Cast collects donations for 'Operation Christmas'
Mayhem and hilarity ensue in Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy's performance of "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." The cast of FVR Performing Arts Academy will be performing an hour-long adaptation of this Christmas classic "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" on the Pheasant Run Resort's Mainstage. Along with preparing for the show, the kids are collecting donations for the North Aurora Mothers Club's “Operation Christmas” which provides selected families with gifts, food and grocery gift cards for a traditional holiday meal.
The Herdmans, “the worst kids in the history of the world,” and an entire congregation collides in this not-so-traditional Christmas Pageant. The chaos erupts when the uproarious Herdman family show up at the Christmas pageant audition and demand all the leading roles. As they wreak havoc during the rehearsals, the Herdmans experience the nativity story for the first time and they respond with surprising honesty. As the spirit of the season works its transformative magic on the Herdmans, the congregation rediscovers the pageant's true power. In keeping with the spirit of the play, this cast of 8- to 16-year-old performers have decided to use their time in the spotlight to partner with the North Aurora Mothers Club's “Operation Christmas” program which makes the holidays a little brighter for many families in need.
"This show is going to be really great” said cast member Erin Hurley of Geneva. “It's exciting to be able to help families in need, especially during the holidays.”
Fellow cast member, Alysiana Carter Tang of Geneva shares her motivation for choosing Operation Christmas. “This play is wildly funny but it also has a really special message that will be remembered long after you've seen the play. Partnering with Operation Christmas is a great fit for keeping the spirit of that message alive”
Established in 1997, The North Aurora Mothers Club is an Illinois 501(c)3 charitable organization and its Operation Christmas Program is in its 15th year helping 50-75 families in the Fox Valley area each year. This year 60 families will receive assistance through Operation Christmas.
Families for the program are identified by referrals from local schools, churches, Head Start and Hesed House. Children receive gifts of necessary items such as clothes, coats, boots, winter gloves and hats. They also receive gifts off their “wish list” like toys, books, board games, and stuffed animals. Many families are struggling due to unemployment and economic hardships. Parents are thankful to not have to worry about Christmas presents for their children and for the food and grocery gift cards. North Aurora Mothers Club members and volunteers collect and deliver the presents and food to the families so their confidentiality is respected.
"This is a special holiday show” said cast member Haley Troyan of Hanover Park. “It's neat to help others during the holiday season.”
Admission to the performance is free, but the cast will be accepting donations of grocery or gas gift cards and school/art supplies (markers, crayons, pencils, paper, folders, notebooks). Donations will be collected at the shows and transported to the North Aurora Mothers Club by members of the cast and their families. Additionally, as a non-profit organization, the FVR Academy accepts cash donations in lieu of admission to provide scholarships to local children who would not otherwise be able to participate in their programs.
Education Manager Tracy Whiteside has been teaching and directing kids at FVR since 2006. “I am delighted to be directing such an amazing cast of talented young actors. It is very rewarding to see them grow as individuals and performers. This experience allows young people to develop a great work ethic, learn to work as a team, and build confidence. I am so very proud of their dedication, and I know audiences will be impressed with the final product,” says Tracy.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" will be presented at 7 p.m. Sundays, Dec. 11 and 18 on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. Admission is free.
The Best Christmas Pageant Ever cast members include from St. Charles: Freddie Dowat, Kathryn Dybas, Lauren Farrow, Geneva: Alysiana Carter-Tang, Kaia Ebel, Erin Hurley, Ella Kobylecky North Aurora: Sydney Poss, South Elgin: Robert Keldani, Jordan Keldani, Justin Keldani, Batavia: Caden Bohmer, Bram Borger-Johnson, Madeline Hotham, Bartlett: Tracy Roberson, Bloomingdale: Sofia Defino, Aurora: Anna Laurich, and Hanover Park: Hayley Troyan.
OTHER UPCOMING ACADEMY PROGRAMS
YOUTH ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS FOR SPRING MUSICAL (Ages: 8 to 18)
"Annie" – December 11, 2011 from 12 - 3:00pm or December 14, 2011 from 6 - 8:00pm
KIDS MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP (Ages: 6 to 8)
"The Sound of Music" — December 26 to 29, 2011
TWEENS MUSICAL THEATRE CAMP (Ages: 9 to 12)
“Grease" — December 26 to 29, 2011
About the FVR Performing Arts Academy
The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy features some of the Chicago area's most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are available for ages 3-19. For more information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550. Fox Valley Repertory at Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles. Additional theater information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.