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Young Actors Studio to perform musical 'Emperor's New Clothes'

Newly founded children's theater group Young Actors Studio Chicago will take the stage this summer with their second ever semiannual production, "The Emperor's New Clothes-The Musical."

With an expanded ensemble of nearly 30 talented young actors from all around the area, this story of a spoiled emperor who is too wrapped up in his tasteless wardrobe to honorably rule his kingdom is sure to have the people of Lake County laughing their socks off.

Young Actors Studio Chicago's rendition of "The Emperor's New Clothes-The Musical" will be set in ancient Japan, a unique twist on the classic story. This twist is clearly a tribute to both the creative team behind YASC as well as the ensemble's ability to take on all kinds of different concepts and themes in theater.

"Young Actors Studio Chicago is so excited to be offering the premiere performance of "The Emperor's New Clothes-The Musical," said Artistic Director Joni Martin. "It's a fabulous story set in ancient Japan but with a very modern message. We invite audiences of all ages to come see this upbeat, wildly amusing show."

Young actors ages seven to 17 have been rehearsing for "The Emperor's New Clothes-The Musical" every Saturday since the beginning of February in preparation for this weekend's premiere. The ensemble has been training in acting, singing and dancing as a part of both their rehearsal schedule for the musical and as part of their education at YASC. One of the missions of YASC is its commitment to developing its cast to be well-rounded actors who are equally talented in all three art forms.

To even further their education, Young Actors Studio Chicago invites industry professionals to conduct workshops for the young actors each semester. This semester, professional makeup artist Karen Berger-Nolte joined YASC for one rehearsal to teach the actors how to apply stage makeup as a part of the elaborate costuming that will be featured in "The Emperor's New Clothes-The Musical."

The creative young cast has also taken a hands-on approach to promoting their show from hosting a fundraiser at Yogi's Pizza in Lake Zurich to creating YouTube videos advertising the performance, both a step up from the typical invitation!

The Emperor's daughters (Tristen Sorrells, Abby Thackray, Zari Scott and Alexa Schneider) sing about going to Paris during the rehearsal of "The Emperor's New Clothes" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Bill Zars | Staff Photographer
Masaki (Zach Kaufman) and Hoshi (Sidney Sorrells) are summoned by the Emperor during the rehearsal of "The Emperor's New Clothes" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Bill Zars | Staff Photographer
Ayako-san (Kelly Cochran) asks the Emperor for money during the rehearsal of "The Emperor's New Clothes" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Bill Zars | Staff Photographer
The minstrel (Laurel Wenkowski) is backed up by geishas as she sings during the rehearsal of "The Emperor's New Clothes" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Bill Zars | Staff Photographer
Emperor Shawa (Jake Malinowski) laments his health and is attended to by his doctors (Emily Sandstedt, Haley Stevens and Kaitlin Mitchell) during the rehearsal of "The Emperor's New Clothes" at Cutting Hall in Palatine. Bill Zars | Staff Photographer

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Young Actors Studio Chicago presents "The Emperor's New Clothes-The Musical"</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. Saturday, June 5, and 3 p.m. Sunday, June 6</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Cutting Hall, 150 E. Wood St. in Palatine</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $11</p> <p class="News"><b>More info:</b> <a href="http://yaschicago.com" target="new">yaschicago.com</a></p>

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