Brightside Theatre opens two productions this weekend
As part of its 10th anniversary season, Brightside Theatre is debuting two productions this weekend - a romantic comedy for adults and a Disney musical for kids.
The two-time Tony Award nominated farce "Don't Dress For Dinner" will open on Friday, Feb. 25, at Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth in Naperville.
"Don't Dress for Dinner," by French playwright Marc Camoletti and adapted by Robin Hawdon, is a frenetic case of mistaken identity with more twists than a corkscrew. Jacqueline decides to visit her mother, so her husband Bernard sees an opportunity for a cozy weekend with his new mistress. When his bachelor pal Robert calls to announce his return from Hong Kong, Bernard invites him along as his alibi, also hiring a Cordon Bleu-level cook to cater a delicious dinner. But when Jacqueline realizes Robert is coming for a visit everything changes, and the high-speed farce begins! One impossible situation leads to another as the evening of hilarious confusion ensues and Bernard and Robert must improvise at breakneck speed.
Performances, led by director Aaron Henrickson, will be 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, through March 13. Tickets are $28-$33 and are available at brightsidetheatre.com/shows/dontdress/.
Guests will need to be fully vaccinated with an FDA emergency use-authorized or fully authorized vaccine in order to attend a show and must show proof of vaccination at their time of entry into the building with their valid ticket and government issued ID. Learn more at BrightSideTheatre.com/brightside-cares.
This year's Youth Project production will be "Disney's The Descendants: The Musical," opening Saturday, Feb. 26.
In addition to the professional staff guiding the young actors, the roles of the "parents" are being played by professional actors that will act as mentors to the youth both on and off the stage.
The performances will begin at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturdays and 6 p.m. Sundays through March 6 at the Theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall.
Based on the popular Disney Channel movies, the new musical comedy features the beloved characters and hit songs from the films. In the kingdom of Auradon, all of Disney's beloved heroes and royalty are living happily ever after, safe from the terrifying villains and troublesome sidekicks they have banished to the magic-free Isle of the Lost. That is until Ben, the benevolent teenage son of Belle and King Adam (The Beast), offers a chance of redemption for the troublemaking offspring of the evilest villains. Mal, Evie, Jay and Carlos - the children of Maleficent, the Evil Queen, Cruella De Vil, and Jafar - are welcomed to Auradon Prep to attend school with the children of their parents' sworn enemies. Now entering a completely foreign world and way of life, the four Villain Kids have a difficult choice to make: should they follow in their parents' wicked footsteps or learn to be good?
An audio-described/touch-tour performance will be offered at the 2 p.m. show on Feb. 26, and an ASL performance will be offered at 2 p.m. March 5, both thanks to the generosity of the Naperville Lions Club. The director is Jeffrey Cass, choreographer Miranda Colin, and music director Kitty Kar.
The Youth Project provides a professional and educational learning experience for grade school to high school students, age 8-18 interested in exploring musical theater. In this program, children work directly with professional directors, musical directors, choreographers, designers, and artists to develop their own theatrical skills.
Tickets are $18 or $13 for students. For tickets, visit www.BrightSideTheatre.com or call (630) 447-8497. Questions, email info@brightsidetheatre.com.
All audience members, including children, age 5 or older, must show proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test (at-home tests not accepted), either on a smartphone or a physical copy. Those 18 or older must present a current photo ID. During your visit wear a mask at all times. For complete COVID guidelines, go to BrightSideTheatre.com/brightside-cares.
BrightSide Theatre is partially supported and funded by a generous SECA Grant, the DuPage Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, and the Naperville Lions Club.
Led by artistic director Jeffrey Cass and executive director Julie Ann Kornak, BrightSide Theatre is committed to enlighten, educate, and entertain through comedies and inspirational stories from across the globe.