Bullets, Nickels, Dimes and Life at Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley

LOCAL THEATRE COMPANY TO STAGE WORLD PREMIERE BENEFITING PADS OF ELGIN

Bullets, Nickels, Dimes and Life explores the humanity, resilience, and hope of people experiencing homelessness

ELGIN, Ill. — Aug 1, 2026 — Sassy Pat Productions will present the world premiere of Jeremy Kehoe’s Bullets, Nickels, Dimes and Life during a three-performance engagement October 9–11 at Habitat for Humanity of Northern Fox Valley, 56 S. Grove Ave. in downtown Elgin.

The opening-night performance on Friday, October 9, will serve as a special fundraiser for PADS of Elgin. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the performance at 7 p.m. All proceeds from the opening-night event will benefit PADS of Elgin and its work providing shelter, essential services and housing-focused support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Any additional proceeds from the remaining performances will also be donated to PADS.

The production coincides with World Homeless Day on October 10, an international day dedicated to raising awareness of homelessness and encouraging communities to respond with compassion and meaningful action.

Bullets, Nickels, Dimes and Life follows five people experiencing homelessness who find themselves “doing time”—serving their bullet, nickel, dime and life sentences not behind bars, but in the bright sunlight. As they attempt to survive their new reality, they work to maintain their individual and collective humanity within what feels like an open-air prison.

Through a compassionate and realistic portrayal, the play asks audiences to look beyond stereotypes and recognize that people experiencing homelessness are individuals seeking safety, dignity, hope and a better life.

“Homelessness is not hopelessness,” said Pat Henderson, Director and Producer of the production. “Our goal is not only to entertain, but to help audiences see the humanity of people experiencing homelessness while raising awareness and vital funds for PADS of Elgin.”

The production features a cast of performers from Chicago and the surrounding area who will bring Kehoe’s powerful characters and stories to life.

“We are grateful to Pat Henderson and the cast of 'Bullets, Nickels, Dimes, and Life' for using the power of theatre to encourage empathy and meaningful conversation,” said Catie Early, Development and Grants Coordinator at PADS of Elgin. “Every person who comes through our doors has a unique story, strengths and hopes for the future. This production reminds audiences that homelessness is a circumstance—not a definition of who someone is—and that compassionate community support can help people move toward safety and sustainable housing.”

Henderson’s recent directing credits include Pippin and South Pacific for MadKap Productions at the Skokie Theatre and An Act of God at the Raue Center for the Arts in Crystal Lake.