Show gives new voice to film, play snippets

An ageless tale of avarice, murder and other "family values" set in the post-Civil War South.

A poignantly funny autobiographical profile of the world's most successful living playwright.

Lust, loot and the archetypal femme fatale of the film-noir era.

Romantic comedy involving rival booksellers destined to make a love connection on the internet super highway.

All this and more will be on display when "New Voices: The Hidden Talent Monologues," premieres at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Valeo Academy in Hoffman Estates.

According to director and Hidden Talent Theatre founder Jim Gattone of Lake in the Hills, the show features a "wide range of selections from film and theater, from contemporary to classic and from well-known playwrights to original scripts from our own company."

"We will also have two songs, performed by Dawn Thibodeaux and Tecora Rogers (both of Chicago), and one rap by Kevo Kevani (aka Kevin Beckford of Schaumburg,) who will be doing a number from his self-produced 'Betta Dayz' CD."

"In terms of monologues, each actor has selected a portion of a script of their own choosing," Gattone said.

"We have a diverse cast, and we're taking some liberties with the monologue format to allow for rap and music to draw in a different type of performer, to draw in a different type of audience member, to draw as many new people as possible into the experience that can only be the American theater."

Also featured are Sharon Cuneo of North Aurora, Kathy Potter of Elgin, Rosa Sanchez of Roselle and Audrey Wilson of Mount Prospect.

Hidden Talent's artistic director Laura Knoerr of Elgin will present a "personal monologue" and Gattone himself will take the stage to perform a selection from Neil Simon's "Star Spangled Girl," which the company will mount in a full production of next August at Cutting Hall in Palatine.

"We want people to walk away after experiencing a good night of entertainment with a fresh inspiration to support and promote the American theater experience within our communities," said Gattone.

"The best part about shows like this one is that they will appeal to theatergoers of all ages."

If you go

What: "New Voices: The Hidden Talent Monologues" presented by the Hidden Talent Theatre Company

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and April 18-19

Where: Valeo Academy, 2500 Beverly Road in Hoffman Estates

Tickets: $20, with $2 student and senior discount

Online: www.HiddenTalentTheatre.org

Call: (847) 815-2409