Wego Drama at West Chicago Community High School continues their 23-24 theatrical season with the direct from London premiere of A Monster Calls. This powerful production is based on the novel by Patrick Ness. It tells the story of Conor O’Malley as he faces remarkable problems, one being the appearance of a monster that has come to challenge him. This new script was created to help those that are struggling with family, school, and life. The emotions and empathy that the story elicits from the audience fits with the Wego Drama season theme of “Once More With Feeling.”
Senior Alex Bradley, states, “Conor’s struggles are real and difficult ones for people. Telling this story makes me hope to help someone feel that they are not alone. Honestly, if we can help one person then we’ve done our job.” Additionally, Senior Karidja Monjolo adds, “I’ve found myself being amazed by this story. I am so proud to get a chance to tell it. The entire Company really wants to be great storytellers.” Finally, Senior Carolyn Fleming states, “I love how big and grand this show is. The audience will be blown away by the cool factor. You do not want to miss this show- it is amazing.”
The production of A Monster Calls is a show directly from London. It is produced by special arrangement with Partick Ness. A Monster Calls is based on the novel by Patrick Ness and inspired from an original idea by Siobhan Dowd. It is devised by Sally Cookson, Adam Peck, and the Company. It originally premiered at the Old Vic. Please note A Monster Calls contains serious subject matters such as bullying, life, death, and symbolic destruction and violence.
The company of actors and crew for the show includes from Carol Stream: Arson Gutierrez and William Wenberg; from West Chicago: Mariana Acosta,
Stephanie Alfaro, Noemi Amaro, Antwan Angeles, Michael Angeles, Alex Bradley, Lucas Brown, Wil Cooper, Danais Gomez-Garcia, Sentia Irakoze, Nirali Kadakia, Kayliana Koeune, Matthew Krysinski, Karidja Monjolo, Edgar Oropeza, Romina Pietanza, Jocelyn Ramirez, Alex Rocha, Ryley Salazar Ja’Nyah Villa, and Dayan Zenteno; and from Winfield: Ryan Blackburn, Carolyn Fleming, Caiden McDougall, Francis Moffatt, and Mariah Varnado.
The play is directed by Mark Begovich. Technical Direction is by Christopher Jensen. Costumes are by Kim Maslo. Hair and make-up is by Jaime Elza.
General admission seating tickets are now on-sale at www.wegotheatre.com. Tickets will also be available at the door. The price is $5 for students and $8 for adults. Performances are on September 15th and 16th at 7pm. All performances are at West Chicago Community High School, 326 Joliet St., West Chicago IL 60185.
Alex Rocha, Jocelyn Ramirez, and Alex Bradley
Antwan Angeles, Michael Angeles, and Alex Bradley
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About Community High School District 94 Wego Drama
Wego Drama is the award-winning theatre program of West Chicago Community High School. This amazing program is educationally based to challenge the students, staff, and community through a comprehensive Arts Program. It is student-driven with the Wego Drama Officers taking a very active role and owning the program and events.
Highlights of the program include both a mainstage program and a studio series. The Mainstage consists of larger productions and the Studio 94 shows are more experimental. All of these aspects of production are focused on an annual theme.