New director leads Willowbrook drama
A new face joins Willowbrook Theatre this month as Maggie Kelly makes her directorial debut at Willowbrook High School with the winter play "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday."
But Kelly is no stranger to the stage, as she has directed several productions with local theater groups.
"I've been an audience member here at Willowbrook for years, and I've always been impressed with the quality of the shows and the challenging material the school produces," Kelly said. "I'm excited and honored to continue that tradition."
"To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday" is a drama that explores love and loss. It tells the story of David, who is struggling to move past the death of his wife, Gillian. He has alienated himself from his former life and has been neglecting his 16-year-old daughter, Rachel.
As the second anniversary of Gillian's death approaches, his in-laws, Esther and Paul, attempt to pull him back to the land of the living. While the play deals with loss as an inevitable part of life, it also celebrates the enduring power of human relationships and the humor and love that is central to those bonds.
Kelly said the show contains adult themes and emotions and is intended for a PG-13 audience.
"I chose this play because I really wanted to show a story with strong female lead characters," Kelly said. "I also wanted a script that would push the students to grow as actors, and this content certainly is challenging. The cast members have really stepped up and are doing a phenomenal job."
The play consists of a seven-person ensemble, and the cast has become a tight-knit group.
"Our hope is audience members are moved in some way by this performance," said sophomore Bella Ledonne, who plays Gillian. "Everyone has been touched by grief, and we want them to connect with the relationships in the story and see themselves in our characters."
Senior Mariana Martens plays Esther, and she said one of the highlights has been working with Kelly.
"It's a great opportunity to learn new techniques and to experience a new perspective," Martens said.
She added Kelly even had each actor write a biography about his or her character to develop the show.
Junior Anthony Clampit, who plays David, said each aspect of the production comes together to tell the story.
"Everything has a purpose - from the lighting and sound to the costumes and dialogue," Clampit said. "It all helps form the main theme of the play, which is dealing with loss. The message is to love the past, but don't hold on to it to the point where you can't move forward with life."
Performances begin at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 11 to 13, at the school, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and children ages 12 to 17, $3 with an Activity Pass, and free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To download a ticket order form, visit dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2702.
If you go
What: "To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday"
When: 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Feb. 11 to 13
Where: Willowbrook High School, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park
Tickets: $7 adults, $5 students and children ages 12 to 17, $3 with Activity Pass, free with District 88 Senior Gold Card
Info: dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=2702