Upcoming Theatre Events for Kids and Adults at Wheaton Drama

Auditions This Weekend for Hansel and Gretel

Looking for something for your aspiring young actors to do? Check out this weekend's auditions for Hansel and Gretel.

With an original script by Berni Raymond, Wheaton Drama’s version of Hansel and Gretel is a lively, humorous rendition of the ancient tale, with enough fun and excitement to appeal to audiences of all ages. It follows the original story line with all the characters children expect to see, plus enough new ones to add to the intrigue of this captivating show. The music, dancing, and lively characters make this a show not to be missed.

Boys and girls age 5 and older are needed for the show. There are 11 speaking roles for ages 12 and older. The younger children will appear as birds and gingerbread people. Some roles are gender neutral.

Auditions will be Saturday, May 19 and Sunday, May 20 at the Wheaton Park District Community Center at 1777 S. Blanchard Road, Wheaton, IL (corner of Blanchard and Naperville). Please note that audition times are for specific ages.

On Saturday, May 19: 10am to 11am for ages 5 to 8-years-old; 11am to 12pm for ages 9 to 11-years-old; 12pm to 1pm for ages 12 and older.

On Sunday, May 20: 1pm to 2pm for Hansel and Gretel only; 2pm to 2:30pm will be by appointment only for those who could not attend Saturday auditions. Contact director Jim Liesz at 630-534-4828 to schedule an appointment.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script, singing 32 bars from a familiar song (such as “America the Beautiful”, “America”, “Happy Birthday”), and basic movement, so participants should be dressed appropriately.   

An accompanist will be provided. Those wishing to sing 32 bars of prepared music should bring music for the accompanist with the 32 bars marked. 

Callbacks will be May 20 from 2:30-4pm. Rehearsals will be after school is on break (most likely the second week in June), and will be during the day, depending upon cast availability.

Jim Liesz is directing, assisted by Berni Raymond. Georgia Hamilton is musical director and Barb Giblin is the choreographer. Stage management is Amy Johnson and Jen Neidl.           

Performances of Hansel and Gretel will be at Playhouse 111, 111 N. Hale Street in downtown Wheaton. Shows are Friday, July 6 at 7pm, Saturday, July 7 at 3pm, Sunday, July 8 at 3pm, Friday, July 13 at 7pm, Saturday, July 14 at 3pm, and Sunday, July 15 at 3pm. Visit http://www.wheatondrama.org for tickets.

Musical Comedy Opening May 25

Coming to Wheaton Drama's Playhouse 111 is a musical comedy with fantastic music, lovable rogues, gorgeous women, sweet romance, contemporary sass, nods to classic Broadway musicals, and a whole lot of fun!

Sound like what you want for your live theatre experience? Then purchase your tickets today for Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. If you enjoy having a good time at a show, this is one for you.  

Following the hilarious antics of two con men competing on the lovely French Riviera, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is adapted from the Michael Caine and Steve Martin film of the same name. Book is by Jeffrey Lane with lyrics and music by David Yazbek.  

The cast is: Angela Bitner as Lenore/Ensemble; Suzanne Compton as Ensemble; Brianne DeFrang as Usherette/Ensemble; Zach Gibson as Freddy Benson; Michelle Ho as Sophia/Ensemble; Charmaine Jones as Ensemble; Ken Kaden as Andre Thibault; Sara Malloy as Christine Colgate; Jennifer Myers as Jolene Oakes; Rob Reinalda as Lawrence Jameson; Teresa Reinalda as Ensemble; Julie Rodgers-Baker as Renee/Ensemble; Pam Turlow as Muriel Eubanks. 

Steve Schroeder is directing, assisted by Amy Royle. Jo-Ann Ledger is the production manager. David Belew is musical director. Harmony Barry is the choreographer. Stage management is by Bruce Ebner and Debbie Trueblood. 

Additional production staff are: Trish Ambrosio (hair and make-up); Ben Aylesworth (master carpenter); Ken Beach (Starboard photographer); Sindy Bower (front of house); Traci A. Cidlik (poster design); Craig Gustafson (Starboard design); Alex Finis (assistant scenic artist); Melissa Heischberg (costumes and website); Amy Johnson (properties and set decoration); Steven Merkel (sound design and publicity photography); R.J. Ogren (scenic artist); Rebecca Poole (tickets); Kate Quan (programme); Penny Salvesen (set design); Jim Van de Velde (lighting design). 

Performances of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels are May 25 through June 17. Shows are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm. Tickets are $18 for Thursdays; $21 for Fridays-Sundays.

Music Theatre International licenses Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. 

There's some language and the show isn't appropriate for kids, but that doesn't make it any less FUNNY for adults! Come and have good-natured (if sometimes slightly naughty) fun! 

Purchase tickets at http://www.wheatondrama.org, or call 630-260-1820.