Jacobs students to perform 24-hour musical

The performance by vocalist John Vincent at Judson University has been cancelled.

A group of Jacobs High School students will be performing a "24 Hour Musical" Saturday benefiting Turning Point.

Turning Point serves 1,643 women, children and men in McHenry County who are victims of domestic violence.

The show's student director Stephanie Fiorentino was inspired to help out the organization, for which she helped raise funds 10 years ago through a lemonade and golf ball stand.

"My mom and dad were leading a fundraiser through Light of Christ Church to help Turning Point open their new facility to house women and children," she said. "I was 8 years old and I wanted to help so my grandpa, dad and I built a stand and I sold lemonade to the golfers as they passed by at the fundraiser."

This is the school's second annual 24-hour musical, which was started by Nicole Frantik in 2016. The concept involves a "lock in" of nearly 100 students, many with nonmusical theater backgrounds. The cast learns the show after first receiving their scripts at 7 p.m. Friday, March 10. Students and staff members work all night learning their lines, songs and dances.

"They all come together to learn the show and then perform to the community in just one short day," show director Jacob Stouffer said. "It is a fantastic way of bringing students with very diverse talents together."

The creative team includes Jennifer Wiczer as music director and Alexander Sitko as choreographer. Stephanie has been working on the project since the fourth week of school.

"The audience is in for some great entertainment and we plan to make a real difference for an important organization," she said. "I wanted to challenge myself the second semester of my senior year. It has been such an amazing experience to direct this event. I truly believe that the '24 Hour Musical' is a fundraiser that helps bring the entire student body and the community together for a cause."

The performance begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 11, in the auditorium of the high school, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive, Algonquin. There will be a raffle at intermission. Ticket prices are $5 and $3 for students. Tickets also can be purchased at the door before the event by check or cash.