Rock out with Children's Theatre's 'Cinderella'

It's the classic tale of happily-ever-after - but with a twist.

This weekend, the Children's Theatre of Elgin will present a rock 'n' roll musical version of "Cinderella" at the Hemmens.

"I wanted a show that was fun, light and quick, that was good family entertainment," said Peter Akemann of Elgin, who wrote and directed this adaptation.

"Cinderella" will be presented at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, April 9 and 10, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 11. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Purchase tickets at the door, or call (847) 931-1900.

Other than the music, what makes this version of "Cinderella" so unique? The Daily Herald asked director Peter Akemann and producer Greg Cherry to answer a few questions.

Q. What other plays has Peter Akemann written?Akemann. I have written adaptations of "Aladdin," "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast."Q. This version of "Cinderella" was a rewrite of the original production that you wrote in 2000. What was reworked, and why?Akemann. Since I originally wrote "Cinderella" 10 years ago, I have reworked the lyrics of the songs and script, to make them more fun and age-appropriate for this cast. I added a few more female roles.Q. This is a rock 'n' roll version of "Cinderella". What are some of the challenges involved in this version? What makes it worth the extra effort?Akemann. Challenges in this rock 'n' roll version include finding eighth and ninth grade boys whose voices are up to the vocal demands of the music and keeping the lyrics suitable. The benefits of this version include making this familiar and predictable story more entertaining and appealing to a broader audience.Q. How many children are involved in this production?A. Eighty children have been practicing four nights a week since mid-February.Q. What do you think will be the biggest crowd-pleaser or audience favorite?Akemann. The animal characters and a surprise confetti cannon should be a big hit with the youngest audience members. The evil stepsisters will be the real crowd-pleasing entertainment. The outrageous antics and banter of these mean girls should get laughs from all ages.Q. Does CTE hold auditions, or does it cast anyone who tries out?Cherry. Auditions are held before every production. An effort is made to include new students in each show, and the cast is always large, to provide an opportunity for stage experience for as many as possible. There is a summer show in June that tries to cast all interested performers.Visit www.cteelgin.com for information on future productions and auditions.Do you have a budding thespian? Here is what you need to know about getting involved with Children's Theatre of Elgin.CTE FAQOpen auditions: Open auditions are held for all Children's Theatre of Elgin productions. All parts are performed by children age 7 (completed first grade) through age 15 (not yet completed ninth grade). Anyone in this age group is eligible to audition.Two musicals and revue each year: CTE presents two musicals each year (fall and spring) at the Hemmens Cultural Center. These shows are often based on fairy tales and children's literature. Each summer CTE combines with sister organization Fox Valley Theatre Company for a song-and-dance revue at ECC's Blizzard Theatre.Register and get info online: Online registration through a link on the CTE website, www.cteelgin.com, is available for all CTE (and FVTC) productions. The link opens up about a month before auditions. At that time students and parents can see a sample audition packet to find out what kinds of information you they will need in order to register and where the auditions will be held. What to expect in the audition: The entire audition takes place in one evening. Students are put in groups of eight to 10. There are usually three parts: reading, music, and dancing. Participants will be asked to read a portion of the script. They must be prepared to sing a song of their choice, bringing easily readable sheet music for the accompanist. If student cannot bring music, he/she will be asked to sing "My Country 'Tis of Thee." The director will be looking for enthusiasm, vocal quality, tone, pitch, volume and range. Participant groups will be taught a brief dance sequence by a choreographer and then evaluated on enthusiasm, learning skills, and ability.Fees: There is no audition fee. Participation fees are due at the first rehearsal. Hemmens shows are $100 per participant.Casting: Ability and experience are important in casting speaking and solo parts, but efforts are made to include as many children as possible in the chorus and dance numbers to give beginners stage experience.Upcoming: Next auditions will be later in April for the summer song-and-dance revue.Open to all, limited scholarships: All CTE and FVTC programs are open to all individuals of the appropriate ages regardless of race, creed, or economic status. Limited scholarship assistance is available based strictly on financial need. All scholarship applications are due by audition date. Time commitment: CTE asks for a significant time commitment, rehearsals Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9:30 p.m. for six weeks prior to the first performance. There are school shows during the day, so all or part of one or two school days will be missed.Classes: Children's Theatre of Elgin offers specialized workshops and other classes to all interested children, typically in grades two through eight. Watch online for schedule updates.Parents: All parents of cast members are required to help on some level of the production, such as, sewing costumes, building and painting sets, helping backstage with props and make-up during the performances, doing publicity, or working on concessions.For information: www.cteelgin.com/Auditions/GeneralInformation.htmlCast of 'Cinderella'Campton Hills: Larissa CatalanoCarpentersville: Ashley EstradaDundee: Amy Gorkowski, Collin GorkowskiElburn: Madison Kleba, Tracy SuppesElgin: Caitlyn Akers, Joseph Beaty, Tanner Bednar, Jennifer Bohner, Zachary Bohrer, Nathaniel Bohrer, Katie Burke, Chloe Burkhart, Cameron Coffland, Haley Dulabaum, Maddie Dulabaum, Allison Dulabaum, Katarina Dutra, Khaldon El-Helo, Julia Fojo, Maddie Hayes, Sophia Hopkins, Coby Ilani, Michael Jakubowski, Jacob Janavich, Giana Kilbert, Emily Lamp, Darlene Lewandowski, Kaelyn Mack, Sonya Mack, Janine Martin, Aidan McKeever, Maxwell Moring, Lauren Powers, Alyssa Sandberg, Cassie Sandberg, Josh Sandberg, Lauren Schar, Paige Shockey, Nico Sirridge, Emma Sirridge, Ellie Soosloff, Channing Sparks, Annika Spayne, Hannah Stultz, Amy Swanson, Krystine Swanson, Zachary VanBuren, Jocelyn Vanderwiel, Jack Werner, Chloe White, Cory ZapataGilberts: Nolan CoyleHampshire: Brayden Beuten, Colt Luedtke Huntley: Kevin KlineLake in the Hills: Logan MoringMaple Park: Tristan SchulzPingree Grove: Michael Morel Sleepy Hollow: Wesley Horn, Adam Horn, Gabriel Morse, Sebastian Morse, Isabella Romano, Max Romano South Elgin: Courtney Bender, Taylor Edwards, Olivia Loechner, Antonio Petrucci, Angelo Schutt St. Charles: Sebastian Bielski, Melina Bielski, Nicoletta Calabrese, Elyssa Cruz, Jake MurphyWest Dundee: Nicole Curatti, Cameron Griffiths, Sarah WalshFalse20001328An army of castle mice plan their part of the liberation of their hero during dress rehearsal of the Children's Theatre of Elgin's "Cinderella."John Starks | Staff PhotographerFalse