Lockport Theater Group Dedicates Performances To Gabby Matlak

LOCKPORT, IL — When Brooke Ferricks, a Lockport resident, was 12 years old, she learned that a friend was battling cancer. She decided to hold a shortened backyard performance of "The Wizard of Oz" with friends and neighbors, and raised $400 in donations to support her friend.

Now, seven years later, Ferricks started her own theater company, Outer Limits Theatre, and has raised over $17,000 for various causes in the community. Ferricks said she has worked with over 150 kids while putting on seven performances over the years.

This year, Ferricks will direct "Shrek The Musical Jr.," and the performances are dedicated to Gabby Matlak, 6, who has severe disabilities after nearly drowning in 2019.

Donations from the performances will go to the Matlak family to help them buy a handicap-accessible van, Ferricks said.

Performances of "Shrek The Musical Jr." will be held at 7 p.m. Friday and 7 p.m. Saturday at Christ Community Church, 13400 S. Bell Road, in Lemont. It is not a ticketed event, but donations are appreciated, Ferricks said.

Ferricks, an LTHS Class of 2020 alumna, who just finished up her first year at Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville, said this will probably be her last show.

"We'll see what happens next summer," she said.

Sixty-five children are set to perform in "Shrek The Musical Jr.," Ferricks said. The theater company has grown mostly through word of mouth and social media.

She said the area is in need of some community spirit.

"[I feel] this show has the chance to unite after a year in isolation," Ferricks said.

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