Join Stage Coach Players (SCP) starting July 9, 2021 when they present a musical variety show that celebrates growing up! The show, called When I Grow Up, features songs from musicals that pertain to growing up.
When I Grow Up, directed by Cortney Jo Newby, includes cast members of Matilda the Musical, which was scheduled to be performed in July of 2020 before COVID-19 hit. Newby, scheduled to direct Matilda the Musical, put this show together in line with restrictions regarding children and adults, before the restrictions were lifted. “When putting this show together, I wanted to be able to showcase everyone from the original cast,” she said. “With unavailable rehearsal space, 34 crazy schedules and conflicts, I needed to get music and songs to everyone online. We have only been rehearsing for five weeks, and some people only once a month. It has been a challenge, but it feels great to get back to what we love.”
We talked to several members of the cast about what growing up meant to them. Patrick Deering offered that, “Growing up means taking responsibility for your actions – good and bad – and helping others take responsibility for their actions.“ Deering last performed in Mamma Mia! in 2019.
Rose Harms said her definition up has changed over the past year. “Growing up is not only developing physically, but also emotionally, socially, and spiritually as well. This past year has taught me that while growing up may not always be easy, there is always hope for what will come tomorrow.”
Isabella Vancil added, “I think growing up means that you mature, figure out what kind of person you want to be and how you want to live your life.”
Like many in the cast, When I Grow Up is the first time Deering, Harms and Vancil have been on stage since before the pandemic. I think the most difficult part of this show for me,” Harms exclaimed, “Has been remembering what it’s like to perform live! It feels like it has been so long since I’ve been on stage.”
When asked if it felt strange being back on the stage after such a long hiatus, Newby said yes and no. “We (SCP) tried to stay connected with our performers through our virtual cabaret series, but seeing these faces in real time, is a great joy! Everyone has worked to stay physically distant, but the conversations, respect and compassion each person has, has been a great joy to witness.”
The show includes a diverse cast, with over 30 members ranging from ages of 6 to 60. Drew Beckett, Rebekah Challgren, Lara Crowley, Marianne Crowley, Patrick Deering, Foster Doll, Lauren Duffin, Scotty Fleetwood, Cassidy Gerkin, Terri Goodman, Jeff Hall, Rose Harms, Dorcas Keating, Edward Keating, Ginny Keating, Rosie Landshaft, Monica Lewis, Robyn Lycan, Sam McDonald, Trevor McDonald, Quaid Newby, Joseph Pontarelli, Allison Scigalski, Piper Schiola-Williams, Luke Smardo, Jake Teeling, Jylann Torres, Isabella Vancil, Lindsay Vancil, Matt Weaver, Mandy Wescott, Chloe Williams, Olivia Woodruff.
Performances for When I Grow Up are July 9 – 10, 2021 and July 16 – 17, 2021 with a curtain time of 7:30 p.m. along with Sunday matinees on July 11 and July 18, 2021 with a curtain time of 2:00. There will be no Thursday evening performances for this production.
Tickets are $20 each or $18 for seniors and children aged 13 and under. Tickets are currently on sale through the box office phone at 815-758-1940. Tickets will be available to purchase online July 1, 2021 and the box office will be staffed starting Monday, July 5, 2021 and will be open in person Mondays through Saturdays from 6:00 to 7:00 PM and on Sundays noon to 2:00 PM through the run of the show.
Thank you again for being patient as SCP navigates through its summer shows. SCP has updated seating mitigation requirements based on the State of Illinois “Restore Illinois” COVID-19 Mitigation Guidelines and CDC recommendations. Currently we are allowed to be at full seating capacity following the CDC recommendation that unvaccinated people continue to wear masks, including children. We will have concessions and expect to operate as ‘normal’.
If you have any questions about the COVID-19 mitigations or any future SCP production, please contact the box office. SCP invites you to grow up and old with us!
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