Behind the Scenes Of LT's Eurythmics Show

Back-lit by the glow of her iPhone stop watch, it’s hard to tell Anna Meyers-Caccitolo apart from the young dancers she works with. On Saturday afternoon, she sat and watched a technical run-through of the upcoming Eurythmics dance concert with an enviable focus and intensity.

“We’re in the middle of a run,” she said, “I can answer questions in between numbers.”

Ms. Caccitolo co-directs and assists advisor and dance teacher Terry Wethington each year to produce the popular and highly regarded Eurythmics show at Lyons Township High School. The show is the culmination of months of hard work and grueling rehearsals.

And the program seems so effortless, and the dancers so gravity defying, that one wonders how the show consistently comes off without a hitch. It turns out, a lot of the show’s magic comes from what you don’t see.

In addition to the 30 dancers, there are a number of people contributing to the show’s success. This year there are four lighting designers offering technical guidance and artistic direction. Back stage, three stage managers run a ten-member team of students who change (lighting) gels in between each number to create the unique light effects each piece requires.

The all volunteer technical team, is 20 members strong. “Some of the numbers have 20 or 30 lighting cues,” said Ms. Caccitolo. “The ‘tech’ team times each individual cue to the music and movement.”

Planning for the year’s production begins in the Fall, “This is a cut audition” said Caccitolo. “Of the 100 kids that audition only 30 make it.”

This year, three freshmen made the cut, while 15 of the club members are seniors. Members may also go through a second audition process for choreography. “Choreography starts in January when they audition their pieces for the show,” said Caccitolo. “We also pay for professional choreography.”

One professional tapped for the show is world-renowned choreographer Randy Duncan. Professional dancer and La Grange native Mary Jo Irbe and local dance teacher Corey Nagel also lend their expertise to the production.

Two of the student choreographed pieces are the highly energetic “Hip Hop” and NRG (for “Notoriously Redefining Gravity”), which is also the name of the show. “NRG” is a novelty piece choreographed by Lyons Township Senior Katie Skinner—one of the few Eurythmics members who has been dancing with the club for four years

 “Eurythmics has taught me discipline and heightened my passion for dance,” “Miss Skinner reflected on her time with the club. "This is a great group, we feed off each other’s energy. We learn to work with our peers.”

Of course planning doesn’t always guarantee the best possible outcome. One of the glitches: the gloves for Miss Skinners piece weren’t bright enough under the black light. The dubious fix: soaking the gloves in undiluted Tide detergent before wearing. No rinsing.

Eurythmics Advisor and dance teacher Terry Wethington, who has been at Lyons Township High School for 26 years, has no trouble staying motivated. “The passion comes easily,” he said. “It’s the love of developing young artists and seeing them grow.”

Mr. Wethington also credits the school district for their support, and local studios for turning out new talent. He also enjoys seeing the audience response. “You can never predict how an audience will react, but if you get a reaction, you’ve done your job.”

One of the numbers that gets a consistently enthusiastic crowd response is the “guy/girl” dance. Reserved for Senior class members, the “guys” compete for one of the coveted 15 spots opposite the Senior girl dancers. During the number, the girls spin and kick; the “guys” do the lifting, to the amusement of their friends and families.

 Both Caccitolo and Wethington believe the shows enduring success is due to the fact there is “something for every audience member, regardless of age” including a range of emotions, characters and many types of dance represented.

The Eurythmics dancers fund the show through fundraisers, and ticket sales. The 700 seat Reber Center sells out for each show.

Shows times are Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. There is a one-hour “short show” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, suitable for children interested in meeting the dancers and learning about dance. Tickets are $10. Advance purchase is strongly recommended.