Mom thanks paper for theater coverage

My family owes a big thank you to the Daily Herald for covering local theater events.

You have given us the summer of a lifetime!

A few months ago I read in the Daily Herald that auditions were being held for Rising Star Theatreworks' production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat." My mother made a "Joseph's coat" 15 years ago, and I contacted Rising Star to see if they wanted to use it. My daughter and I brought it to their audition site for them to see it. Later I received an e-mail, "Can't use the coat ... need one with more twirl ... but can we use Katie?"

Katie, 7, was too young to audition for the show (the cast ranges from 10 to 25 years old), but they invited her to be a sheep. The original plan was that she would come on stage briefly two times. Since then, her role has grown and it turns out she will be on stage for the majority of the two -hour show with this talented group of youth and young adults.

We are just wrapping up rehearsals (the show is July 18, 19, 20 at Elgin Community College). Katie and I have spent 12 hours a week, for 10 weeks, with this incredible cast and the talented directors. It has been a fantastic experience! I have been especially impressed how the older cast members treat Katie and each other. Congratulations to their parents for raising such polite, hardworking kids.

Thank you for making this connection for us. It has been a once in a lifetime experience that my entire family will never forget.

Nancy E. Hansen

Geneva