On Friday, Brauer joins a cast that includes professional actors to take
the lead of Tom Dudzick's comedy, "Over the Tavern," when it opens a
three-weekend run at Cutting Hall in Palatine.
Performances take place at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and at 3 p.m. on
Sunday, as well as at 8 p.m. Oct. 27, Nov. 3 and 4, and at 3 p.m. Oct. 29
and Nov. 5.
Brauer stars as the 12-year-old Rudy in the show, who is thinly disguised as
the playwright himself, growing up in a Polish Catholic family during the
late 1950s.
"I'd worked with (Justin) before, when he appeared in films for CNGM
Pictures," says director Michael Noens of Palatine. "He always had smaller
parts, so I had never seen him carry a role. But when he came in here for
auditions, he just blew everyone away."
The story is described as a touching comedy that is seen through the eyes of
Rudy, when he begins to question his family's values, and the doctrine of
the Catholic church.
"The play has a charming way of questioning his religion," Noens adds,
"without being offensive."
Joining Brauer in the cast are professional actors Jonathan Legat of Park
Ridge and Melanie Stanton of Mount Prospect, as Rudy's parents; Sue Mrotek
of Mundelein as his teacher, Sr. Clarissa; and Stephanie Wyatt of Chicago as
his older sister.
Fremd High School junior Chris Pantelis of Palatine and Barrington High
School sophomore Ryan Burke of Hoffman Estates play Brauer's older brothers
in the show.
The comedy is presented by Theatre Nebula, whose goal is to promote theater
arts among high school and college students by involving them in productions
with professionals.
J. Spencer Greene, serves as artistic director for the Palatine- based
innovative company. Formerly, he directed plays at Fremd High school before
taking his current role with the Palatine Park District as theater
coordinator.
He selected "Over the Tavern" for its roles that include different age
groups, as well as its poignant story.
"It explores family values and the family unit," Greene says. "As actors, it
helps students learn about portraying strong emotions and in this story they
see the value of communication."
He adds that his young actors also are growing in their craft by working
with professionals.
"There's a lot of give and take going on in rehearsals," Greene adds.
"They're just learning by being around them."
