Willowbrook to present winter play, ‘Fools’

Have you ever had one of those days when you just can’t function like you normally do? When no matter how hard you try to concentrate, you just can’t seem to think and focus?

That’s the world Leon Tolchinsky finds himself entering in the play “Fools” by Neil Simon. Willowbrook will present “Fools” at 7 p.m. on Feb. 13, 14 and 15.

In the story, Tolchinsky lands a terrific teaching job in an idyllic Russian hamlet. When he arrives, he finds the town has been cursed with chronic stupidity for 200 years, and it is his job to break the curse. No one tells him if he stays more than 24 hours and fails to break the curse, he will lose his intelligence as well. The situation in this hilarious comedy becomes more complicated after he falls in love with the beautiful Sophia Zubritsky.

“I chose this play because it made me laugh hysterically,” said Director Terri Woebel. “It also has an underlying theme of love and romance, so it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.”

Playing the lead role of Tolchinsky is Willowbrook junior Alex Lapinski. He described “Fools” as lowbrow humor and said it is a different style of comedy than Willowbrook has performed before.

“My character is a bit of a know-it-all,” Lapinski said. “It has been a challenge to get myself to feel like I know what I’m talking about no matter what, because my character has the expertise to prove it.”

Playing Lapinski’s love interest is junior Olivia Baumann. She said she hopes the audience can sit back, relax and share some smiles when they come to watch the show.

“It’s a great play, and I want the audience to enjoy their Valentine’s Day weekend and laugh a lot,” Baumann said.

New to the stage is senior Tiffany Brinkman, who plays Something Something Snetsky, the shepherd.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the plays here, so I thought, ‘Why can’t I do that?” Brinkman said of why she joined theatre. “I love getting into character and evolving my acting skills. I would highly recommend for every student to try theatre while they’re at Willowbrook.”

“Fools”
When: 7 p.m. Feb. 13, 14 and 15

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults, $5 for students, $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, or for more information, call 630-782-2855.

Cast list: To see the cast list for “Fools,” go to https://dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=1350. 

Social media: To see the Facebook page for "Fools," go to www.facebook.com/events/428164747315645.