Kidz Kabaret's 'Annie' gives kids their chance to shine
When Gabi Knoepfle began rehearsals for Naperville-based Kidz Kabaret's production of "Annie," she was surprised to find she would be playing a character who had aspirations that so closely resembled her own.
After recently graduating from Waubonsie Valley High School, Knoepfle, 18, plans to attend Indiana University in the fall to study theater and drama in hopes of becoming a Broadway star, just like Lilly, a character she plays in the musical. She also has several smaller roles during other show dates and helps with the production.
Along with 94 other area children ranging in age from 4 to 18, Knoepfle will get to showcase her talents in "Annie" during weekend performances from June 5 to 14 playing both large and small roles. Each actor will perform different roles in an average of two to four shows.
Knoepfle said she has enjoyed sharing the stage and her passion for theater with cast mates from such a wide age range, which is a new experience for her during her three years with the company.
The classic story of a curly red-haired orphan wishing for a better tomorrow will be brought to life with a twist by having each cast member perform as a different character each night.
"You can come every day and you'll never see the same cast," said Kandiss Heranadez, executive director of Kidz Kabaret and co-director of "Annie."
None of the actors audition to be in the show, but once they sign up they're assigned parts, allowing for each child to have at least one lead role and the experience of playing a variety of characters in the show.
"It really isn't about getting that lead role, but being a part of something special," Hernandez said. "Every actor deserves their moment in the spotlight,"
Another first for the troupe during this production is that this will be the first time the show will travel to different venues - including the Hyatt Hotel in Lisle and Country Inn and Suites in Naperville.
This unique theatrical experience illustrates firsthand Kidz Kabaret's slogan "Every child center stage" and what Hernandez had in mind when founding the company seven years ago.
With 14 different Annies taking the stage in the coming weeks, Hernandez said, "it's like a childhood fantasy come true" for the little girls and audience members who always fantasized about playing the adorable lead role. A surprise ending also will drive home that sentiment.
Hernandez said "the value is seeing children performing for children" and getting to experience live theater that you won't get at the movies at a reasonable price.
"It's one of those classics that every kid should see live," she said.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> "Annie"</p> <p class="News"><b>When and where:</b> 7 p.m. June 5; noon, 3 and 6 p.m. June 6; and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. June 7 at the Hyatt Hotel, 1400 Corporetum Drive, Lisle 7 p.m. June 12; noon, 3 and 6 p.m. June 13; and 1, 4 and 7 p.m. June 14 at Country Inn and Suites, 1837 Centre Point Circle, Naperville.</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $8 for students and seniors, $10 for adults, $6 for children ages 10 and younger</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 355-9212 or <a href="http://www.kidzkabaret.com" target="new">kidzkabaret.com</a></p>