Photo Flash: UAC Theater Company Celebrates 25th Anniversary with the Regional Premiere SCHOOL OF ROCK

Up and Coming Theatre Company (UAC) invites you to rock out with them for School of Rock!

Performances will take place at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm Saturday, July 28; 2:00 pm Sunday, July 29; 7:30 pm Thursday, August 2; and 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm Saturday, August 4, at Elk Grove High School, 500 W. Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007. Tickets are available for $20 each at www.uactheatre.org or $25 at the door.

School of Rock is based on the film of the same name, School of Rock. The musical tells the story of wannabe rock star Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. When he discovers his students' musical talents, he enlists his fifth graders to form a rock group and conquer the Battle of the Bands.

School of Rock features a cast 18 years of age and younger. "It has been a wonderful experience working with elementary, middle, and high school aged performers this year!", says producer Lindsey Weiss. "This seems to have been the perfect show choice for our 25th anniversary show. We are ushering in a new generation of UAC performers and welcoming the children of families that have performed with us in our early years."

Jason Harrington, winner of 2017 BroadwayWorld Chicago Non-Equity award for Best Director for UAC's 2016 production of Heathers, is directing this year's production of School of Rock.

"It was a risk on our part in choosing this musical for sure. We knew one of the biggest challenges would be finding young actors who could meet the demands required-namely playing instruments live on stage. We were able to cast truly amazingly talented kids. I can't wait for audiences to see what they can do."

School of Rock stars Colin Claytor and Joe Grudt in the shared title role of Dewey Finn, Alexa Williams as Rosalie Mullins, Nathan Ancheta as Ned Schneebly, and Ariel Williams as Patty DiMarco. The student are led by: guitarist (Zack) - Emmett Victorson, drummer (Freddy)- Tate Ponko, bassist (Katie) - Julia Dale, and Keyboardist (Lawrence) Michael Davidson. Fellow students are: Mya berg, Nora Hubert, Sara Kaufman, Carson Kelley, Ginger Mirabelli, Sadie Nelson,Oona O'Brien, Sydney Smith, Kiara Speek, and Mika Speek. Teachers and parents are played by: Olivia Augustine, Samantha Benigni, Natalie Cupples, Megan Derbick, Nicole Golden, Max Kaufman, Jaclyn Kragt, Hannah Miller, Hannah Pratt, McKenna Sharkey, Teagan Sharkey, Gracy Szwec, Danielle Velasquez, Natham Wemstrom, and Lucas Weir.

When discussing direction of the show Jason states, "One of the most resonant themes of the show deals with young people learning to find their voices. As we see teenagers in our country taking on roles as activists and in politics, I'm so proud to be directing a show that celebrates the power of standing up for your beliefs regardless of your age. I believe this message of youth empowerment will reach audiences doubly because the show is performed by an all-youth cast."

Up and Coming, a longtime partner with District 214, is asking for donations to support families that were impacted by the devastating Prospect Heights five-alarm fire on July 18. Hundreds of people in the attendance boundaries for Districts 214 and 21 were displaced and are in the need of assistance. School of Rock has performers and staff members who attend school and teach in both districts. We would like to support our friends and community members by asking for donations of pillows, towels, linens (sleeping bags, sheets, etc.) and snack foods. All donations will be given directly to families that were impacted by the fire. These donations will be collected at each of our shows. Any questions can be answered by Lindsey Weiss at uactheatre@gmail.com.

"Typically we interact with our community through theatre and our interpretation of the story we are telling. This year, UAC has the opportunity to expand our reach and support friends and members of our district community. Please help us play a small part in their journey of getting back on their feet", says Weiss.

For tickets or more information, visit uactheatre.org.