There wasn’t much the script of “How to Eat Like a Child” could teach Neenah Williams, Gretchen Scheele, Olivia Procter and Sophie. They already knew being an adult is “lame!”
But the four Mahomet residents want to help other children understand the importance of 21 kid-true lessons like “How to Laugh Hysterically,” How to Beg for a Dog,” and How to Torture You Sister,” this weekend in two performances at the SoDo Theatre in Champaign.
“I’ve always known how to not be an adult,” Scheele said. “They eat vegetables!”
Advance reservations are encouraged for the Saturday and Sunday performances at 12:30 and 4:30 p.m.
“How to Eat Like a Child-and Other Lessons in Not Being a Grown-Up” was adapted from Delia Ephron’s book into a musical comedy which aired on NBC in 1981. It later became an on-stage musical.
Williams, Scheele and Procter performed through Class Act theatre in previous years. Scheele is also preparing for a church play, while Williams is excited to try out for the MSJHS play Mugsy Malone in December. She also performed in the MSHS production of Oliver.
Procter performed in The Little Prince cast at the Parkland Theatre, along with summer camps.
Sophie, who like to act, sing and dance, said she likes the script because she gets to play different roles in each scene.
Although the girls go to the same schools or live in the same neighborhood, they weren’t close enough to call themselves friends before this performance. But all of them agreed the play has helped them get to know one another.
Williams likes that she also got to meet people from Champaign.
“I don’t get to meet a lot of people in Champaign because I only shop there, but when I get to communicate with different people, it’s really nice to meet people who have the same interests.”
Procter enjoys performing because it helps her to push herself to become a better performer or singer. She is looking forward to playing the mom with purple high heels and bright red lipstick.
The family friendly musical which stars some of the community’s brightest young performers ages 8 to 12 is directed by Jaclyn Loewenstein alongside the musical direction of Mahomet resident Kat Downs.
Additional performances are on Nov. 17 at the Monticello Theatre Association.
