Kidz Kabaret brings 'High School Musical' to Naperville stage
Opposites attract and dominate the Kidz Kabaret stage this weekend.
A song- and dance-filled run based on Disney movies “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2” takes place at the Center Stage Theater, 1665 Quincy Ave., Naperville.
Unlikely friends Troy, a high school basketball standout, and brainy Gabriella tackle the school's musical and life beyond in this Kidz Kabaret show that combines the two movie musicals into one on stage. The first act introduces the audience to the characters and the second act continues with their lives as they all get summer jobs at the beach.
Kids Kabaret, which began with 18 kids in founder Kandiss Hernandez' backyard, approaches its 10-year anniversary attracting as many as 800 kid performers annually with a unique theater experience: It's audition free. Every child gets an opportunity to play a lead once in each production.
“Every kid can feel like they are a star on stage,” said Lynn Patton, Kidz Kabaret administrative assistant. “We want every child to have that opportunity. This is our particular mission, and we're very proud of it.”
In 12 performances between last weekend and this one, the lead roles are played by different children in each show. That means 12 different Troys, 12 different Gabriellas and so forth.
About 120 kids ages seventh grade through high school participate — playing supporting roles when it isn't their turn to play one of the leads.
“This is a place where kids have an opportunity to make a difference and an opportunity to shine,” said Hernandez, executive director of Kidz Kabaret.
Kidz Kabaret uses the same philosophy in training performers as coaches use to train athletes.
“Play every position, really learn this craft and you will get good at it,” Hernandez said.
Most of the kids have no formal dance or vocal training prior. In a high-energy show like “High School Musical 1 and 2” — dance is the main focus.
“By the end of their training, they're dancers,” she said. “It's the same as if you told them to go bat for three months straight.”
“This nurturing environment has done so much for their confidence and self-esteem,” Patton said. “That's exactly what we try to provide.”
Show are at 7 p.m. Friday, April 20; and noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and April 22.
The version played by adults — the Geriatric High School Musical — runs at 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, April 29.
Tickets are $10 adults, $8 students and seniors and $6 for children under 10.
For information, call (630) 355-9212 or visit kidzkabaret.com.
If you go
If you go
What: “High School Musical 1 and 2” staged by Kidz Kabaret
When: 7 p.m. Friday, April 20; noon, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and April 22
Where: Center Stage Theater, 1665 Quincy Ave., #131, Naperville
Cost: $10 adults, $8 students and seniors, $6 children under 10
Info: (630) 355-9212 or kidzkabaret.com