Senior Orchestra seeks new members

The Senior Suburban Orchestra will open its ninth season with a rehearsal Tuesday afternoon, Sept. 2. The orchestra is composed mostly of retirees, and performs 15 concerts a year at schools, retirement communities and other public venues.

SOS rehearsals and concerts are always scheduled during daylight hours on weekdays. There are no weekend or evening performances. For several years, the orchestra has numbered about 40 players. Not all the musicians are seniors and ages range from people in their 30s to 80s, said Ron Baumgardner of Brookfield.

The orchestra plays a variety of music, from classical literature through Sousa marches to music from Broadway and Hollywood. This season will feature several pieces by Leroy Anderson, born 100 years ago. Most concerts include an audience sing-along. Music director and conductor is Dan Pasquale D’Andrea.

Rehearsals are held from 1 to 3 p.m. Tuesdays at Fairview Village in Downers Grove. Musicians come from a variety of communities to participate, from Oak Park to Joliet to Wheaton. Orchestral musicians who might like to participate can learn more by contacting Lori Davis at (630) 530-2910 or LSD542000@yahoo.com. There are openings for oboe, bassoon, bass clarinet, trumpet, trombone, percussion, violin, viola, cello and double bass.

The SSO receives support from the Illinois Arts Council, DuPage Community Foundation, the village of Downers Grove and corporate and private contributions.

BAMtheatre to stage 'Willy Wonka Jr.'

“Willy Wonka Jr.” will be performed by BAMtheatre at 2 and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 23 and 24, at Nazareth Academy, 1209 W. Ogden Ave., La Grange Park.

It’s the story of five golden ticket winners who tour the world’s largest chocolate factory, and includes such songs as “Candy-Man.” At each performance, five golden tickets will be hidden in the snack bar, and the winners will get a tour of the theater after the show. Tickets are available in advance online at www.bamtheatre.com.

More than 100 actors make up the cast. The Downers Grove residents include Meghan Fasano as Mrs. Bucket, Julia Luka as Mrs. Gloop, Oompa-Loompa soloist Maria Fasano, Alaina Gallwas as Grandma Josephina, and Alex Luka as James, plus ensemble members Kelly Wynne, Annie Ketchmark, Nichole Maciejewski, Lindsay Weinheimer and Margaret Maloney.

The show is directed by Melanie Lamoreux and Lucy Little Rickert of Hinsdale. Visit www.bamtheatre.com.