High school actors bring comedic one-acts to stage
High School Comedy Playhouse presents "A Night of Laughter With HSCP," featuring a night full of three one-act plays at Cutting Hall Performing Arts Center, 150 E. Wood St., in Palatine.
This Palatine Park District program was created to give high school students an opportunity to participate in a comedic play during the summer months. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, July 20-21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 22.
Directed by Christopher Pantelis of Hoffman Estates, the first half of the night will feature two acts, "Gorgeous" and "Now Boarding." "Gorgeous," by Drogheda Woods, tells the story of an actor's desperate attempt to land a leading role for a director who may not have a solid grip on reality.
In "Now Boarding" by Macee Binns, a high- powered business woman and a tough girl from the streets make for a turbulent, comedic flight from Los Angeles to Tallahassee.
The second half will feature an original script written by the teen actors themselves.
"Their unique story follows a group of friends who must escape the approaching terror of Mr. Evil DarkLord," Pantelis said.
The play combines scripted work with a bit of improvisation. The audience will have the opportunity to interact with the show by choosing the outcomes of the characters. Will they make it out before Mr. Evil DarkLord finds them? Or will the villain take his revenge? The audience will decide.
The show stars Amanda Lisitza and Hailey Bond from Cary-Grove High School, and Emma Kaden of Arlington Heights. Assistant director is Declan Shannon of Palatine. All actors are returning from previous years.
Pantelis is also returning for his third year as director of HSCP.
"This year is unique with the cast of three," Pantelis said. "HSCP gives teens an opportunity to experience theater outside of high school. It is a bit of a challenge to be funny and be in the moment and not let yourself laugh," he said.
Pantelis has plenty of experience with comedy, as he has coached comedic speech for several years and is currently coaching at Fremd High School. He has also acted in several performances.
"The show is perfect for teens and adults," said Ashley Schiavone, cultural arts coordinator for the park district. "We tend to see a lot of musical theater, but comedic plays are featured in this program because it provides an opportunity to learn and interact with an audience."
Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $11 for students and children. Tickets are available for purchase through the Cutting Hall Box Office online at CuttingHall.org, by phone at (847) 202-5222, or in person at the performing arts center.
For information about High School Comedy Playhouse, contact Schiavone at aschiavone@palatineparks.org or (847) 496-6237.