Introducing the '25/'26 KVTA Season!

We've made it! Happy Anniversary! Wait, don't tell me you've forgotten already. My mother always told me this would happen...

Well, I suppose I'd better tell you. Why? If I don't tell you, then you'll never remember! Don't get me started!

Of course, today is the first anniversary of the third edition of the Kankakee Valley Theater Association Blog!

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Crickets? Really?

For those of you who have been here with me since the beginning, you're welcome! For the everyone who has joined us in the time since then, where have you been?

What better way to commemorate this momentous event than by reenacting our first moment together. Read on to learn more about the KVTA '25-'26 season.

Who's in town?

I think that I have personally used every bathroom in KVTA (and a few in adjacent offices!). I have strong opinions on each one, and I am willing to discuss each in detail when you find me out in the wild. However, imagine if you had to pay a fee to use these bathrooms? Or any public bathroom? Or any private bathroom, for that matter? That is the central conceit of Urinetown: The Musical, directed by Sharla Ronchetto. I also have very strong and positive and hilarious opinions on this show and will discuss them in detail when we meet next. But my opinions aren't as important as you making your own decision. This darkly encouraging but depressing portrayal of life under a corporate dictatorship runs from September 12-14 at KVTA's Black Box Theatre. Also, keep an eye out for the next blog post where we discuss the audition process as seen through the eyes of auditioners for this show.

I've got no strings, to hold me down...but I see them, right there!

Most of you, of a certain age, are familiar with Disney's Pinocchio. Wait...a certain age...I'm familiar with Disney's Pinocchio...does that mean I'm a certain age too? Let me try again. Of course, everyone of any age is familiar with Disney's Pinocchio, the story of the wooden boy come to life and his adventures in becoming a real boy. Disney's My Son Pinocchio Junior, directed by Pat Ward, explores his father, Geppetto, and how he handles his sudden thrust into fatherhood. Although I may be biased as an unashamed father myself, this is an absolutely fascinating perspective to take. While his exact age is never specified, Geppetto is not a spring chicken. He has spent his life working and, while pining for a child of his own, has never taken the time to establish a family or father a child. How does he handle suddenly becoming responsible for a young boy with absolutely no knowledge of the blessings of life or dangers in the world around him? How does he balance the upheaval the Blue Fairy casts upon him within the routine of his day-to-day life? How does Geppetto love Pinocchio? My goodness, what heavy emotional material KVTA's Young People's Theatre has decided to tackle! Catch this show November 22 & 23 at Lincoln Cultural Center.

As an avid fan of 19th century maritime shipping and trade routes, this poster alone has piqued my interest.

You've all heard the Christmas classic, O Tannenbaum, right? Have you ever listened to the words? Or if you don't speak German, the words to O Christmas Tree? The song never actually refers to Christmas! Christmas was first associated with fir trees by the Germans in the 16th century and their traditions traveled with them to America as they settled the Midwest in the early 1800s. The Christmas Schooner, A Musical is the award winning true story of Rouse Simmons, a Great Lakes schooner captain who risks life and limb to transport fir trees from Michigan's Upper Peninsula to Chicago's German immigrant population during the late 19th century. This musical is pure Chicago, as the city is central to the story, the musical originated on a Chicago stage, and numerous revivals have been staged at classic Chicago theatres. This show, directed by Sharla Ronchetto, looks at early Christmas traditions through a different lens than most of us are used to. Set aside just a bit of your holiday time to see this show in KVTA's Black Box Theatre on December 5-7.

I want to make an accusation!

Unless it is specifically what I am discussing, I try very hard not to refer to movies (or other pop culture) when we talk about a show. Film is a very different medium than a live production, and the two should not be directly compared. But I'm going to make an exception in this case. I consider myself at least a minor film buff and Clue is one of the funniest movies that I have ever seen. The entire cast of characters is perfect and Tim Curry is just icing on the cake. If you have seen this movie, you have to agree with me. And if you haven't, what is wrong with you!? KVTA will be producing Clue, On Stage January 30-February 1. I know what I said earlier about directly comparing film and stage, but on reputation alone, this production is a must see. Director Courtney Stephens promises comedy on par with the original. You already know the cast of characters, but who are they really? What are their motivations? And who killed Mr. Boddy? With what? And where?

I don't think my body can move that way...

If you need Jack to get back and are prepared to kick off your Sunday shoes, then Footloose Jr. will be the show for you! A change in tone from this fall's, potentially tear-jerking Young People's Theater musical, Footloose Jr., directed by Rhonda Stenzinger, is an upbeat, dance-heavy show focused on the rebellion of rock and roll and set in the 1980s. This is one of the biggest dance shows that KVTA has produced in several years for any age group, much less giving our young people an opportunity to showcase their dancing skills. As I get slightly older, I find that dancing is the aspect of theatre that I am most in awe of. This may be because there are so many aspects of the craft that are on display and incredible focus is required just to catch every little nuance. It may be because I have the flexibility and movement skills of a sleepy turtle. In any case, find your way to LCC on March 14 & 15 to watch (and sweat by proxy!) this romping classic.

Daffodils and romance. What more could you want?

Last but not least is Big Fish, directed by Sharla Ronchetto. Wait...that's can't be right. There's a musical called Big Fish? Is it about a big fish? Let me check my notes...Oh, wait, I know this one. This one may actually pull on your heartstrings more than My Son Pinocchio. Surprisingly it is not about a big fish. It is another example of the father/son relationship, this time from the perspective of the son through the perspective of the father! That makes sense, right? I may be a sucker for father/son shows. (Do you think?) Like many other people, I have a father, as well. And looking back at my experiences with him and through him, I see how my childlike view of him changed and evolved as I grew up. And, hopefully, I was able to reconcile the truth about him with the elevated position he held in my mind. Now imagine if he absolutely refused to open up to me at all, instead choosing to convey his life experiences through fantastic (and, frankly, implausible) stories. How strained would our relationship be? And that is the crux of Big Fish. How can a son resolve his relationship with his father in what time they have left? This production explores the extraordinary tales through huge sets, bright costumes, and amazing songs. The spectacular capstone to KVTA's season will take place at LCC on April 24-26.

KVTA, just like so many other organizations, cannot exist without volunteers. Take the time before this season starts and think about each of these shows. Which catches your eye? Could you see yourself performing in one of these shows? There are parts available for all skill levels. Check out the audition information for each as they are posted. Not an on-stage type of person? That's ok, there are so many more moving parts to theater. Do you have a special skill that KVTA could take advantage of? We always need skilled choreographers, musicians, costumers, prop masters, set builders and decorators, set crew, sound techs, lighting techs, and house staff. Don't have any appreciable skills? We can teach you! We would love to have you!

Whatever way you choose to participate, you have no more important duty than to vote. As a member of KVTA, you have a vote in the upcoming General Meeting. Join us on June 30 to hear more about the candidates and place your vote for KVTA board for the upcoming year. We have a great slate of candidates who would all bring something unique to the Board of Directors. Come for the vote, stay for the snacks!

Dana James expects to see everyone in the front row in September's production of Urinetown: The Musical.