Gemini Junior High Presents "Game of Tiaras"

Dwarf #1 is not happy. "I’m in a tragedy? Oh dang it,” he fumes in Game of Tiaras. But he’ll be the only one who’s unhappy when Gemini Junior High brings playwright Don Zolidis’ farcical twist on King Lear to the stage next month. Performances are scheduled for Friday, May 6 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 7 at 2 p.m. – both at Apollo Elementary School’s Galaxy Theater, 10100 Dee Road, Des Plaines.

When the aging king of a Magical Kingdom (England) decides to split his empire between his three daughters, Cinderella, Belle, and the Snow Queen (who in no way resembles a copyrighted character), terrible tragedy ensues. Terrible, hilarious tragedy. Completely ridiculous tragedy. Combining the gut-wrenching plot twists of Game of Thrones and the soul-numbing despair of Shakespearean tragedy, this adaptation of Lear will leave you dying with laughter as the body count mounts. When you play the Game of Tiaras, you win or you die.

Directed by Drama Teacher Kathy Martin and Language Arts Teacher Jordan Smith, the 26-member cast comprises a mix of 7th and 8th grade students. “We work hard at District 63 to go beyond academics and focus on all aspects of student growth and development. So I’m thankful Gemini has this opportunity for our students, because theater fosters self-confidence, teamwork, and interpersonal skills,” notes Martin, who has been directing the spring play for four years. “I’m incredibly proud of our young performers – they’re hard work is readily apparent on the stage!” Cast members include:

Milad Al Ibrahim
Haley Klyana
Amanda Schaefges
Saniyya Ali
Jackie Muntean
Allison Schaetzke
Ilayda Bakirdan
Lynelle Napata
Sabrina Stearns
Jessica Espinoza
Caleb Osemobor
Oliver Talukder
Charlie Foersterling
Yesha Parikh
Damaris Tellez
Abbygayle Garcia
Joelle Rihani
Kathreen Templo
Angelina Hermiz
Maheen Sadruddin
Victoria Zambrzycki
Khadija Jhakaria
Lena Salem
Nicole Zembski
Michelle John
Hiba Samad

Tickets for Game of Tiaras are $1 for students and $6 for adults, and are available at the door. Call 847.493.8511 for more information.

Gemini Junior High, one of East Maine School District 63’s seven schools, serves more than 770 7th and 8th grade students. District 63 offers a rich learning environment and multicultural perspective to more than 3,600 students in the diverse communities of Des Plaines, Niles, Glenview, Park Ridge, and Morton Grove. Committed to teaching excellence that provides all students with the specific opportunities they need to succeed and thrive, Gemini and its six elementary schools, preschool, and afterschool programs foster each student’s academic, social, emotional, and behavioral growth and achievement. Visit www.emsd63.org to learn more.