DECATUR, Ill. — There’s a new tenant at Armadillo Acres — and she’s bringing big laughs, bold personalities, and a whole lot of heart.
will present “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” March 5–8 in the Virginia Rogers Theatre, located inside the Center for Theatre & Dance. Performances will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
With music and lyrics by David Nehls and a book by Betsy Kelso, the off-Broadway hit first opened in 2005 and has been delighting audiences ever since. Equal parts outrageous and endearing, the show follows the residents of Armadillo Acres, Florida’s “most exclusive” trailer park, as they navigate love, friendship and one very dramatic love triangle.
At the center of the story is Jeannie, an agoraphobic woman who hasn’t left her trailer in 20 years, and her tollbooth-collector husband, Norbert. When Pippi — a glamorous stripper on the run — blows into town, chaos (and comedy) ensues. Narrating the action are three scene-stealing trailer park residents who serve as a modern-day Greek chorus, guiding the audience through every twist and turn.
“This show is about community,” said Beth Creighton, the production’s Music Director and Conductor. “It’s funny and a little outrageous, but at its heart, it honors the characters and their stories of love and friendship. We’re inviting audiences to laugh with these characters — not at them.”
Junior Musical Theatre major Emma Schuth, who plays Jeannie, said portraying a character with agoraphobia has challenged her as an actor.
“It’s been really important to approach Jeannie with care and empathy,” Schuth said. “Understanding what she’s going through shapes every choice I make on stage. As funny as the show is, there are real emotional stakes underneath it.”
Senior Musical Theatre major Cami Jones, who portrays Betty — one of the show’s narrators — said the small, seven-person cast has created a uniquely tight-knit rehearsal process.
“With only seven people on stage, everyone carries a lot of responsibility,” Jones said. “We really hold each other accountable, and that’s made the work even stronger. Plus, breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience makes every performance a little different.”
That audience interaction is part of what makes this production especially lively. Cast members speak directly to theatergoers throughout the show, ensuring that no two performances are exactly alike. To set the tone, the Center for Theatre & Dance lobby will be transformed into Armadillo Acres, complete with pre-show games, karaoke and photo opportunities to get patrons in the trailer park spirit.
With its country-rock score, sharp humor and heartfelt moments, The Great American Trailer Park Musical promises an evening of high-energy entertainment — and perhaps a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected places are where community shines brightest.
Tickets are $25, and seating is general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the Kirkland Fine Arts Center Box Office, online at , or by calling 217-424-6318.
Performance Dates:
-Thursday, March 5 – 7:30 p.m.
- -Friday, March 6 – 7:30 p.m.
- -Saturday, March 7 – 7:30 p.m.
-Sunday, March 8 – 2:00 p.m.
