Free Readers Ensemble

Free Readers Ensemble Performing FREE to the public at the
Nineteenth Century Club
178 Forest Ave, Oak Park, IL

"The Free Readers Ensemble"
is an actor-based ensemble
whose mission is to present
diverse theatrical and literary material
in a readers theatre format
to Oak Park/River Forest
and the surrounding communities. While stripping away production values
such as sets, props and
elaborate costuming, we strive
to celebrate the magic of the writers’ words;
from playwrights and poets to authors
and screen writers. Through voice and dramatic interpretation,
we hope to bring alive a world of literature
to our audiences, while achieving
a high standard of consistently
entertaining and thought-provoking
performances. And, with special regard
for our audiences and the community,
it is our intent to offer this for free. Free of spirit
Free of restrictions
Free of charge


Free Readers Ensemble Members include: Thad Anzur, Larry Baldacci, Jerry Bloom, Paulette Cary, Ray Cunha, Keith Davis, Mercita DeMuynck, Barbara Eulenberg, Sarah Hayes, Randall Hoole, David Krajecki, Miriam Petzke

Performing FREE to the public - one Sunday a month, October thru May. Performance begins at 3:00 pm at
The Nineteenth Century Club in Oak Park
178 Forest Avenue, Oak Park, IL

This. Oh, yes. So much this 💗
09/08/2026

This. Oh, yes. So much this 💗

09/05/2026

Announcing our line up for the 2026-27 Season, our 33rd! Looking forward to seeing you all!!

October 11, 2026 at 3:00 pm
“Over the River and Through the Woods” by Joe DiPietro (comedy)
Coordinated by Barbara Eulenberg

November 22, 2026 at 3:00 pm
“The Gentleman Caller” by Philip Dawkins (drama)
Coordinated by Larry Baldacci

December 20, 2026 at 3:00 pm
“The Ask” and Other One-Acts by David Lee White (comedy)
Coordinated by Larry Dahlke

January 17, 2027 at 3:00 pm
“Three Days of Rain” by Richard Greenberg” (drama)
Coordinated by Ray Cunha

February 21, 2027 at 3:00 pm
“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”
Based on 4 short stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, adapted by Jon Jory (mystery)
Coordinated by David Krajecki

March 21, 2027 at 3:00 pm
“Other Desert Cities” by Jon Robin Baitz (drama)
Coordinated by Paulette Cary

April 18, 2027 - Play to be read will be announced at later date
Coordinated by Kit O’Kelly

May 16, 2027 at 3:00 pm
“Mrs. Warren’s Profession” by George Bernard Shaw (social satire)
Coordinated by Randall Hoole

Please join us tomorrow Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 pm for our final show of the season in honor of our dear ensemble members...
05/16/2026

Please join us tomorrow Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 pm for our final show of the season in honor of our dear ensemble members and friends who passed away during this season - Jerry Bloom and Mercita DeMuynck 💔❤️

We are presenting the swashbuckler "Swordplay" -
an adaptation for readers theater by Jerome D. Bloom from the works of Lope De Vega.

Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park

Coordinated by Barbara Eulenberg

Featuring FRE Ensemble Members: Thad Anzur, Paulette Cary, Ray Cuhna, Barbara Eulenberg, Randall Hoole, David Krajecki and Kit O'Kelly

"Swordplay" is a classic Spanish drama of love vs honor. The characters are all standards of Commedia dell'arte: the lovers, the comic servant, the amorous maid, the braggart captain, the dishonest servant and the old fool. The plot is tried and true: love, jealousy, deception, dishonor, revenge, and of course, a happy ending!

Please join us for our final show of the season in honor of our dear ensemble members and friends who passed away during...
05/12/2026

Please join us for our final show of the season in honor of our dear ensemble members and friends who passed away during this season - Jerry Bloom and Mercita DeMuynck 💔❤️

We are presenting the swashbuckler "Swordplay" -
an adaptation for readers theater by Jerome D. Bloom from the works of Lope De Vega.

Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 pm at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park

Coordinated by Barbara Eulenberg

Featuring FRE Ensemble Members: Thad Anzur, Paulette Cary, Ray Cuhna, Barbara Eulenberg, Randall Hoole, David Krajecki and Kit O'Kelly

"Swordplay" is a classic Spanish drama of love vs honor. The characters are all standards of Commedia dell'arte: the lovers, the comic servant, the amorous maid, the braggart captain, the dishonest servant and the old fool. The plot is tried and true: love, jealousy, deception, dishonor, revenge, and of course, a happy ending!

Up next, the final show of the season - We are presenting the swashbuckler "Swordplay" - an adaptation for readers theat...
05/02/2026

Up next, the final show of the season -

We are presenting the swashbuckler "Swordplay" -
an adaptation for readers theater by Jerome D. Bloom from the works of Lope De Vega.

Sunday, May 17 at 3:00 pm at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association in Oak Park

Coordinated by Barbara Eulenberg

Featuring FRE Ensemble Members: Thad Anzur, Paulette Cary, Ray Cuhna, Barbara Eulenberg, Randall Hoole, David Krajecki and Kit O'Kelly

"Swordplay" is a classic Spanish drama of love vs honor. The characters are all standards of Commedia dell'arte: the lovers, the comic servant, the amorous maid, the braggart captain, the dishonest servant and the old fool. The plot is tried and true: love, jealousy, deception, dishonor, revenge, and of course, a happy ending!

Join us today for S*X by Mae West - Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pmCoordinated by Larry Dahlke and Stephanie SamuelMae West’...
04/26/2026

Join us today for S*X by Mae West - Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pm
Coordinated by Larry Dahlke and Stephanie Samuel

Mae West’s controversial play was popular with the public but raided by the police! Free Readers presents it exactly 100 years to the day of its Broadway premiere!

Up Next! S*X by Mae West - Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pmCoordinated by Larry Dahlke and Stephanie SamuelMae West’s contro...
04/15/2026

Up Next! S*X by Mae West - Sunday, April 26 at 3:00 pm
Coordinated by Larry Dahlke and Stephanie Samuel

Mae West’s controversial play was popular with the public but raided by the police! Free Readers presents it exactly 100 years to the day of its Broadway premiere!

Hello to all our wonderful friends, I want to let you all know that our very dear friend and ensemble member, Mercita De...
04/02/2026

Hello to all our wonderful friends,

I want to let you all know that our very dear friend and ensemble member, Mercita DeMuynck, took her final bow on March 26. A light has gone out and our world will never be the same without her in it. Here's the link to her obituary. Mercita, we will always love you. You are forever in our hearts.

Mercita DeMuynck stage spelling DeMonk, ne Vesely was born in Blue Island, Illinois on Oct. 1, 1932 to the dearly beloved Joseph and Marguerite Vesely ne OConnor. She was the youngest of four kids and the only girl. She, with her late brothers Joe Doris, Bill Bobbie, and Bob Pat

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The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association 178 Forest Avenue
Oak Park, IL
60301

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