THEATER | Local character

A play about real people and true events that happened in Sangamon and Menard counties such as Springfield's phrenologist Madame Levante who diagnosed folk's troubles by feeling the bumps on their skull. Written by local author and playwright Tara McClellan McAndrew, who brought us the book, Stories of Springfield: Life in Lincoln’s Town. McAndrew and the cast and crew of Theatre in the Park now offer a multimedia show The Lighter Side of Springfield History that highlights the comic and ironic oddities of Springfield history through vignettes, song and narration. Mark Mathewson performs music from the 1800s, and Becca Loschen directs. Free pre-shows at 7 p.m. include Prairie Aires on July 9 and Thistle & Thyme on July 30 and a free talk with the playwright.