Kirk players team with Mundelein High

The second production of the Kirk Players' season has significance beyond the subject matter.

"Up the Down Staircase," a coming of age tale about a first year English teacher, Sylvia Barrett, teaching in the inner city, is a classic. But there are many twists to this particular production.

Most notable is that the play is the first collaboration between the community theater troupe and the theater department at Mundelein High School, where it performs its shows.

Two-thirds of the large cast are students, and the play is being directed by veteran Kirk Player and former MHS drama teacher Jon L. Lynn.

Lynn is taking time from his professional duties as drama teacher and theater director at Barrington High School for the effort.

Students from both high schools will assume key roles in stage management, lighting and sound design, costuming, set design and production. A double cast comprised of actors come from both high schools will assume the student roles and each will perform in two showings.

Shows are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, 6, and 7 with a matinee at 2 p.m. Feb. 7 at Mundelein High School, 1350 W. Hawley St. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students and $5 for those 12 and under. Visit www.kirkplayers.com.

The Kirk Players have shared scenery and resources with the high school department, so the two are well acquainted. The collaboration, though a first, is considered a logical progression and an opportunity for the young actors.

That the play is set in a classroom is tailor made.

"How perfect is that?" says MHS Theatre Director Jonathon Meier. "One of the most valuable things for my kids is they get to experience a different director. The kids are getting a whole different experience."

The 64-member cast is considered huge for a Kirk production.

"We thought that would be great because it will allow a lot of students to be involved," said Paddy Lynn, Jon Lynn's wife and Kirk's artistic director. "You don't always find scripts that will do that for you."

Lynn said the collaboration benefits both sides. Since the winter is traditionally slow for adult auditions, "Up the Down Staircase" provided a ready-made talent pool of students.

"After 30 years of teaching at both of these schools, I'm thrilled to direct this great play for the Kirk Players," Jon Lynn said. "And to do it back at MHS where my career began, my daughters graduated and my nephew is now attending, is especially exciting."

Seventy-five students auditioned on two nights last month. Some were Barrington High School students and fans of Lynn. In fact, some of his former students, who appeared in those roles years ago, are returning in adult roles.

"One of the most interesting dynamics taking place during rehearsals is the team-building among the students," he said.