Bright Star Theatre Company to present 'Doo-Wop Red Riding Hood' at Northbrook Park District

Participants in Northbrook's Bright Star Theatre Company are in their final weeks of preparation for April's performances of "Doo-Wop Red Riding Hood."

Rehearsals for the show, which stars 12 actors with disabilities and their volunteer "Creative Companions," began last September.

The long-awaited performances are taking place at Northbrook Theatre at 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 7, and 1 p.m. Sunday, April 8.

Tickets cost $10 in advance at www.nbparks.org/programs/theatre/ current-shows-tickets and $12 at the door.

The production of "Doo-Wop Red Riding Hood" is a sock- hopping adventure that tells the story of three sisters - Little Red, Big Green and Medium Purple Riding Hood - looking for love.

The likely candidates are Wise Prince Jason, Strong Prince Justin, and Loud Prince Frank, but they all want to woo Red Riding Hood.

The only way to figure things out is to have Fairy Godmother set three tasks for the princes to accomplish.

As in any good fairy tale, they run into hilarious obstacles along the way. This rockin' show is guaranteed to end in happily-ever-after laughter for audiences and performers of all ages.

"This year the cast has an opportunity to improvise during one of the songs," said Director Julie Gibson Lay. "We started with a gem of an idea and I let them run with it. I have been so blown away by their creative ownership. Come see the show and you'll see what I'm talking about."

In its seventh year, Bright Star Theatre Company is a program produced by the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association, in partnership with Northbrook Park District.

Meeting weekly from September to April, the experience combines theater games, movement exercises and musical training for participants ages 11-22, who work with Northbrook Park District theater staff to put on a professional production.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association provides and facilitates year-round recreation programs and services for children, teens and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association is an extension of 10 park districts, two cities and one village in the Northern suburbs of Chicago. This partnership includes the park districts of Deerfield, Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Lake Bluff, Northbrook, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka; the cities of Highwood and Lake Forest; and the village of Riverwoods.

Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association has been creating an environment of belonging through play since 1970, and has the distinction as the first Special Recreation Association in the country.

For information about Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association and the programs and services they provide visit www.nssra.org.