By Melissa Rubalcaba Riske
When the curtain rises on Disney’s Moana Jr. later this month at Raue Center For The Arts theater in Crystal Lake, the audience will easily recognize the familiar characters and the songs. For nearly half the cast, it will be their first time in a stage performance complete with costumes and props.
“I’ve done dance, jazz, ballet and hip hop, but this has much more choreography,” said cast member Izzy.
Her cast member Norah B., chimed in as well.
“I didn’t know it would be this much hard work,” said Norah B., who will be playing Pua in the production.
The students have honed their skills, learned what it takes to produce a musical and had lots of fun too as part of the annual Raue Center School For The Arts Theater Camp. The day camp program has brought together students ages 7 to 13 in this summer show. The production crew includes a talented cast, including individuals that have performed at the Raue Center and in their high school and college productions. Overseeing the show is director Christina Giorgi, a recent graduate of Illinois Weslyn University, who brings her experience as an actress and show producer.
“It’s a really big feat putting on a show in six weeks with 30 kids, but they are handling it really well,” Giorgi said.
Head of choreography is Tess Rowan, an actress, writer, musician who is assisting with Moana Jr. while preparing for her own stage production at the Raue Theater this month. Rowan, who recalls performing in several productions when she was a child, said she loves working with the students.
“I can see how they care, are coming out of their shells,” Rowan said.
For some of the campers, it has opened their eyes to a new love for acting.
“I used to be in ballet and I had recitals and on stage, but this I love the most. I love being a character,” said cast member Julia U.
Cast member Abby B. said she has enjoyed how the production team takes the time and patience to teach while making it fun too. In between learning choreography and lines students have played games, tried their hands at tie-dye and enjoyed other fun activities.
Cast member Ross B. is excited to perform as Maui, bringing humor to the show. “You’re going to like the show,” he added.
Giorgi said it’s been important that all cast members feel engaged with the show and their characters.
“I’ve asked even the ensemble members to think about their character, what is their name, their job on the island, how do they relate to Moana,” Giorgi said.
Eva C. landed the role of Moana, and while she’s had some prior acting through the Crystal Lake Park District, this role feels different she said.
“{Moana} is very brave and strong all the time and sometimes I feel that with her. I kind of connect with her,” Eva said.
And for cast member Scarlett W., who will be playing the bedazzled crab Tamatoa, the best part of the multi-week theater camp has been enjoying the work on production and making a lot of new friends. With cast members brought together from across the community, it has been an opportunity for new friendships that will last well after the curtain closes.
“I’ve made a lot of new friends,” cast member Ava R. said. “Every day is a really fun day. It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.”
The 60-minute stage show opens at Raue Center For The Arts July 25, 26 and 27. Shows are at 7 p.m. with a matinee show at 2 p.m. July 27. Tickets are available at rauecenter.org.
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