Top show choirs to compete this weekend at Hersey High

Some of the best vocal cords and dance feet in the Midwest will be at Hersey High School in Arlington Heights on Friday and Saturday participating in the 16th annual Chicagoland Showcase.

A crowd of more than 3,000 people will watch about 2,000 middle school and high school students participate in the event, said Joann Langley, festival coordinator.

"It's a really popular event and people come back every year," Langley said. "Show choir is just like any other sport. We're just singing and dancing and not shooting hoops."

The middle schools will take the stage from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday while the high school groups participate all day on Saturday.

Five of the six Northwest Suburban High School District 214 schools will be there. The only school not participating is Elk Grove High School because the school doesn't have a show choir. Other choirs are coming from Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan and Wisconsin.

Last year's winner, Wheaton Warrenville South High School, will also be there, Langley said.

Each choir has just 30 minutes on stage, during which performers have to finalize their set and backdrop, seat their pit orchestra and perform their high energy show, complete with elaborate choreography, soloists and ensemble singing.

All performances take place in the gym and are open to the public. Hersey is at 1900 E. Thomas St. Tickets to Friday night's performances are $10 for adults and $4 for students. Tickets for Saturday's all-day show are $14. Senior and student discounts are available.

16th Annual Chicagoland Showcase

Thousands of students will attend and perform at the showcase this weekend.

Location: John Hersey High School, 1900 East Thomas St., Arlington Heights

Middle school times: 5-10 p.m., Friday, March 6

High school times: Saturday, March 7 - Preliminary Competition, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Finals Competition, 7 p.m.

Admission: $10 for adults Friday night and $14 for all-day Saturday, various price breaks available for seniors, students, and part-day passes

Information: herseychoir.com