Glenbard West’s theatre program has done it again, having just wrapped up the public performances of their fall production, Between the Lines! With Micheal Fox (co-director), Jacob Kelleher (co-director), Stephanie Hansen (choreographer), Andrew Jeffrey (vocal director), plus a stellar cast and crew, Glenbard West Theatre has been working hard on this show since early this semester. The last performance open to the public was Saturday, November 15, but it seems there is even more in store for this marvelous production.
The Theatre Club will perform their musical at the Illinois Theatre Fest this January. Theatre Fest is a three-day event. High school theatre students from all over the state come to attend workshops, and learn from theatre professionals. Students also see the highest quality productions which the Illinois Theatre Association selects. Such an opportunity is an incredible privilege and accomplishment for Glenbard West’s Theatre Program!
As for the musical itself, the plot follows an eccentric, 17 year-old girl named Delilah McFee (Sam Kroening, senior). Her parents’ recent divorce and difficulty adjusting to a new school leave Delilah’s new favorite book, Between the Lines, as her one safe haven. Delilah’s secret crush on the book’s handsome protagonist, Prince Oliver (Tristan Zamudio, sophomore), becomes something more when his illustration comes to life and talks to her from the book’s pages! Delilah becomes increasingly attached to the book as she and Oliver start to fall in love, though they are still in separate worlds.
The line between fiction and reality continues to blur when Delilah is magically transported into the storybook. Soon, however, Delilah must accept that she does not belong in the fantasy world and returns home ready to face her problems. By the end of the show, Delilah’s relationship with her mother (Josie Ehrhart, junior) is restored, she starts to find belonging at school, and she even meets her real “Prince Oliver” when she gets to know the boy for whom the book Between the Lines was originally written.
Overall, Glenbard West’s production of Between the Lines musical is an amazing blend of whimsical fantasy and real-world issues. Honest songs like “Inner Thoughts,” paired with the genuine problems Delilah faces, bring a strong sense of relatability to the show.
Nevertheless, Between the Lines also offers an irresistible comedic flair through hilarious characters like Ms. Winx (Maggie Sampson), witty dialogue, and perfectly positioned pop-culture references. Delilah and Prince Oliver’s characters were both astonishing in vocals and acting, thanks to the talents of Sam Kroening and Tristan Zamudio! Other fantastic character dynamics like those between Ally (Paige Brondyke) and Ryan (Cole Lisook) give the storyline even more color.
Of course, none of the memorable musical numbers would be possible without the flawless pit orchestra. A brilliant set design melds the two worlds together and brings the story to life, making the show an immersive experience.
This show is truly an incredible accomplishment and such a delight to watch. Congratulations to the entire company of Between the Lines on their outstanding production!
