I’m a longtime Oak Park/River Forest resident; my kids, now in their 30s, are graduates of OPRF High School (former orchestra students of Patrick Pearson). I recently wrote to the OPRF Theater Department to congratulate them on the success of their spring production, Rent.
Despite my skepticism that a high-school cast could do it justice this show (I attended the March 14 performance), wow, was I wrong! As an avid theatergoer in Chicago and New York, who has seen many Broadway musicals (including Rent with the original Broadway cast), I was completely blown away by the talent, charm and professionalism on stage. All of the principals were excellent; it was hard to believe they were teenage amateurs. It was not lost on me that Micah Merrill literally stopped the show in the second act.
Congratulations to the entire Theater Department. Keep up the incredible work. I’m proud that my tax dollars support such incredible results from our kids. You have my unequivocal support for Project 3 to enhance the fine arts spaces at our amazing high school.
Alison Nelson
Oak Park