Rising Star to present 'Joseph'
Go, go, go, go to the theater this weekend to see a cast full of action, energy and heart.
Rising Star Theatreworks presents "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" for three days starting at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre.
"In these dismal economic times, there is no better show to see than 'Joseph,'" said director Jeanne O'Donnell. "It is so uplifting and full of color and fun. You will be mesmerized."
The production marks the five-year anniversary of the nonprofit community theater group. Over the years, more than 600 young actors have participated in the bi-annual shows, along with a slew of adult volunteers from around the Tri-Cities and Fox Valley area.
Rising Star generally opens auditions to those who are anywhere from elementary school to college age, but for this anniversary show, alumni were welcomed to perform as well. As a result, the large cast ranges in age from 7 to 25.
"It has been such an awesome experience," said Andrew Toniolo, who plays Joseph. A music education major at Elmhurst College, Toniolo feels that working with a broad array of actors has helped everyone grow.
First-time performer Erika Nickelson agrees.
"The older guys push us to do better," said the 12-year-old.
Putting on such high caliber performances has been a struggle for the group, as its primary source of funding comes from ticket sales. Although it has received grants from the Illinois Arts Council, Rising Star is especially thankful to local businesses who selflessly give supplies, such as the Geneva Ace Hardware that donated batteries for the microphones.
Without a venue to call its own, organizing the show has been hectic for the group. But despite the frenzied pace, the cast is all smiles.
"I love the sense of community we have in this group," gushed Elizabeth Krahulec, who plays the show's narrator. "It's fantastic to see how this show touches others."
To reach out even further, Rising Star offered a free private viewing of Joseph to local children with autism.
Because the mental disorder makes it difficult for families to frequent public ventures such as theater, it was a dream of O'Donnell's to reach out and show the positive effects of live performance.
Rising Star hopes to make the special engagement a regular occurrence.
As the hopeful Joseph sings, "Any dream will do."
If you go
What: "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," performed by Rising Star Theatreworks
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; and 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Elgin Community College's Blizzard Theatre, 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin
Tickets: $14 adults; $12 students and seniors; $10 group discount for groups of 10 or more.
Info: (847) 622-0300 or www.elgin.edu/arts
Cast of 'Joseph'
Aurora: Ian Swanson
Batavia: Andrew Alcott, Kayley Brouwer, Alison Cruz, John Heronemus, Caitlin Jelm, Stuart Kofron, Cecily Lemon, Maddie Mueller, Mary Mueller, Lauren Smith, Sarah Stephens, Allison Mullens, Erika Nickelson, Natalie Duck Downers Grove: Liz Krahulec
Elgin: Laura Masonick
Elburn: Evan Michalic
Elmhurst: Andrew Toniolo
Geneva: Hannah Able, Bob Barabasz, Kelly Barabasz, Linnea Berg, Connor Colbert, Jill Danklefsen, Annelise Ehrhardt, Patrick Fennessy, Greg Gancarz, Katie Hansen, Nicole Ludema, Corbin McGhee, Miranda Orlando, Alexa Orlando, Abigail Sawtell, Crystal Skipworth, Ibby Stith, Tyler Vaughn, Steven Sledzinski
North Aurora: Hannah Meyle
St. Charles: Katelyn Jassoy, Karen Neidlinger, Chessie Santoro, Hannah Stern, Abby Stombres, Jon Stombres, Katelyn Van Petten, Molly Wagner, Jeslaine Thompson, Jacqueline Rodgers
Sugar Grove: Bryan Renaud, Jake Rosko,
Wheaton: Lauren Histed, Kirsten Schulenburg
Yorkville: Claire Ziegler