Maine West to Stage 'Winter Break'

The Maine West High School Fine Arts Department will present a live stage performance of "Winter Break" by Joe Carlarco. The play is about 19 teenagers as they wrestle with friendships, breakups, loss, graduation and their place in the world during winter break. This is the first time this play has been staged at a high school in Illinois.

Equal parts hilarious and touching, this new play explores the complicated lives of 19 young adults as they navigate friendships, breakups and finding their place in the world on their first night of their Winter Break. While the content of the show is appropriate for younger audiences, the themes and situations presented are best suited for audiences 10 and older.

The play will be performed on Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. and Oct. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. in the Maine West Auditorium. Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults, and can be purchased at the door. Masks are required for audience members.

Director David Harmon says "this show showcases the full spectrum of emotion; some scenes will have audiences howling with laughter while others may trigger anger or sadness. Regardless, everyone will come away being reminded that, as isolating as these past two years have been, we aren't alone."

Cast and crews have been working tirelessly over the past two months to bring the characters and world of the play to life. "It's quite different from last year, students are beyond excited to actually have a live audience," Harmon says. "Many students lost interest when they found out that last year's productions would be recorded and streamed online. Even I underestimated how important live feedback is for some students."

Consequently, one aspect that makes this year's play unique will be the way the story is staged. Audiences will enjoy a more intimate setting and experience the show up-close and on the stage.