'Dolly' will say hello to Itasca this weekend
The actors, directors and stagehands at Overshadowed Theatrical Productions in Itasca want their audience to expect great things.
"Community theater is wonderful, but I think a lot of people don't expect much out of it," said Overshadowed director Reba Hervas. "We use what's in the power we have to make it lavish."
Hervas and her crew plan to bring their professional flare to their latest production, "Hello Dolly," which opens Friday, July 17, at Itasca Baptist Church. Promising high-quality costumes and performances that could rival a veteran troupe, Hervas said audiences will be pleased to see this classic favorite on a local stage.
"People are very familiar with this musical and they love it," she said.
The show will be lead by Happi Lyn Berger in the role of Dolly. Berger's mother - who Hervas said performed in the Broadway revival of the musical staring Carol Channing - also helped choreograph several dance numbers for the show.
The cast of approximately 30 actors and an orchestra of about 15 musicians have been working hard on the performance, which they hope will build additional recognition for Overshadowed. Now in its fifth season, the theater group has grown too large for its current home at Itasca Baptist Church.
Hervas said both seasoned actors and community members have joined the organization over the years, and most remain loyal. So, too, does the audience.
And that's why Overshadowed hopes "Dolly" will help raise money for the troupe's ultimate goal of securing its own building, to keep the theater open full time.
"The church has been wonderful, but we're cramping them," she said. "It's time for us to move on."
If you go
What: "Hello Dolly," presented by Overshadowed Theatrical Productions
When: 7:30 p.m. July 17, 18, 21, 23-25, 28, 30 and 31 and Aug. 1; 2 p.m. July 25 and Aug. 1
Where: Itasca Baptist Church, 210 S. Walnut St., Itasca
Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students in advance; $14 at the door
Info: overshadowedproductions.com or (630) 250-7518