Paddock community comes together for school musical
What do a troll, a giant, a giant chicken, and a fearless, easy-going little boy all have in common?
They are all characters in Stuart R. Paddock School's upcoming musical, “Jack and the Giant,” which will be performed at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 28, and Friday, April 29 in the school's gymnasium, 225 W. Washington St. in Palatine.
Tickets are $4 and may be purchased at the door.
In this far-fetched tale, Jack, who's portrayed by sixth-grader Austin Guth, transforms from a common boy into a hero by battling the evil giant, who is played by sixth-grader Adam Pautler. Other characters in the colorful cast include a cunning troll, an odd housekeeper, the self-important High Sheriff DumDum, and Susan, who is Jack's sister and voice of reason.
Melanie Madsen, Paddock's music teacher and the show's director, and Andre Zielinski, the school's art teacher and musical's artistic director, are both impressed by the passion and energy the kids have been putting on stage and by the amazing reception the musical is receiving from the school's community.
“We are so excited that the kids have this outlet to shine and truly show their talents,” said Mrs. Madsen.
Mr. Zielinski recalled how the musical started.
“When Mrs. Madsen approached me over a year ago with the idea to do a musical at Paddock, I was very excited,” he said. “I wanted to bring theater productions back to Paddock.”
Seems Mr. Zielinski wasn't the only one.
All proceeds from the musical will go directly toward renovating the theater's sound and lighting systems, and more than half of the funds needed for a new sound system were actually donated well over a month before opening night. Several Palatine businesses also donated money and merchandise toward the cause.
“I am bowled over by the sheer number of volunteers who are giving their time, talents, and money towards our cause,” Mrs. Madsen said. “We have received several donations from individual parents, the PTA, teachers, and the administration. I feel honored and humbled to work in such a wonderful school.”
-- Story submitted by Community Consolidated School District 15