Summer musicals are now twice at much fun

The kids are all right. The adults are liking this too. And the older kids (young adults?) are thinking this is a pretty good arrangement as well.

In fact, they're about to become one happy family, because each group is going to get a little more freedom and a lot more of the spotlight.

For those who love to perform - and there is a lot of aspiring talent out there - the Fox Valley Park District is creating a bigger stage.

For the first time, the park district's "Summer Stage" is producing two separate musicals, instead of just one, with each production targeting different age groups.

"Summer Stage has been so popular over the years that it got to the point where we almost had too many kids on stage," said performing arts supervisor Kim Wallace. "By allowing the younger kids to stage their own production, it gives them an opportunity to be more involved."

As an example, Wallace cited last summer's production of "Beauty and the Beast" which involved 190 performers. Nearly 130 of them were younger than 13. While they all had roles, many of them were involved for "just a couple minutes here and there" due to the sheer number of performers.

The new Summer Stage Junior program - for children between the ages of 7 and 13 - will perform Disney's "Aladdin Junior." Meanwhile, the big kids - along with adults and seniors - will perform "Guys and Dolls."

Both productions will be staged in mid-July at the Paramount Arts Centre in Aurora.

While the intention is to allow young performers the chance to have a more prominent presence, the double production also opens the doors for more veteran actors and actresses.

"Absolutely," said Wallace. "For 'Guys and Dolls,' we're looking for people of all ages - from teenagers to moms to seniors. There are lots of roles for young adults and older adults alike."

Prior experience is not the least bit necessary. And in the case of "Aladdin Junior," the whole production is meant to be a learn-as-they-go process.

"They don't have to be the most talented singers and dancers," said Wallace. "What's most important is that kids are creative and looking to have fun. This is a program for everybody. We'll learn and work on techniques along the way. It's a total team effort."

All it takes to get involved is a little spirit and energy.

Audition workshops will take place this weekend at the Prisco Community Center with the "Aladdin Junior" crowd assembling from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 30, and the "Guys and Dolls" auditions set for 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 31.

Participants will receive tips on auditioning while working on character development, choreography and vocals, with an accompanist provided. Each actor/actress should bring a nonreturnable head shot such as a school photo.

Or, in the case of some, a graduation photo.

• Jeff Long is the public relations manager for the Fox Valley Park District. Contact him at jlong@fvpd.net