Schaumburg on Stage presents 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'
Burn the bridge and bet the store … Millie's coming home once more as Schaumburg On Stage presents the 2002 Tony Award winner for best musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie," from Jan. 25 through Feb. 3 at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, in Schaumburg.
Now in its 16th season, Schaumburg On Stage, has been bringing the Northwest Suburbs Premier Musical Theatre. With "Thoroughly Modern Millie," it recreates the Roaring Twenties with a full orchestra, glamorous costumes and big tap numbers!
The featured stars will be Lea Cartina, 19, of Wood Dale and Carly Gurrieri, 17, of Schaumburg as Millie Dillmount, a Kansas girl determined to make her way in 1920's New York City and marry a rich and powerful man. Things get off to a rocky start as Millie is robbed only minutes after arriving in New York, and she discovers that falling in love doesn't always go according to plan.
The production dazzles with talented actors, singers and dancers from all over the Chicago area including Jon Knitter, 18, of Schaumburg and Ralph Pulice, 20, of Wood Dale as the charming paperclip salesman, Jimmy Smith, who challenges Millie's notions of love and marriage. Emily Miller, 15, of Schaumburg and Kathleen Tresnowski, 16, of Inverness will share the role of Miss Dorothy Brown, a budding New York actress who befriends Millie as they navigate the Big Apple as thoroughly modern New York flappers. Rounding out the leads are Tim Ackerlund, 17, of Schaumburg and RJ Cecott, 19, of Hickory Hills, who share the role of the wealthy head of Sincere Trust Insurance Company, Trevor Graydon III. Miss Peg Flannery, Trevor's hard nose lead stenographer is played by Ally Rajewski, 17, of Elk Grove Village.
Muzzy van Hossmere, a wealthy heiress and confidant to Millie is played by Paige Brantley, 16, of Schaumburg and Geanna Fank, 18, of Elk Grove Village. Katie Jackovin, 14, of South Elgin and Gianna Pennacchio, 17, of Itasca are double casted as the villainess Mrs. Mears. Mrs. Mear's assistants Ching Ho, is played by Jarret La Berg, 21, of Schaumburg and Bun Foo, is played by both Anthony Irsuto, 16, of Bloomingdale and Tucker Nevel, 17, of Schaumburg.
The production is led by directors/producers Carol Lynch and Kerrie Noah and musical directors Rosemarie Aiello and John Hacker. Danielle Zyrkowski and Colleen Lynch are assistant directors and assistant choreographers. Colleen Lynch is a Schaumburg On Stage alumni, played the role of Millie in SOS's first production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" several years ago. Colleen has just finished a degree in fine arts and education from Millikin University and plans a career in professional musical theater as well as education.
The cast of over 70 performers ranging from 8 to 21 years of age have been rehearsing since October preparing for this musical revival featuring songs popularized by the 1967 original movie and the 2002 Broadway production such as "Not For the Life of Me" and "Forget About the Boy." It is sure to be a performance that audiences will find ”thoroughly" delightful.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. on Jan. 25, Jan. 26, Feb. 1 & Feb. 2 and at 2 p.m. on Jan. 26, Jan. 27, Feb. 2 & Feb. 3 at the Schaumburg Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court in Schaumburg.
Tickets are $18 for adults and $16 for students and seniors age 62 and older. Organize Group Rate and Theater-Dinner Package are available. For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Schaumburg On Stage at (847) 345-0092.