BrightSide brings professional theater to downtown Naperville

BrightSide Theatre is the only professional theater company in Naperville to perform in the heart of the city's downtown, offering four main stage productions and a subscription series.

Performing at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall and the Madden Theatre on the campus of Naperville's North Central College, BrightSide is committed to "enlighten, educate and entertain" through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe.

Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass and Executive Director Julie Ann Kornak recently announced BrightSide's ninth season, titled "Guilty Pleasures."

Here's a look at what's coming up:

'A Christmas Carol'

"A Christmas Carol the Musical" is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' well-known story of Ebenezer Scrooge as a prosperous curmudgeon who believes personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others, greeting Christmas cheer with an infuriated "Bah! Humbug!"

Thanks to the guidance of three ghosts, however, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful "Happy Christmas!"

The musical retelling of the classic tale is directed by Jeffrey Cass, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Lynn Aherns.

"A Christmas Carol the Musical" runs Nov. 29 to Dec. 15 at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth St.

'Nine in Concert'

BrightSide is presenting a new concert series, and the inaugural production is "Nine in Concert," which runs from Feb. 7 to 9, 2020, at the Madden Theatre at North Central College, 171 Chicago Ave.

The musical was adapted from Federico Fellini's semi-autobiographical film "8½," about a famous Italian film director, Guido Contini, who has turned 40 and faces double crises: he has to shoot a film for which he can't write the script, and his wife of 20 years may be about to leave him if he can't pay more attention to the marriage.

As it turns out, it is the same crisis. Contini's mind becomes increasingly preoccupied with his guilty pleasures, fantasy and reality become inextricably intertwined by the power of women answering the question, "What are women to men?"

'Steel Magnolias'

Guilty pleasure movie "Steel Magnolias" is based on this play by Robert Harling about family, strength in women, and big Southern hair.

Within the walls of Truvy's beauty shop, the lives of six strong women increasingly hinge on the existence of one another. Together, they absorb the passing seasons, just like the weathered wooden structure of the salon "home" that they share.

"Steel Magnolias" reveals the strength of the human condition and our shared need for companionship.

It will run from March 6 to 22, 2020, at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College.

'Mamma Mia!'

Set against the pop tunes of ABBA, "Mamma Mia!" tells the story of a single mother whose 20-year-old daughter wants her biological father to walk her down the aisle on her wedding day.

After reading her mother's diary, the daughter, Sophie, discovers there are three potential suitors. Unbeknown to her mother, Sophie invites each of them to her wedding. As the big day draws near, surprises abound with old flames and old friends.

Directed by Jeffrey Cass, "Mamma Mia!" runs from June 5 to 21, 2020, at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College.

'Disney's Frozen Jr.'

A story of true love and acceptance between sisters, "Frozen Jr." expands upon the emotional relationship and journey between princesses Anna and Elsa. When faced with danger, the two discover their hidden potential and the powerful bond of sisterhood.

Performances are March 7 to 15, 2020, at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College.

Subscriptions are available now. Individual tickets will go on sale in August. For more information, visit brightsidetheatre.com or call the box office at (630) 447-8497.