News

Mundelein High School alumni to put on 'A Prelude to a Kiss'

Posted July 22, 2010 11:00 pm

Some familiar faces are returning to the Mundelein High School stage this weekend.

Now in its fifth season, Mundelein Summer Theatre will be presenting "Prelude to a Kiss," by Craig Lucas. The cast, director, production team and designers are made up of graduates of MHS theater. In addition to the alumni, theater director Jonathan Meier is also featured in the cast.

"Prelude to a Kiss" is a romantic comedy. It premiered on Broadway in 1990 and was revived in 2007. A feature film also was released in 1992. It is the story of Peter (Ben Brown) and Rita (Shannon Wittenberger). The couple has a whirlwind romance and a storybook wedding. Shortly after they exchange vows, a mysterious elderly man (Jonathan Meier) appears and asks to kiss the bride. As he does, Rita's soul and the old man's magically exchange bodies. The play explores the enduring power of love and the nature of commitment in ways that are both moving and hilarious.

Recent MHS grad Megan Henricks is the show's director. Directing "Prelude to a Kiss" has presented her with some unusual challenges.

"It is a great story with a wonderful script," Henricks said. "Helping the actors deal with the physical and emotional changes was a unique experience. I know some of the actors quite well, but some of the older alums I did not know as well. It has been really great to work with them."

The play presented a unique opportunity for Wittenberger.

"It is pretty weird because I play a 60-year-old man for the second half of the play," she said. "It is even stranger for Mr. Meier; he has to be a 23-year-old girl for most of the play."

The final challenge for Henricks was getting the opportunity to turn the tables on Jonathan Meier, her old theater teacher, and work as his director.

"He listens pretty well," Henricks said.

Mundelein Summer Theatre started several years ago as a way for graduates of the theater program at MHS to have the opportunity to continue working together, even though they have moved on to the next phases of their lives, said Meier, who serves as the artistic director for the summer company.

"We have people working on the show who have graduated from college, some are still in college," he said. "Some have pursued or are pursuing theater degrees, others are using this as an opportunity to do something they enjoy."

The graduates making up the cast are Ben Brown, Zach Brown, Juli Del Prete, Katie Finch, Chris Johnson, Max Marsh, Jami Robins, Matt Santeler, Michael Swager and Shannon Wittenberger. Working on production and design are Casey Bekiaris, Michael Cappuccilli, Lee Delehoy and Angie Jorgensen. Many current MHS students are also working on crew positions for the production.

Max Marsh, class of 2010, plays the role of Taylor, and Ben Brown, class of 2007, plays the role of Peter as the Mundelein High School alumni theater group rehearses for its summer production of "A Prelude to a Kiss" at Mundelein High School Tuesday night. Steve Lundy | Staff Photographer

If you go

What: Mundelein Summer Theatre presents "Prelude to a Kiss"

When: 7 p.m. Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24

Where: Mundelein High School Auditorium, 1350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein

Cost: $8 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Tickets can be purchased at the box office 30 minutes before each performance.

More info: The play contains adult themes and language and is not recommended for children. Visit d120.org.