Timber Lake Playhouse

Timber Lake Playhouse The professional summer theatre of Northwest Illinois | Presenting works that entertain and inspire!
(518)

“Hey! You better pay attention” we’ve started rehearsals for Godspell! Check out this inside look at our first few days ...
05/14/2026

“Hey! You better pay attention” we’ve started rehearsals for Godspell! Check out this inside look at our first few days here at Timber Lake Playhouse!🔥🪵

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An electric blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Featuring the global hit “Day by Day” among others by the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz.

The show runs May 29th-June 7th so don’t miss this beautiful storytelling as well as the opportunity to catch returning artists who have grown on the TLP stage in previous shows! They are so excited to return to a community that shaped them into the artists they are today!

Tickets are on sale and ready for you to buy at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36917/production/1249641




"Hey! You better pay attention" we've started rehearsals for Godspell! Check out this inside look at our first few days ...
05/14/2026

"Hey! You better pay attention" we've started rehearsals for Godspell! Check out this inside look at our first few days here at Timber Lake Playhouse! 🔥🪵

A small group of people help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An electric blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus' life dances across the stage. Featuring the global hit "Day by Day" among others by the composer of Wicked, Stephen Schwartz.

The show runs May 29th-June 7th so don't miss this beautiful storytelling as well as the opportunity to catch returning artists who have grown on the TLP stage in previous shows! They are so excited to return to a community that shaped them into the artists they are today!

Tickets are on sale and ready for you to buy at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36917/production/1249641




05/11/2026

✨For one night only, be witness to the spectacle that is Jason Hudy! ✨

World class magician Jason Hudy brings his spectacular show, MESMERIZING MAGIC to our stage for a night of jaw dropping entertainment! Be prepared to be amazed and questioning reality. This show redefines what modern magic can be!

This week, with a purchase of a subscription or flex pass you can get a free ticket to Jason Hudy: Mesmerizing Magic! Purchase now on our website or give our box office a call 815-244-2035

This show is fun for the whole family you won't want to miss!
Tickets available here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/36917/production/1262038




“Three is the Magic Number”...it’s also how many days you have left to catch School House Rock Live! 📚A pop culture phen...
05/07/2026

“Three is the Magic Number”...it’s also how many days you have left to catch School House Rock Live! 📚

A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage in Schoolhouse Rock Live! The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more through clever, tuneful songs is now live, onstage! Featuring songs such as “Just a Bill,” “Three is the Magic Number” and “Conjunction Junction.”

Audiences are loving this blast from the past and are filling the theater with excitement!

Be a part of the fun and join us May 5th through May 9th 2026, with performances each day at 9:30 AM and 12:00PM. We have plenty of availability Saturday May 9th @ 12:00pm, so purchase tickets and find out why knowledge is power! 

For more information, call us at (815)-244-2035 or visit us at timberlakeplayhouse.org

Thank you for the amazing show photos!



"Three is the Magic Number"...it's also how many days you have left to catch School House Rock Live! 📚A pop culture phen...
05/07/2026

"Three is the Magic Number"...it's also how many days you have left to catch School House Rock Live! 📚

A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage in Schoolhouse Rock Live! The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more through clever, tuneful songs is now live, onstage! Featuring songs such as "Just a Bill," "Three is the Magic Number" and "Conjunction Junction."

Audiences are loving this blast from the past and are filling the theater with excitement! Be a part of the fun and join us May 5th through May 9th 2026, with performances each day at 9:30 AM and 12:00PM. We have plenty of availability Saturday May 9th @ 12:00pm, so purchase tickets and find out why knowledge is power!

For more information, call us at (815)-244-2035 or visit us at timberlakeplayhouse.org

Thank you for the amazing show photos!



05/05/2026

School is in session! It is Opening day for Schoolhouse Rock Live! with Magic Owl Children's Theatre ⭐️

We are so excited for this cast of students from CCPA Roosevelt University to share their talent and professional storytelling right here for our Magic Owl Program!

A pop culture phenomenon comes to the musical stage in Schoolhouse Rock Live! The Emmy Award-winning 1970s Saturday morning cartoon series that taught history, grammar, math and more through clever, tuneful songs is now live, onstage! Featuring songs such as "Just a Bill," "Three is the Magic Number" and "Conjunction Junction."

Join us May 5th through May 9th 2026, with performances each day at 9:30 AM and 12:00PM. Fill your weekend with fun, high energy, and exciting ways to learn!

For more information, call us at (815)-244-2035 or visit us at timberlakeplayhouse.org




Get your dog and your bag and get ready for Legally Blonde The Musical JR. live auditions at the theatre this Sunday May...
05/02/2026

Get your dog and your bag and get ready for Legally Blonde The Musical JR. live auditions at the theatre this Sunday May 3rd! 🛍️

Join us at Timber Lake Playhouse on Sunday, May 3rd, from 2:00 PM-5:00 PM for live auditions. Open to performers ages 8 through high school.

Students should prepare one vocal selection. Singers may choose audition material from the show, or bring a short sample of a song of their choice. Practice tracks, accompaniment, and guide materials are available here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1g816Gc0nwkcxVL0j-cdSChYZzBpRaUBs?usp=share_link

We cannot wait to see the next group of young performers shine on stage!






Introducing the cast and crew of our Alumni Production of Godspell🔥We’re overjoyed to have a company made up of artists ...
05/01/2026

Introducing the cast and crew of our Alumni Production of Godspell🔥

We’re overjoyed to have a company made up of artists who have grown on this stage, coming back together to tell a story about community, joy, and connection in a place that truly helped shape them.

On stage:

Errol Service Jr., 2022
Grant Alexander Brown, 2013, 2014, 2017, 2025
Tori Tiernan, 2024, 2025
Malaika Wanjiku, 2024
Conor Jordan, 2019
Gabby Hernandez, 2024
Gabriel Argate, 2022
Morgan Milone, 2024
Carly Censi, 2024
Gabe Salazar, 2025

What a way to open our Mainstage season!

And behind the scenes, an incredible team of alumni artists who continue to create what Timber Lake Playhouse is, year after year:

Sawyer Coffin, Director, 2024
Marquez Stewart, Choreographer, 2024, 2025
Matthew Surico, Music Director, 2024, 2025
Julia Gangemi, Stage Manager, 2024, 2025
Ben Lipinski, Scenic Design, 2013, 2014
Cameron Strandin, Lighting Design, 2018, 2019, 2022
Thomas Gluodenis, Costume Design, 2024, 2025
Evan Lettieri, Sound Design, 2024, 2025
Matthew McKinney, Wardrobe Shop Head, 2016
Rick Nolting, Bass, 2025
Kyle Simkins, Install Technical Director, 2003 to 2006, 2024, 2025
Brian Wasserman, Install Carpenter, 2024, 2025
Luke Francis, Assistant Technical Director, 2025

Led by:

Tommy Ranieri, Artistic Director, 2023, 2024, 2025

A full circle moment for so many of us, and we cannot wait to share it with you. Come sing about love with us!

🎟️ May 29 to June 7
📞 815-244-2035
🌐 www.timberlakeplayhouse.org

🔥
🎭
🌳
⭐️

04/29/2026

🧜‍♂️ Last week, Timber Lake Playhouse partnered with Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama for a developmental reading of The Mermaids, working on the second year’s script and score of The Andy Bro New Works Commission.

Workshop development is a huge part of how new musicals grow. To have this piece in the room with one of the top drama programs in the country is a major step for our new works program, and an exciting reminder of what can happen when emerging artists, professional theatre, and new musical theatre development come together for your theatre in the woods!

The Mermaids
Book, Music and Lyrics by Billy Recce
Directed by Tommy Ranieri
Originally Commissioned for Timber Lake Playhouse

Featuring:

Allie DeMatteo - Mikayla / Arista
Favor Buchi - Maya / Coralbird
Greyson Taylor - Will / Dorseea / Blessence Bluebell
Asher Alcantara - Bryan
Bree Taylor - Arianne
Mae Ryness Josephine / Emeralida
Arkida Saiwai - Thani
Tamara Arad - Amarantha

Creative and Production Team:

JT Kaufman, Arranger - Orchestrator
Michael McKelvey - Music Director / Coordinator
Hudson Orfe - Accompanist
Catcher Sanchez - Stage Directions

We are also so excited that three of the students from this reading, Allie DeMatteo, Favor Buchi, and Greyson Taylor, will be joining us this summer at TLP as Lakers in our Resident Company. Greyson Taylor will also continue with The Mermaids, playing the role of Will in our world premiere production this August.

Special thanks to The Carnegie Mellon University School of Drama, The Andy Bro New Works Commission, Rick Edinger, and Michael McKelvey for helping make this process possible.

Buy your tickets today for the World Premiere! Running August 21 - 30 2026!

🌐 www.timberlakeplayhouse.org
📞 815-244-2035

🧜‍♂️
🎭
🌳
⭐️

Meet the Lakers!🌳💧Introducing Timber Lake Playhouse’s 2026 Resident Acting Company, an exceptional group of artists join...
04/28/2026

Meet the Lakers!🌳💧

Introducing Timber Lake Playhouse’s 2026 Resident Acting Company, an exceptional group of artists joining us for our 65th Anniversary Season.

They come to us from some of the most robust training programs from all over the country, bringing incredible talent, open hearts, and the energy that makes summer at TLP feel like home.

Show some love for our 2026 Lakers:

Isaiah Baston from Bay Shore, NY
Joey Baccioco from Folsom, CA
Favor Buchi from Gadsden, AL
Allie Dematteo from Center Moriches, NY
Jose-Emilio Escoto from El Paso, TX
Carly Garcia Walton from San Diego, CA
Kaden Hawkins from Orlando, FL
Carter Minor from Columbus, OH
Jazmin Rhodes from Chicago, IL
Danielle Serrano-Bremer from Bristow, VA
Elana Simard from Boston, MA
Greyson Taylor from Charlottesville, VA
Nat Wiley from St. Charles, IL
Connor Zeidman from Medford, NJ

You’ll see them on our mainstage, hear them on the Beer Garden stage, meet them around campus, and watch them bring an unforgettable season to life.

Welcome home, Lakers, we can’t wait for everyone to meet you!

💧
🎭
🌳
⭐️

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!First day of rehearsals are here and we are officially off and running with...
04/27/2026

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL AT SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE!

First day of rehearsals are here and we are officially off and running with this joyful, high energy ride through music, learning, and pure fun.

In a special co-production with Roosevelt University’s Chicago College of Performing Arts, this cast is made up entirely of CCPA students bringing an incredible level of precision, talent, and heart into the room from day one for our local area youth.

Led by Director and Music Director Matt Surico and Production Designer Evan Lettieri, we are building something vibrant, smart, and packed with the songs so many of us grew up loving.

Catch this one all next week, the perfect kickoff to our Magic Owl Children’s Theatre season.

May 5th - May 9th

🎟 timberlakeplayhouse.org
📞 815-244-2035

🦉
📚
🎭
🌳
⭐️

Address

8215 Black Oak Road
Mount Carroll, IL
61053

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 9pm
Wednesday 10am - 9pm
Thursday 10am - 9pm
Friday 10am - 9pm
Saturday 10am - 9pm
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

+18152442035

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Timber Lake Playhouse posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Establishment

Send a message to Timber Lake Playhouse:

Shortcuts

Share

Category