Apple Tree Theatre in Highland Park, IL, presents the musical by Jeffrey Lunden (music) and Arthur Perlman (book and lyrics) to run through April 5. Opening is March 14. The score has a fragmented feel to it to mirror a stroke victim's speech and thought patterns. Mark Lococo directs a cast that also includes John Leen (Doctor), Rob Lindley (Billy), Heather Townsend (Nurse) and Anne Sheridan Smith (Amy). Doug Peck is music director. A busy Chicago actress, Mary Ernster won a Best Actress Joseph Jefferson Award for playing Anna in The King and I.

Past productions of Wings earned the Jeff Award; and the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway Musical in New York. A cast recording preserved the score.

Inspired by the play of the same name, Wings tells the story of Emily Stilson, "an aviatrix and wing walker who in her youth was propelled dizzyingly through the air, but is now hurtling through the unrecognizable landscape of her own mind as she recovers from a stroke and suffers from aphasia."

According to Apple Tree, "With breathtaking simplicity, this musical follows Emily's hesitant recovery as her vocabulary and her emotions return. In this production's exultant vision, she takes flight again with the same curiosity and bravery of her youth."

The creative team includes Michael Caloia (stage manager), Tim Morrison (set designer), Carol Blanchard (costume designer), Gina Patterson (lighting designer), Mariah Mills (prop designer) and Adam Smith (sound designer).

For more information visit www.appletreetheatre.com or call the box office at (847) 432-4335.