Neighborhood kids continue show tradition
What started out eight years ago as a backyard show put on by neighborhood children still retains that same close-knit feel, though it now takes place on a stage at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Arlington Heights.
The Stonegate Kids return at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. today at the church, located at 916 E. Central Road, with their original adaptations of four "Princess Stories." A $3 donation is suggested.
Altogether, the production includes 40 neighborhood children, who range in age from 7 to 17.
Anna Brumm, 11, of Arlington Heights describes her part in today's production of "Princess Stories," as a dream role. In the four one-acts, she plays one of the stepsisters, in the adaptation of "Cinderella."
"It's great," Anna says, "I get to fight with Anastasia." Local resident Heidi Graham, a theater major in college, started the concept when she converted her basement into a stage. The annual summer productions still retains her original goals, of producing shows by children, for children.
Consequently, cast members choose the show and its charity ˆ- this year they will donate profits to a pair of neighborhood families in need - contribute their own costumes and props, while producing publicity posters, programs and concessions.
Some of the cast members have grown up spending their summers rehearsing for the production, and now have made the transition from acting to directing.
"Making the transition was pretty smooth because of my previous experience with the group and knowing how it all comes together," says Carolyn Brumm, 13, who directed "Sleeping Beauty" with her sister, Sara.
Graham remains involved, and takes pride in the numbers of local children now spreading their wings and moving on to other theater experiences. She points to Maddy Spacapan, 14, starring in next week's production of "Honk" at the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre in Arlington Heights.
"Before Stonegate Kids, I never had the confidence to try out for shows," says Spacapan, a Prospect High School sophomore. "It really sparked my interest in theater and in music."
Likewise, Kurt Schueler of Arlington Heights, who played a dwarf in the first Stonegate Kids production, earned one of the leads in next weekend's "Children of Eden" mounted by the King's Players at Forest View Educational Center.
This year's cast members include: Billy and Katie Annen, Kylie Burns, Grace and Julia Conway, Jacquelyn Donzelli, Julia Fogarty, August and Rhegan Graham, Elizabeth Konapacki, Tess Koretos, Steffi and Ryan Kopp, Mary-Kate, Maddie and Grace Moloney, Amy Mosley, Mira and Willy Nelson, Stephen Pollard, Katie and Maggie Porwit, Bridget and Maddie Robertson, Kristin Sealund, Katie Shaugnessy, Elizabeth and Olivia Simons, Kate and Sophie Speedy, Quinn Stewart, and Lilly Wochinski.