Landing the part of a superhero is a dream role for most Hollywood actors. But it may also be the part that marks the start of some youngsters’ acting careers.
The show “Superheroes, Unite!,” being performed at the Tinley Park Arts Center April 23 and 24, is designed as an accessible way to get kids involved in theater at a young age.
“This is an introductory level age group, and we teach various aspects of the arts in a way that is fun and easy for them to understand,” says the show’s co-director Christina Halleran, who’s also the owner of the Covered Bridge Playhouse, which organizes the production.
“Our goal is for the kids to learn about the theater while also learning confidence and teamwork. Many of the children at this level continue in our program and eventually learn to assist with other shows. In some cases, they even go on to direct them.”
The plot of “Superheroes, Unite!” involves Nova City, which is seeking a superhero to save them from evil villains. It holds an audition and introduces a cast of heroes with various abilities, which range from traditional powers like super speed and strength to more off-the-wall skills like quoting Shakespeare and pointing out irony.
When villains launch a surprise attack, everyone must work together to save the city. It’s the perfect production for kids who most likely already have experience acting out scenarios like this in their heads.
“It has a wide variety of interesting characters, and it allows the kids to be creative,” Halleran said.
The show features a cast of 23 children between the ages of 5 and 9. In addition to co-directors Halleran and Liana Lill, a group of teenage assistants help out with the production. Rehearsals started in February, and the cast will perform two full-length performances at the Tinley Parks Art Center Stage.
The Covered Bridge Playhouse was purchased in 2018 by Halleran, who took over from the founder and longtime operator Daniel DeWalt. She’s involved in multiple productions each year, focusing on kids of different age groups and abilities.
“We typically do three to four shows in the spring and three to four shows in the fall,” she says.
This show in particular is appealing to many kids who may not have previously considered giving acting a try.
“We hope that those who come to the show will see the unique and interesting ways these very young children interpreted their characters and brought them to life on the stage,” Halleran said.
Kidz Theater presents Superheroes, Unite!
When: 6 p.m. April 23 and 2 p.m. April 24
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Where: Tinley Park Performing Arts Center, 16801 S. 80th Ave., Tinley Park
Tickets: $8
Information: 708-342-4200; tinleyparkdistrict.org
Jeff Banowetz is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.