World's a Stage for Oswego Youth

Zoe Kuecker, 10, loves Jesus and the stage.

These days, the Oswego resident is able to combine her passion for both by participating in the Christian Youth Theater, an after-school theater arts education program for kids ages 4 to 18.

Next week, she will play Lolly in the organization’s production of Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.

“I like that I can just act and sing and dance for Jesus,” Zoe said. “I love acting and singing and dancing. It’s just really fun.”

For Alicia Kuecker, it’s no surprise to see her daughter on stage.

“She’s been kind of dramatic from an early age,” she said with a laugh.

This will be Zoe’s fourth production with the Christian Youth Theater.

“We thought being a part of it would be something she’d really enjoy,” Alicia Kuecker said.

And enjoying it she is.

“The people at CYT are really nice,” Zoe said. “I’ve made some great friends.”

Alicia Kuecker has enjoyed watching Zoe and other CYT students improve with each performance.

“It’s so neat to watch them change and grow so much,” she said. “And they make such great friendships. And the adults are wonderful Christian examples for them.”

Zoe is enjoying her experience with the theater.

“It’s just been so amazing,” she said. “I just love CYT so much and I love Jesus so much.”

Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr takes audiences through a series of songs and lessons in everything from Social Studies to Mathematics. Attendees will watch Tom, a nerve-wracked school teacher nervous about his first day of teaching, try to relax by watching TV when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music, through such Schoolhouse Rock songs as Just A Bill, Interplanet Janet and Conjunction Junction.

The show runs Nov. 17 to Nov. 20, in the Performing Arts Center, 1525 Harvey Road.

Public showtimes are 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18; 2 and 6 p.m. p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20.

The show runs about two hours with one intermission. Recommended for all ages.

Advanced ticket sales are $12 for adults, and $9 for children ages 2 to 17, seniors, and groups of 15 or more. Ticket sales at the door are $14 for adults, and $11 for children ages 2 to 17, seniors, and groups of 15 or more.

For more information about the production, call  (847) 516-2298 or visit www.cytchicago.org.