Eureka College to stage work-related drama ‘Top Girls’

February 20-21 & 25-28 - 7:30 pm

March 1 - 2 pm

Caryl Churchill’s groundbreaking play “Top Girls,” which examines the system of work that forces women, and men, to sacrifice home life and love to successful careers, will be staged at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20-21 and Feb. 25-28 and 2 p.m. March 1 in Pritchard Theatre at Eureka College.

The drama is set in 1982 London, where the unemployment rate is at a record high, men comprise 98 percent of the top wage earners, Margaret Thatcher is prime minister, and the play’s lead character Marlene has been promoted to managing director of the Top Girls Employment Agency. Through three acts, Marlene’s life is portrayed from three different perspectives, according to Rebekah Scallet, who is directing her first play at Eureka College.  First, in an imaginary dinner party, famous historical females from literature and art celebrate Marlene’s promotion and contrast it to triumphs and tribulations they have experienced. In the second act, Marlene’s achievements are envied by female coworkers. Finally, Marlene is seen through the eyes of her sister, who accuses Marlene of rejecting family in favor of climbing the corporate ladder, and the disturbing consequences of Marlene’s actions are revealed.  

Though set more than 25 years ago, the play still is relevant, Scallet said.  “Women earn 75 cents on the dollar compared to men in the United States, and they struggle to retain maternity rights and rank in the workplace should they choose to have a family. The problem of balancing family and work also is an issue for men, as some want to take time off to spend with their families or choose to stay home while their wives are the primary wage earners.

“In addition, the issues the play raises are of particular importance to college students, as they are at a crossroads in their lives,” Scallet said. “Upon graduation, they will choose a path and decide what role family will play in their futures. ‘Top Girls’ raises questions that cause us to reflect on our values in regard to success and fulfillment.”

Cast in the lead role as Marlene is Kathleen Huizinga of Downers Grove. Other cast members, each who play several roles, are Shalea Otto of Chillicothe, Nicole Hennenfent of Cameron, Kerri Rae Hinman of Tremont, Elizabeth Snobeck of  Lombard, Stephanie Papesh of Bedford Park and Catherine Davis of Otterbein, Ind.

Assistant directors are Jessica Whitington of Oakwood and Erik Tylkowski of Gurnee.

Scallet is completing a master’s degree in directing at Illinois State University, where she directed several plays, including “The Philadelphia Story” and “Twelfth Night” and has taught classes in theater and directing. She formerly worked as a director, dramaturg and assistant director at several Chicago theaters, including Northlight Theatre, Grounded Theatre and Rivendell Theatre Ensemble, where she is a company member. This spring she will be the assistant director for “Twelfth Night” at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.  She earned a bachelor’s degree in theater, English and American literature from Brandeis University, Waltham, Mass.

Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and Eureka College faculty, staff and alumni and $3 for students at Eureka College, Illinois State University, Heartland Community College and Illinois Central College. Reservations should be made by phoning (309) 467-6363.

On opening night, audience members can attend a 7 p.m. discussion with the director and a post-show discussion with the actresses.

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Contact:

Michele Lehman

Media Relations Coordinator

mlehman@eureka.edu

(309) 467-6318