A Magical Opening Night: A Monster Calls Takes the Stage! #207Now #theatre #drama @mainewestfab @mainewestdrama

 

What an unforgettable opening night! Our spring play, A Monster Calls, based on the novel by Patrick Ness and adapted by Sally Cookson and Adam Peck, roared to life with a performance that was raw, powerful, and deeply moving. Every moment on stage was packed with emotion, thanks to a cast and crew who poured their hearts into telling this beautiful and haunting story.

The audience was captivated from the first light cue to the final bow. From the stunning visuals and imaginative staging to the emotional depth brought by our student performers, it was clear: this is a show that stays with you.

Huge shoutout to our dedicated director, Ms. Judy Klingner, costume designer, Ms. Marquecia Jordan, and the costume crew, the tech team led by Mr. Peter McManus, and every student who brought this story to life. We’re so proud of what you've created! If you haven’t seen it yet, don’t miss your chance!

There are two more opportunities to see A Monster Calls: 

Friday, April 25th at 7:00 p.m. 

Saturday, April 26th at 7:00 p.m.

Tickets are available at bit.ly/MWBoxOffice.

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

You can view the program HERE.

Thank you to all of our Maine West Fine Arts Booster volunteers who are helping with this production!

Improv Warriors Spring Showcase #207Now #improv @mainewestdrama @mwactivities @mainewestfab

 

Laughter, quick thinking, and spontaneous creativity will took center stage at the Improv Warriors' Spring Showcase! This highly anticipated event is a celebration of wit, teamwork, and the sheer joy of unscripted performance.

Our talented student performers have been honing their improvisational skills all year, mastering the art of thinking on their feet, building engaging scenes, and working together to create unforgettable moments—all without a script! Through a mix of classic improv games, audience participation, and unexpected twists, the Improv Warriors delivered a night full of hilarity and heart. Special thanks to the senior leaders who led the Improv Warriors this year!

HERE are more pictures from tonight's performance.

Opening Night of The Little Mermaid Makes a Splash! #207Now #musical @mainewestdrama @mainewestfab

 
From the first notes of Part of Your World to the final bows, the Maine West Fine Arts Department's production of The Little Mermaid transported audiences under the sea with stunning performances, vibrant costumes, and breathtaking sets. Students brought Ariel, Ursula, and the whole cast of characters to life with incredible talent and energy.

Behind the scenes, our crew worked tirelessly to create dazzling lighting, seamless scene changes, and the perfect touch of Disney magic. The result? A show that left audiences humming the tunes and believing in the magic of dreams.

Bravo to our cast, crew, and directors for making this production unforgettable! 

Click HERE to enjoy many more pictures from the show!

There are three more performances of The Little Mermaid:

Friday, February 21, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
and Sunday, February 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.

Secure your seats now at bit.ly/MWBoxOffice.

BONUS EVENT! Before Sunday's matinee, join us for an "Under the Sea" Carnival - a fun-filled event where kids can enjoy games, crafts and surprises inspired by The Little Mermaid!

"Under the Sea" Carnival Details:

Sunday, February 23 at 12:00 p.m.

Tickets to the carnival are $10 for children, and free for adults. 

Get tickets for the carnival here: https://mainewestfineartsboosters.square.site/under-the-sea-carnival 

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to bring your little one into Ariel’s world for a day of fun, music, and magic! We can’t wait to see you there!

Improv Warriors Showcase - An Hour of Laughs Unscripted! #207Now #improv @mainewestdrama @mainewestfab

 

Tonight, the Improv Warriors, a student-led improv troupe within the Maine West Drama Club performed their winter showcase, which had the audience in stiches! The students delivered a number of skits and improv games that showed off their ability to think quickly and creatively on their feet!

Congratulations to all of the students who participated tonight!

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

Two Maine West Drama & Choir Students Selected for All-State Musical Production! #207Now #allstate #musicaltheatre @mainewestdrama @mainewestchoir @illinoistheatreassociation @mainewestfab

 

We recently learned that TWO Maine West Drama and Choir students - Irene Han and Jaiden Maisonet - have been selected by competitive audition for the Illinois Theatre Association's All-State production of The Prom!

Selection for the ITA All-State production distinguishes these students as some of the best actors and singers in the state of Illinois! We are so proud of you, Jaiden and Irene, and can't wait to see you perform at Theatre Fest in January 2025! Thank you to Mr. Harmon and Mr. Schiffer for mentoring these students toward this success!

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.