Article by Elena Ferrarin
Communications Coordinator
Northbrook Park District
Based on the music of The Go-Go’s, the Northbrook Park District’s “Head Over Heels: The Musical (High School Edition)” will bring the audience on a fun and colorful ride of family feuds, secret crushes and mistaken identities.
The production by Northbrook Theater Youth Company features an all-teen and preteen cast.
“This year’s teen production is extra-special, because it requires actors to both play and share multiple roles,” Performing Arts Supervisor Melody DeRogatis said. “Our ensemble-driven vision of this production allows a lot of creativity from our actors, while also championing true teamwork across the rehearsal process.”
The musical follows the adventures of a royal family on a wild quest to save its kingdom from vanishing, with themes centered on celebrating your authentic self.
“I would describe it as very upbeat and very exciting,” said cast member Luciana “Lucy” Martinez, 12. “The music is very energetic.”
Playing multiple roles with quick costume changes makes the behind-the-scenes more challenging, but also more interesting, said Lucy, who plays three parts.
“It feels like being in a different world,” she said. “The costumes are not something I would normally wear, and if I do make up for a character, it’s not something I would usually put on. It feels like I am becoming the character. It just feels really awesome.”
Twelve-year-old Mikayla Hong, who also plays three roles, said it’s been especially fun to be in a show written in Elizabethan English.
“It makes it a little harder to understand but it also makes its fun for the actors. You get to say ‘thy’ and ‘thou’!” she said.
Being part of an all-teen and preteen cast is a great experience, the actors said.
“I can talk to people my age, and it just feels a lot easier,” Lucy said. “I met new people and made new friendships.”
Because the show has a smaller cast than typical Northbrook Theatre productions, the actors get a lot more individual time on stage. “It’s also harder choreography,” Mikayla said. “It’s a level up.”
Northbrook Theatre Youth Company’s “Head Over Heels: The Musical (High School Edition)” plays at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 at Northbrook Theatre located inside the Northbrook Community Center, 3323 Walters Ave. in Northbrook.