The excitement permeates Glen Oaks School’s all-purpose room as the cast begins to warm up for another rehearsal of Shrek the Musical.
Light banter and giggling can be heard as these young thespians prepare their lines and dance routines under the watchful eye of teacher/director Leasa Kelly.
Ms. Kelly has been directing school plays for years. The cast has gone through nearly two-dozen rehearsals as they inch closer to the live performances scheduled for classmates during school hours on May 10 and a performance for families at 6:30 p.m. on May 11 - both at Oak Ridge School.
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This year’s lead role of Shrek went to Kody Wilk, a Glen Oaks fourth grader who comes from a (sort of) long line of recent actors who have graced the stages in NPD117.
Kody’s brother, Jaxx, a fifth grader at Glen Oaks, had the lead role of Young Simba in last year’s performance of The Lion King.
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Kody, of Hickory Hills, said he has gotten a lot of support from his brothers Jaxx and Evan in helping him with both dancing and rehearsing his lines.
“My brothers have been really helpful,” Kody said. “They’ve been great.”
Kody said he drew inspiration to try out for the role from Jaxx. “He really enjoyed performing last year. And I really like to dance so I thought I would try.”
He said he found a great way to increase his energy and improve his memory of lines he practices at home by watching a YouTube video. “It said to take a 30-minute power nap before practicing. It really works!”
Fifth-grader Adam Jadallah said he loves singing and dancing and was excited to get a role as one of the Dulocs who reside in the fantasy village of the same name..
The Bridgeview fifth-grader said he was “perfect for the part” since most of the parts are singing and dancing.
Adele Zaukas, a fifth-grader from Hickory Hills, plays teenaged Fiona and is part of the ensemble in some songs. “This has been a lot of fun and I can’t wait for the actual shows to start,” Adele said. “We’re looking forward to putting on a great show.”
Amelia Zuperka, a fourth-grader from Palos Hills, plays the part of Princess Fiona. “I really wanted to be part of something. I acted, sang and danced in some plays when I was in daycare and I really enjoyed it.
“I get a little nervous when I’m up on stage, but I’ll be fine,” Amelia said. “This has been a lot of fun.”
