Publications & Sites 
Patchwork of pioneer life portrayed at Lyons Township High School
Kelly Riordan sings as Claire Boardman listens during the Lyons Township HIgh School produciton of "Quilters." | Jon Langham~for Sun-Times Media
If you go
Performances: 7 p.m. Oct. 18-20
Theater: Reber Center, Lyons Township High School, 100 S. Brainard Ave., La Grange
Tickets: $10 adults; $5 children and senior citzens; free with LT student ID
Box office opens 30 minutes before the show, which starts promptly.
Article Extras
Updated: November 19, 2012 2:40PM
LA GRANGE
The hardships and simple pleasures of pioneer women’s lives are showcased in “Quilters,” opening Oct. 18 at Lyons Township High School.
The strong female cast of 10 tells their stories in a series of vignettes, each announced by a quilt block pinned to a clothesline.
The musical drama explores a variety of challenges on the American frontier in the 1820s, including dust storms and blizzards, as well as the milestones of going to school, marriage and childbirth.
The pioneers piece their memories together with bits of calico and scraps from a wedding or Sunday dress. They brag about fitting in 11 stitches to the inch.
One quirky young pioneer, who aspires to be a doctor, admits she can’t stand quilting and the cheery quilts with the Sunbonnet Sue pattern made by her sister.
Songs featuring haunting melodies are accompanied by three guitars, two violins a bass and occasionally a banjo and mandolin.
Also starring in the show is the handiwork of the Faithful Circle, a quilting group based in Downers Grove.
“By the end of the show, we have 14 blocks hanging, all handmade for us,” said director Eugene O’Reilly. “And at the end of the story, we have a 9 foot by 9 foot legacy quilt to be flown up above the stage. Anna Harkins, the head of the Faithful Circle, made that in about five weeks.”
