NW Theatre presents 'The Fundamentals' Aug. 29-31

Niles West Theatre presents “The Fundamentals” on August 29 through 31 in the Black Box Theatre at Niles West High School, 5701 W. Oakton, Skokie.

“The Fundamentals” was developed by Steppenwolf Theatre Company, through its New Plans Initiative and was presented as part of First Look at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, Chicago, IL; Martha Lavey, Artistic Director, David Schmitz, Managing Director.

Direct from Steppenwolf Theatre, this modern—and often shocking—new play was commissioned and developed as part of Steppenwolf’s 2015-16 new play series.

Performances are at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 29; 4 p.m and 7:30 p.m. on Friday, August 30 and 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 31. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students, senior citizens and children. Call the Box Office at (847) 626-2633 or visit http://www.nileswesttheatre.com. There will be a free community performance at 10 a.m. on Thursday, August 29.

Millie is a smart, resourceful young mother who works as a housekeeper in one of New York’s premier luxury hotels. When an opportunity to move into management gives her the chance to leave behind her blue collar life, Millie must decide how much, and who, she’s willing to sacrifice to secure her family’s future.

A funny and scathing look at America’s corporate culture, “The Fundamentals” examines the compromises we make in order to fulfill our dreams.

“The Fundamentals” is also Niles West’s 7th annual Thespian Society Production.

All cast members, student designers, crew heads and production crew members are inducted members of Thespian Troup #1714. Each “thespian production” offers our elite students the opportunity to tackle challenging roles and leadership positions in productions not normally produced in a high school setting.

Please note: this production contains strong adult language and mature situations. Viewer discretion is advised.

Cast: Alexis Aponte is Millie; Aaron Razack is Lorenzo, Henry Gussis is Abe, Sara Collins is Stellan and Lynn Nguyen is Eliza.

Student Designers:  Co-Costume Designer: Althea Bibat; Co-Lighting Designer: Melanie Kerz and Elizaveta Kolesnik; Co-Sound Designer: Bryan Abad; and Assistant Sound Designer: Maddy Foler.

Crew Heads: Stage Manager: Hailey Shah; Assistant Direct: Lorelei Wernecke; Assistant Stage Manager: Mia Finnigan and Anton Tomacic; Costume Head: Jake Pranian; Assistant Dramaturg: Mia Finnigan; Head Carpenter: Sam Myers; House Manager/Publicity: Janay Moncrief; Master Electrician: Adam Rutecki; Media/Video Lead: Cerasela Dornan; Paint Lead: Mehreen Patel; Scenic Assistant/Assistant to the Technical Director: Henry Rousseau.