Wooden Box Theater presents 'Lights Out' a Halloween 'OpenMic@200mph' at Wild Roots in Geneva!

On Saturday October 26th at 6pm Wild Roots in Geneva will host performance group, Wooden Box Theater, as they present an event featuring live theatrical performance, poetry, local fashion modeling, musical dance performances and live music with their theatrical take on the concept of 'open mic.' The groups new series, 'OpenMic@200mph,' which is Co-Hosted by Samantha White, takes place at Wild Roots, which is located in the heart of downtown Geneva, and run by Jim Malatesta, and offers unique clothing, and a diverse range of gifts and has been a constant in Geneva since opening in 1996.

This 2nd edition of 'OpenMic@200mph,' titled 'Lights Out' after the hit old time radio show, will display musical artists from both the DeKalb and Elgin area, written dance performances, and will grow to incorporate rising musical talent from Geneva and St. Charles as well as new themed fashion displays presented by an array local and regional models, and author signings. Event writer Daniel Sherrill explains, 'While it is an open mic event, this new series will add many new elements to the A-typical format for such shows, we believe we can expand what people have previously perceived as 'open mic' and fill it with creativity, creative writing, and a theater groups perspective.'

The cast for 'OpenMic@200mph' includes dance performances including the music of Fleetwood Mac done by Jennifer Jones of The Mystic Rose Dancers, who will be debuting with Wooden Box Theater. Hanna Bingham of DeKalb and strings quartet will debut and become regular members of the cast going forward.The show will also feature a costume contest for a $50 Gift Certificate to Wild Roots.

Live music for the show will be provided by a diverse array of talent from both the Elgin and DeKalb areas. Members of the area band My Lazy Elephant: Steve and Scott Barnes will perform originals and well known cover songs. Bill Leighly will bring his style of acoustic folk to Wild Roots. Leighly has been performing with Wooden Box Theater since 2008, and is a regular musician for DeKalb's Corn Fest events. Wooden Box Theater's treasurer and full time musician, Daerielle Amber will bring her passionate vocals and guitar playing to the event as well as Naperville area band, Apex, which features Brian Mikula on vocals and guitar along with guest musicians. There will also be time for debuting musicians to the series during each event. My Lazy Elephant's singer/guitarist Steve Barnes will provide sound and PA for the event.  

'OpenMic@200mph' on October 26th will help Wooden Box Theater continue to celebrate it's new residency in Geneva, after wrapping a 5 year residency at the House Cafe in DeKalb in June. Lead writer Daniel Sherrill explains, 'Wild Roots is located right in the heart of downtown Geneva and was a favorite of mine for almost a decade before we began collaborating on this new event series with Jim Malatesta, the owner. I love how photogenic the area is.' Prior to the start of the show, the cast will take part in a scenic photo shoot with the backdrop of the Fox River to help document and to decorate a new website for the series.

Wooden Box Theater starring in 'OpenMic@200mph' will be held Saturday October 26th at 6:00pm at Wild Roots located at 111 W. State St. in Geneva, IL. For more information email Woodenboxtheaterdekalb@gmail.com. Admission is free and open to the public.