CYT NWCook PREMIERS DreamWorks’ "Madagascar–A Musical Adventure"

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Article and photos by Jennifer Schneider

Bring the whole family to this CYT Premier! Based on the smash DreamWorks animated motion picture, Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. follows animal friends who escape from their home in New York’s Central Park Zoo. Filled with outlandish characters and upbeat music, it’s a great show for young children. Performances run May 25-June 1 at Prairie Lakes Community Center, 515 E. Thacker St. Des Plaines.

“This show is special because it is the first time CYT has done this show, which is a very exciting opportunity!” says director Renee Rundquist. “A brand new show means new sets, new costumes, new props, all things are new. And there are so many opportunities for performers who have never had a line before to get a line, or a part, or a solo.”

A large ensemble cast – featuring Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Melman the Giraffe, Gloria the Hippo, a troupe of Penguins, and dozens of jungle-dwelling critters – provides the ample opportunities Rundquist speaks of. “It has brought a smile to my face to give something to those students who have never had something before, to see them get a role. And a lot of the performers are going to have a LOT of stage time. That has been one of the highlight of doing this show.”

Jeri-Ann Day plays Gloria, and after 3 years doing CYT shows, this is her first lead role. “Gloria in the story is the mother of the group. She’s always keeping them together!”

“Madagascar has a good message,” Day continues. “It’s really big on friendship, and there is so much love in the show – everyone supports each other.”

“The way that the animals emulate friendship by sticking by each other no matter what is so important,” echoes Rundquist. “What are you willing to do to help out your friends, especially when they are going through something really hard? When we have love for one another, we show love of God.”

CYT Chicago is a Christian theater arts program based in the Chicago suburbs. All the actors are students, ages eight to eighteen, and this message of friendship is supported by the “show verse,” which is 1 John 4:7-8. “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

“CYT is like a second home,” says Day. “At the end of the week, when I am done with school, I get to perform, and do it for God, which I love so much.”

Madagascar follows the story of Alex the lion, the main attraction at New York's Central Park Zoo. He and his best friends – Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe, and Gloria the hippo – have spent their whole lives in blissful captivity before an admiring public and with regular meals provided for them. Not content to leave well enough alone, Marty lets his curiosity get the better of him and makes his escape – with the help of some prodigious penguins – to explore the world.

“This is a FUN SHOW,” says Rundquist. “If you are a fan of the movie, this is even better because there is MUSIC.” Featuring the pop song “I Like to Move It-Move It” and new songs like “Showtime,” “Wild and Free,” and “Paradise,” audiences will enjoy the upbeat score and dance numbers. Not to mention the comedy.

“There are lots of humorous moments,” says Rundquist. “There are jokes that adults will find funny (but that are clean) and there are jokes that kids will find funny, but there is also a deeper message. It’s a great, family friendly, fun, meaningful show.”

Madagascar – A Musical Adventure Jr. is a great value for families, with a short run time (80 minutes) and tickets that are only $11-$14 presale, + $2 at the door (group, child, and senior prices available). Visit www.cytchicago.org and click on “Shows” or call 847-516-2298 to purchase tickets. The Prairie Lakes Theater seats only 300, so shows sell out very quickly.