BRILLIANTEEN ANNOUNCES OPEN AUDITIONS FOR ITS 2012 PRODUCTION OF THE ROCK ‘N ROLL MUSICAL GREASE: The School Version

Brillianteen, the McGaw YMCA’s longstanding Evanston tradition, announces open auditions for its 2012 musical production of GREASE: The School Version, to be held at the McGaw YMCA Children's Center, 1420 Maple Ave in Evanston, on Saturday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  For all High school juniors and seniors only.

For the past 61 years, Brillianteen has provided area high school juniors and seniors with the opportunity to experience every aspect of putting on a Broadway musical.  Students, under the guidance of adult volunteers, are charged with everything from creating the costumes to building the sets.  Through this no-cut program, the teenagers sing, dance, act, or are part of a committee managing all of the behind-the-scenes action.  Brillianteen is administered by the McGaw YMCA, an open, charitable, cause-driven membership association that promotes youth development, social responsibility, and healthy living through programs and services for all our diverse community.
 
Brillianteen presents the original High School musical, GREASE. Grease, which was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical in 1972 and Best Revival of a Musical in 1994 and 2007,  is named for the 1950’s United States working-class youth subculture known as greasers. This all time favorite musical captures the look and sound of the 1950s in a rollicking musical that salutes the rock 'n' roll era. While hip Danny Zuko and wholesome Sandy Dumbrowski resolve the problems of their mutual attraction for each other, the gang sings and dances its way through such nostalgic scenes as the pajama party, the prom, the burger palace, and the drive-in movie. Directed by the dynamic duo, Patty Sprague and Liz Cloud; Choreography by Cindi Schuneman, and Music Direction by Alan Zunamon and Julie Chernoff, these Evanstonians get the students and the audience ready to cha-cha and twist the night away.
 
 
Audition Information
Auditions for Brillianteen’s 2012 production of GREASE: The School Version will be held in the basement of the YMCA Children's Center, 1420 Maple Ave in Evanston, on Saturday, December 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, December 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  All those interested in Cast OR Crew positions must attend one of the scheduled audition dates, register in advance at reg.mcgawymca.org, and pay a registration fee ($90 for YMCA members, $140 for non-members). The McGaw is offering a special membership rate for Brillianteen students at TRYOUTS.  Scholarships are also available.
 
Brillianteen is a no-cut program restricted to high school juniors and seniors.  All who try-out will be part of the cast, and all who sign-up will be part of the crew.  No experience necessary. Talent will learn and perform a short song, dance, and do a reading with a small group of peers.  Advance preparation is not necessary, although the script can be found on www.mcgawymca.org/teentheatre.  Callbacks will be held on Sunday, December 11, with the first rehearsal scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012.
 
Rehearsal Schedule
Rehearsals are scheduled according to individual student conflicts.  Each participant is expected to attend all rehearsals outlined for their characters. Rehearsals will be held at the McGaw YMCA Children’s Center on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 7-10pm ; Saturdays from 10-6pm and Sundays from 1-6pm.
 
 
Performance Schedule and Ticket Information
Brillianteen’s production of GREASE: The School Version will be presented at the King Lab School Auditorium, 2424 Lake St. in Evanston, March 2, 3, 4, 10 and 11, 2012.  The performance schedule is as follows:  Friday, March 2nd at 7:30 pm; Saturday, March 3rd at 7:30pm; Sunday, March 4th at 2pm; Saturday, March 10th at 7:30pm; and Sunday, March 11th at 2pm.
 
General admission tickets, priced at $16, will go on sale Monday, January 23, 2012, at www.mcgawymca.org/teen theatre or via phone through the Brillianteen Ticket Hotline at 847-475-7400, ext. 277.  McGaw YMCA and Brillianteen supporters will be able to purchase priority Angel ($65) or Patron ($35) tickets starting Sunday, January 08, 2012.

The Adult Showboard for GREASE: The School Version includes Shundrice Tucker (McGaw YMCA Brillianteen Coordinator), Patty Sprague and Liz Cloud (Co-Directors), Cindi Schuneman (Choreographer), Julie Chernoff and Alan Zunamon (Co-Music Directors), Nancy Cunniff (Business Manager), and Rich Marsoun (Set Designer).  The Youth Showboard includes Evanston Township High School students Rita Behles (Showboard Manager), and Blair Parkinson (Stage Manager). For a complete list of Showboard members, please visit www.mcgawymca.org/teentheatre.
 
For more information about Brillianteen or the auditions, please contact Shundrice Tucker at (847) 475-7400, ext. 225.   Follow us on twitter @brillianteen12 or on facebook at facebook/brillianteen.