It’s November, so that means it’s high school theater production time. The students at Willowbrook High School in Villa Park are presenting “Amadeus” at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Nov. 14 and 15.

“Amadeus” is loosely based on the lives of the composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri. Set in Vienna, Austria, in the late 1700s and early 1800s, the play tells the story and demise of Mozart through Salieri’s perspective, his memory. It is shown through Salieri’s narrative how he single-handedly destroyed Mozart’s career.

The play is co-directed by Nicole Schremp and Regina Wathier, both teachers in Willowbrook’s English department. Schremp is a 2004 graduate of Willowbrook and is thrilled to be back at the school both teaching and in the theater department. She was very active in theater while at Willowbrook.

This is her first directing experience at Willowbrook. She directed small-scale shows during college and as a student teacher.

According to Schremp, this play was chosen for its dramatic nature and period style.

“This is a period play, which is always a great experience for high school students. The language and character work it requires provides a great learning experience. This play is also technically driven as well. We are relying heavily on music, so it gives our technical crew a great chance to show their talents as well,” she said.

Schremp said audiences can expect a great sense of drama and some amazing acting from the cast.

“Audiences will be surprised with the subtle humor, brilliant costumes and technical aspects of this show. The design elements of it are fabulous and we are excited for the audience to see what we’ve worked so hard for.”

As in any show, casting is never easy but Schremp said she had a great turnout for auditions and she had plenty of kids to choose from.

“All of the students who participate in our theater program are talented, so no matter who gets cast, we always have a great group of students.”

Brendan Martin plays the lead role of Salieri. This senior has been in Willowbrook productions since his sophomore year.

“I’ve had lead in several plays. Anything from serious like this role to comedic roles. I like expressing myself through different roles and this one is definitely different for me. This is a dark play that looks at the lengths people will go to achieve their dreams. The plot raises so many questions about human nature. This is personally my favorite play, so it’s a nice way to finish my theatrical experience at Willowbrook,” he said.

Stephen Boyer plays Mozart and is a familiar name to anyone who’s seen a production at Willowbrook. He’s been involved in the theater department since coming in as a freshman.

“‘Amadeus’ is a much different play than the others I’ve acted in. Playing Mozart is challenging and very unlike my other roles. He is so socially awkward and so eccentric. The role has such a great intensity that it’s easy to feed off it and bring that into the character,” he said.

The role of Mozart’s wife, Constanze Weber, is played by Hailey Camier. This junior has also been active in Willowbrook theater.

“Constanze is a great role to play. She’s really just a trashy woman trying to move up in class by marrying well. She thinks by marrying Mozart she will be on the road to a better life but didn’t factor in so many things. I’m having a great time playing this part,” she said.

Special family event

Be sure to mark your calendar for Sunday, Dec. 7, and bring the family out for a Journey to the North Pole presented by Villa Park’s Park and Recreation Department.

You and your family will board a holiday trolley for a festive ride to the North Pole, where you will be greeted by Mrs. Claus and the Elves. Santa will be on hand and a North Pole photographer will capture the special scenes. Trolleys will depart from the Iowa Community Center every 45 minutes starting at 4 p.m. Once you get to the North Pole, you will be delighted by the beautiful decorations, singing and hot cocoa and other treats.

The cost is $15 per person, with infants younger than 1 free. You register for a specific departure time. Registration is due by Wednesday, Nov. 26, and each trip to the North Pole is limited to 30 passengers. Groups should register together to be assured of the same departure time. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time.