Actors with UPS for DownS to perform in Schaumburg production of 'Mary Poppins'
Allie Reninger of Schaumburg has appeared in nearly all 12 of the theater performances produced by UPS for DownS and EDGE of Orion. Each year, her directors say, she has grown in confidence and stage presence.
This week, she shares the role of Mary Poppins with Katie Warkel, 15, of Streamwood. And like their namesake character, they are “practically perfect in every way.”
Together, they lead nearly 70 actors — who are divided into two casts — who come from across the suburbs, and of whom more than half have Down syndrome.
Principals include Nick Pesce of Deer Park and David Ford of Orland Park, who share the role of Bert; Nate Fitzpatrick of Schaumburg and Garret Anderson of Palatine, who share the role of Mr. Banks; and Rachel Truesdel of Schaumburg and Maggie Sanchez as Mrs. Banks. Performances are Thursday through Sunday, Feb. 7-10, at the Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg.
“Thanks to our talented cast, all of Mary's best lessons take on new meaning,” says Sandy Pazerunas of Barrington, producer.
“Audiences will leave believing that anything truly can happen,” she adds, “and with a greater capacity to treasure one another, and all of life's simplest pleasures.”
She and the rest of the volunteers credit Orion Couling, who has directed all 12 productions, with setting the bar high and getting the most out of these young actors.
Couling says the key is to set a long-term vision.
“We start by establishing practices in creating community and confidence,” Couling says. “After months of work, it translates to a safe place, where an actor can feel supported while taking a risk.
“These techniques manifest throughout the rest of the year and turn into a real boost to the self-esteem of the actor,” he adds. “They come back the following year, ready to take on new challenges.”
That clearly was the case with Reninger, whom production officials describe as formerly very shy, that is before she became involved in performing on stage. Each year, she has been cast in larger roles, including landing a principal in “Hairspray” in 2015.
As Mary Poppins, she not only has had to master all of her lines, blocking and choreography, but she hopes to wow audience members with her English accent.
“I want people to walk away with happiness, love and joy — and to be encouraged to try theater themselves,” says Reninger, 25, who recently graduated from Harper College's Career Skills Institute.
Her co-star, Warkel, says the experience has been groundbreaking for all of the actors. While she is a member of the Drama Academy at Larkin High School, she says appearing in an inclusive theater experience has changed her world.
“I love it because, here, everyone is accepted,” Warkel says. “It opens your eyes to see that anything really is possible.”
Cast members work with Couling for six months leading up to the performances, making the UPS for DownS Theatre Company one of its most popular programs.
“Some of our actors need support and perform alongside their theater peers,” Pazerunas says. “Overall, this show is very fast paced and there's a lot more dancing.
The performances bear out the organization's mission, Pazerunas adds, which is to create communities that are diverse, welcoming and inclusive.
“We believe people with Down syndrome should be active and productive in their communities,” she says, “where they live, learn and play.”
“Mary Poppins”
What: Produced by UPS for DownS and the EDGE of Orion theater company
When: 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Feb. 7-8; 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 10
Where: Al Larson Prairie Center for the Arts, 201 Schaumburg Court, Schaumburg
Cost: $20 per person at the door
Details: <a href="http://www.upsfordowns.org/ups-for-downs-theatre-company">www.upsfordowns.org/ups-for-downs-theatre-company</a>