Vernon Hills High School Theatre Chosen to Perform at State Festival

When the 45th Annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival kicks off at Illinois State University in January, students from Vernon Hills Theatre will be front and center. The remount of last year's spring play, The Old Man and The Old Moon, was selected to perform at the festival. Additionally, two students, Mackenzie Furlett and Sari Gluck, were selected as part of the company of the All-State production of the musical Aida.

The Illinois High School Theatre Festival is the largest and oldest non-competitive high school theatre festival in the nation and is produced by the Illinois Theatre Association. More than 4,500 students, teachers, university representatives, exhibitors, and volunteers come together to put on theatrical workshops and various high school productions that are selected to perform each year. The All-State cast, crew, and pit orchestra are comprised of top student performers, musicians, and technicians from Illinois.

Furlett and Gluck were selected for the cast of Aida, performing in the ensemble. This is Furlett's third time in the All-State ensemble and Gluck's second. "These two are amazing! It is an honor to be selected to the All-State show and these two have been selected multiple years," said Kevin Phelan, theatre director at VHHS. "These auditions are extremely competitive."

The Old Man and The Old Moon was selected after three representatives from the Illinois Theatre Association attended the remount back in August. They met with the company after the performance to offer them feedback. This show was written by Pigpen Theatre Company including VHHS Alum Matt Nuerenberger. "We are so excited to go downstate and represent the district with this fantastic show," said Stephanie Freichels, Theatre Director at VHHS.

The Festival is not open to the public, but there will be a preview performance of The Old Man and The Old Moon on Wednesday, Jan. 8 at 6:00 p.m. in the VHHS Auditorium.