News

Theater troupe hopes play works magic

Posted December 07, 2008 10:00 pm

By Jessica Dillard Daily Herald Staff

One local theater troupe is hoping "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" will turn out to be just that.

Alchemy Theatre Company, now in their seventh year as an independent troupe, will perform the holiday comedy not only to entertain families, but also to raise money for a permanent home.

The play, based on a book by Barbara Robinson, centers around six troublemakers, the Herdman kids, who volunteer to act in their Sunday school's yearly Christmas pageant.

The Herdmans, however, find more than an opportunity for mischief-making - they also help the town find the true meaning of Christmas.

"The play has a great message," said Alchemy's managing director, Kristin Collins. "It teaches not to judge a book by its cover."

Collins also said the production is "a great family play" that is appropriate for children, making it easy to bring the whole family together for a night out.

"It really opens up a new avenue for communication in your family," she said. "It's a great way to interact. The audience doesn't know it, but they become part of the performance."

Best of all, the play is only 70 minutes long. So parents needn't worry about young children getting bored and squirmy.

"We just hope people will come out, buy tickets, and have a great time," said Collins.

The 22-member cast includes 17 kids ranging in age from 6 years old through high school students. The actors only will have about 20 rehearsals before the curtains go up.

"We are working with kids, so we had to respect their school schedules," Collins said.

However, the actors made up for lack of rehearsal time with a positive attitude, Collins said.

"They're just so open and excited," she added. "Watching these kids come in, learn their roles, come to rehearsal and put time into this play is the most fulfilling part. So many people put a negative view on kids, and I'm hoping seeing this will put a different perspective on them."

She also said she hopes the mostly adolescent cast will help their peers see something new and, perhaps, try their own hand at theater.

Alchemy also hopes the play brings them a gift this holiday season, too. Proceeds from the production will help the theater company find a permanent home.

The company originally was based at the Wood Dale Center for the Arts at Wood Dale Junior High School. But when they didn't produce enough revenue to continue performing there, the troupe was forced to move to a Lombard dance studio. They remained at the dance studio for a year until it went out of business. Alchemy took a yearlong hiatus; its only performances have been staged readings at the Helen M. Plum Memorial Library in Lombard.

They hope with a return to the stage they'll be able to raise the funds needed to buy their own studio.

"Lombard is eager for a theater company," Collins said. "Everyone has been so welcoming. We want to stay in Lombard."

While Collins did not cite a fundraising goal, she did say it would cost at least $20,000 to $30,000 per year for their own storefront per year.

"We know (this play) won't solve the problem completely," she said. "But at least it will help."

"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 12-14 and 19-21, at St. John's Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln, Lombard.

Tickets are $20, $10 for seniors and students. Three walk-on roles will be raffled off and a bake sale will be held at each performance. For details or tickets, call (312) 208-1380 or visit alchemytheatreco.com.

If you go What: Performances of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" to benefit Alchemy Theatre Company When: 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 7 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 12-14 and 19-21 Where: St. John's Lutheran Church, 215 S. Lincoln, Lombard How much: $20, $10 for seniors and students Info: (312) 208-1380 or <a href="http://www.alchemytheatreco.com" target="new">alchemytheatreco.com</a>

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