Joliet Student to Perform as Tarzan's mother in Disney's Tarzan Musical

Sharyssa Greene, a native of Joliet, and a graduating senior, will be playing the role of Tarzan’s mother in Spotlight Aurora’s production of Tarzan. This is Sharyssa’s first time performing in Aurora, and we are so glad we had the chance to meet her. Sharyssa has performed in many shows including the Music Man in which she played a “Piccadilly Lady”, the Wizard of Oz, where she played the “Wicked Witch”, and Annie, where she played “Miss Hannigan”.

Ever since a young age, Sharyssa, has loved theater. But it took a while for her to get involved with Spotlight. When she first tried out, she actually had been cut from the show. She had gone into auditions not knowing what to expect and totally froze on stage. But she persevered and came back a year later and auditioned again. This time for the production of The Music Man, which she describes as being a magical experience. After that, she was hooked!

When asked what her favorite show was, she said it would have to be Annie. In this production where she played the role of Miss Hannigan, she felt that she was presented with challenges that grew her into the actress that she is today. “Miss Hannigan was a dream role of mine. I love playing characters that make people laugh”. Before being cast in that role, she had studied Carol Burnett, and was able to apply what she had learned to her role. This role also grew her in confidence, and in her trust in the Lord. Sharyssa shared with me that she actually has a fear of audiences and a fear that she will completely blank out on stage. But she doesn’t let that stop her. She conquers her fears by facing them in the strength of The Lord.

While performing in Annie, she was under the direction of her current director- Mrs. Christie King. Sharyssa said that Mrs. King is one of the people who has had the greatest impact on her life. Mrs. King has been with Sharyssa since the beginning of her career with Spotlight. She feels that she has stretched and grown her both on and off stage, helping her conquer her fears and anxiety, and becoming the actress that she is today. Along with Mrs. King, Sharyssa, says that her Mom and Dad, have had the greatest impact on her. They have always been there for her, and have been a wonderful support to her. Well, it certainly seems that her parents have done a wonderful job at guiding her and growing into the person that she is today. She is one of the most gracious and kind hearted young ladies that I have gotten to know during this short time of Tarzan and I’m so thankful to have met her.

Please join us as Spotlight Youth Theater presents, Disney’s Tarzan, based on the epic animated adventure of Edgar Rice Burrough’s novel, Tarzan of the Apes. A shipwreck leaves an infant orphaned on the West African shore. The helpless baby is taken under the protection of a gorilla tribe and becomes part of their family. When he eventually encounters his first human – Jane Porter, a curious young explorer – both their worlds are transformed forever. Disney’s Tarzan is full of high-flying excitement and heart-pumping music that will be an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

WHEN: May 15th – May 17th

• Friday, May 15th – 7:00pm
• Saturday, May 16th – 2:00pm
• Saturday, May 16th – 6:00pm
• Sunday, May 17th – 3:00pm

WHERE: Batavia Fine Arts Centre, 1201 Main Street (entrance off of Wilson), Batavia, IL

TICKETS: 847-516-2298 or visit www.spotlight.org $9-$12 presale, + $2 at the door
Group, child, and senior prices available

WHO: Spotlight Youth Theater is a non-profit, educational theater arts program for students 5-18 in the Aurora, Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kenosha, Lake, McHenry, Milwaukee, Oak Park, Orland Park, Rockford Metro, and Shorewood areas and has approximately 6,000 students per year. Each area offers summer camps and after-school classes in dance, voice, drama and theatrical specialties, and performs three fully staged musical productions per year. Spotlight is non- discriminatory and welcomes all children.