Naperville North to stage 'The Philadelphia Story'
In junior high, Maura Sokol and Cristeta Boarini would watch "The Philadelphia Story" together over and over again, admiring the acting of Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart and Cary Grant.
This weekend, they'll be stepping into those famous shoes themselves in Naperville North's production of the 1940 hit.
"The Philadelphia Story" begins at 7 p.m. today through Saturday at the school, 899 N. Mill St. Tickets are $6 for students and seniors and $7 for adults.
The play, written by Philip Barry, tells the story of the Philadelphia elite, particularly socialite Tracy Lord and her tangled love life.
Director Bill Burghardt said it was students who came to him suggesting they put on the play.
"There are a lot of plot twists and turns, a lot of humor, some very poignant moments for the actors," said Burghardt, who makes a cameo near the end. "It was fun. They've been having a ball."
Sokol plays the lead role of Tracy Lord, the character Hepburn portrayed, but said she tried to make the role her own.
"I was making sure I wasn't doing things because I saw Katharine Hepburn do it," she said. "There was a certain element of researching the role by watching prior performances, that's something every actor does. But, at the same time, some parts I maybe interpreted a little differently."
Boarini plays photographer Liz Imbrie, who is trying to keep her own love life under wraps. While she enjoys the depth of each of the characters, their dialogue took a little getting used to.
"It's written in 1930s lingo, so some things sound so alien to our modern ears … but it adds charm to the show," she said.
Like his castmates, senior Rob DeBruin was also a big fan of the movie, and said playing tabloid reporter Mike Connor is one of his dream roles.
"It's a light comedy and it throws you a couple curve balls now and then, so I think they (the audience) are always going to be wondering who Tracy is going to end up with," he said.
Sokol, Boarini and DeBruin are among the seniors taking the stage for their last full-length play at North.
"It's kind of sad, it's kind of weird, especially with the freshmen who are in it. It's weird to think they have so much ahead of them and, for me, this part of my life is ending," Sokol said.
"But it's great because a lot of the people in the cast I've been in shows with since junior high. It's nice to end with them on that note."
Cast List
Tracy Lord: Maura Sokol
Dinah Lord: Kelly Maginnis
Margaret Lord: Blair Trygstad
Sandy (Alexander) Lord: Max Wright
Thomas: Jason TerMaat
Uncle Willie: Evan Frazier
Liz Imbrie: Cristeta Boarini
Mike Connor: Rob DeBruin
George Kittredge: Lee Sargent
C. K. Dexter Haven: Mike Deely
Seth Lord: Dan Wood
Servants: Molly Cisneros, Alaina Wis
Mac: Ryan Cap
Edward: Jon Stricker
Director: Bill Burghardt
Producer: Emily Novak
If you go
What: "The Philadelphia Story"
When: 7 p.m. today through Saturday
Where: Naperville North, 899 N. Mill St.
Tickets: $6 for students and seniors, $7 for adults
Info: (630) 660-4650