In an era of rising costs, growing inflation, and rampant negativity, it is easy to get down in the dumps. But don’t let yourself fall into the trap. Instead, take this advice from Eric Idle: “If life seems jolly rotten, there’s something you’ve forgotten, and that’s to laugh and smile and dance and sing.”
Perhaps these are the same words that guided Julie Kornak 15 years ago when she co-founded BrightSide Theatre, the unstoppable Naperville-based nonprofit professional theater company committed to “enlightening, educating, and entertaining the western suburbs.” The organization has offered four mainstage productions each year and expanded its repertoire in 2021, a time when many arts venues were shutting down.
“Our Summer in the Park concert series came out of the need to gather and unite to hear music during COVID,” said Kornak, BrightSide’s executive director. “Since we could not perform indoors at that time, we decided to take it to the parks,” where attendees could safely share an uplifting experience.
What started as an outdoor event in three locations has evolved into performances in 11 parks found in Naperville, Lisle, Downers Grove, and Bolingbrook. These one-hour revue-style concerts feature beloved show tunes from Broadway’s most notable productions.
Kornak added, “With five voices and four musicians, we continue to bring fun and family-friendly Broadway music tunes to the parks free of charge.”
Audiences have embraced the opportunity to spend quality time with friends and family. “I love seeing our seniors sing along to some of the songs we perform,” said Kornak. It’s also heartwarming to see “toddlers jumping up and dancing to the music. There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy.”
Kornak advises, “So grab your blanket and lawn chairs, pack a picnic and head on out to BrightSide Theatre’s Summer in the Parks.”
Concerts run from July through September 20 and can be found at parks in or near Naperville, including 95th Street Community Plaza/Wagner Family Pavilion, Millennium Carillon Amphitheater, Country Lakes Park, Riverwalk Amphitheater and Arrowhead Park.
For a complete list of dates, times, and locations, visit Brightsidetheatre.com.
