Summer, the Performing Arts and The Limelight Theatre Company

In Oswego, we are very fortunate to have many fantastic opportunities for our children to get involved. During the school year, our kids can participate in a huge variety of sports teams, clubs, choir and drama performances.  During the summer, camps and traveling teams take care of the young athlete’s needs.  What about the performing arts aficionados? That was my question when we moved to Oswego… and I found the answer in The Limelight Theatre Company (LTC)http://limelighttheatrecompany.org/ .

Known as “Limelight”, LTC is an organization under the umbrella of the Oswegoland Park District that serves ours and surrounding communities as well. With the motto “where everyone plays a part”, they provide a variety of performance related opportunities during the school year as well as their renowned summer season. From writer’s and young actors’ workshops to radio plays, Shakespeare and musical theatre, there’s something for theater enthusiasts of all ages.  Not a singer, dancer or actor? No problem! All sets, props and costumes are designed in house too. All kinds of volunteer opportunities are available also for teens and adults. To give you an idea of the wonderful work that the Limelight Theatre Company does, here’s a breakdown  of what our casts and crews have been doing for the past six weeks.

This summer season began with “Quest”, an original play by longtime limelighter Michael Leali, where our youngest actors demonstrated a level of performance ability beyond their short years. Same is to be said of the second show of the summer “Aladdin Jr.”, directed by Eric Feltes.

This upcoming week, the theatre buffet continues when “Macbeth” comes on stage on July 17-20th at the Oswego High School auditorium (all performances at 7pm). Directed by Brian Brems, this version of the Shakespearean classic promises to be one that you have never seen before!

Limelight’s summer season wraps up with the presentation of the Tony Award nominated musical “Once on this Island”, directed by Michael Leali with music director Diana Nevills, choreographer Alex Watts and costumes by yours truly.  This modern re-interpretation of the classic Little Mermaid fairy tale is set to a Caribbean beat.  In almost non-stop song and dance, the show tells the story of Ti Moune, a peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of her island. When Daniel is returned to his people, the fantastical gods, who rule the island, guide Ti Moune on a journey to test the strength of her love against the powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.

“Once on this Island” opens July 31st through August 3rd at the Oswego High School Auditorium (all performances at 7pm).  Tickets for both Macbeth and Once on this Island can be purchased before each performance for $7 students and seniors and $10 adults.

Eight years later, my kids and I are still actively involved in LTC’s projects which motivated me to write this article and give a shout out to one of the organizations that have made living in Oswego a great experience for me and my family. I am very proud of being part of the LTC family and being able to help provide a safe environment for our children, where they can learn new skills while making lifelong  friends and having fun. Once a Limelighter, always a Limelighter!