Young actors collect food, supplies for animal shelter
"There is no place like home” other than the Fox Valley Repertory where you can “follow the yellow brick road" along with Dorothy for an action packed production of "The Wizard of Oz."
Filled with singing, dancing, humor and suspense, "The Wizard of Oz" is a story about a young girl and her dog, Toto, trying to find their way back home from an unfamiliar land. You will be sitting on the edge of your seat as you venture to the Land of Oz through the enchanted forest, meeting new friends – the Scarecrow, the Tinman and the Cowardly Lion – and eventually winning over the evil witch to find your way back home as the cast of FVR Performing Arts Academy's advanced audition-only Summer Musical will be performing an adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz" at 7 p.m. Sundays, July 22 and 29; 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 24, and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28 on the Pheasant Run Resort's Mainstage
Maisie Sweeney, of Batavia, remarks, “I am having so much fun with this production – I love being on stage and singing and dancing, plus I am making a lot of new friends!”
When asked about his favorite part of being in The Wizard of Oz, Alex Sullivan, 10, of Batavia states, "I love the singing – it is one of my favorite movies and all the songs are great!"
Christy Hotham remarks about her daughter, “Madeline has been involved with FVR PAA for just over two years now and our experience has been wonderful! The best part has been the instructors. They seek to bring out the best in their students in a positive and nurturing way.”
When asked what they liked about having their son, Colin, in the program, Terry and Mike Welch noted “We have been so impressed with the vocal and acting skills he has learned through his classes and showcases with FVR and with their professionalism. It has given him such pride and confidence!”
Along with preparing for the show, the children are collecting donations of food and supplies for Home for Endangered and Lost Pets (“HELP”) because there is “no place like home” for pets like Toto too!
HELP is a volunteer based nonprofit organization in the Fox Valley area that strives to provide medical care and a safe, happy, and comfortable living environment for as many cats and dogs possible while maintaining a high standard of care for these animals and making a best effort to ensure these animals are adopted into quality adoptive homes. It is committed to educating the community on improving the lives of pets, and reducing the stray and abandoned domestic animal population.
Cast member Chloe Pendzinski, 8, of North Aurora says, "I think it's a wonderful opportunity to support HELP because we can make a huge difference for many local cats and dogs in just two weekends!”
Admission to the performance is free, but the cast will be accepting donations of pet food, pet leashes, pet toys and any pet related products that will be transported to a HELP dropoff station after the final performance.
In addition, 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 children for the past 10 years. “I have directed over 100 shows and I think this Oz cast is really exceptional. Many already know their lines and songs, and we are only 1 week into rehearsals. This is a particularly intelligent group of hard-workers. I love that I was able to double cast the leads so that more kids are able to be challenged and grow as performers as well as individuals. The show is going to be brilliant!”
"The Wizard of Oz" will be presented with two casts in four performances. Showtimes for the "Hugs" cast will be at 7 p.m. Sunday, July 22 and 2 p.m. Saturday, July 28. Showtimes for the "Kisses" cast will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday July 24 and 7 p.m. Sunday, July 29. All performances will take place on the Pheasant Run Mainstage and are free of charge.
The Wizard of Oz Cast members include: Anna and Kaitlyn Crowell, Malea Kinnison, Samantha Miller, and Emily Zaletel, all of St. Charles; Brooke and Riley Herrera, Madeline Hotham; Alex and Marissa Sullivan, Colin Steele, and Maisie Sweeney, all of Batavia; Jill Jackson, Riley Kafka, Abageal Phelan, and Ana Powell, all of Geneva; Julia Rosenquist of Medinah; Hayley Troyan of Hanover Park; Chloe Pendzinski of North Aurora; Ceci Yasell of Elgin; and Carolyn and Christina Calbeck, both of South Elgin.
This program is partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and is sponsored in part by Kane County Chronicle.
The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy features some of the Chicago area's most respected teachers, directors and musicians. Classes are available for ages 3-18. For more information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call (630) 364-0550.