‘A Christmas Chaos’ theater production coming to Northbrook Dec. 13-14

For a unique and hilarious way to celebrate the holiday season, the community is invited to the upcoming performances of “A Christmas Chaos,” Northbrook Theatre’s latest Community Theatre production.

The production includes 36 actors, with one cast performing on Dec. 13 and another cast performing on Dec. 14.

Two experienced Northbrook Park District staff members, Performing Arts Supervisor Melody DeRogatis and Visual and Performing Arts Manager Drew Kambach, are co-directing “A Christmas Chaos.”

The play is about the failure of the Royal Shakespeare Company to show up for its performance of “A Christmas Carol” in Northbrook, which leads a rag-tag bunch of community members to put on the full production with very short notice.

“The story is unique because it’s a ‘frame’ story, or ‘play within a play,’ because every actor plays themselves playing a role in ‘A Christmas Carol,’” DeRogatis said. “It's interesting, fun and very ‘meta’!”

DeRogatis and Kambach set the tone for a positive, friendly atmosphere during rehearsals, the cast members said.

“It’s a really encouraging, supportive and collaborative environment,” said Meg Tennant, who is part of the cast with her daughter Katie, 12.

“Drew and Melody are really fun,” said 10-year-old Juliet Corush, whose mother, Mara, is also a cast member. “They are really kind, too, and I think they work really well with us.”

While Katie has participated in numerous Northbrook Theatre productions, this is Tennant’s first time on a theater stage since the eighth grade.

“I have seen Katie loving working with Northbrook Theatre and I have been really impressed with the productions that I have seen,” Tennant said. “I thought it would be great for some mother-daughter bonding to do an activity together that is fun, especially throughout this hectic holiday season.”

Katie said she loves being part of Northbrook Theatre, which she’s done three times before.

“I just love acting. That’s where I make most of my friends from different schools, and I get to meet a lot of people who have the same interest as me,” she said. “It’s been really fun to do this with my mom.”

Juliet echoed that.

“It’s always fun,” said Juliet, who’s been in nearly all Northbrook Theatre productions since the second grade, “but I think it’s more fun with my mom. I am proud of her!”

Mara Corush said she’d never been on stage, despite having always loved the theater.

“I am so glad Juliet and I got to spend a lot of time together,” she said. “I am a teacher, and I am used to speaking in front of my students, but this is a whole new world. I am proud of myself and my daughter.”

The experience has also led to forging new friendships with other cast members, the mothers said.

“I expected to bond with Katie and have a lot of fun with her,” Tennant said. “I didn’t expect to bond with other people in the area and get to know them; that’s been really fun.”

“I’ve been meeting new people in a community that I didn’t really know,” Corush said. “It’s all been really special.”

“A Christmas Chaos” will be performed at 6 p.m. on Dec. 13 and 1 p.m. on Dec. 14. Tickets are $17.

Due to the ongoing renovation of the future Northbrook Community Center (formerly the Leisure Center), the performances will take place at Northbrook Public Library, 1201 Cedar Lane.

Northbrook Theatre has served the community with high-quality educational and recreational programming for over 40 years. For tickets and more information, visit nbparks.org/theatre.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.