LT Special Needs Adults Perform 'The Little Mermaid' This Weekend

Caption: Adults with special needs from LTHS adult and community education program will perform ‘The Little Mermaid’ at 2 p.m. Nov. 22 and Nov. 23 at LTHS performing arts center in Western Springs.

A talented group of actors from Lyons Township High School’s adult special education program will hit the boards this weekend with two performances of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid Jr.,” this Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 22 and Nov. 23, at 2 p.m.

Directed by Christine Rehak-Grohne, the musical will take place at LTHS South Campus Performing Arts Center, 4900 S. Willow Springs Rd., in Western Springs. Tickets are $5.

The cast of twenty-five actors have been rehearsing and planning their musical since January, taking a break over the summer, and are now headed down the home stretch toward “opening afternoon.”

The long-running performing arts programhas been putting on shows for the community starring adults from LT’s special education and transition program for 22 years.

Set designer Donna Walker, who contacted Patch about plugging the performances, said that the cast members give their heart and soul to the production.

“To see a performer conquer his or her stage fright and then belt out a song with such feeling, it really changes the audience’s perspective about life,” Walker said. “When they’re done with the song they might turn around and give a castmate a high five.”

Cast members include Doug Toops, Karl Urycki, David DeVeno from LaGrange; Amy Cooper and Bryanna LaConte from LaGrange Park; Aubrey Fasano and Lisa Guidice of Countryside; and Laura Rehak of Indian Head Park.

Hailing from Chicago are Elisha Preston and Christianne Msall .

The rest of the cast is from Dupage County including Barb Cerkanowicz from Darien; representing Hinsdale are Brian Santangelo and Rob Incerto and Laura Lockett from Downers Grove.

Come join the cast for a rollicking good time “Under the Sea.”