We tell the story

There is something uniquely special about community theater. Not only does it provide a creative outlet for those appearing on stage, it has a way of bringing people together. It helps us reflect on our lives and provides each of us with a gentle reminder of how truly amazing the world can be. It is through the stories told on stage we learn about life, love, pain, grief, hope and faith. We discover that in one way or another there is more that brings us together than divides us. For decades actors and actresses have stepped into the spotlight for performances that evoke laughter and tears, and that is why they tell the stories. It was 10 years ago this summer that Small Town Theatrics began telling stories in musical form, and from an initial cast and crew of 18 teenagers performing on a small stage in the junior high gymnasium, the community theater company has expanded to provide a musical theater experience for more than 175-cast and crew members of all ages and abilities. These individuals represent more than 15 communities in six counties—Grundy, Will, Livingston, Kankakee, Kendall and Kane. “Ten years ago I could have never dreamt that we would be producing shows with the amount of talent we’ve seen over time,” said Jack Micetich, who established the company when he was just 18 years old. In starting the non-profit community theater his goal was simply, to provide individuals in these small towns, with opportunities to showcase their talents, while exposing them to the diversity of the performing arts. “In the past there have been limited opportunities for people to get involved in theater and participate in something that I believe can be a truly magical experience. My goal and the goal of our board and creative team is to provide cast, crew and audience alike with a big city theater experience right here at home, it’s what we strive for season after season,” Micetich said. In celebration of Small Town Theatrics’ 10th season, it’s taking on something new—a semi-staged musical concert. “Many have asked what is a semi-stage concert. For us it means that this show is being performed on a stationary set with a smaller number of props and costumes. When the actors are not in a scene they will be at their music stands on either side of the stage. There are costumes, there are special effects, there is lighting, there is a set, they are acting and I can tell you they are singing,” Micetich said. For its first musical concert, the company will be presenting “Once On This Island,” a one-act musical based on the Rosa Guy novel “My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl.” Set in the French Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, the musical tells the story of a peasant girl who brings people of different social classes together using the power of love. Saved by the gods from a disastrous flood that washes across the island, TiMoune is adopted by peasants who find her sheltered in a tree. In search of why her life was sparred in the storm, TiMoune prays to the gods to find her purpose and for a life like the grand hommes who live on the other side of the island. The gods—Asaka, Erzulie, Agwe and Pape Ge— hear her prayers and send her on a journey. The 20-member cast invites the community to join them for this unique production that features the music of Stephen Flaherty and a book and lyrics by Lynn Aherns. Audience members will likely catch themselves dancing in their seats to the beat of the music and being amazed by the lighting and special effects. The show features a talented cast of performers, most having performed with Small Town Theatrics in prior shows. Coal City’s Danielle Porterfield, who takes the stage as Mama Euralie, was in the company’s very first summer production and is back for its first musical concert. The cast also features Braidwood’s James Reinbacher, who directs plays and musicals at Reed-Custer High School; and college theater major Caleb Swick of Wilmington; who are among the gods. And, there is Josh Lacy, who is also from Coal City, and will be taking the stage for his seventh summer production with Small Town Theatrics. In her Small Town debut is Drew Simone Betts-Voss who takes on the role of Little TiMoune opposite her cousin Shelbi Voss, who will appear in the lead role of TiMoune. “It has been a pleasure working with this incredibly talented cast. We are always excited to see our theater family come together and to welcome new members and this group certainly has formed a close bond and that’s what makes this show and this company that we’ve built so amazing,” Micetich said. “Once On This Island” will be presented Saturday, June 29, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, June 30, at 2 p.m., in the Coal City Performing Arts Center, 655 W. Division St., Coal City. Reserved seat tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased in advance at www.smalltowntheatrics.org. Tickets will also be available at the door beginning one hour prior to each performance. In addition to “Once On This Island,” Small Town Theatrics will present a main stage show, “Hairspray,” July 25-28. “I know it seems like a lofty project taking on two musicals in a summer, but we have a dedicated creative team and two hard working casts—some members who overlap between shows— who are all committed to providing audiences with that small town big city theater experience they’ve come to expect, and that’s why we tell the story.” Micetich said.