Theater performances come to Lake Zurich High School

Cricket Theatre Company presents "Once Upon a Mattress" at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, and Friday, July 25, and "Legally Blonde" at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 27.

All performances will be at the Lake Zurich High School Performing Arts Center, 300 Church St., Lake Zurich.

Tickets are $9 in advance and can be purchased at crickettheatrecompany.seatyourself.biz. Tickets may be available at the door for $11 each, while supplies last.

A rollicking spin on the classic "The Princess and the Pea," "Once Upon a Mattress" is a unique adaptation for young performers. Bridget Euker and Robin Kern direct the cast of more than 80 young actors ages 7-11, which includes Josh Jaffe (The Silent King), McKenna Kalesz (Queen Aggravain), Alex Ketcham (Prince Dauntless the Drab), Joey Richards (Prince Dauntless' Squire), and Sophia Babcock (Princess Winnifred).

In "Legally Blonde," Harvard's beloved blonde takes the stage by glittery pink storm in this musical based on the movie. Elle Woods, played by Lauren Messemer, tackles stereotypes, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams.

When her high school boyfriend Warner (Patrick Andriesen) dumps her and heads to Harvard claiming she's not "serious" enough, Elle takes matters into her own hands, charming her way into law school. Befriending classmate Emmett (Kyle Price) and spunky hairdresser Paulette (Alisha Jury), Elle finds that books and looks aren't mutually exclusive.

Dillon Dreiling and Mary Beth Euker direct the cast of more than 80 young actors ages 12-19 and the show features an upbeat, original score.

Founded by Mary Beth Euker and Robin Kern, Cricket Theatre is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to foster the growth, education and enjoyment of musical theater. Based in Lake Zurich, participants also hail from Hawthorn Woods, Wauconda, South Elgin, Barrington, Palatine, Round Lake, and surrounding areas.

For information, contact lzcrickettickets@gmail.com.