Everyone is a star in the eyes of Christine Rehak-Grohne, and her special troupe will have its chance to shine on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 23 and 24.

Rehak-Grohne, a resident of Downers Grove, runs the Actors with Special Needs Program, sponsored by Lyons Township High School’s Adult and Continuing Education program. This marks the 15th anniversary of the acting program, which features the talents of adults with disabilities. This year, the actors will perform, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Getting to Know… Cinderella,” a specially adapted version of their classic musical. The show will take place at the Performing Arts Center of Lyons Township High School South Campus, 4900 S. Willow Springs Road, Western Springs.

Rehak-Grohne said the Actors with Special Needs program was initiated by a group of local mothers whose children with disabilities had graduated from high school and were looking for interesting activities. Rehak-Grohne’s mother, Arlene Rehak of Indian Head Park, was one of the founding members, and her sister, Laura Rehak, has been a participant ever since. Because of Rehak-Grohne’s background in theater and experience with individuals with disabilities, she quickly assumed responsibility for the class, which over the years has grown by leaps and bounds. The group’s staged performances have included “Fiddler on the Roof,” “The Sound of Music” and “The Wizard of Oz.”

Rehak-Grohne said that there are 21 actors in this year’s production.

“It really runs the gamut (age-wise)” she said.

There is also varying ability levels as well as a wide range of talent. Accommodations are made for her actors, some of whom are unable to speak or read or have mobility problems. Some of her actors, she said, have innate musical ability. Others make up for less than professional talent with dedication and enthusiasm.

Rehak-Grohne assigns roles without tryouts.

“So many of the actors have been with us through the years and I’ve been able to chart their growth. Sara Reggi from Darien is playing Cinderella this year. She’s been with us for eight years and has had great supporting roles in the past. Now I felt she was ready for the lead and she’s doing marvelously,” Rehak-Grohne said.

This is the first year that her program has been the recipient of a grant from the Gift of Carl Foundation.

“Carl (Vuillaume) was a high school senior at Hinsdale South who had passed away. His loves in life were nature, music and theater arts. His parents, to keep his dream alive, created this foundation, and so we received a monetary donation,” Rehak-Grohne said.

“This is the first year we’ve been able to take our poster and programs to a printer to be printed. We are also renting some costumes.”

Mothers of the actors also help with the costuming.

“The lobby is full of sewing machines and the moms are like a busy beehive out there. It’s chaotic activity making cloaks and hats and creating things,” she said.

A club at Lyons Township High School helps to build the set for the show. Moms and dads have pitched in to build a pumpkin/stagecoach with PVC and gossamer.

“It’s just incredible. The creativeness of our group is outstanding,” she said.

The benefits of the program to its participant are significant.

“Some aspects could be considered so small by other peoples’ standards. But just the fact that they stand taller; some of them have the confidence to look you in the eye now. And there’s beautiful teamwork that’s created,” Rehak-Grohne said.

Appearing in “Getting to Know…Cinderella” are: Western Springs residents Joe Dugan and Josh Harris; Indian Head Park resident Laura Rehak; Brookfield resident Mike Marino; Darien residents Barb Cerkanowicz, Sara Reggi, Renee Vrchota, Bridget Brown and Kristen McInerny; Clarendon Hills resident Josh Hein; Willow Springs resident Faye Katris; Willowbrook resident Jacklyn Swidergal; Hinsdale residents Adam Bair-Rickert and Robbie Incerto; LaGrange Park residents Sarah Cavanaugh, Indira Garcia and Elisha Preston; and La Grange residents Jay Vincent, Lisa Guidice, Nathan Church and Katie Hanson.

“Getting to Know…Cinderella” will be performed at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 and at 7 p.m. Nov. 24. Admission is $4 per person.

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