Wego Drama premieres Edinburgh Festival show

Wego Drama opens the 2016-17 theater season with a preview of an interactive, family-friendly show that the West Chicago Community High School acting troupe will perform this summer at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

"Alan's Awkward (Choose Your Own) Adventures" tells the story of a young boy who does not fit in with the rest of his class. Alan escapes into the world of stories to overcome his fears and phobias. What story does he choose? Well, the audience decides what adventure he goes on and how he will solve his problems.

The premiere performance is a preview of the show that will be presented at the world's largest performing arts festival: the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in Scotland.

Premiere performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday, July 15, and 2 and 4 p.m. Saturday, July 16, at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago. Admission is free. Plan to arrive early, as parking is limited due to building construction.

"This show is a funny and heartwarming story for any kid who has felt a little different - the kid who may not always fit in," said Dylan Davidson, who plays Alan. "I think everyone can relate."

Wego Drama newcomer Nathan Bradley adds, "I love that this show is so imaginative."

The structure of the play truly puts the plot in each audience's hands.

"The audience will really have fun with this one, because they get to pick the show that they are seeing," actor Ken Correa said.

But the performance-to-performance changes are a good part of what make the show challenging for the actors.

"As a performer, this show is nerve-wracking - we never know what to expect," Ricky Gieser said. "I do not know if I will be in a superhero adventure, a pirate story, in outer space, in a wizard-world, or playing a spy. It will be a thrill."

The show features technical direction by Christopher Jensen and is written and directed by Mark Begovich.

For information about Wego Drama, email Begovich at mbegovich@d94.org or visit wegotheatre.com.