This summer’s line-up for Theatre-Hikes at The Morton Arboretum includes Shakespeare, a sweet children’s story, a Sherlock Holmes mystery, and a campy Werewolf movie spoof. A new show debuts each month.
Be in on the case with Sherlock Holmes in July’s show, The Hound of the Baskervilles, which is based on the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A mysterious hound has just killed the Baskerville heir, and now the last remaining male Baskerville seeks out the assistance of the famed detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Watson. Follow the sleuths as they solve the mystery on the moors. This performance is appropriate for ages eight and up.
Follow Mr. Toad, Ratty, and Mole and their woodland friends on a musical adventure, The Wind in the Willows, based on the book by Kenneth Grahame. In Augusts play, the loveable characters from Grahame’s classic tales will warm your heart and teach lessons about friendship. Strolling musicians will liven things up and get everyone singing classic childhood tunes. This performance is appropriate for ages four and up.
Enjoy Shakespeare among the trees in September. In the bards The Tempest, Prospero and his daughter are shipwrecked on an enchanted island when another ship crashes and the crew struggle ashore. Watch what happens when Prospero encounters the spirits Caliban and Ariel, and employs their magic for his own personal gain. The dramatic opening shipwreck scene will engage children, but parents should exert discretion if they have very sensitive children.
Halloween fun is in order for October, with Werewolf’s Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow. A vegan couple find themselves in a pickle when Harry is bitten by a werewolf cub. Now he craves rare roast beef and gets very hairy at every full moon. Luckily, Dr. Frank Einstein and Madam Clara Voyant may have a cure. Meet a campy cast of characters in this spoof of the horror movies of the 1930s. This performance is suitable for ages eight and up, but may not be appropriate for children who are afraid of monsters.
Each Theatre-Hike presents a different scene at a different location on the Arboretum grounds. Audience members walk to each location to enjoy the unfolding story. Regular hikes cover up to two miles with multiple stops along the way. Low-impact hikes (suitable for strollers, walkers and wheelchairs) are presented on the first Sunday performance of the month. Hikes begin at the Thornhill Education Center. Everyone is encouraged to wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle, blanket, or lawn chair.
Theatre-Hikes
The Hound of the Baskervilles: July 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, from 1 – 3:30PM
The Wind in the Willows: August 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, from 1 – 3:30PM.
Shakespeares The Tempest: September 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, from 1 – 3:30PM
Werewolf’s Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: October 6-7 (Columbus Day Weekend), 13-14-15), 20-21, 27-28, from 3 – 5:30PM
Admission to The Morton Arboretum is included with ticket fees. Individual show tickets $13 – $19 with discounts for Arboretum members. Season tickets are available for $45 – $60 with discounts for Arboretum members.
For more information or to purchase tickets: phone: 630-725-2066 or visit mortonarb.org.
