La Porte Service League will present its second original play as it opens the 79th annual production on January 28, bringing delight to children and adults alike.
“I Wish…” was written by League member Kathy Sommer, who joined the service organization in 1996. Last year she successfully premiered her first original show: “Why do I have to do my Homework?”
'I wish...' is set in fairy tale land. The fairy godmother decides to go on vacation, and turns over her duties of granting wishes to the frog in the wishing well. Froggy, however, becomes obsessed with video games. He is so busy playing these games that he cannot do his job of granting wishes properly. The other characters must learn to make the best of things until the chaos of their half-granted wishes is resolved.
The play is a visual treat, featuring colorful costumes sewed by members, as well as elaborate sets that require multiple hours of design and building.
League members serving as actresses include: Debbie Ault - Froggy; Claudia Raymond - fairy godmother; Claudia Winter - Rat; Gina Ake - Princess; Beth LeRoy – Clumsy; Mary Ellen McCain - The Rock; Joanne Gorecki – Pirate; Beth Mann – Loudly; Sheila Saunders – The Tree; Ramona Komasinski – The Prince; Sheryl Edwards – the Chick; Rosie Flitter – Shyly. Production Manager is Ramona Komasinski, and Director is Lucy Vergo.
Vergo said, “We are delighted this year once again to present the world premiere of an original children’s play written by Kathy Sommer. The moral of the story is ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ – an important lesson for children and adults alike.”
The play will be presented for schoolchildren throughout La Porte County at 9:30 a.m. Monday Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, January 28 through February 1 at La Porte High School's auditorium. An afternoon show will be offered at 1 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday that week.
In addition to grade schools, preschool classes, home schooled students, and groups of younger children are welcome. Educational packets are put together by Service League member Jan Yandt, a La Porte schoolteacher, which follow the state standards and are sent home with the teachers and students the day they attend the performance.
Groups interested in reserving a time to attend the production may contact Claudia Winter at 219-778-4478.
Adults also are encouraged to attend the Sunday, January 27 dress rehearsal at 1 p.m. or the Saturday, February 2 closing performance at 9:30 a.m.
Suggested donation is $1 for adults. Charge for the children who attend is still just 50 cents.
The La Porte Service League play has been presented for the cultural enrichment of area students since the organization was founded by Hallie Fox in 1932. The annual production is a year-long project, and each of the active members is required to spend at least 15 hours working on the event.
This is just one of several ongoing volunteer services that the nonprofit organization contributes to the community. Other projects include providing eye screenings and tutoring for area students, bell ringing for Salvation Army, and deliveries for Meals on Wheels.
