Young performers to take theatergoers to 'Madagascar'
Christian Youth Theater Northwest Cook's production of "Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr." is based on the DreamWorks animated motion picture.
Performances run May 25-June 1 at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines.
The story follows animal friends who escape from their home in New York's Central Park Zoo. Filled with outlandish characters and upbeat music, it's a great show for young children.
"This show is special because it is the first time CYT has done this show, which is a very exciting opportunity," says director Renee Rundquist. "A new show means new sets, new costumes, new props, all things are new. And there are so many opportunities for performers who have never had a line before to get a line, or a part, or a solo."
A large ensemble cast - featuring Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, a troupe of Penguins, and dozens of jungle-dwelling critters - provides the ample opportunities Rundquist speaks of.
"It has brought a smile to my face to give something to those students who have never had something before, to see them get a role. And a lot of the performers are going to have a lot of stage time. That has been one of the highlights of doing this show."
Jeri-Ann Day plays Gloria, and after three years doing CYT shows, this is her first lead role.
"Gloria in the story is the mother of the group," she said. "She's always keeping them together."
"Madagascar has a good message," Day said. "It's really big on friendship, and there is so much love in the show - everyone supports each other."
"The way that the animals emulate friendship by sticking by each other no matter what is so important," added Rundquist. "What are you willing to do to help out your friends, especially when they are going through something really hard? When we have love for one another, we show the love of God."
CYT Chicago is a Christian theater arts program based in the Chicago suburbs. All the actors are students ages 8 to 18 and this message of friendship is supported by the "show verse," which is 1 John 4:7-8: "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love."
"CYT is like a second home," Day said. "At the end of the week, when I am done with school, I get to perform, and do it for God, which I love so much."
"Madagascar" follows the story of Alex the lion, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends - Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo - have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them.
Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape - with the help of some prodigious penguins - to explore the world.
"This is a fun show," Rundquist said. "If you are a fan of the movie, this is even better because there is music."
The show features the pop song "I Like to Move It-Move It" and new songs like "Showtime," "Wild and Free," and "Paradise," as well as comedy and dance numbers.
"There are lots of humorous moments," Rundquist said. "There are jokes that adults will find funny (but that are clean), and there are jokes that kids will find funny, but there is also a deeper message. It's a great, family-friendly, fun, meaningful show."
"Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr. is a great value for families, with a short run time (80 minutes) and tickets that are only $11-$14 presale, plus $2 if purchased at the door, with group, child, and senior prices available.
Visit www.cytchicago.org and click on "Shows," or call (847) 516-2298 to purchase tickets. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats only 300, so shows sell out very quickly.
For more information, visit the group's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/CYTNorthwestCook/.
If you go
What: Christian Youth Theater Northwest Cook's production of "Madagascar: A Musical Adventure Jr."
When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 25; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday, May 26; 2 p.m. Sunday, May 27; 7 p.m. Thursday, May 31, and Friday, June 1
Where: Prairie Lakes Community Theater, 515 E. Thacker St., Des Plaines
Tickets: $11-$14; $2 additional at the door
Info: <a href="http://www.cytchicago.org/homepage">www.cytchicago.org/</a> or (847) 516-2298