtain Call Theatre Gets Cheeky With 'Calendar Girls' Show

MOKENA, IL — The Curtain Call Theatre is baring it all—artistically speaking—with six performances of ‘Calendar Girls’ this March. Mark your calendars for March 7-9 and March 14-16, as this feel-good comedy takes the stage. The show is directed by Nicki Blowers, and closely resembles the 2003 film of the same name, starring Helen Mirren.

Based on a true story, ‘Calendar Girls’ follows Annie and Chris, two best friends who hatch an unconventional fundraising idea after Annie’s husband dies from leukemia. Their goal: To raise money for a hospital settee. Their method: A rather revealing charity calendar featuring members of their Women’s Institute (W.I.)—tastefully posed in the buff. Assisted by an unlikely amateur photographer, the ladies’ bold move leads to international attention, unexpected fame, and of course, some very creative use of baked goods and flower arrangements.

"This show is a lovely compilation of female friendship, empowerment, and pushing boundaries for those you love," said Blowers. "Our cast is having a great time with this story, and it shows in their work. We’re incredibly excited for audiences to experience this."

The cast features a variety of talent from the area, including: Janet Venzon as Chris; Beth Czechanski as Annie; Kristin Morris as Cora; Jean Berard as Jessie; Cassandra Bausch as Celia; Kathleen McLernon as Ruth; Heidi Drennan as Marie; Rebecca Leonard as Brenda; Jim Zacharias as John; Michael P. Galbincea as Rod; Renata Allelujka as Lady Cravenshire; Luke Simone as Lawrence; Jillian Jade as Elaine; and Anthony Uzzardo as Liam.

Performances will be at 7:30 pm on March 7, 8, 14, and 15, while the Sunday matinees have already sold out!

Curtain Call Theatre will also be staging the French farce ‘Boeing Boeing’ in June and their popular Emily McCabe Musical Theatre Program summer camp (grades K-8) has open registration. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit ccctheatre.com or call the box office at (708) 607-2281.

About Curtain Call Theatre

The mission of Curtain Call Theatre is to provide a vehicle for local performing arts development, production, and education, and to encourage and foster community involvement. We promote and deliver exceptional community theatre and therefore our motto reads: “Downtown Quality at Community Theatre Prices." The theatre was established in 1979 and stages 11-15 productions per year, including those for adults, youth actors, and improv artists.