'The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon': Fairy tale mashup promises laughs at Jacobs
Student actors with a great sense of humor were a natural fit for Jacobs High School's production of "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon."
"We chose 'The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon' because it's a fun show that utilizes so much of the comedic talent that we have at Jacobs High School," said Adam Stromberg, who directs the play with assistant/technical director David McGill.
Stromberg describes the show as "a delightful comedy mash-up of favorite fairy tale classics: Snow White, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and more."
"Two narrators try to present all 203 stories the Brothers Grimm collected, while wacky cast members try to act out the performances of their lives," he said.
Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 22-23, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 24, at the Jacobs auditorium, 2601 Bunker Hill Drive, Algonquin. Tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $7 for adults. For details, call the school at (847) 532-6325.
The Daily Herald caught up with Stromberg to find out more about this production.
Q. How does "The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon" fit in with what drama students have been doing at Jacobs?
Stromberg. Every Friday in Drama Club, students practice their improvisation skills and always have each other cracking up. Now, they get to use these skills in a performance for their school, families, and community. This show allows our cast to use their sense of humor to tell an enthralling story that will have the audience laughing nonstop.
Q. What have been some of the challenges in putting this production together?
Stromberg. One of the most challenging aspects of this production is creating whimsical characters that are exaggerated, while still having actors maintain an authentic voice. We have asked students to step outside of their comfort zone vocally and physically for many of the roles they are playing. Through our rehearsal process, they have explored what it is like to be a witch, a princess, a wolf, or even a talking fish. They have responded to this challenge wonderfully, and we are very proud of all of them.
Q. What have been some of the highlights?
Stromberg. As a director, the most rewarding part of this process is seeing the students grow each day. At every rehearsal, they are working incredibly hard to make the production as memorable and entertaining as possible. This cast and crew have worked extremely well together and have supported each other throughout the spring. This show fosters a sense of collaboration, and the actors and production team have embraced this throughout the last six weeks. It's wonderful to see so many talented students working together and pushing each other to get better every day.
Q. What do you think audiences will like best about this show?
Stromberg. Although there will be a lot of favorite moments for our audiences, one moment that stands out is when all the actors 'get sick' and one actor, played by Josh Harder, has to play all of the parts in Cinderella himself. While changing voices and wigs, Josh is able to carry a rather intricate scene that has had us laughing for weeks. This feat is so impressive that I think it'll stick in the minds of many of our audience members.
Q. Is this show appropriate for the entire family?
Stromberg. The Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon contains some mild adult language and parental guidance is suggested.