Lifestyle

Young actors fly high in Elgin troupe's 'The Wizard of Oz'

Posted April 06, 2015 11:00 pm

Daily Herald report

Jamie Counihan of Hoffman Estates plays Dorothy, while rescue dog Millie steps into the paws of Toto in the Children's Theatre of Elgin's production of "The Wizard of Oz." Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

Children's Theatre of Elgin's production of "The Wizard of Oz" features the single largest cast in CTE's 27-year history, with 130 children filling the stage as flying monkeys, green-faced guards and an assortment of Munchkins, among other characters.

Performances are Friday through Sunday, April 10-12, at the Hemmens in downtown Elgin.

Actors range in age from seven to 15 years old and attend 10 different school districts from St. Charles to Barrington and Hampshire to Schaumburg.

For some of the cast members, the journey to Oz isn't just on foot. Selected cast members have begun strapping on their harnesses and taking to the air as they learn how to manage theatrical flying.

For 14-year-old actor Nicolet Endean of Hampshire, who plays Glinda, flying across the stage in a bubble has been scary but fun.

"It kind of feels like you're floating as you look down at the audience and into the orchestra pit."

Endean, who wears a sparkly pink cascading dress, rides on a custom-made metal "bubble" suspended by cables. The whole contraption glides effortlessly from one end of the stage to the other as she waves her wand.

More than half the performers in this show are theater newbies, having never stepped on a stage before. Kendall Burns, a 13-year-old from Elgin and newcomer to CTE, said,

"Auditioning was a bit of a scary experience. As I listened to kids singing I kept thinking 'Why do they sound like angels and I sound like a beluga whale?'"

Despite a daunting audition process involving singing, dancing and role-playing, Burns landed a principal role as a Lollipop Kid. He now says he is looking forward to "gaining more relationships with different kinds of people."

The show's director, Allison Cherry, thinks audiences will be impressed with the cast.

"I think (audiences) will be blown away by the talent of these young actors," Cherry said. "They will forget that these are children on stage - they are just that good. Even the smaller roles in the show steal the spotlight when they have the stage. I'm so proud of how far they've come."

In addition to the fabulous child actors, Cherry is excited to work with Millie, a formerly homeless dog. It was just five years ago that Millie was rescued from the streets of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Rescue workers from Almost Home Dachshund Rescue searched for Millie's owner for months before putting her up for adoption. Eventually, she found her way to Elgin and was adopted by longtime CTE supporters, Greg and Bev Cherry. This January Millie was cast as "Toto" and is already a favorite among her castmates, dishing out frequent licks to the face and demonstrating a fondness for goldfish treats.

"Having a sweet little dog at practice, especially one that went through such hardship, warms the hearts of the kids and makes for the happiest of rehearsals," Allison Cherry said.

Jamie Counihan, 14, of Hoffman Estates, who plays the lead role of Dorothy, is thrilled to work with a dog.

"I love this show because it is different from everything else that I have done, especially because I am working with Millie," Counihan said. "Dogs are unpredictable but lots of fun. She adds a unique vibe for the entire cast and audience."

Allison Cherry said all of the challenges of this production make for a memorable show.

"All the added elements that are a part of this show that haven't been in the past (were challenging)," she said. "The flying, the live pit, the animal actor, the gigantic cast. But that's also what's the most rewarding - all these elements came together and made a fantastic show. These kids really pulled it together and have created a magical world on stage."

"The Wizard of Oz" performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, and 1 p.m. Sunday, April 12, at the Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets, $10-$12, can be purchased at www.ticketpeak.com/events/CTESHOWS. For details, visit CTEelgin.com or call (847) 214-7550.

Jamie Counihan practices flying as Dorothy during a rehearsal of CTE's "The Wizard of Oz." Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

Glinda, played by Nicolet Endean, 14, of Hampshire, flies in her bubble across the stage during rehearsal at the Hemmens. Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

Oz, played by Cam Griffiths, 14, of Algonquin, flies away in the balloon, as the Lion, played Joshua Harder, 14, of Carpentersville, chases him during rehearsal. Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

The role of Toto in Children's Theatre of Elgin's "The Wizard of Oz" is played by Millie, a formerly homeless dog from Indiana. Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

The Wicked Witch, played by Mallory Bemos, 14, of Hampshire, rehearses a scene in "The Wizard of Oz." Courtesy of Children's Theatre of Elgin

If you go

What: Children's Theatre of Elgin's production of "The Wizard of Oz"

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 10 and 11, and 1 p.m. Sunday, April 12

Where: The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin

Tickets: $12 for adults; $10 for students and seniors

Details: <a href="http://www.CTEelgin.com">www.CTEelgin.com</a>

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