September Bears

POWERFUL PLAY TELLS A STORY OF LOVE IN THE WAKE OF 9/11

PRINCETON, ILLINOIS—September, 2026, is the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a dark day in American history. September 11, 2001 also revealed America’s turn toward unity and hope. That true story of hope is told in the hour-long play September Bears, written by Princeton area author Jeff Barker. Barker is an award-winning playwright whose work has been produced off-Broadway and on tour nationally.

September Bears tells the story of New York school teacher Sue Lucarelli. Along with her grade school students, Sue collected thousands upon thousands of Teddy Bears for distribution to school children in the wake of the terrible tragedy. The Bears provided real assistance, and Sue’s class created a national movement (Hugs Across America) that continues to this day. The play is appropriate for all ages.

September Bears is a joint production of Eastcheap Theatre Collection and Prairie Arts Council. Actors include Bureau County residents Karen Bohm Barker, Ken Bohm, and Kathy Bohm alongside Chicago actors Cornelia Reed, Harry Reed, Gabriel Franken as well as Betsie Swartz (Rochelle) and Jordan Dornbierer (Sioux Center).

September Bears will be performed in a free preview (no reservations necessary) on Sunday, September 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Avenue East in Princeton. Ticketed performances are September 13 at 2:00; September 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and September 19 and 20 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for General Admission. Audiences 18 and under are free. Reservations are encouraged. For reservations, Google “September Bears in Princeton” or scan the QR code.

September Bears is funded in part by grants from Illinois Arts Council and The Princeton Closet.