Staging All-Star Tributes for Rory

Margo Proeh and the budding young stars of the Lake Forest Children’s Theatre Company are once again stepping into the spotlight for The Rory David Deutsch Foundation. In keeping with The Foundation’s commitment to actively involve children in its charity events, the Children’s Theatre stages performances each year and donates a portion of the proceeds to the battle against pediatric brain tumors.

Margo knows that being part of a production teaches her young thespians a number of valuable life lessons. Supporting The Foundation “teaches them a valuable lesson about giving back to their community,” she said. At the same time “they learn about drama, music, dance, history, and what it’s like to work together as a team for a common goal.”

This year Margo’s hard-working team is presenting the timeless classic, “Aladdin.” Performances are scheduled for May 4-7 at the Winnetka Community House, and May 20-22 at the Gorton Center in Lake Forest. For ticket information call 847-831-0555.

Margo is also stepping up her professional activity while she broadens her commitment to The Foundation. Between June 10-12, 2005, she will be staging the World Premiere of “Romes n’ Jewels,” a hip-hop ballet based on Romeo and Juliet at the Vittum Theater at 1012 N. Noble Street in Chicago. To cast the show, Margo is holding auditions open to professional dancers from all over Chicagoland. The production requires dancers who are skilled in hip-hop, urban ballet, and jazz dancing. Margo is excited about “the level of professionalism and experience in our cast.” She hopes the show is a hit so that she can take it on the road.

In addition to expanding her creative horizons, the staging of “Romes n’ Jewels” also helps Margo fulfill a personal commitment to The Foundation’s work, as she will donate a portion of the performance proceeds. “I will be dedicating this show to a number of people,” she said, “and one of them is Rory.”

The Vittum Theater is owned and operated by the Northwestern University Settlement House. Tickets for this production are available at their website, www.vittumtheater.org.

Margo Proeh and her artisans of all ages deserve a standing ovation for their star-studded commitment to a good cause.