Arts & Entertainment
At Annual Theatre Fest, LT Student Directors Take Reins
Three seniors directed plays showcased during the Donna Mavros Festival at the LTHS South Campus from March 10-12.
The Donna Mavros Festival of student-directed plays opened Thursday night in the Performing Arts Center of Lyon Township High School’s South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd.
The annual festival, sponsored by the Lyons Township High School Theatre Board, allows seniors to direct and produce; it was conceived and developed by director Donna Mavros during her tenure from 1969 to 2001. This year, the festival consisted of three plays: The Dining Room written by A R. Gurney and directed by senior Sofia Valdivia of Indian Head Park; Somewhere In Between written by Craig Pospisil and directed by senior Lise Grahm of Western Springs; and The Art of Self-Defense written by Trish Johnson and directed by senior Sara Costello of Western Springs.
Costello’s The Art of Self-Defense opened on Thursday to a nearly sold-out crowd. The show follows a group of five women who have very different personalities. It focuses on the way they become friends, their different struggles, and in the end, the paths they chose to take.
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The show featured five talented actresses: junior Rachel Masterson of La Grange Park portrayed the role of Elizabeth; sophomore Teddy Salazar of Countryside portrayed the role of Frannie; sophomore Kaitlyn Tedesci of La Grange portrayed the role of Ruth; sophomore Tess Wisher of La Grange portrayed the role of C.Y.; and senior Meredith Morrow of Western Springs portrayed the role of Jan.
The cast found the comedy in the show, and really highlighted it. However, they never allowed it to take over the show. Emotional and truly heartbreaking moments were very much present, and tugged at the hearts of the audience.
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The show did not have elaborate sets, colorful lighting, or flashy costumes. Instead, the show had a story, a talented cast, and a director who had a clear vision. That is what made this show nothing short of amazing. It reminded you that true theatre is about the story, not the sets or costumes.
The Art of Self Defense was presented at 8:15 p.m. Thursday and 7 p.m. Friday. Somewhere In Between was presented at 7 p.m. Thursday and 8:15 p.m. Saturday. The Dining Room was presented at 8:15 p.m. on Friday and 7 p.m. on Saturday. See the attached PDF for full cast lists for each play and photos from the productions.
