Willowbrook presents 'Rise and Fall of Little Voice'
Willowbrook High School will present its spring play, "The Rise and Fall of Little Voice," at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the school, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave., Villa Park.
Written by Jim Cartwright, the show takes place in the early 1990s in Northern England and tells the story of Little Voice, a shy girl who's struggling to discover her confidence.
Little Voice finds comfort in listening to her late father's old record collection alone in her room. It's there where she practices and perfects impersonating famous singers such as Shirley Bassey, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand.
When Little Voice's overbearing mother, Mari, begins dating small-time talent agent Ray Say, he tries to use Little Voice to make it to the "big time." But Little Voice just wants to share a quiet, simple life with someone who loves her.
The dramatic comedy follows the characters as they each strive to get what they want.
"I absolutely love the story and the characters," Willowbrook theater Director Regina Wathier said. "Each person is desperate in his or her own way, and I found that compelling."
She said the cast and crew will compete in the Illinois High School Association Sectionals on Saturday, March 18, at Reavis High School in hopes of qualifying to the IHSA Drama & Group Interpretation State competition on Friday and Saturday, March 24 and 25.
"This production is very intricate and requires more attention in all aspects - lighting, sound, set - than any other play I've brought to competition," Wathier said. "It has been a lot of work, but we've enjoyed every minute of it."
Playing Little Voice is junior Julia Cicero. She said it has been a fun challenge to use her experience and skills in musical theater to make her voice sound like a variety of well-known singers. Cicero also had to learn a Yorkshire accent for the part.
"At the heart of the story is the theme of finding your true identity," Cicero said. "It's about Little Voice's journey as she grows into herself."
A character who helps Little Voice on her journey is Billy, played by junior John DeAngelo. Billy is an electrician who works on lighting during Little Voice's performances, and a burgeoning romance develops between the two.
Junior Genevieve Corkery plays Mari, whom Corkery described as "funny and outspoken, yet tragically jealous and full of insecurities."
Corkery said this play has expanded her skills and stretched her to improve as an actor. Senior Anthony Clampit, who plays Ray Say, agreed.
"What I enjoy about this show is its complexity - the characters and storyline are very deep," Clampit said.
Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for students and children, $3 with an Activity Pass and free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. The box office will open at 6 p.m.
For details, visit www.dupage88.org or call (630) 530-3400.