News

Palatine family shares the stage 70 years apart

Posted July 09, 2009 11:00 pm

By Kimberly Pohl

Olivia Weismann, 13, of Lake Zurich, poses with her "Poppa," 83-year-old Wauconda resident Bill Weismann. Courtesy of the Weismann family

The musical "Grease" may portray high school life in the 1950s, but Bill Weismann will conjure up memories from much further back as takes in the upcoming production at Palatine's Cutting Hall.

The 83-year-old Wauconda resident regularly performed in shows there while growing up in Palatine in the '30s and '40s. Nearly 70 years later, he'll watch his granddaughter, Olivia Weismann, take the same stage that proved such a joy for him.

"Grease," put on by the Second Suburb Players, is 13-year-old Olivia's first-ever show at Cutting Hall.

"I think it's very cool to think he was actually dancing and singing on the same stage I'll be dancing and singing," said Olivia, who will perform in the female chorus.

Before he graduated from Palatine High School in 1944 and joined the U.S. Navy, Bill Weismann was a kind of local celebrity. He performed in several vaudeville-style shows at Cutting Hall, the Oriental Theater in Chicago and even WLS Radio's National Barn Dance program.

He gave up singing upon his return from the service, but daughter-in-law Rose Weismann said he and his late wife made talented dancing partners.

Olivia, who will enter eighth grade at Lake Zurich Middle School South, had roles in school productions of "Alice in Wonderland" and "Annie." Her "poppa" regularly is in the audience for her shows and for her piano, cello and singing recitals.

"Olivia is very talented and a beautiful young girl," Bill Weismann said. "I can't wait to see her up there."

"Grease" opens at 7:30 p.m. tonight at Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine.

If you go

What: "Grease" presented by the Second Suburb Players

Where: Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St., Palatine

When: 7:30 p.m. July 10-11 and July 17-18; 3 p.m. July 12 and July 19; one-hour highlight show 10:30 a.m. July 16

Cost: Tickets range from $10 to $14; highlight show is $5

More information: Call (847) 202-5222 or go to palatineparks.org

Cast mates Olivia Weismann, right, and Claire Donahue, both of Lake Zurich, practice for the upcoming production of "Grease" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Courtesy of the Weismann family

Bill Weismann, pictured here in 1937 at 11 years old, regularly performed at Cutting Hall while growing up in Palatine. Courtesy of the Weismann family

The cast of an unidentified show at Cutting Hall in Palatine poses for a photograph around 1937. Wauconda resident Bill Weismann, now 83, is seated in the front row to the right of the banjo. Courtesy of the Weismann family

Bill Weismann sings at Cutting Hall circa 1939. His granddaughter, Olivia, 13, will perform on the same stage this weekend in "Grease." Courtesy of the Weismann family

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