Geneva resident Kyle Donahue brings familiar, toe-tapping songs of the 1960's to life as director of Fox Valley Repertory's "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?"
June 2013, Geneva, IL – Kyle Donahue is no stranger to Fox Valley Repertory. Previously a music director and choreographer for Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble's productions of "All Shook Up" and "Annie", he is making his big debut as director and choreographer for Fox Valley Repertory's professional production of "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?"
Originally from Blaine, MN, Donahue graduated from Rockford College with a BFA in Musical Theatre Performance, as well as studied dance in NYC from Alvin Ailey, Broadway Dance Center, and with Broadway veteran Billy Kersey Kupiak. He has also directed, choreographed, and performed around the world on regional theatre, theme park, and cruise ship stages. He is now residing in Geneva, IL and serves as the Performing Arts Manager for the Fox Valley Park District.
"Why Do Fools Fall in Love", a swinging 1960's bachelorette musical, will be the first show that Donahue will be directing on Fox Valley Repertory's main stage. He believes audiences will fall in love with the musical because of the music. “It's a great musical based on 1960s music — familiar, toe-tapping songs,” Donahue said. “It is music that is great for the stage because it translates really well.”
Why Do Fools Fall in Love is a story about Millie, who is engaged to be married in three days, who is dropped in on by best friends Sally, Flo, and Dee Dee for an impromptu bachelorette party. The girls discuss the issues of love, marriage, and the overwhelming dating game with a little help from tequila shots and sugar highs. Featuring classic songs like "My Boy Lollipop," "You Don't Have to Say You Love Me," and more, this uplifting comedy reaffirms that true friendship will unveil its everlasting strength—and it does so with a rockin' beat!
Donahue works with actresses Carol Rose of Chicago (Millie), Carrie Weis of Schaumburg (Flo), Mary Margaret Roberts of Chicago (Dee Dee), and Stephanie Herman of Roselle (Sally), who not only have to sing and act like women of the 60's, but also dance the dance of the 60's such as the Twist, the Mashed Potato, The Monkey, The Jerk, and many more.
“It's not the easiest stuff to sing, and these girls are all fantastic vocalists,” he said. “And I'm throwing a lot of dance at them too, because you can't do these songs without having some great dance numbers. They are triple-threat actors, all four of them. Everything about the show is just amazing.”
"Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" is now playing through Sunday, July 28, 2013. Show times are: Fridays & Saturdays @ 8pm, and Sundays @ 2pm. The show is rated PG and performances will take place at the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage (4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL; box office 630-584-6342)
Tickets are priced at $32 on Fridays (and limited Thursday performances), and at $42 on Saturdays and Sundays. Subscription tickets are available for $20 or less when a 3-show season package is purchased. Dinner packages, group discounts and overnight rates are also available.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and is sponsored in part by the Daily Herald, MCC Technology, and Colonial Café & Ice Cream.
Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.