You May Never See Senior Project Like This One

Karl Aspelund and Michael Caizzi present their senior project in Barrington starting this weekend. Prepare to laugh out loud.

The two Barrington High School seniors are producing, directing and starring in what could be the first-ever high school version of the the smash Broadway musical, “La Cage aux Folles.”

It starts in the Barrington library auditorium tonight and Saturday, April 26-27, and continues next weekend, May 3-4. Shows are 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for students and $12 for adults.

You might better recognize the musical as the movie, “The Birdcage,” a remake of the international stage hit. It starred Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

“We’re bringing Broadway to Barrington,” said Michael, who is teaming up with his longtime friend for the four performances. Karl is the producer; Michael is handling stage design.

“We have different roles,” Karl said. “We’ve never done this before.”

Karl is playing "Georges," the owner of a gay nightclub. Michael is playing "Albin," a drag gueen who is the star of the show and Georges’ romantic partner.

“Who else could play those roles but us?” said Michael.

The seniors have compiled a cast of around 20 performers, many who come from the Stagemasters drama club at the high school like them.

Karl and Michael also have had raise several thousands dollars to pay the license fees for the rights to put on the show and buy the musical score. Remaining proceeds will benefit Stagemasters and the gay-lesbian alliance at the high schoool. As far as they know, the show has never been done at the high school level.

The seniors also are veteran Barrington Community Theater actors.

The theme of the musical deals “with acceptance” of gays and their lifestyle, said Michael. Don’t expect any sex or nudity. But it does deal with adult themes; the poster promoting the show in local coffee shops and businesses points out that it might be appropriate for children under 12.

“Were not trying to shock Barrington,” said Karl. “The show is not like that.”

Remember that I said you will laugh out loud. I sat through part of a rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon. You will definitely enjoy the show. See a video clip of Karl and Michael on stage to get a taste of their senior project.