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Northbrook, IL (Chicago - North Suburbs) - 847.272.4565 |
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NL family acts out history of America
Musical encourages patriotism
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May 27, 2011 | 02:11 AM
The Mestas family is hoping to spark patriotism among the community through their June musical.
Robert and Lori Mestas, along with their 10-year-old son Elliot, will perform their original musical "God Bless America" June 14-15 and 22-24 at White Fence Farm, 1376 Joliet Road, Romeoville.
"It's a musical tribute to our country. We portray historical figures from our nation, and through song, dialogue and dance, we tell the story of our country," Lori said.
The musical takes place from the time of Columbus to present day and includes a multimedia presentation to honor those that have served the country, Mestas said.
"We hope people will be able to remember and appreciate the freedom that we've been afforded in this country and that we are very blessed to have that freedom as many other countries we know do not," Lori said. "We want people to know they have a voice, to take a stand for what they believe in and what is right."
The show starts with Lori dressed as Betsy Ross, sewing a flag and narrating the history of America. Among the many other characters, Robert portrays Columbus, John Adams and Robert E. Lee. Elliot takes the stage to sing "Yankee Doodle" and "Dixie" with his dad.
Mestas Musicals started because Robert and Lori wanted to connect their skills with their desire to do something for seniors.
"We wanted to touch their lives," Lori said. "We found an avenue to do that through musicals."
Lori was inspired by her father to also do solo shows, as musicals became a full-time job.
"I had a story that I wanted to tell. I wanted to have more material so I decided to do a show about my life," Lori said.
Once Lori started doing solo shows, her son Elliot was quick to request his own solo show.
"He kept asking me 'Mom, when can I have my own show?'" Lori said. "I told him we had to see how he did with the three of us first, and he was doing really good with the family."
The next step for Elliot was to do a duet musical with his mom. The two have a show called "Like Mother, Like Son," which is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. The show focuses on the hope people had, Lori said.
Elliot will also be debuting his own solo show in July called "Meet Elliot."
The family takes pride in their relationships with the public.
"What we do is go around to the tables before the show starts and get to know the people on a personal basis," Lori said. "People really seem to like it when entertainers come around and they're not just on stage. It's about the people and we want to connect with them."
The June 14, 15, 22 and 23 shows will be luncheons and will be held at noon at White Fence Farm. The June 24 show will be an evening show, starting at 6:30 p.m. Individual tickets are $38. Tickets for children younger than the age of 10 are $23. Group tickets for 15 or more are also available for $35. Ticket prices include lunch or dinner, tax and gratuity.
Veterans and their families will receive a $5 discount for the "God Bless America" show.
For more information, visit www.mestasmusicals.com.
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