New Libertyville performance group looks for recruits
Consumers may be more discerning these days, but there always will be a need to get away without really leaving.
That's part of the reason some old hands decided to form a live performance production company in Libertyville.
"I don't think this is a terrible time. We can offer a pretty good value for the entertainment value by showcasing local talent," said Barry Reszel, a co-founder of Liberty Town Productions.
Reszel, with Terry Bangs, Lizz Dabney, Cathy Heller and Dustin Helvie, was involved with the popular St. Joseph Church productions of "Godspell" and "Children of Eden."
A co-creator and producer of Joe! Productions, which did the church shows, Reszel also is the newest member of the Libertyville village board. He was appointed in August to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of longtime Trustee Dean Larson for health reasons.
All but Helvie live in Libertyville. But the Grayslake resident has a close connection to the community as a band leader and teacher at Libertyville High School and director of Libertyville's village band.
"This group did two very successful shows there (St. Joseph) and decided to branch out to the next phase not tied to the church," said Reszel.
The first production is "Working" based on the book by the late Studs Terkel. It is a series of musical and theatrical vignettes focusing on how work affects individuals and society.
Regarding the selection, Bangs said in a release that the show "may never be more purposeful than at this bleak time in our economy." He co-directed both St. Joseph productions.
"Working" will be produced in partnership with the Libertyville Wildcats Fine Arts Foundation and performed March 5-8 at Libertyville High School.
Auditions will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, in the band room at the high school. Participants should enter through the east door.
Auditions are open to anyone high school age through adult. Participants should bring sheet music and be ready to sing 32 bars from a song that shows their vocal range.
All should also expect to present in-character monologues from the script which will be available at the audition. Callbacks will begin Tuesday, Jan. 6 and rehearsals will begin immediately.
Musicians, crew members and other positions also will be needed. Check libertytownproductions.com.
"We really try to create a community so that all the people who make a contribution to the production truly feel they are part of it," Reszel said. The St. Joseph shows involved about 200 people in all facets of production, something the founders of the new troupe say they want to spread in the community.
"Libertyville is very strong in the arts," Reszel said. "I continue to be amazed at how much local there is just looking for a stage to perform on."
Billed as an "arts-inspired enterprise" the goal is not to limit its offerings to community theater and is open to partnerships with like-minded groups.
"That's why we set ourselves up as a production company as opposed to a community theater," Reszel said.
"We don't know what we might do. there's the full gamut of arts opportunities."