by Hard Road Admin | Feb 18, 2013 | Announcements, Press Release
The Highland Area Christian Service Ministry (HACSM) Food Pantry swept the pot from Hard Road Theater’s recent production of The Odd Couple. The benefit performance featuring John Jatcko and Bill Sullivan, and sponsored by First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust, raised $5300 for the organization that helps area residents.
“This wasn’t just the hard work of our Hard Road volunteers,” said Sullivan, who also directed the production. “This is a testament to the heart and soul of Highland area residents. When there is someone or some place in town that needs help, the people in our town respond.”
Jatcko and Sullivan reunited to bring to life the classic duo of Oscar Madison and Felix Unger in Neil Simon’s timeless comedy. This was the second run of the show, which originally opened in January 2002. The show also brought together some of Hard Road’s earliest performers including Tom Varner, Wayne Steiner, and Rob Bowman as the poker-playing, unpredictably-funny buddies of Oscar and Felix, and Gentry Nessel and Meredith Canterberry as the crazy, but endearing Pigeon sisters. New faces were also seen in this production, including Jim Burgett as Speed.
“We had help from so many people and places to make this a success,” said Sullivan. “From the furniture donated by Tin Shed; the materials and manpower to build sets donated by Aviston Lumber, Southwest Construction and Highland Rotary Club; Highland Chamber of Commerce for helping us sell tickets, and many, many more.”
The show ran Feb. 1-3, with all net proceeds going to support the HACSM Food Pantry. HACSM began as an outreach project of the mission committee of a local church aimed to provide a food pantry for area residents in need. As the need increased, so did the facility, which is now housed in a 4500 square foot building located at 900 Chestnut Street in Highland, Illinois. HACSM’s service area includes Highland, Grant Fork, Alhambra, New Douglas, Pierron, St. Jacob, and Marine.
Seeing a delighted audience at the end of a production is usually the icing on the cake for most directors, but Sullivan says the good that has come from this production outweighs even that feeling. “Watching the community come together and support such a good cause is heartwarming,” he said. “The food pantry is doing great work in this community and deserves to be supported.”
Hard Road is still accepting donations to be passed along to HACSM Food Pantry. Anyone interested in making a donation should contact Bill Sullivan at (618) 654-2103 or bill@highlandmachine.com.
by Hard Road Admin | Nov 19, 2012 | Announcements, Shows
The Odd Couple, Oscar and Felix, are returning to Hard Road in February for a benefit performance by John Jatcko and Bill Sullivan courtesy of First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust. The Odd Couple was Hard Road’s second show and opened in January 2002. This time the show returns for a limited 3-day only event and all proceeds from the show will go to benefit the HACSM Food Pantry.
Besides reuniting Jatcko and Sullivan, this show will feature some performers who were prominent in Hard Road’s early success including Tom Varner, Wayne Steiner, and Rob Bowman as the poker-playing, unpredictably-funny buddies of Oscar and Felix and Gentry Nessel and Meredith Canterberry as the crazy, but endearing, Pigeon sisters. Additional surprises are also in store.
Performances will be at the Highland High School Kennel on February 1, 2 and 3, 2013. All seats are $10 and are available through the Hard Road web site or the Highland Chamber of Commerce. When purchasing your tickets, you’ll have an opportunity to make an additional donation to the food pantry should you wish to do so. Seating is limited, so we do encourage you to purchase your tickets early.
Several businesses have already stepped up to assist in this Hard Road production in this charity event. If you would also like to help, please contact Bill Sullivan. We welcome any and all assistance in making this a successful event.
by Hard Road Admin | Sep 19, 2012 | Uncategorized
We thought so!
Grab your calendars and reserve October 6th at 6:00. This is your chance to attend Hard Road Theater’s first (and certainly not last) Murder Mystery Dinner. Hosted by the House of Plenty, this evening promises great food and great entertainment.
You’ve never been to a murder mystery dinner? Well, don’t delay! Reservations are necessary so call 618-654-4868 and get your name on the guest list. The cost is a meager $35.00 per person and that includes dinner, entertainment AND tax and tip.
Seats are limited to call today.
We’re dying to see you there!
by Hard Road Admin | Jul 24, 2012 | Announcements, Shows
Looking for a place to cool off this weekend?
Well look no further than the (air conditioned) Highland Elementary Auditorium where you’ll find Hard Road’s presentation of All Shook Up!. The music is ALL Elvis (Presley, not Costello) and what’s cooler than that? How about a trip back to the 50’s into a square little town in a square little state with a guitar-playing roustabout who changes everything and everyone he meets in this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy that’ll have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Jailhouse Rock,” and “Don’t Be Cruel.”
You won’t what you want to do more – dance in the aisles or roll with laughter into them. Well, why not do both!
All Shook Up! opens this Friday, July 27th and runs through Sunday, August 5th (Friday, Saturday and Sundays only). Tickets are $10 at the door or can be purchased online for $7 – child, $8 – senior, and $9 – adult. There are several links on this website to our ticket site. Save yourself a few dollars and purchase your tickets today.
