Times Weekly, staff
They’re at it again! The gnomes and leprechauns are still taunting each other, throwing the barbs and lucky charms at each other as fast as they can in this live, rambunctious comedy, “A Gnome and A Leprechaun Walk Into A Bar” on Friday, March 17 (actual St. Patrick’s Day!) and Saturday, March 18 at 8:00 pm at Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre. The wee folk are big on blue humor, so this live production is rated R and meant for the “big kids” ages 18 and older. Tickets are a wee $5.00 for the 90-minute comedy, plus intermission. The lobby opens at 7:00 pm, along with the “Tavern on the Bricks,” “Shamrock Snack Shack” or the “Wee Treasures” gift shop. Are you team gnome or leprechaun? Who cares — come celebrate St. Patty’s Day in a new way!
So, the story goes, the gnomes and leprechauns meet up at the same watering hole at this special time of year. Soon the spirit-filled singing and bad jokes start flying. There’s even a squirrel that pops into the bar filled with all the nuts. They’re all so serious, but it makes for a lot of laughs for the audience. Those who have seen the park’s “Drunk’n Gnome” or “Gnome Show” in December will get an extra laugh with the reoccurring characters and references. Having the gnomes meet the other legendary “wee folk” was a natural fit for Director Lori Carmine. “Though it’s not as raunchy as ‘The Drunk’n Gnome,’” says Lori with a wink, “these gnomes and leprechauns are still a little naughty.” It’s all in good fun, as they vie for who’s the best “wee folk” of all time and who truly deserves to celebrate St. Patty’s Day. Audience members may be called on to help settle the argument, and even join in the raucous singing. Truth be told, the gnomes and leprechauns might just figure out they’re more alike than different.
Tickets may be purchased at the door ($5.00 cash), or in advance by through the office (call 815-724-3761) or website (visit www.bicentennialpark.org). There is no extra fee to purchase tickets online.
The lobby will open at 7:00 pm, along with the “Shamrock Snack Shack” featuring corned beef sliders, brats, chips, popcorn, and candy. The “Wee Treasures” gift shop will have gnome hats and leprechaun hat buckles for whatever team one chooses, along with funny pins, souvenir wine glasses and more for purchase. The fun of having a gnome hat lies in picking out a free beer cap tassel to be sewn on for each year one returns. The comedy is a favorite for many, so their hats are starting to jingle when they do a jig! For those age 21 and older, the “Tavern on the Bricks” will feature Guinness beers and specialty drinks like Gnome’s Gold (vodka and lemonade) and Irish Dew (Jameson’s whiskey and Mt. Dew), along with other beverages. Audience members are encouraged to leprechaun wisely, so they get gnome safely.
For more information, call the office at 815-724-3761 or visit www.bicentennialpark.org and Facebook: BLBicentennialPark. The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is located at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet. Parking is free within the park.
