Theatre-Hikes Return to the Morton Arboretum

from the Morton Arboretum

Here’s your ticket to summer fun! Enjoy the Arboretum’s gorgeous natural scenery as you walk along with the action from scene to scene  at Theatre-Hikes at .  One-day admission to The Morton Arboretum is included in the ticket price—so before and after the show, theatre guests can enjoy the Maze and Children’s Gardens, Tree House Tales exhibition, biking, and more! 

This summer’s line-up for Theatre-Hikes at The Morton Arboretum includes lofty 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. 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. Appropriate for ages four and up. 

Enjoy Shakespeare among the trees in September. In the bard’s 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. 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. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for the weather, and bring a water bottle, blanket, or lawn chair. 

Admission to The Morton Arboretum is included with ticket fees. Individual show tickets $13 - $19 with discounts for Arboretum members. Season tickets available for $45 - $60 with discounts for Arboretum members. 

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 630-725-2066. See the Morton Arboretum website for more information. 

Catch the following productions this season:

• The Hound of the Baskervilles: July 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 28-29, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
• The Wind in the Willows: Aug. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19, 25-26, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
• Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Sept. 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30, from 1 – 3:30 p.m.
• Werewolf's Curse; Or Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow: Oct. 6-7 (Columbus Day Weekend), 13-14-15), 20-21, 27-28, from 3-5:30 p.m.

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