Glenbard East theater to present ‘A Monster Calls’
On April 18-20, the Glenbard East High School theater department is putting on its spring play, “A Monster Calls,” based on the novel by Patrick Ness.
Before the public performances, the theater group will first perform the play for students from Westlake Middle School who have studied the novel in class.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, April 18-20, in Rider Hall at Glenbard East High School, 1014 S. Main St., Lombard.
Tickets are $12 or $10 for students and senior citizens. Tickets are available at www.gefinearts.org/home/theatre.
Under the direction of Josh Rubin, “A Monster Calls” invites you to witness a profoundly moving journey of courage, loss, and healing.
Starring Jacob Velasco as Conor, a young boy grappling with his mother’s battle with cancer and the complexities of his world, this production weaves a compelling narrative where reality meets fantasy.
Conor’s nightly visits from a mysterious Monster, brought to terrifying life by Jason Cisneros, Jaden Tybor, and Beatriz Zacatzi, tell stories that challenge and guide him toward truth.
In a tale that intertwines the struggles of adolescence, perseverance, and healing, “A Monster Calls” promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that will tug at your heartstrings and kindle a hopeful light within.
This year’s production is also supporting Glenbard East’s Relay for Life from 4 to 11 p.m. Saturday, April 20; contact tessa.pratt@cancer.org for details
The cast features: Alyssa Cantón Ahlgrim, Jero Valencia Castrillon, Cheyanne Christian, Jason Cisnero, Jillian Gorvett, Meridith Hoske, Annalee Kalbfleisch, Giuliana Lorenzi, Charlotte Martin, Pawel Paczesniak, Allie Pina, Lilliana Rosales, Olive Turner, Jaden Tybor, Jake Velasco, Maxx Weinsheim and Beatriz Zacatzi.
The crew includes: Drew Abel, MJ Acuna, Kiera Alcantara, Emma Allen, Ari Bennett, Peyton Berrier, Victoria Bustos, Stephanie Cao, Jordan Carino, Avery Corral, Kate Eckhart, Ace Escamilla, Caleb Freaney, Gray Gannon, Ethan Hamilton, Alexis Hoey, Avery Holtz, Eli Howser, Jake Johnson, Carli Johnson, Madison Johnwick, Anya Khan, Leo Luchtman, Aeryn MacShane, Evelyn Mendez, Atlas Mika, Gianna Mitchell, Kasim Muhammad, Hassan Nugud, Jayne Ong, Estrella Pedroza, Ethan Reinholtz, Alexander Ricardo, Paulina Schwarz, Raymond Siuta, Maria Tolkin and Ivonne Vazquez.
The technical director is Andy Bero, with assistance in sound design by Josh Rubin, and costume and make-up design by Micki Marin-Bunting and Kimberly Anderson.
The student-production staff crew heads include: assistant director Salvatore Manfre; stage manager Corinne Petiprin; costumes Sofia Pebenito and McKenna Schanks; lighting Lee Tessler and Leo McIntosh; projections Madison Johnwick; props Kat Theusch; set Christina Chiero and Tess Welninski; publicity Owen Voke; sound Elias Rose; and makeup Rowan Chavez.
“A Monster Calls” is based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired by an original idea by Siobhan Down, devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck, and the Company.