Summer Show for Kids at Wheaton Drama

Wheaton Drama has been a very busy theatre organization for many years, but things are about to get even more exciting ("exciting" of course, being code for "Whoa, this is a lot of work!").

In addition to five shows per season, monthly meetings, committee work, annual Colby Awards, special events, and the summer children's workshop, Playhouse 111 will also be home to a summer children's show, a Christmas benefit, and a summer musical revue.

I'll post more details about the other events as they become available. Suffice to say, it's a good time to be a Wheaton Drama member. There are ample opportunities for involvement in many areas of the theatre. 

Here's a great opportunity for young performers:

Wheaton Drama, Inc. (WDI) is holding children’s auditions for a special production of Hansel and Gretel.

With an original script by Berni Raymond, Wheaton Drama’s version of Hansel and Gretel is a lively, humorous rendition of the ancient tale, with enough fun and excitement to appeal to audiences of all ages. It follows the original story line with all the characters children expect to see, plus enough new ones to add to the intrigue of this captivating show. The music, dancing, and lively characters make this a show not to be missed.

Jim Liesz is directing, assisted by Berni Raymond. Georgia Hamilton is musical director and Barb Giblin is the choreographer. Stage management is Amy Johnson and Jen Neidl.

Doug Buethe, Susan Carr, Debbie Roberts, and George Zima have been cast in the four adult roles.  No children’s roles have been precast.

Boys and girls age 5 and older are needed for the show. There are 11 speaking roles for ages 12 and older. The younger children will appear as birds and gingerbread people. Some roles are gender neutral.

Auditions will be Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 at the Wheaton Park District Community Center at 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton, IL (corner of Blanchard and Naperville). Please note that audition times are for specific ages.

On Saturday, May 19: 10am to 11am for ages 5 to 8-years-old; 11am to 12pm for ages 9 to 11-years-old; 12pm to 1pm for ages 12 and older.

On Sunday, May 20: 1pm to 2pm for Hansel and Gretel only; 2pm to 2:30pm will be by appointment only for those who could not attend Saturday auditions. Contact director Jim Liesz at 630-534-4828 to schedule an appointment.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, singing 32 bars from a familiar song (such as “America the Beautiful”, “America”, “Happy Birthday”), and basic movement, so participants should be dressed appropriately.  

An accompanist will be provided. Those wishing to sing 32 bars of prepared music should bring music for the accompanist with the 32 bars marked.

Callbacks will be May 20 from 2:30-4pm. Rehearsals will be after school is on break (most likely the second week in June), and will be during the day, depending upon cast availability.

Performances of Hansel and Gretel will be at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. Shows are Friday, July 6 at 7pm, Saturday, July 7 at 3pm, Sunday, July 8 at 3pm, Friday, July 13 at 7pm, Saturday, July 14 at 3pm, and Sunday, July 15 at 3pm. Tickets are $10 each.

Visit http://www.wheatondrama.org for details.

At play since 1931, Wheaton Drama’s productions are staged at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton.