Blog

“You can have your wish,…”

By Michael Keigher “You can have your wish, but you can’t just wish. No, to get your wish you go… Into the woods has always been my favorite musical. My first lead in 7th grade was for a middle school production of into the woods as the narrator and I fell in love. Into the…
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Full Swing Dance Mode!

By Veronica Kravat We are in full swing dance mode! Our first mixed rehearsal working with Jets and Sharks together is in the books! Dance at the Gym is definitely going to be one of the highlights of the show. The talent in this cast is unbelievable and it shows in this number. You’ve never…
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Acting Out Theatre Co.’s Rain Policy

We will make every effort to present the performance. In the event of rain, please retain your ticket stub. Acting Out Theatre Co. reserves the right to hold the start of a performance for a maximum of 45 minutes. In the event of rain during a performance. AOTC may interrupt the show for a maximum…
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West Side Story goes to the Oscars 1962

In 1961 the movie version of West Side Story was released. Seven months later it was nominated for 11 Academy Awards. Ten Golden Oscars were awarded. The most by a musical and thus setting a record. And the Oscar goes to… 1.) Best Picture 2.) Best Director (Duel) Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins (Jerome Robbins Directed…
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You can’t take it with you . . . .

By Gary Paruszkiewicz “Belles on their Toes” . . . “Inherit the wind” . . . “You can’t take it with you” . . . “1984” . . . “The Devils” . . . Great stage plays for high school productions in the 1960’s. I swore I had found my calling, and it was on…
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A Timely Production.

By AE Sarver Two years ago, I started a graduate assistant ship at Olivet Nazarene University for the theatre department. In this role, I worked closely with Professor Cohagan, taught classes, and directed shows, honing my skills as a director and challenging my ability to fully embrace a work of art. It was at the…
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The Court Street Bookends

By Hannah Swale ~  Kankakee County Museum While buildings were demolished on one end of the 100 block of East Court Street to make way for another parking lot, the west end of the block came to be known as “The Court Street Bookends,” where more exciting things were planned. Norman and Janice Strasma acquired the…
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West Side Story: The Film

Please join us Friday April 20 at 6:00 pm at the Kankakee Public Library for the screening of the 1961 film, West Side Story. This is a FREE event! UNITED ARTISTS | RELEASE DATE: DECEMBER 13, 1961 Summary: Two youngsters from rival New York City gangs fall in love, but tensions between their respective friends build toward tragedy. Director: Jerome Robbins and Robert…
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“Come on, something, come on in”

This past Friday evening was our 1st official cast meeting, the West Side Story read-thru. It is always fun to see everyone together and imagine how the show will unfold. Our staging director, Jerry Cohagan shared with the cast a “Touchstone” if you will: “West Side Story is as old as Shakespeare. It is a…
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Get Cool Boy

“Cool” is a well-known song that is sung by Riff before the Rumble meeting. The Jets are itching to fight with the Sharks, but Riff tells them to wait for the rumble. In the movie, the song is placed after the rumble where Riff dies. The Jets are saddened by Riff’s death and want revenge. Here…
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