Kirk Players team with Mundelein High theater department
When the movie debuted in 1962 as a breakthrough film dealing with mental illness, it carried the tagline “An Unusual Love Story.”
It probed the dark corridors of mental illness through the gripping story of a troubled, obsessed young man who meets a girl with a split personality in an institution for children.
The Mundelein High School Theatre Department and The Kirk Players are teaming up to present the play “David and Lisa,” written by Tony award winner Eleanor Perry.
Performances are Thursday, Feb. 2; Friday, Feb. 3; and Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Mundelein High School Theatre. A matinee is also scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, at 2 p.m.
“Both children live in an unhappy and dark place at the beginning of the story. By the end of the play each has found happiness,” said Jon Leslie Lynn, longtime Kirk Player and the show’s director.
“Getting past their difficulties is solved when each of them opens up to each other and discovers real love.”
Combining the efforts and practices of a high school drama department and a community theater group can be a challenge.
“Discovering and building unity in an ensemble of nearly 30 actors made up of high school students and community theater adults is a fascinating challenge,“ Lynn said.
“The kids and grown-ups are certainly galvanized through their love of theater. The journey is quite a ride.”
Helping to produce the show is Jonathan Meier, MHS director of theater. Meier is also playing the role of Dr. Alan Swinford. The title role of Lisa is played by freshman Emma Morton, while senior Tim Trinka plays the role of David Clemens.
Joining Lynn with the mounting of the show are MHS student assistant directors Nicole Hernandez and Kelsey Hoffmeyer. Kirk Player Dave Kennebeck and MHS student Kailey Martin are the show’s stage managers.
Tech director duties are shared by MHS student Zac Traughber and Kirk Player Dominick Basso. Kirk Players Sara Gunther is set designer and Chuck Fitz-Hugh is lighting designer. Prop master roles are shared by MHS students Alex Banez, Emily Serby and Kirk Player Fran Hansen.
Tickets are $14 for adults and $5 for MHS students. Tickets are available by calling (847) 521-6192 or (847) 949-2200, ext. 1407. For more information, visit www.kirkplayers.org or www. d120.org.