NEDSRA actor get a chance to Shine

 By Elisabeth Mistretta | Daily Herald Staff

Link:  https://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=147533

 There's no such thing as limits in the theater -- only imagination.

And because 14 suburban actors push limits every day while living with mental and physical disabilities, they are right at home on stage.

Today, these performers from the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association will put on their third annual variety show, "Light The Candles, It's Today."

The show will include movie theme songs, musical show tunes and comedy skits (some skits even created by the actors).

Lonna Converso, spokeswoman for the special recreation association, said the show has been popular from the start.

"We have so much support, and not just from the families of the participants," Converso said. "Last year there really were no seats left in the house, so that says something."

The troupe has been rehearsing since September for "Light the Candles, It's Today." The show is the culmination of a theater program offered by the recreation association led by Bob Griffin, who will direct today's performance.

Members will not only act on stage, but they also helped design the sets and build props.

"This is really a finale for them to showcase their work," Converso said.

Performers are: Sarah Byron, Ted Callahan, Jeffry Kaiser, Connie Kaesmeyer, Amanda Lycko, Katie Prentice and Cari Welter, all of Lombard; John Conroy of Roselle; Yvonne Blais, Christa DePrizio, Steve Gooding and Sarah Guidolin, all of Villa Park; John Paul Johnson of Bloomingdale; and Anthony Scrivo of Addison.

In addition to its theater course, the Addison-based NEDSRA offers a variety of recreation, social programs and special events to anyone with special needs or challenges. The programs serve residents in Addison, Bensenville, Butterfield, Glendale Heights, Itasca, Lombard, Medinah, Oakbrook Terrace, Schiller Park, Villa Park and Wood Dale.

If you go

What: "Light the Candles, It's Today" performed by members of the Northeast DuPage Special Recreation Association

When:6:30 to 8:45 p.m. today

Where: Heritage Center, 1S325 Ardmore Ave., Oakbrook Terrace

Cost: Free

Details: (630) 620-4500, ext. 141