By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current
Dana Skiles, left, and Jennifer Kingry are the cast members of “Collected Stories,” which opens Oct. 1
at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo. Contributed Photos
Geneseo’s Richmond Hill Players continue their 2026 season with “Collected Stories,” a compelling and deeply human drama by Donald Margulies.
The show will be presented Thursdays through Sundays, Oct. 1-11, in the Barn Theatre at Richmond Hill Park, Geneseo.
Mike Skiles, Geneseo, directs the play.
A 1997 Pulitzer Prize finalist for drama, “Collected Stories” explores the volatile relationship between Ruth Steiner, an established and respected short-story writer, and Lisa Morrison, her eager, starry-eyed student -turned protégé.
Over six years, their bond deepens from mentorship to intimate friendship – until Lisa writes her much-anticipated debut novel based on a deeply personal, secret episode from Ruth’s past.
This powerful two-women play examines the complex boundaries of creative freedom, ambition, and betrayal, ultimately asking who owns a story once it is shared?
The play is rated PG-13 for mature themes and mild language.
The cast features Jennifer Kingry and Dana Skiles, both of Geneseo.
The staff includes state manager Amanda Wilson, New Windsor; light/sound designer/operator David Shaffer, Moline; set builders Mike Skiles and Jim Skiles, Colona; and crew person Jonna Hicks, Davenport.
Dana Skiles, left, and Jennifer Kingry are the cast members of “Collected Stories,” which opens Oct. 1
at the Barn Theatre in Geneseo. Contributed Photos
On Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, the doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows are 3 p.m. matinees with the doors opening at 2 p.m.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling the Richmond Hill box office at 309-944-2244 or by visiting the website at rhplayers.com.
Late seating is not permitted; no one will be admitted to the theater after the show has started.
Patrons who leave the theater during the performance will not be allowed to return to their seat until a suitable break in the play occurs.
Admission to all performances is $12.
An audio description performance will be held Friday, Oct. 2. Richmond Hill also offers Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs), which can be requested at the time reservations are made.
ABOUT: RICHMOND HILL PLAYERS - a non-profit community theater group presenting plays in the converted top floor of an old dairy barn in Geneseo since 1968. Approximately 100 active members are involved on and off-stage each year, with actors, directors, backstage personnel, support staffs, and audience drawn from a 75–100-mile radius that includes cities in both Illinois and Iowa.
