Youth theater takes on 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'

Posted February 22, 2015 10:00 pm

By Stefanie Dell'Aringa Spotlight Youth Theater

Millie, played by Kayla Nicosia, 18, of Pingree Grove, tries to enlist the help of street sharp Jimmy played by Nathan Holmer, 16, of Hampshire, during a rehearsal of Spotlight Youth Theater Kane County's production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie." Courtesy of Rachel Gray

Find out what happens to Millie, an ambitious young woman who moves to New York to start a "modern" life during Prohibition when women were entering the workforce and the rules of love and social behavior were changing.

Spotlight Youth Theater Kane County will perform the high spirited, award-winning musical, "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre. Performances are Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 26 - March 1.

For anyone who loves dancing, this is a must-see show, according to director Kristi Wright.

"This production features a wide range of styles from tap and classic musical theater to jazz and ballet," Wright said. "The leads have really great chemistry, and the supporting cast is solid all the way from the top dancers to the littlest pickpockets."

Millie is a confident up-and-comer ready to take New York City by storm. Jimmy is a slick salesman with a big secret. Mrs. Meers is a wannabe actress with evil intentions, and there are many more lovable characters, Wright said.

Playing Millie is a bittersweet experience for Kayla Nicosia, 18, of Pingree Grove, because it will be her graduating show. Her previous roles included Dorothy in "The Wizard of Oz," the White Witch in "Chronicles of Narnia," and Maria in "The Sound of Music."

"Millie is such a strong character," Nicosia said. "She is driven to change her fate, and encounters a change in her plan along the way."

The cast of 51 students ranging in age from 8 to 18 has been rehearsing in Elgin since December. Many of the actors had to master difficult tap steps.

"Their talent level is quite high and their hard work has been some of the best I have seen," Wright said. "The entire cast has truly created a stunning show."

Along with Wright, the directing team includes: Jane Layoff, assistant director; Emily Chidlow, vocal director; Anna Greeno, choreographer; and Lexie Rene Bailey, intern.

Performances are 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 27; 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27; 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St. (entrance on Wilson), Batavia. Tickets are $9 to $12 presale, $2 more at the door. Group, child and senior prices are available. Visit spotlight.org/knw15_thoroughlymodernmillie

Cast members practice an opening dance number for "Thoroughly Modern Millie," a 1920s musical coming to Batavia Fine Arts Centre this week, courtesy of Spotlight Youth Theater Kane County. Courtesy of Rachel Gray

At left, Alice, played by Emma McKeown, 17, of Lake in the Hills, reacts to a disturbing newspaper headline read by Ethel, played by Amanda Dell'Aringa, 16, of West Dundee, during a "Thoroughly Modern Millie" rehearsal. In back, from left, are "Cora" Ariel Gray, 14, of Elgin; "Ruth" Nicole Frantik, 17, of Algonquin; and "Lucille" Yenashi Castillo, 15, of Elgin. Courtesy of Rachel Gray

If you go

What: Spotlight Youth Theater Kane County's production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie"

When: 9:30 a.m. Thursday Feb. 26; 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 27; 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28; and 2 and 6 p.m. Sunday, March 1

Where: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main St. (entrance on Wilson), Batavia Tickets: $9 to $12 presale, $2 more at the door. Group, child and senior prices are available.

Order online: <a href="http://www.spotlight.org/knw15_thoroughlymodernmillie">spotlight.org/knw15_thoroughlymodernmillie</a>

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