Two free performances of stories, songs, and imagery drawn from Route 66's history are coming to Elmhurst at the end of the month, as the Elmhurst-based nonprofit GreenMan Theatre Storytellers joins the nationwide celebration of the highway's 100th anniversary.

GreenMan Theatre Storytellers will perform "Road Trip Stories" at St. Peters United Church of Christ in Elmhurst on Friday, July 31, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, August 2, at 2 p.m. Both shows are free and open to adults and children ages 10 and older, according to a Daily Herald listing for the event.

The program ties into a year of centennial events marking Route 66's commissioning in 1926. The highway stretches 2,448 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, and Illinois claims 300 miles of the original route. The state directed $6.6 million in grants toward improving attractions along the corridor ahead of the centennial, according to Route 66 centennial organizers. Chicago designated Navy Pier as the official centennial starting point in 2026, creating what organizers call a "pier-to-pier" connection with Santa Monica Pier in California.

GreenMan Theatre Troupe, the Elmhurst nonprofit behind the storytelling program, has been producing shows since its first season in 2004-05. Director Carolyn Thomas-Davidoff leads both the troupe's performances and its annual storytelling classes, where she coaches performers to develop and memorize material for the stage. The troupe's programs are partially funded by the Illinois Arts Council Agency and the City of Elmhurst Community Grant Program.

The July 31 and August 2 dates at St. Peters were added after GreenMan's initial announcement, which listed performances at Elmhurst Public Library on Tuesday, July 21, and Wood Dale Public Library on Thursday, July 23.

Following "Road Trip Stories," Thomas-Davidoff will lead storytelling classes on three Saturdays in August — August 1, 8, and 22 — with introductory morning sessions and advanced afternoon sessions, according to the troupe's website.

Residents can find more information at greenmantheatre.org or by calling (630) 464-2646.