LA SALLE - Stage 212 will make their long-awaited return from standing in the wings next month with their unique outdoor production of “Spoon River Anthology.”

Adapted by Charles Aidman from the 1915 literary work by Edgar Lee Masters, “Spoon River Anthology” is a collection of poems written from the points of view of deceased citizens of a fictional small town named for a river near Masters’ hometown of Lewistown, Ill. It aims to demystify rural and small-town American life, and despite its inclusion of grim accounts of murder, arson, blackmail and infidelity, Spoon River is a feel-good show that encourages audiences to gather their rosebuds (or daisies) while they may.

Featured in the cast will be Caryn Brown, Nik Frig, Larry Kelsey, Kathy Missel, Bob Phillip and Jennifer Walk. The production staff includes director Zoe Peshel, producer Caryn Brown, music director Jeni Roether, sound coordinator Charles Van Horn and guitarist John Frangoulis.

“Spoon River Anthology” will be presented June 11, 12, 13, 17 and 19 (two performances) at Centennial Park, 13th and West streets, Peru. The Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Rain date, to be used at the discretion of Stage 212, will be June 21. Tickets will be available to the general public for $15 each beginning June 1 and may be purchased by visiting the box office Monday 4-6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.–noon or by calling (815) 224-3025 during the same hours. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting www.stage212.org. All tickets are general admission.

“Spoon River Anthology” is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. www.concordtheatricals.com.