Prairie State Wire

The Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield is set to host a one-woman theater production titled "Susan Lawrence Dana: A Great Lady Lived Here" on December 13 and 14. This production will highlight the life of Susan Lawrence Dana, a philanthropist, organizer, suffragist, and equal rights advocate known for her collaboration with architect Frank Lloyd Wright in designing her home in Springfield. The play is directed by Kevin Purcell and features local actor Leigh Steiner portraying Lawrence Dana.

Kevin Purcell shared insights about Lawrence Dana's character: "Susan Lawrence Dana lived as a woman who had the fortitude and imagination to create her own path in a time when few women were given this opportunity," he said. "She was a woman with the curiosity to imagine a world beyond this one and sought to understand that possibility. And she was a woman with a sense of duty to her community who used her influence and resources to help others."

The performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Friday, December 13, and 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 14. Due to limited seating, reservations are required, and free tickets can be obtained online. For further inquiries, interested individuals can contact 217-782-6776.

The historic site itself is notable for being one of the best-preserved examples of Wright's prairie-style homes, featuring over 400 pieces of custom art glass and original furnishings. Managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, the site will be closed on several upcoming holidays including Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.