Theatre | North Central College

Students stage lighthearted musical comedy “Forever Plaid”

From left: Max DeTogne ’13, Tanner Smale ’12, Garrett Lutz ’12, Bryan Renaud ’13

North Central College students stage and direct “Forever Plaid,” a toe-tapping musical homage to the harmonic guy groups from the 1950s on May 26-29.

May 2, 2011—North Central College will stage “Forever Plaid,” an affectionate, toe-tapping musical homage to the harmonic guy groups from the 1950s. Senior theatre major Angie Snodgrass of Naperville will direct this Stuart Ross musical comedy on May 26-29 as part of the College’s Student Director Series.

The circus comes to the stage in “Elephant’s Graveyard”

Relive the sights and sounds of a turn-of-the-century circus and discover a true and tragic tale when North Central stages “Elephant’s Graveyard” May 12-15.

April 12, 2011—Relive the sights and sounds of a turn-of-the-century circus when North Central College presents “Elephant’s Graveyard,” written by playwright George Brant and directed by Kelly Howe, assistant professor of theatre at North Central.

Students stage "Quake" and the quest for love

Students will perform “Quake,” a comical yet thought-provoking play by award-winning playwright Melanie Marnich Jan. 6-9. The story follows the misadventures of Lucy, played by Kati Riess ’12, in her time-warped, elusive journey to find the love of her life. Professor of Theatre Deborah Palmes will direct four performances of “Quake” at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6, 7 and 8, and at 2 p.m. Jan. 9 in the theatre at Meiley-Swallow Hall. Call 630-637-7469 to purchase tickets or visit tickets.noctrl.edu.

Students star in theatrical production of Greek tragedy “Phedre”

Ali Ledbetter portrays the Greek queen Phedre.

North Central College presents a classic tale of Greek tragedy when students perform “Phedre” April 28 through May 1.

April 14, 2011—North Central College presents a classic tale of Greek tragedy when students perform “Phedre” April 28 through May 1.

French playwright Jean Baptiste Racine (1639-1699) published his best-known play in 1677 and based his work on the ancient Greek play “Hippolytus” by Euripides (484-406 BC). “Phedre” (pronounced FAY-druh) explores classic themes of forbidden love, deception, intrigue and power.

Michael D. Oldenettel '88

Michael D. Oldenettel was named the 2011 Treasurer for the Illinois Association of Realtors. He’ll serve as chair of the finance committee and vice chair of the strategic planning committee. Active in real estate for 21 years, he’s the managing broker/owner of RE/MAX Results Plus, Inc. in Jacksonville, IL. He’s a two-term past president of the Jacksonville Area Association of Realtors and led the association in 1995 and again in 2005. He’s served as president of the Illinois Real Estate Educational Foundation in 2007 and 2008 and served twice as dean of the Realtors Institute Working Group.

Jeff Schaetzke '92

Jeff Schaetzke was the music director of a musical “Dames at Sea” at Skylight Opera Theatre in the Cabot Theatre in Wisconsin, which ran September 17 to October 3. Called “the most ingenious show on or off Broadway” by Time Magazine, “Dames at Sea” is a musical parody of the grand and glorious Busby Berkeley movie musicals of the 1930s. He lives in Grafton, WI, with his wife Sheila.

Mike Koon '93

Mike Koon served as lead clinician on behalf of the National Association of Sports Public Address Announcers at Bloomington High School. The clinic addresses the P.A. announcer’s role, the Do’s and Don’ts of announcing football, how to handle emergency situations, scriptwriting and working with a spotter. Koon is assistant sports information director and the voice of University of Illinois football.

Nora Manca '06

Nora Manca is president and artistic director of Storefront Shakespeare, a mobile theater company that incorporates nontraditional staging of Shakespeare’s classic plays with a modern, urban touch. Its first shows were produced in a vacant storefront in Geneva, IL, and a yoga studio in Naperville. The cast of 25 actors performed “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” using Promenade, a nontraditional form of theatre in which the entire space becomes the stage and the cast engages the audience in an interactive theatre experience.

Mock Trial team members recognized

North Central's Mock Trial team of new members competes in Midwest tournament. Two students earn awards for Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witnesses.

Two members of North Central’s Mock Trial team were recognized at the University of St. Francis Mock Trial Midwest Challenge Part V Tournament Dec. 4-5. Joshua Bailey ’11, majoring in political science and English writing, earned awards for Outstanding Attorney and Outstanding Witness—a notable achievement because students are rarely recognized for exceptional performance in both roles.

Students stage “The Wedding Singer” March 3-6

North Central seniors who are majoring in theatre will stage, direct, choreograph and present the classic romantic comedy “The Wedding Singer” March 3-6.

Contact: Nancy Dunker, associate director of public relations, 630-637-5306