COD stages children's production based on improv
College of DuPage Summer Repertory Theatre will present "Goldie's Next Big Adventure" on the College's Glen Ellyn campus and at area locations this summer.
Scripted through improvisation, "Goldie's Next Big Adventure" emphasizes the need for respect as Goldie, after the encounter with a bear family, falls into another family home, said Amelia Barrett, a theater professor who is directing the play.
The annual collaboration between director, designers and cast begins with a general theme, with the script evolving from improvisation activities.
"When we develop the show each year, we start with the basic foundation - what's the lesson we want our characters to learn," Barrett said. "For 'Goldie,' it's about respect for others, respect for yourself and the boundaries to which we all must adhere."
Joined by classic nursery rhyme characters, including the White Rabbit, the Gingerbread Man, the Big, Bad Wolf, the Kittens and their Mittens, one of the Three Little Pigs, and the Littlest Billy Goat, Goldie - portrayed by a gold chain-wearing male actor - must navigate awkward and funny situations determined by the audience, she said.
Campus performances are at 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 14 and 15, in the MAC's outdoor Lakeside Pavilion. Guests are invited to bring blankets, chairs and picnics. Concessions will be available.
Community performances include 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 27, at the Lisle Library and at 6:30 p.m. at the Wheaton Library; 7 p.m. Friday, June 29, at the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library in Lombard; 10 a.m. Thursday, July 5, at the Winfield Public Library; noon Sunday, July 8, at Cantigny; 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, at the Glenside Public Library in Glendale Heights; 7 p.m. Friday, July 13, at the LaGrange Library; and 1 p.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Glen Ellyn Library.
Admission is free for all performances. Support is made possible by a generous gift from the College of DuPage Foundation's Dr. Donald and Helen (Gum) Westlake Fund for Student Productions.
For information, call the MAC Box Office at (630) 942-4000 or visit atthemac.org.