Catholic students present 'Finian's Rainbow Jr.'

More than 50 students from area Catholic grade schools - including St. Pius X, Sacred Heart and Kingswood Academy - will come together next month as Saint Genesius Productions presents "Finian's Rainbow Jr." at Montini High School in Lombard.

The show will take center stage at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 22 and 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the school, 19W070 16th St. Tickets are $8 and can be ordered online at www.brownpapertickets.com.

Adapted from the Broadway musical, the show features a score by Burton Lane and Yip Harburg and tells the story of Finian McLonergan and his daughter, Sharon, and how they emigrate from Ireland to the town of Rainbow Valley in the mythical state of Missitucky.

Finian is intent on burying a stolen pot of gold, which he believes will make the gold grow and multiply. Hot on their heels is Og, a leprechaun, intent on recovering his treasure before its loss turns him permanently human.

Saint Genesius Productions, founded in 2010, was created to bring the experience of professionally produced children's theater to Catholic grade school students throughout DuPage County.

The volunteer-run youth theater group provides students in fourth through eighth grade with a performing arts education and the opportunity to appear in plays and musicals, while instilling an appreciation for the arts experience.