BrightSide Theatre closed its second season with the entertaining and enlightening modern masterpiece, “RENT,” a Pulitzer and Tony Award® winning rock opera by Jonathan Larson.
According to Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass, “The core message of RENT – unconditional love and acceptance – is what has kept this show relevant and running on and off Broadway for over 18 years and continues to inspire and enlighten audiences around the world.”
As a way to positively impact Naperville and its surrounding communities, BrightSide Theatre partnered with 360 Youth Services and invited more than 70 of its employees and the teens/young adults they serve to see the final dress rehearsal before opening. A brief talk-back session, where the audience was able to speak with and ask questions of the director and actors, followed the performance. For many of these youth, the performance was the first time they had experienced a professional theatre production with a live band/orchestra.
In addition, BrightSide Theatre looked to its patrons to help support 360 Youth Services. 360 Youth Services provides life-changing services through prevention education, counseling and shelter, the same issues that face the characters in RENT. They believe that children, families and young adults already possess most of the tools they need to lead successful and fulfilling lives. Those patrons who made a monetary donation for 360 Youth Services were given a raffle ticket with the chance to win a pair of tickets to an upcoming BrightSide Theatre production. A pair of tickets was given out at each performance.
BrightSide Theatre presents gift to 360 Youth Services
On July 9, Debbie Carr, left, the Residential Programs Director at 360 Youth Services, accepted a gift of $271 from Juie Ann Kornak, Executive Director of BrightSide Theatre.
BrightSide Theatre is Naperville’s only professional theatre that performs in the Historical Downtown District. For information about the upcoming season, visit BrightSide Theatre.
