JPAC to Present Andrew Lloyd Webber's WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND, 7/26-8/10

Jedlicka Performing Arts Center is pleased to welcome summer with Andrew Lloyd Webber's rock musical WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND with lyrics by Jim Steinman, book by Patricia Knop, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gayle Edwards, directed by Dante J. Orfei, music direction by John Warren and choreography by Kelsey Overbang. WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND plays July 26 - August 10, 2013 at the Jedlicka Performing Arts Center, 3801 S. Central Ave. in Cicero. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, June 25 at www.jpactheatre.com or by calling (708) 656-1800. The press performances are Friday, July 26 at 7:30 pm and Saturday, July 27 at 7:30 pm.

The cast of WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND includes: Maura Carr, Joy Ciancanelli, Jacob Craig, Cara Cundari, Katherine Damisch, Danny Doran, Matthew Dwyer, Aidan Edwards, Joanna Ferrin, Carlos Garcia, Amara Gonzalez, Carisa Gonzalez, Elisio Gonzalez, KillIan Hughes, Moira Hughes, Alicia Hurtado, Daniel Hurtado, Marquecia Jordan, Warren Karas, Edward MacLennan, Wayde Matthews, Monica Moore, Alyssa Nunez, Adam Overberg, Angelina Pandourska, Noah E. Patton, DeTania Payne, Fiona Renteria, India Rose Renteria, Brennan Roach, Haley Jane Schafer, Andrew Sickel, Christopher Skyles, Alison Stake, Eden Strong, Juliana Tomecki and Michael Vaughn.

Based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell and subsequent Richard Attenborough, WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND follows the fortunes of a fugitive caught between the prejudice of adults and the innocence of the young. Reset in in 1959, the musical revolves around the time and place where the word teenager was invented. Swallow, a 15 year-old-girl growing up in America's Deep South, discovers a mysterious man hiding out in a barn. When she asks who he is and the first words he utters are "Jesus Christ," it's as if all her prayers have been answered. Swallow and the town's other children vow to protect the stranger from the world that waits outside - the townspeople who are determined to catch a fugitive hiding it their midst. As fantasy and reality collide, Swallow is torn between the two and begins to discover who she is and where she's going. Webber's emotive score combines hauntingly beautiful love songs and explosive rock music.

The production team for WHISTLE DOWN THE WIND includes Michael Nedza (scenic and props design, technical director), Lindsay Prerost (costume design), Dante J. Orfei (lighting design), Micheal A. Kott (multimedia/sound design), Rebekah Mustain (stage manager), Anna Garcia (asst. stage manager) and Melanie Lamoureux (managing director).

Cast: Maura Carr (Ensemble), Joy Ciancanelli (Children's Ensemble), Jacob Craig (Ensemble), Cara Cundari (Children's Ensemble), Katherine Damisch (Ensemble), Danny Doran (Children's Ensemble), Matthew Dwyer (Children's Ensemble), Aidan Edwards (Poor Baby), Joanna Ferrin (Ensemble), Carlos Garcia (Ensemble), Amara Gonzalez (Children's Ensemble), Carisa Gonzalez (Ensemble), Elisio Gonzalez (Children's Ensemble), KillIan Hughes (Children's Ensemble), Moira Hughes (Children's Ensemble), Alicia Hurtado (Children's Ensemble), Daniel Hurtado (Minister), Marquecia Jordan (Ensemble), Warren Karas (Sheriff), Edward MacLennan (Boone), Wayde Matthews (Edward), Monica Moore (Candy), Alyssa Nunez (Children's Ensemble), Adam Overberg (Ensemble), Angelina Pandourska (Children's Ensemble), Noah E. Patton (Children's Ensemble), DeTania Payne (Ensemble), Fiona Renteria (Children's Ensemble), India Rose Renteria (Brat), Brennan Roach (Preacher), Haley Jane Schafer (Swallow), Andrew Sickel (Amos), Christopher Skyles (Earl), Alison Stake (Ensemble), Eden Strong (Children's Ensemble), Juliana Tomecki (Children's Ensemble) and Michael Vaughn (The Man).

Musicians: Jessica Maxfield (woodwind 1), Carl Klepacki (woodwind 2), John Catomer (horn), Brent Roman (percussion), Sharon Knickerbocker (keyboard 1), Joey Lugay (keyboard 2), Bobby Dietz (keyboard 3), Ed Stauber (Guitar 1), Ben Dillinger (bass guitar) Ayako Kikuchi and Katie Allen (violins) and David Keller (cello). Additional musicians to be announced.

Tickets: $18. $16 senior discount. Group rates are available. Tickets go on sale Saturday, June 15 www.jpactheatre.com or by calling (708) 656-1800.

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