Fox Valley Rep Youth Ensemble Presents Disney's HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL, Now thru 8/5

At the start of something new for the summer season, the actors of the FVR Performing Arts Academy are determined to get'cha head in the game with the return of Disney's High School Musical. This talented group of 8-18 year-olds will bop to the top with their lively rendition of the musical tonight, July 21 through August 5, 2012 on the Pheasant Run Mainstage.

Performances are tonight, July 21 and July 28 at 10:30 a.m.; Friday, July 27 at 10:30 a.m.; Friday, August 3 at 7:00 p.m.; and Sundays, July 29 and August 5 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased through the Pheasant Run Box Office at (630) 584-6342 or online by visiting www.foxvalleyrep.org. Tickets are $15. This production,rated G,is a part of the St. Charles Summer Theater Fest. (For more information on the festival, visit: www.summertheaterfest.org.)

Kyle Meyer (South Elgin) rehearsing as Ryan and Laney Haupert (Wheaton) as Sharpay.

Based on the Disney Channel original movie, High School Musical follows the students of East High as they struggle against the status quo and break free to follow their dreams. Basketball star Troy falls for new student Gabriella, and they audition for the school musical despite discouragement from diva Sharpay. Between the different social groups of the school, plenty of drama unfolds over these auditions, but eventually all the students of East High must realize that they are "All in This Together"!

As the curtain falls on each show, the actors will invite the community to join them in supporting children from the area. Donations will be requested for the FVR Academy Scholarship campaign and for another nonprofit organization, based in Aurora - Breaking Free. The directors of this charity realize that children are healthy when they grow up in families free from substance abuse, where they are nurtured and supported. So, the organization has committed to assisting individuals and families to live in a community where everyone reaches their full potential. By building and supporting strong family foundations and rebuilding those impacted by substance abuse and other life challenges, they hope to enable children and their families to break free and find a better life.

"While funding continues to become increasingly limited, Breaking Free has never turned someone away due to an inability to pay. This partnership with the Fox Valley Repertory is truly a win-win situation, allowing both organizations to continue to be a resource to all members of the community," says Michael Moran, Executive Director of Breaking Free.

Those included in the cast are from Bartlett: Sophia Clinite, Batavia: Morgan Dunn, Colette Max, Carol Stream: Elisabeth Reuter, Geneva: Aly Fogel, Haley Glover, Erin Hurley, Simran Sachdev, Sara Temple, Glendale Heights: Emily Marron, Lombard: Matthew Petersen, Schaumburg: Jason Wickland, Melissa Wickland, Somonauk: Lena Orwig, South Elgin: Kyle Meyer, St. Charles: Delaney Carani, Maria Carani, Allison Cole, Mack Rivara, Carly Stanton, Cydney Stanton, Sugar Grove: Connor Madziarczyk, West Chicago: Deanne Capinpin, Wheaton: Laney Haupert, Yorkville: Megan Schmit. Director is Carly Churchey of Chicago Ridge. Music Director is Debra Stombres from St. Charles.

The Fox Valley Repertory Youth Ensemble is an exclusive, audition only program for the best and the brightest young talent. Students are responsible for memorizing lines, music and choreography, and learning the craft of theater through the process of preparing for live performances. For more information on upcoming youth opportunities, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550.

Ample free parking and valet services are available at Pheasant Run Resort. The resort and theaters are wheelchair accessible and hearing amplification systems are available. Ask the box office about lunch packages and group discounts.

Pheasant Run Resort is located at 4051 E. Main St., St. Charles, IL. For tickets, call the Pheasant Run Box Office at 630-584-6342, or visit www.ticketmaster.com. Additional performance information may be obtained at www.foxvalleyrep.org.