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For East Peorians Simeon, Joe and Sam Abbey, theater is a family affair.
The brothers, who were introduced to the theater by watching their older brother and sister perform, will hit the Peoria Players stage for the Peoria Park District’s Community Children’s Theatre production of “My Son Pinocchio,” Dec. 15 through 18.
Simeon, 17, said he “fell in love” with acting when he performed in “Oliver” with his older brother Isaac, 18, and Joe.
“I like that I can walk out on the stage and I’m no longer Simeon Abbey,” he said. “I’m a character who I get to make come to life.”
Simeon said he also likes that he has had the chance to meet so many people from all over central Illinois through the theater.
His brother Sam, 10, said he also likes that he gets to perform with others.
“I like singing and acting and I’ve made lots of friends doing this,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Joe, 11, said that while he likes working with his brothers, it can be “a gift and a curse.”
“It’s fun to work with my brothers because we get to mess around and not get caught by our parents,” he added.
The play, a take on the classic story from the eyes of Geppetto, is one that director Peggy Breaux said has not been done in the area.
The production includes 52 actors, all between the ages of 8 and 18.
“We’re one of the few theaters where shows are done for children, by children,” she said. “A lot of other theaters with shows for children use adult actors as well, but all of our actors are under 18.”
Breaux said to take the stage, it helps if a child actor has no inhibitions, follows direction well, has some talent and is “basically a ham.”
“It’s very frightening to get up on stage in front of an audience of strangers,” she added.
Child actors at the Community Children’s Theatre must also be able to commit to numerous rehearsals in preparing for each show.
“My Son Pinocchio” cast members met for rehearsals Monday through Saturday for about eight weeks to prepare for the show.
“It can take it’s toll,” said Simeon of the rehearsal schedule, “but the end product is worth it.”
Fellow East Peorian Josh Wuebben, 9, will also make an appearance in the show. He said he likes participating in theatre because he likes to sing and interact with others.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased online at artspartners.net, at the Peoria Park District Pavilion or at the door prior to each performance.
For East Peorians Simeon, Joe and Sam Abbey, theater is a family affair.
The brothers, who were introduced to the theater by watching their older brother and sister perform, will hit the Peoria Players stage for the Peoria Park District’s Community Children’s Theatre production of “My Son Pinocchio,” Dec. 15 through 18.
Simeon, 17, said he “fell in love” with acting when he performed in “Oliver” with his older brother Isaac, 18, and Joe.
“I like that I can walk out on the stage and I’m no longer Simeon Abbey,” he said. “I’m a character who I get to make come to life.”
Simeon said he also likes that he has had the chance to meet so many people from all over central Illinois through the theater.
His brother Sam, 10, said he also likes that he gets to perform with others.
“I like singing and acting and I’ve made lots of friends doing this,” he said. “It’s a lot of fun.”
Joe, 11, said that while he likes working with his brothers, it can be “a gift and a curse.”
“It’s fun to work with my brothers because we get to mess around and not get caught by our parents,” he added.
The play, a take on the classic story from the eyes of Geppetto, is one that director Peggy Breaux said has not been done in the area.
The production includes 52 actors, all between the ages of 8 and 18.
“We’re one of the few theaters where shows are done for children, by children,” she said. “A lot of other theaters with shows for children use adult actors as well, but all of our actors are under 18.”
Breaux said to take the stage, it helps if a child actor has no inhibitions, follows direction well, has some talent and is “basically a ham.”
“It’s very frightening to get up on stage in front of an audience of strangers,” she added.
Child actors at the Community Children’s Theatre must also be able to commit to numerous rehearsals in preparing for each show.
“My Son Pinocchio” cast members met for rehearsals Monday through Saturday for about eight weeks to prepare for the show.
“It can take it’s toll,” said Simeon of the rehearsal schedule, “but the end product is worth it.”
Fellow East Peorian Josh Wuebben, 9, will also make an appearance in the show. He said he likes participating in theatre because he likes to sing and interact with others.
Showtimes are 7 p.m. Dec. 15 and 16, 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 17 and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 18. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. They can be purchased online at artspartners.net, at the Peoria Park District Pavilion or at the door prior to each performance.
