ST. CHARLES, MO., April 29, 2014. . . A diverse cast of 32 individuals with disabilities will take the stage at Fort Zumwalt South High School on Saturday, May 3, for a pair of performances, as Community Living, Inc. presents its 2014 client theatrical production of Shrek the Musical.
Led by CLI’s Adult Recreation Services department, the ninth-annual performance will feature a number of returning cast members from past productions, as well as some new client actors who will have their first opportunities to exercise their acting skills. The cast is also working on a full version of the show with more lines and more music than the junior versions of the shows performed in past years.
“Rehearsals began in January, and things are going great,” said Jodi Darrohn, CLI’s Director of Adult Recreation Services. “We chose Shrek the Musical because it’s such a great show, and we knew the clients would love to perform it. Our decision to select a full version of the show instead of a junior one has definitely proved to be more of a challenge for the cast, but they have embraced the challenge and are doing amazing!”
Each production is a team effort between the client actors, staff of CLI’s Adult Recreation Services department and CLI volunteers who work together to construct and design props, sets, scenery and costumes. This year marks the greatest CLI staff involvement, with 15 staff members assisting with the show in some capacity. Staff tasks include feeding actors lines when they enter a scene, providing lines to actors that may forget them, getting props and scenery ready for each scene and helping actors get ready in the dressing room.
When the clients take the stage for their pair of performances on May 3, Darrohn notes that hundreds of family members, friends and supporters will be present to cheer on their loved ones.
“The parents are always in awe of the work their children are doing,” said Darrohn. “Many have commented about the confidence their kids gain from acting on stage, and how it helps them perform better at work and makes them more outgoing with friends. So many of the clients in our program were never given the chance to act before, and our drama club gives them the chance to shine and show hundreds of people what they’re capable of. Everyone is always anxious and nervous on the day of the show, but once the curtain opens for the performance, the actors are confident and the parents are crying tears of joy.”
The upcoming May 3 performances are open to the public and will take place at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Fort Zumwalt South High School. Tickets are available for $5, and those interested in attending are encouraged to reserve their seats in advance by calling (636) 614-1325. For more information on the production or CLI’s Adult Recreation Services department, individuals can visit Community Living’s website at www.cliservices.org, or call (636) 970-2800.
For More Information:
Christine Rutherford
Community Living, Inc.
(636) 970-2800