Local performers with Elmhurst roots join to support Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts
Elmhurst native, Julie Peterson, returns to Elmhurst on Saturday, May 13, for a special performance in Broadway in Elmhurst, an evening of musical theatre and entertainment to benefit the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building a center for theatre, music, dance, and comedy anchored in Elmhurst. “I am very excited to perform in my hometown, along with other people who have their roots in the Elmhurst community,” said Julie. “It is meaningful to reunite with family and friends, those who believed in me from the start – and those who believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Julie’s vocal and theatrical interest was sparked by her parents, whom she fondly recalls were always playing music, singing and dancing throughout her childhood. In 5th grade, she auditioned with Elmhurst Children’s Theater and remembers not getting a part in her first two auditions. “I finally got a part in the Sound of Music playing nun #105, because someone quit.” Her passion for performance and talent was not dampened by the experience, but instead increased each year. In 8th grade, Julie auditioned and was selected as one of only 100 middle schoolers nationwide to participate in the American Choir Director’s Association choir in Los Angeles.
As a freshman at York High School, Julia earned the lead role in York’s production of Aida. Thereafter, Julie had commanding performances on the York stage. Her powerful singing voice and exceptional acting ability landed her roles as the Wicked Witch in Wizard of Oz, Ms. Peretti in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Dorothy in 42nd Street.
In 2014, Julie received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the highly prestigious Boston Conservatory of Theater and Music, and was one of only seven in her class to sign with an agent. Her agent quickly helped her land a part with National Theater Works USA, where she traveled the country with the children’s musical tour production of Click, Clack, Moo. Julia stated, “I learned a lot about how to sustain a life as an actor. The hardest part was making sure my voice was good everyday, because sometimes we had to perform four times in one day.” When she returned to New York, she quickly booked with the Disney Cruise line, where she played multiple Disney characters as a Main Stage performer. ”This was another tremendous learning experience for me because we had performances every night of the week, sometimes performing through hurricane like conditions,” she said.
She is currently a member of The Actors Equity, living and working in New York City where she continues Masters classes. As a professional actor, Julie has had roles with Pearl Studios, Godspeed Opera House and LymeLight Theaters.
Julie admits she is certainly living her dream in New York, but knows in her heart that she would never have come this far without the strength and support she received, and continues to receive from Elmhurst. “I am so lucky to have had so much support from my family, my choir teacher Rebecca Marianetti, my community and the City of Elmhurst. Coming home is the biggest confidence booster in the world,” stated Julie.
In addition to Julie Peterson, The Broadway in Elmhurst event brings together others who have a history with the performing arts in Elmhurst, including Mezzo-Soprano, Lisa Griffith, known for her role as musical director for many Elmhurst Children’s Theater shows over the past 18 years. Ms. Griffith has performed around the country and has been an apprentice with both Santa Fe Opera and Glimmerglass Opera. Other Elmhurst groups include DuPage Dance, Elmhurst Choral Union and York High School’s Grammy Award-winning drama department who will perform selections from its spring musical West Side Story. “We look forward to being a part of this evening to celebrate the arts in our community,” commented Geni Lucchesi, Co-Director, DuPage Dance and Elmhurst Dance Theater. “We have been here a long time” she explained, referring to her active involvement in DuPage Dance for 35 years. “There are more performing groups establishing themselves in Elmhurst – dance, theater, singing – and there is need for a professional level theater to support the growth and the community interest”.
Broadway in Elmhurst takes place Saturday, May 13, from 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm at the Timothy Christian High School Auditorium located at 188 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $15 per ticket for groups of 8 or more. Purchase tickets on-line at www.ecpa-elmhurst.org or by mailing a check to ECPA, PO Box 653, Elmhurst, IL 60126. Refreshments and raffle prizes round out this evening of entertainment.
Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts s a 501 (c) 3 The ECPA initiative kicked off in 2014 with the goal of building a center for music, theater, dance and comedy anchored in Elmhurst. Momentum continues to build, thanks to a visionary board, a team of dedicated volunteers and enthusiastic community suppor
