Performances to run April 25–29
information provided by South Suburban College
SOUTH HOLLAND, Ill. (March 30, 2018) – The SSC Playhouse announces the return of alumnus Wesley Perkins in a very different role. Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep is Perkins’ first full-length comedy. It is also the first play written by a former student to be performed at the college under the direction of South Suburban College’s Theatre Program Coordinator and SSC Playhouse Director Bobbie Saltzman.
Markham resident Perkins majored in theater while he was a student at South Suburban. As part of the SSC Playhouse, he acted in Godspell, Oklahoma, Grease, and Man of LaMancha.
Said Perkins, “The main mentor I had was Bobbie Saltzman. Bobbie has always put these shows together effortlessly, which is something I’ve always wanted to do—not just acting in shows, but eventually writing them, doing the lighting, and building the structures. She’s always been there and she has such a kind and open heart. I’ve always just looked at her not only as an instructor and mentor, but as family.”
Inspired by Tyler Perry’s rags to riches story, Perkins’ eventual goal is to become an actor and own a small theatre. Perkins got hooked on theatre early when his fourth-grade class went to see The Wizard of Oz. “Working in theatre isn’t a hobby,” noted Perkins, “That’s actually what I hope to do.”
Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep took about five years to write and is based on Perkins’ own experiences. In this wild comedy, the title character—crabby old Henry Snikrep—is about to have a surprise party. He hates his family and the idea of a party kills him, literally. The interactions of Henry Snikrep’s crazy relatives at his funeral form the comedic storyline.
Perkins will also be acting in the play.
“This is the biggest play I’ve written,” he said, “and the first one that will actually be open to the community.”
South Suburban College is located at 15800 State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. Free, ample parking is available.
Performances will run April 25 to April 29, 2018 with Wednesday through Saturday shows at 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 pm. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the 24/7 box office voicemail line: 708-210-5741. Leave your name and phone number and someone will return your call. Theater patrons may also reserve tickets by e-mail: [email protected].
