Summer productions wrapping up

Schools are opening all over the area this week and in coming days!

That means it is the end of the line for a lot of summer productions this weekend. You still have a chance this weekend to catch one, however, and extend those lazy hazy crazy days.

Read on:

Thompson United Methodist Church

If you’re looking for something a little different this weekend, consider headed out to Thompson United Methodist Church and checking out an original adaptation of “Treasure Island.”

Sisters Elizabeth and Nadia Wheeler created the script from the book and co-direct this production. The performances are Aug. 17 and 18 at 7 p.m. and the church is located at 6758 Madison Road in Thompson Township. And the best part, as always — all TUMC Drama performances are free and open to the public.

“This particular play is a mix of ages, though the majority are still younger,” Elizabeth tells me.

“I wanted to join this theater group because I wanted to try something new, and when I auditioned everyone was so inviting and friendly, so I couldn’t resist,” says 16-year-old Kaitlin Ulman. “I enjoy being in this play because my character, Mrs. Hawkins, actually reminds me of myself — very protective of her son, and justice-oriented.”

“This play has a lot of action in it that makes it very fun to act out,” says 17-year-old Anna Gates. “I enjoy fighting and getting to be a pirate. I love to put myself in someone else’s shoes. It is fun to get creative and figure out how your character would act, such as their walk or how they talk. You can even give your character a limp or a lisp. Also, how they would react to a situation is fun to figure out. I enjoy being rough. I get to be as unlady-like as I want!”

About being a pirate who turns good: “As him, I like trying to find a good balance between being a pirate, while still having an air of honesty.”

Blayde Buckner is a 15-year-old member of the cast who enjoys acting “because it gives you a chance to be someone else for a while. This is my first time being a kind of goofy character and it’s enjoyable.”

“I enjoy the play because there’s fighting and weapons,” says 13-year-old Drake Buckner. “Mostly I enjoy it because I like being funny, and it’s fun.”

“I can testify to that last quote!” Elizabeth says of Drake. “He may be the lead character, but he is also absolutely hilarious in the background of scenes.”

Check them out this weekend for yourself.

Rabbit Run Theater

Rabbit Run Theater in Madison has one more weekend left for you to catch “Evita.”

Winner of seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, “Evita” features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics and book by Tim Rice. “Evita” runs through Aug. 18. All performances are at 7:30 p.m. at the Ohio Historic Landmark barn theatre at 5648 West Chapel Road in Madison.

“Evita” is rated 13+ for content and language.

Tickets for all performances are available by calling the box office at 440-428-7092, Wednesdays through Sundays, from 3 to 7 p.m. or online at www.rabbitrunonline.org. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students, and $11 for youth 12 and under. For group packages and rates call 440-428-5913.

Guests are welcome to bring a picnic meal to enjoy on the grounds of the theater prior to a show in the new picnic pavilion or courtyards.

Liam Klobas is a 17-year-old senior from Mentor High School who has appeared in their productions of “A Chorus Line,” “The Music Man,” “The Man Who Came To Dinner,” “Inherit the Wind,” “Mary Poppins,” and “The Laramie Project.”

“I fell in love with performing my freshman year and ever since then I have been jumping at chances to pursue more,” Liam says of his affinity for the stage. “I decided that this is what I wanted to do after high school so I figured I’d have to get more experience under my belt before I went off to college. I have loved every second of Rabbit Run.

“My fellow castmates have never once made me feel inferior or different because of my age,” he said. “I feel I fell right into place after a few rehearsals. I also love the speed of everything since we don’t have long before the show starts. The performance space is so amazing for me because coming from the Fine Arts Center, a massive space, to a more intimate setting is a really nice shift.”

Liam is a performer in Mentor Top 25 as well but apparently has never heard “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina.”

“Well the funny thing is about this show is that I didn’t know what it was,” Liam admits. “I initially was only auditioning for ‘My Fair Lady’ but during my audition Brint Learned (the director) asked if I was interested in ‘Evita.’ Being eager to perform I said I would be and next thing you know I got a call back for Che. I clearly didn’t get it but I have loved being an ensemble member for this show. This show has made me grow as an actor due to some of the very serious scenes and aspects of the story. The show has also challenged me as a dancer as well which is something I’ve been looking for in a show.”

Though “only” in the ensemble, Liam is giving it his all.

“I’ve been working on my character development as an ensemble member a lot since we started,” he says. “Since it can be easy to think you don’t matter very much as an ensemble member, I have been striving to stay engaged and play a part I made for myself in ensemble. This can be especially hard since we have multiple parts we play but I really hope it comes across to the audience and they at least see those little details in my performance. Working at Rabbit Run fueled my fire for performance so much this summer and I am so thankful for the opportunity. Working there inspired me to continue community theater, therefore I auditioned at Willoughby Fine Arts for their production of ‘Xanadu.’ I’m very excited to start work there as well!”

Shaylin Virag is a 17-year-old senior as well, hailing from nearby Madison High School. She is more familiar with the barn, having appeared in shows such as “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and “Oliver.”

“The barn is such a special place to me,” Shaylin says. “I’ve been a part of it since I was a little girl and my mom was in ‘The Secret Garden.’ Getting to spend so much time at the barn is so much fun for me and even if I’m not in any shows, I’m usually backstage doing tech. Working with the adults in ‘Evita’ is such a pleasure, all of them make sure they get to know you and they make sure you don’t feel left out.”

Shaylin is a musician also active in band and jazz band, but her interest in dance helped bring her to “Evita.”

“Well the first thing that caught my eye about this show was that Jill Tschetter was choreographing it and I have been such a big fan of Jill since ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie,’” Shaylin says. “The second thing was that I knew absolutely nothing about it. So I did a little research and it seemed like such an amazing show. Being a part of ‘Evita’ is really something so special and I think it’s my favorite show I’ve done at the barn.”

Still one more week to catch a big barn musical.

Geauga Lyric Theater Guild

And don’t forget the opening production of Geauga Lyric Theater Guild’s 2018-19 theater season with the annual Skip Kelley Production.

This year’s musical, “Legally Blonde,” runs through Aug. 19 at the historic Geauga Lyric Theater on Chardon Square at 101 Water St.

For tickets or season passes, call 440-286-2255 or visit www.geaugatheater.org.

The Skip Kelley Production always casts young adults. Kelley was a former tech director and mentor of the youth at GLTG.

Based on the popular movie starring Reese Witherspoon, “Legally Blonde” follows the trials of Elle Woods, a beautiful blonde with a degree in fashion merchandising. Determined to keep and marry her boyfriend who has left her for serious pursuits at Harvard Law, she manages to get accepted at Harvard herself. Hijinks and hilarity ensue in this popular story of empowerment that has become the latest modern staple for many high school theater groups.

Corey Grubar is a Baldwin Wallace University freshman making his GLTG debut after appearing on stage at Lake Catholic High School, the Fine Arts Association, Mount Carmel Players, Heights Youth Theatre, Garfield Heights Theatre, Fairport Dance Academy, and Beechwood Community Theatre.

“Everyone is so so talented and loving,” Grubar says. “It’s like a family for sure. I do love a challenge and I love how the directing staff helps us become more responsible and grow as not only performers but people. We are treated like young adults and we are expected to review and practice on our own time.

“This is a blessing in disguise because it’s helping me grow as a performer,” he adds. “It’s an incredibly fun show. It’s such an empowering fun show and I can’t wait for everyone to come see it.”

Marissa Webb is a senior at Notre Dame Cathedral Latin High School who agrees about the family atmosphere at GLTG.

“My favorite part about being in this production would have to be the sense of community,” Marissa says. “GLTG is a smaller theater, but with that as well as the message of this show, I think this cast has gotten so close in a short amount of time. Even though some of us are playing polar opposite characters from one another, we all manage to tell the same story and share the same beautiful message.

“This is the most physical show I’ve ever been in; we are constantly moving (whether that be ourselves or a set piece), she adds. “This is my first ‘modernday’ musical as well, so learning a new modern style of dance rather than a waltz has been a challenge at times. Luckily we have an amazing choreographer, Kristy Kruz, who is always ready and willing to help us with whatever we need to make us feel as comfortable as we can be on stage.”

These young thespians will be very busy at their various schools soon enough. But for at least one more week, summer rules.

Young Thespians is a regular column that focuses on youth in theater. Do you have a production you wish to see featured? E-mail stevecouch@ windstream.net, follow me @StevenRCouch on Twitter or join our “Young Thespians” Facebook group and post your show information.