Fox Valley Rep's Little Shop of Horrors Youth Cast Helps Feed the Community

The Fox Valley Area can feed their appetite for theatre while helping feed others in the community this summer as Fox Valley Rep's Youth Ensemble proudly presents Little Shop of Horrors. This full-length summer production features talented teens from all over the Western Suburbs and will also benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank through the "FEED me" campaign.

The Youth Ensemble is eager to collect donations after each performance in support of the Northern Illinois Food Bank and the FVR Performing Arts Academy Scholarship campaign. Patrons' contributions will help FEED hungry neighbors by helping to provide food and help FEED the young people by furthering their knowledge and experience in the arts.

"Our goal is to collect an extra $5.00-$10.00 from our loyal patrons," says FVR Development Manager Scott Piner of St. Charles. "This donation is voluntary and very appreciated. Our scholarship campaign helps students in need so that all students in the Fox Valley community can have access to exploring their lives in the performing arts here at Fox Valley Rep."

Donation proceeds will also benefit the Northern Illinois Food Bank, an agency serving 13 local counties. "Just $1.00 helps provide about 6 meals to someone in need," says Shannon Thompson, Special Events and Promotions Manager at Northern Illinois Food Bank. "So a $5.00 donation will help put 30 meals on the tables of our hungry neighbors!" More information on Northern Illinois Food Bank can be found at www.northernilfoodbank.org.

Directed by Aaron Henrickson of Chicago with musical direction by Ken Jones of Wayne, Little Shop of Horrors transports you to the streets of skid row and a down-on-your-luck florist shop worker who raises a plant that feeds on the blood of humans - all while dreaming of a better life with the girl of his dreams, Audrey.

Guiding us through the story is a trio of street urchins played by Lily Defino of Carol Stream, Maddy Donatelli of Geneva, and Maegan Daniels of Bartlett. The hapless Seymour is played by Kyle Schwichtenberg of Carol Stream while the love of his life, Audrey, is played by Hanna Telander of Glen Ellyn.

The cast members include Bartlett: Maegan Daniels, Katie Jackovin, Batavia: Tori McKeehan, Carol Stream: Lily DeFino, Kara Pierce, Kyle Schwichtenberg, Elgin: Arianna Nutile, Geneva: Maddy Donatelli, Aly Fogel, Alice Paul, and Caroline Whittaker, Glen Ellyn: Hanna Telander, Lombard: Nathan Dittemore, St. Charles: Kayleigh Aleck, Delaney and Maria Carani, Cameron Sherrill, Sugar Grove: Andrew Carroll, Connor Madziarczyk, and Tom Rieser, Woodstock: Joey Javan.

Little Shop of Horrors features music by Alan Menken, and is based on the book written by Howard Ashman. It was also made into a film in 1986.

Little Shop of Horrors, rated G, will be presented Saturdays, July 2, July 9 and 16 at 10:30 am; and Sunday, July 10 at 7 pm on the Pheasant Run Resort Mainstage. Tickets are priced at $15 for adults; $12 for children 12 and under.

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.

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