Teens "Wow" in Cats

The music and energy of Broadway is once again electrifying Oak Lawn with the park district’s teen theater’s presentation of Cats, one of Broadway’s most popular musicals.

With opening weekend already underway, theater enthusiasts and newcomers alike can experience the stunning costumes and spectacular choreography of these magical, Jellicle cats this weekend, Feb.18-20.

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical is based on the book Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot and follows a tribe of cats as they gather to determine which of them most deserves to be chosen for rebirth.

The show’s director, Erica Heilmann, says she wanted to choose a musical with a real “wow factor” so that the students can really feel that they did something awesome.

“This is a big sacrifice for the kids,” said Heilmann.  “A lot of these kids are pushing it with school and rehearsals so we wanted to make it worth their while.”

The Oak Lawn Park District’s teen shows are of the same quality as adult theater with full lights, costumes, and professional choreography Heilmann explained.

Impressively, the cat costumes the students wear are exact replicas of the versions on Broadway, every stripe, every line.

“We’ve done a lot of different shows.  We’ve done Fame, we’ve done Godspell, we’ve done The Wiz, but this one is extra special,” Heilmann said.

The cast features 45 teens and 50 children who play “kittens” in the production.

One of those teens is 15-year-old Maura Boice of Oak Lawn. A freshman at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, Boice has been involved with the Oak Lawn Park District Theater Program since she was in the third grade but said this show is definitely in a league of its own.

“It’s just so fun to be a cat because you never get to experience being an actual animal on stage,” said Boice with a big smile.  “It’s not something I’m used to, but it’s awesome.”

Unlike other community theater groups, the Oak Lawn Park District Teen Theater Program is open to teenagers from neighboring communities.  As long as the aspiring thespian is between the ages of 13-19, he or she is eligible to audition.

“These kids are the ones who really have a passion for theater,” Heilmann said proudly. “It’s great because we get the best of the best.”

The park district charges a $40 administration fee per actor to offset some of the expenses of producing a Broadway musical, as the rights themselves are very expensive, but in return these aspiring actors receive a level of professionalism not always matched by high school programs.

Assistant director Julie Benos, musical director Jennifer Dale, set and light Designer Gil Oliva, and choreographer Dawn Schnolis also work with Heilmann to provide the students with a quality theatrical experience and to make sure the show runs smoothly.

This year, she is also working with a student intern, Maureen Shaffer, who is majoring in education and theater.

Heilmann remarked that what is most wonderful about the program is that it gives teenagers a safe and encouraging environment where they are free to express themselves.

“We have 45 teens in this show—45 teens in the dead of winter that are off the streets in a safe environment.  That means a lot to parents,” she said.  “People forget that these are teenagers so I’m excited for their parents and for the community.”

Cats runs Friday through Saturday, Feb. 18-19, at 8 p.m., with a 3 p.m. performance on Sunday, Feb. 20, at the Oak View Center, 4625 W. 110th St. Tickets are $18 for adults; $12 for teens and children.