Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy Presents CATS, Jr., Collect Donations for Local Cat Rescue
Advanced grade school theater students from the Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy are proud to present Andrew Lloyd Webber’s fantastical feline fantasy CATS, and give back to their furry feline friends in need during their performances on the Pheasant Run Mainstage on December 16 and 17, 2012 (4051 East Main Street, St. Charles).
CATS is one of the world’s best loved musicals, based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” and filled with Webber’s unforgettable music, such as the show-stopping song, “Memory” and the fantastical “Mr. Mistoffelees.”
This advanced, audition-only group of actors and actresses will win YOU over with their dancing, singing, and fantastic storytelling!
Cast member, Daniella Taylor (8) says, “Being on stage in front of my family and friends (is why I love performing) ! My favorite part of CATS is the first song, when the whole cast is on stage singing and dancing!”
Education Manager, Tracy Whiteside, has been teaching and directing children at FVR since 2006. “I love CATS, and the fact that it is more of an ensemble production that allows everyone a chance to shine. I am so lucky to have fabulous interns on this show—Meagan Daniels and Rebecca Roy have choreographed the show, and Connor Madziarczyk is working with the kids on character development. The cast is very excited about the music and is picking up with choreography very quickly. I am especially proud of our Junior Choreographers Katie Das, Kristen Das and Amelia Kuhlman. It’s wonderful to be able to mentor kids of all ages and allow them to develop their leadership skills.”
The cast of FVR Performing Arts Academy's Advanced Audition-only Fall Musical will be performing this hour-long adaptation of CATS on the Pheasant Run Resort's Mainstage. Along with preparing for the show, the children are collecting donations of cat care supplies and monetary donations for Cinderella’s Hope Cat Rescue, in an effort to help their furry feline friends find a new life in St. Charles, Geneva, South Elgin, and Elgin.
Cinderella’s Hope Cat Rescue was formed for the humane assistance of friendly and feral (free roaming) cats through trap neuter release (TNR) and assistance with the adoption of those cats that are friendly. They are a small group of individuals that believe every cat deserves a chance at a good life, whether they live indoors or outdoors. Cinderella’s Hope Cat Rescue enlists caretakers in their TNR process. With the help of the caretakers they can trap and spay/neuter these cats to stop the breeding. The caretakers also feed, shelter and take care of the well-being of the cats.
Requested items for Cinderella’s Hope Cat Rescue include: Weight Circles from Purina Cat food products, bags of cedar shavings, cat food, cat beds and toys, and monetary donations.
Another young actor, Kaitlyn Crowell (9), states: “I love being a part of FVR’s Academy because everyone is so nice, and they mentor me when I need help. I am also excited to be helping homeless cats with our performance! When I was younger, our family rescued a cat. It really makes me feel like I am helping to do something good!”
CATS, Jr. will be presented in two performances on December 16 and 17 at 7:00 pm. Both performances will take place on The Pheasant Run Mainstage Theater and are free of charge, but a suggested donation of $5 per person would be greatly appreciated. Any donations will be used to fund scholarships for area children who would otherwise be unable to take part in the Performing Arts Academy programs.
CATS, Jr. cast members include from St. Charles: Kaitlyn Crowell, Katie Das, Kristen Das, Erika Denker, Keira Denker, Kathryn Dybas, Malea Kinnison, Erin Seales, and Daniella Taylor, Geneva: Molly Babczak, Jill Jackson, Celia Parker-Fetterman and Caroline Wenokur, Elgin: Ceci Yasell, South Elgin: Carolyn Calbeck and Christina Calbeck, Bartlett: Haley Hughes, Hanover Park: Hayley Troyan, North Aurora: Rece Komorn, Wheaton: Cassandra Bradley, Hoffman Estates: Sierra Lewand.
The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy features some of the Chicago area’s most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are available for ages 4-22. For more information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550.
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