Libertyville entertainment company offers 'Best of Broadway'
Liberty Town Productions, Libertyville's not-for-profit entertainment company, recently hosted its fourth annual Musical Summer Showcase featuring the Best of Broadway.
The showcase, performed in a cabaret-style setting, centered on the theme, “Broadway: A to Z,” (“Aida” to “Zanna Don't”). Everything in between includes instant classics from “Wicked” and “Newsies,” along with showstoppers from standards like “Grease” and “My Fair Lady.”
The cast featured local performers, many of whom are studying for professional music careers or are already performing with professional organizations and troupes. The showcase was directed by Grayslake's Dustin Helvie and Waukegan's Colin Douglas, with choreography by Chicago's Sarah Garvey.
“I always look forward to working with all our showcase performers,” Helvie said. “This is a great chance to rekindle some great friendships and produce an outstanding show. Every year, we raise the bar and bring outstanding performers and music to the Libertyville community.”
This year's North suburban cast and band members include: Abbi Adjei-Perberg, Hainesville; Bill Coronelli, Libertyville; Dawn Crowther, Libertyville; Bill Dejon, Libertyville; Kellie Goddard, Deerfield; Laurel Kaiser, Hawthorn Woods; Scott Metzger, Libertyville; Erin (Ormond) Mulder, Gurnee; Diana O'Connor, Grayslake; Mike Ryan, Grayslake; Jodi Thors, Gurnee; Jonathan Weppler, Libertyville; Ellen Williams, Libertyville; and Demi Zaino, Hawthorn Woods. They are joined by Patrick Farbo, Chicago; Peter Rasey, Chicago; Nico Tangorra, Addison; Stu Vance, Naperville; and Kevin Watson, Hinsdale.
“Don't simply call this showcase a talent show,“ said Barry Reszel, Liberty Town's executive director. “Many of our cast members are students and graduates of some of the best performing arts programs in the country. Our first showcase featured Libertyville's Ian Liberto, who has now been in numerous Broadway shows and in the Tony Awards' and Kennedy Center Honors' performance casts. Know this, the Liberty Town Summer Showcase is as professional as you'll find anywhere in the area.”