Kirk Players presents new take on beloved fairy tales
Kirk Players has announced the next show of its 53rd season: "Fairy Tales and Fables," an original script conceived by Artistic Director Jon Leslie Lynn and written by members Gretchen Grassl, Marilee C.C. Rusinak, Amy Sharer and Jessica Motyka.
The show opens at 7 p.m. Friday, March 29, in the Mundelein High School Theatre. The collection includes the most revered and lesser known works from Aesop, the Brothers Grimm, Hans Christian Andersen and Mother Goose.
Kirk Players' annual children's show is a time-honored event for "children of all ages," and also stars a number of children.
The story is centered on a young girl named Sara who has a homework assignment to read seven stories and determine whether each one is a fairy tale or fable. Soon Sara learns that her sixth-grade class will be working with second-graders, resulting in her younger brother, Gabe, also being involved in the project. As the siblings debate over each one, the talented ensemble brings the beloved stories to life.
"I'm thrilled to be directing this show," said Patrick Blake, who is making his main stage directorial debut. "It's a remarkable acting ensemble, with ages ranging from 7 to 68. I'm so impressed with the talent of these aspiring young actors from many local schools."
Kirk Players President Brenda Sparks is serving as set designer for the show. She promises some fresh special effects creating the backdrop for each story. Additionally, the show will be jazzed up with song, dance, high energy, and plenty of laughter for young and old.
"It's a great mix of new and returning actors," Blake said. "Most everyone is playing multiple roles throughout the various stories. We have intrigue, drama, music, and even dancing. It's gonna be a blast - don't miss this one."
Jon Matousek, director of past children's shows, serves as producer. Other members of the management team include Amy Sharer as assistant director, Bev Karns as stage manager, Hannah Chapa as assistant stage manager, Kimberly Barr as choreographer, Lisa Willems as technical director, Mindy Billock as costume designer, and Jessica Rattanssena as props lead. Rounding out the technical team is Martin Hill providing lighting design, Natalie Lavoie creating the sound design, and Josh Hogan as stage crew lead.
Performances will be at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30, and 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 30 and 31 at Mundelein High School, 1350 W. Hawley St., Mundelein. Tickets may be purchased at kirkplayers.org, or by calling (847) 521-6192. Tickets may also be purchased at the door.
Founded in 1966, the Kirk Players is a not-for-profit corporation of volunteers with the purpose of providing service to the community through the arts. Revenue from productions is invested back into the community to support the arts and art programs. Based in Mundelein, the Kirk Players work throughout Lake County.