Opening Night of YOU CAN'T TAKE IT WITH YOU - A Smashing Success! #207Now #theatre #drama @mainewestdrama @mainewesttechcrew @mainewestfab @mwactivities

 
Tonight, the talented students of Maine West High School brought the house down with their vibrant performance of the classic comedy, "You Can't Take It With You." The play, written by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart, is a beloved staple of American theatre, and our students did it justice with a delightful mix of humor, chaos, and heartfelt moments.

The stage was alive with energy as each actor embraced their quirky character, from the fireworks-making patriarch of the Sycamore family to the ballet-dancing Essie. The chemistry among the cast was palpable, making the eccentricities of each family member all the more endearing and hilarious.

A special shout-out goes to the set design team, under the direction of Mr. Peter McManus, who transformed our stage into a bustling New York household, cluttered yet cozy, which perfectly complemented the play's 1930s setting. Their attention to detail did not go unnoticed, adding an authentic touch that transported the audience right into the heart of the story.

The direction by Ms. Judy Klingner was impeccable, guiding the young actors through fast-paced dialogue and complex comedic timing with ease. It was evident that every student involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, put in tremendous effort and passion, making this production a standout success.

Bravo to everyone involved for a memorable evening of laughter and community!

A special shout out to Maine West Fine Arts Boosters and all of the caregivers and community members who will volunteer to help throughout this production - We Can't Do It Without You!

Don't miss this hilarious show! There are two more performances left:

Friday, April 19th at 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 20th at 7:00 p.m. 

Get your tickets in advance at bit.ly/MWBoxOffice (case-sensitive)!

HERE is the program for this production.

HERE are additional pictures.

Improv Warriors Show #207Now #improv @mainewestdrama @mainewestfab @mwactivities

 
On Thursday, April 4th, the IMPROV WARRIORS, a student led improv troupe within the Maine West Drama Club, had their final improv show of the school year, delivering improv skits that had everyone laughing hysterically! Congratulations to all of the students who performed, and to drama teacher, Mr. David Harmon on a successful year of improv!

Maine West Students and Director Honored at the Illinois Theatre Festival! #207Now #excellence @mainewestdrama @illinoistheatreassociation

At this year's Illinois Theatre Festival, Maine West students Penny Wurster and Avery Rizzi and spring play director Ms. Judy Klingner received recognition for their outstanding work.

Penny Wurster participated in the Tech Olympics competition, which asks students to complete a variety of tasks related to technical theatre accurately and in as little time as possible. Penny was able to complete a quick costume change by herself in record time - 18 seconds - placing second in the costume change category! Well done, Penny!

Avery Rizzi was selected by competitive audition into the All-State Improv Team, performing with an elite high school improv team for an audience of over 200 people! Avery said of her experience, "It was cool, especially being the only person in the district represented on the team. It was fun to meet so many people from all over the state!" Well done, Avery, on earning a spot on the state Improv Team! We are so proud of you!

Ms. Judy Klingner was awarded the Legacy Award for her tremendous contributions to theatre education in the state of Illinois. Ms. Klingner taught drama for 34 years, retiring from Fremd High School in 2019. She has held a number of leadership positions with the Illinois Theatre Association, and is currently the President-Elect. Maine West Fine Arts is thrilled to have Ms. Klingner on its artistic staff as the spring play director, and we are so proud that she has been honored by the ITA for her tremendous contributions! Congratulations on this well-deserved honor, Ms. Klingner!

Opening Night of The Diary of Anne Frank a Triumph! #207Now #annefrank @mainewestdrama @mwactivities @mainewestfab

Congratulations to the actors, tech crew, costume and make up crew and all directors and designers involved in this year's fall play production of The Diary of Anne Frank. The Maine West Drama production of this emotionally stirring and thought-provoking story is not to be missed. Wendy Kesserman's adaptation of The Diary of Anne Frank play by Goodrich and Hackett brings Anne Frank's poignant diary entries to life on stage.

The Maine West cast delivers performances that are nothing short of mesmerizing. The actress playing Anne, Nina Brouder, captures Anne's youthful spirit and wisdom beyond her years, making you feel as if you're right there in the secret annex with her.

The production team has gone to great lengths to recreate the atmosphere of the annex, making the experience all the more immersive. The costumes are period-appropriate, adding another layer of authenticity.

This play isn't just entertainment; it is a lesson in history, humanity, and the resilience of the human spirit. You'll leave the auditorium not just entertained, but enriched and enlightened.

Don't miss out! Grab your tickets now (bit.ly/MWBoxOffice) for the final two performances on Friday, October 13th and Saturday, October 14th at 7:00 p.m. in the Maine West Auditorium.

A digital version of the program can be found HERE.

A folder full of pictures from the production can be found HERE.

Many thanks to the family, friends and fans who have helped (or will help) this production in any capacity! We could not do what we do without the dedicated support of our wonderful volunteers, contributing members, and board members with the Maine West Fine Arts Boosters!

The 2023 Drama Awards Night Celebrates a Year of Success! #207Now #drama #awards #thespians #techcrew @mainewestdrama @mainewesttechcrew @mainewestfab @mwactivities

 

Congratulations to all of the students who have participated in the Maine West Drama program during the 2022-2023 school year! Tonight's Drama Awards Night recognized students for their achievements in the drama classes, and for their outstanding contributions to the production season: Drop Dead (fall play), Young Frankenstein (musical) and Trap (spring play). Whether they contributed on or off the stage (go tech crew!), each and every person was instrumental to creating these inspiring performances and for sustaining a drama program that enriches us all!

Tonight many students were also inducted into the International Thespian Society, an honors organization for theatre students around the world. Congratulations to everyone who was inducted!

Bravo to Selma Velic who was selected by their peers for the "Top Thespian" award!

As is tradition, some of next year's season was announced at tonight's awards ceremony. 

Drum roll....

Next year's fall play will be...

...The Diary of Anne Frank...and

...next year's musical will be...

Mean Girls The Musical (High School Edition)!

We are looking forward to the 2023-2024 school year and drama season!

Many more pictures from tonight's Drama Awards can be found HERE.

Thank you to Mr. David Harmon and Mr. Peter McManus for all of  your time and energy organizing tonight's Drama Awards!

Thank you to our entire incredible staff who make the drama program what it is at West:

Mr. David Harmon (drama teacher and director of the fall play and musical), Mr. Peter McManus (auditorium manager and tech director), Mx. Ashley Benson (costumer for fall play and musical), Ms. Desi Rae Stricker (co-costumer for fall play and musical), Ms. Mya Figueroa (costumer for spring play), Ms. Judy Klingner (director of spring play), Ms. Daniella Valdez (musical producer), Mr. Bernie Gerstmayr (musical pit orchestra director), Mr. James Schiffer (musical vocal director), Ms. Isa Ramirez (musical choreographer).

The Spring Play - TRAP - Is NOT To Be Missed! #207Now #horroronstage #Trap @mainewestdrama @mwactivities @mainewestfab

Tonight was opening night of the mysterious spring play, Trap! You do NOT want to miss this thriller of a show! It is a mysterious, documentary-style play that brings to life the terrifying events that occurred in February of 2022. Using information obtained from primary sources, the actors will recreate interviews with witnesses, loved ones, first responders, and the professionals investigating the case.  As the horrifying details of the story are woven together, the audience will be lured into a dangerous web.

Join us on this spine-chilling journey!

There are two shows left:

April 21st at 7:00 p.m.

April 22nd at 7:00 p.m.

in the Maine West Auditorium

Tickets are on sale now at the bookstore or online at bit.ly/MWBoxOffice! $7/students and $10/adults

More pictures from the Maine West production can be found HERE!

Congratulations to all of the students and directors involved in this impressive and captivating production!Way to go tech crew on executing all of the cues!!

The Improv Warriors Perform a Hilarious Set! #207Now #improv @mainewestdrama @mainewesttechcrew @mwactivities @mainewestfab

 
Tonight, the Maine West Drama Club's Improv Warriors entertained us with their hilarious set of improv games and skits! Engaging the audience through soliciting material and themes, their performances had everyone roaring with laughter!

Well done, Improv Warriors! Thank you for sharing your talents with us and for bringing joy and laughter to our evening!

Congratulations to the senior students who performed their last show as an Improv Warrior! The skills and confidence you have learned and earned through your participation in the troupe will be carried with you for life!

More pictures from tonight's performance can be found HERE.