Special needs audiences welcome at ‘Legally Blonde The Musical’

Going to movies, concerts and plays can be difficult when you have a family member with special needs.

But with Rising Star Theatreworks’ production of “Legally Blonde,” there’s no need to stay home.

The final dress rehearsal, set for 7:30 p.m. (with doors opening at 7 p.m.) Thursday, June 28, will be “A Special Night for Special Friends.” Other performances are set for 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29-July 1. Special needs individuals and their families are invited to attend Thursday’s performance for free. All shows take place at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre.

Rising Star has been providing the “Special Night for Special Friends” show since 2008. It puts on two musicals a year and the attendance of this free show been rising exponentially, board member Vicki Danklefsen said.

The special needs performance began when Nancy Hansen, who coordinates the evening, said her daughter’s friend with autism wanted to see the show, but his family was hesitant to attend in case their son sang along.

Hansen said this night provides the cast with their first audience and provides a welcoming environment for the guests.

“It’s really just a magical evening,” she said. She said an attendee told her, “This night is special because I know you want me here.”

The audience sings along, cheers on the cast and is presented with a unique opportunity.

“They get to see things from behind the scenes as well,” Hansen said. Sometimes the music director will stop mid-song and start again, but that is what makes the night special.

The stars of the show take pictures with the audience afterward for more than a half-hour, according to Danklefsen.

“I know they (the actors) obviously get so much out of it too,” Danklefsen said.

The show lasts two hours, although no attendee is required to stay the whole time.

To reserve a space, contact Nancy Hansen at (630) 845-9165 or email HansConsulting@aol.com.

Three regular performances are set for Friday to Sunday. Tickets start at $14. “Legally Blonde The Musical” will feature actors and actresses from nearby communities, including:

Aurora: Nick Ondria, Suzi Rotrekl, Anne Spoden, Ian Swanson

Bartlett: Nick Petrelli, Jason Vences

Batavia: Kelly Barabasz, Katie Bertness, Connor Frederick, Stuart Kofron, Maddie Mueller

Geneva: Molly Carberry, Marissa Clifford, Haleigh Hutchinson, Annie Rapach-Lagowski, Michelle Rodriguez

Roselle: Maggie Gallagher

South Elgin: Harold Solomon

St. Charles: Nicoletta Calabrese, Kevin Chlapecka, Molly Knight, Mallory Mroz, Michael Sherry, Taylor Sherry, Travis Volmer, Katelyn Jassoy

Streamwood: Tony Pellegrino

Trout Valley: Carly Vadnais

For tickets, call (630) 537-STAR or visit rstix.com. The Batavia Fine Arts Centre is at 1201 Main St.

If you go

What: Rising Star Theatreworks’ production of “Legally Blonde The Musical”

When: Free show for special needs audiences: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, June 28; other shows: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, June 29-July 1

Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St.

Tickets: $14-19

Details: <a href="http://www.janustheater.com">risingstartheatre.org</a> or call (630) 537-STAR