Students shine on stage 'Bigger Than Life'

Hersey High School English teacher Lara Becker teaches acting among her class load, and it occurred to her that her underclassmen students needed a vehicle to get their feet wet on stage.

Consequently, nine years ago she conceived the idea to launch children's theater productions at the school. The concept met two goals: It gave underclassmen a chance to shine in their own productions, and it reached out to local youngsters.

This week, Becker's students are at it again, with their production of Cynthia Mercati's one-act play, "Bigger Than Life."

The show opens today in a performance for local elementary schools, with two more school shows on Thursday, and a closing show open to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday in Hersey's main theater.

Already, nine elementary schools have purchased tickets, bringing in students from Arlington Heights, Prospect Heights, and Des Plaines.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Call Joann Langley at (847) 718-4882, to reserve seats.

Just as its name suggests, the show features larger than life characters and film legends, including Annie Oakley, Pecos Bill, Sally Cato, and Sal Fink, and all woven into the tale by narrator, P. T. Barnum.

The master showman leads his traveling troupe into town, but the mayor isn't so sure that Barnum is on the level. What follows is some knee slappin', foot stompin' fun, Becker said, that is sure to entertain the young audience.

"It's a cross between a circus show and sitting around the campfire," Becker said, "with singing and audience participation."

A total of 17 students -- all freshmen and sophomores -- make up the cast, with another 15 working behind the scenes on costumes, in the technical crew, and doing makeup.

"It gives underclassmen a chance to have leads, and learn the ropes of theater," Becker said. "This is our ninth year, and many of them have gone on to have leads in the winter plays and spring musicals."

Cast members include: Jeannette Brousseau, Rebecca Sessions, Kristan Hanson, Carina Muir, Eric Swanson, Brittany Hopkins, Laura Valenzno, Abby Zachary, all of Arlington Heights; as well as Mike Capra, Gino Castelllucci, Anna Voinovich, Enzo Bondi, Maria Bonder, Joshua Maravelias, Ariana Myles, and Allie Perlongo, all of Mount Prospect. Rachel Platt of Mount Prospect serves as student assistant director.