Pulitzer drama to benefit Cancer Institute

One performance of "Wit," a Pulitzer Prize-winning drama, will be presented next month as a special fundraiser to benefit the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University in Springfield.

The opening performance, which includes dinner, begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 22, at the Hoogland Center for the Arts, 420 S. Sixth St. in Springfield. 

The sponsors are SIU School of Medicine and the Central Illinois Community Palliative Care Initiative. 

"Wit," the story of a patient dying of ovarian cancer, is described by the New York Times as "the kind of theatrical experience of which legends are made."  The play, written by Margaret Edson will feature Leigh Steiner as the patient.  It is a presentation of Over the Moon Productions and is directed by Kevin Purcell. 

Tickets for the fundraiser are $75 per person.  For more information or to purchase tickets, call Patsy Wappel, SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute, at 217545-0395 weekdays.  Orders can also be placed online at www.siumed.edu/cancer.

The SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute is focusing SIU's efforts in cancer research, physician and public education, and treatment for patients from across central and southern Illinois.  Its new three-story building will open this summer, consolidating the school's multi-disciplinary cancer clinics along with research and outreach service programs.