Wheaton Warrenville to present new twist on 'Jack'

Everyone knows that Jack went up the beanstalk.

But what happens next makes Wheaton Warrenville South High School's production of "Jack and the Beanstalk" very different from the fairy tale version we remember hearing as kids.

"It's a new twist on an old tale," co-director Roberta James said. "In this version, the giant is not the bad guy."

When the show opens tonight for its three-day run at the high school, it will include a funky harp, a dancing goose and a lovable giant in desperate need of friends.

In fact, the role of evildoer belongs to the baron who forces Jack and his mother to pay taxes they can't afford. In an act of desperation, Jack trades the family's beloved cow for a handful of magic beans that are supposed to grow a beanstalk that will lead to the Golden Goose and immense wealth.

Organizers hope the musical, staged entirely by first-time high school actors, appeals to children of all ages.

"I think it's going to be a very entertaining show," said David DeMarzo, the other co-director. "There's characters that our kids have fun portraying. Hopefully, the audience will enjoy seeing the characters up on stage."

James said the school opens its theater season with a so-called "novice production" to give students who have never been in a high school play the opportunity "to learn the ropes" and improve their skills.

"We want to give these kids an opportunity to get involved without having to audition against seniors," DeMarzo said. "Because if you're a freshman going up against a senior who has acted in three years worth of shows, that could be intimidating."

Almost all 19 students in the cast are freshmen or sophomores. And they had only weeks to prepare for their roles.

"It's a quick turnaround," DeMarzo said. "And we've thrown singing and dancing at them, so they've had to learn a lot."

Still, James said she believes cast members have reached the point where they are "starting to own their performance."

"They get a little more confident and a little more excited," she said. "They are able to put that into their performance and do a better performance."

James also credits DeMarzo with taking an "OK script" and improving it by changing some lines and moving several songs to different spots.

"It's a funny children's story," she said. "Dave adds a little extra comedy to it."

If you go

What: "Jack and the Beanstalk"

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 1-2; 4:30 p.m. Oct. 3

Where: Wheaton Warrenville South High School, 1920 Wiesbrook Road, Wheaton

Tickets: $8 for adults; $4 for senior citizens and children

Info: (630) 784-7243 or wwshs.org/activities/dramaproductions/drama.html

The cast

Jack: Joey Petrando

Mrs. Sprague: Simone Pincsak

Betsy the Cow: Noah Baird and Connor Rechsteiner

The Baron: Richie Roesner

The Giant: Mike Restaino

The Butler: Jake Perrotti

The Golden Harp: Emily Korst

The Golden Goose: Nelly Mueller

Chorus members (townspeople/beanpeople): Katelyn Baker, Carly Bellock, Gianna DeSantis, Daniel Heiberger, Allison Hensley, Eric Humer, Chris Paulus, Christopher Samdal, April Skillings, Molly Ziebell