What ever happened to all those fairy tale 'Jacks?' Find out in CTE's original 'Jack'
Get ready to embark on an adventure with Children's Theatre of Elgin's newest production, "Jack."
This imaginative show follows three "Jacks" on their very own exciting journeys.
Written and directed by CTE alum and artistic director Allison Cherry, "Jack" aims to be a performance that will captivate audiences of all ages.
The show features a cast of 113 talented performers in second through ninth grade and is packed with energy and heart.
"Jack" hits the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21, and Saturday, April 22, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin. Tickets are $14 for adults, $12 for students and seniors, and available at www.cteelgin.com or by calling (847) 214-7152.
For anyone who has ever wondered what happens after the fairy tale or nursery rhyme is over, CTE's original script continues the stories that we grew up with: Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack and Jill, and Jack Be Nimble.
"Jack" focuses on finding your own way, making changes to better yourself, and overcoming obstacles. The show includes popular songs like "Hit the Road Jack" by Ray Charles, "Best Day of My Life" from American Authors, "Cold As Ice" by Foreigner, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" by Shania Twain, and "Toxic" by Britney Spears.
"Theater has a unique way of bringing people together that transcends other forms of art," said playwright and director Cherry. "In today's world, it's more important than ever to create a space where people can feel accepted and free to be themselves. That's exactly what CTE strives to do - we want everyone who walks through our doors to feel welcome and celebrated for who they are."
CTE's dedication to creating a space where theater can be enjoyed by all reaches beyond just the cast. The organization will be offering special performances including American Sign Language (2 p.m. Sunday, April 23), Spanish supertitles (7:30 p.m. Friday, April 21) and a free sensory-friendly preview available to preregistered attendees (7 p.m. Thursday, April 20; register online at bit.ly/jacksensory). These performances are organized by CTE's Equity, Diversity and Inclusion committee and expand the organization's audience to those who may feel left out of the traditional theater experience.
Children's Theatre of Elgin/Fox Valley Theatre Company (www.cteelgin.com) is an Illinois 501(c) (3) not-for-profit corporation in-residence at the Elgin Community College Arts Center. The organization is supported by grants from the EFS Foundation, Palmer Foundation, Grand Victoria Foundation, Seigle Foundation, Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, Target, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
If you go
What: Children's Theatre of Elgin's production of "Jack"
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 21-22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 23, at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, Elgin
Tickets: $14 for adults, $12 for students and seniors
Inclusive shows: Sensory-friendly preview at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20 (register in advance at <a href="http://bit.ly/jacksensory">bit.ly/jacksensory</a>); Spanish subtitles (April 21) and American Sign Language (April 23)
Info: <a href="http://www.cteelgin.com">cteelgin.com</a> or (847) 214-7152