There have been some strange goings-on this year at the county fair in Hogwash.
Multicolored aliens are singing and dancing in the hills, while the townsfolk, who look a lot like the gang from Dogpatch, are trying to help them escape the clutches of government-types dressed in black who are descending on this remote Appalachian hamlet.
To learn what happens next, go see “Alien DILLemma,” an original musical premiering Thursday. The play was written and produced by the Washington School PTO in Park Ridge.
The event marks the PTO’s 40th annual production and represents the efforts of more than 70 Washington School families who have spent most of the past year putting the show together.
“We tell everybody it’s for the kids, but we really just have a great time,” said parent Tony Miniscalco, who plays Earthquake, an Elvis look-alike sporting a huge pompadour.
Now appearing in his 13th production, Miniscalco has been performing these shows longer than any other member of the current cast, but said he doesn’t grow tired of it.
“It’s a wonderful way to meet people and stay in touch with people,” Miniscalco said.
Kids don’t perform, but they get into the act by helping parents prepare and often learning the lines themselves. And they enjoy watching their moms and dads sing and put on wild costumes for the school’s sake.
“They come and watch, and they are very patient while we’re spending all our time” on the show, said Kathy Divalerio, one of the producers.
But appreciation for what their parents do doesn’t stop kids from teasing them, especially if one of them flubs a line.
“One year she was a lead role, and she forgot one line and it felt like two days went by until she remembered it,” said 5th grader Sarah Dickey, about a performance by her mom, Linda Dickey.
“The kids really help a lot,” said Dickey, who plays one of the townspeople. “They seem to know the show better than we do, and they know all our lines.”
PTO volunteers help incorporate the event into everyday life at Washington School by appearing in class dressed in character to read to the students. They also sponsor contests, including a competition to name the spaceship that brings the aliens to Hogwash.
The production represents one of the PTO’s major fundraisers. This year the organization hopes to raise about $10,000, which goes to help the school, Divalerio said.
In the past, the PTO has used these funds to pay for such things as computer and playground equipment.
“Alien DILLemma” opens at 8 p.m. Thursday in Washington School, 1500 W. Stewart Ave. The next shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. Next week’s performances are at 7:30 p.m. March 8, and 8 p.m. March 9 and 10.
Tickets are $5 for opening night and $8 for all other shows and should be purchased in advance. For ticket information, call 847-698-1040.
