Maine West set to go live with production of new play

The Maine West High School Fine Arts Department will present a live stage performance of "Winter Break" by Joe Calarco.

The play is about 19 teenagers as they wrestle with friendships, breakups, loss, graduation and their place in the world on their first night of winter break.

This is the first time this play has been staged at a high school in Illinois.

The play will be performed at 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21, and 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23, in the Maine West auditorium, 1755 S. Wolf Road, Des Plaines.

Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for adults and can be purchased at the door. Masks are required for audience members.

While the content of the show is appropriate for younger audiences, the themes and situations presented are best suited for audience members 10 and older.

"This show showcases the full spectrum of emotion; some scenes will have audiences howling with laughter, while others may trigger anger or sadness," said director David Harmon.

"Regardless, everyone will come away being reminded that, as isolating as these past two years have been, we aren't alone."

Cast and crews have been working tirelessly over the past two months to bring the characters and world of the play to life.

"It's quite different from last year; students are beyond excited to actually have a live audience," Harmon said.

"Many students lost interest when they found out that last year's productions would be recorded and streamed online. Even I underestimated how important live feedback is for some students."

Consequently, one aspect that makes this year's play unique will be the way the story is staged. Audiences will enjoy a more intimate setting and experience the show up-close and on the stage.

For details, visit west.maine207.org or call (847) 827-6176.