SOUTH HOLLAND, IL – The SSC Playhouse announces the return of alumnus Wesley Perkins in a very different role. “Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep” is Perkins’ first full-length comedy and is also the first play written by a former student to be performed at the college under the direction of South Suburban College’s Theatre Program Coordinator and SSC Playhouse Director Bobbie Saltzman.

Markham resident Perkins majored in theatre while he was an SSC student. He chose South Suburban College because it was convenient. While there he became a part of the SSC Playhouse, acting in productions such as “Godspell,” “Oklahoma,” “Grease” and “Man of LaMancha.”

Said Perkins, “The main mentor I had was Bobbie Saltzman…Bobbie has always put these shows together effortlessly, which is something I’ve always wanted to do. Not just acting in shows, but eventually write them, do the lighting, and build the structures… She’s always been there and she has such a kind and open heart. I’ve always just looked at her not only as an instructor and mentor, but as family.”

Inspired by Tyler Perry’s rags to riches story, Perkins’ eventual goal is to become an actor and own his own small theatre. Wesley got hooked on theatre early when his 4th grade class went to see “The Wizard of Oz. “Working in theatre isn’t a hobby, noted Perkins, “That’s actually what I hope to do.”

“Happy Birthday, Henry Snikrep” took about five years to write and is based upon Perkins’ own experiences. In this wild comedy, the title character, crabby old Henry Snikrep, is about to have a surprise party, but don’t tell him the news. He hates his family and a party would kill him, which it does. Now just about every crazy relative is coming to his funeral. The question is: will any one of them survive the mess? Perkins will also be acting in the play. “This is the biggest play I’ve written,” he said, “and the first one that will actually be open to the community.”

South Suburban College is located at 15800 State Street in South Holland, Illinois, between Sibley Boulevard and 159th Street. The campus is convenient to Routes 94, 80, 57, and 294. Free, ample parking is available.

Performances will run April 25 to April 29, 2018 with Wednesday through Saturday shows at 8 pm and Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm. For more information or to reserve tickets, call the 24/7 box office voicemail line at (708) 210-5741. Leave your name and phone number and someone will return your call. You may also reserve tickets by e-mail at boxoffice@ssc.edu.