Willowbrook to present winter play, ‘Doctor Cerberus’

Willowbrook sophomore Sean O’Brochta (Franklin Robertson) and senior Elizabeth Michael (Dr. Cerberus) rehearse a scene from the school's upcoming winter play, “Doctor Cerberus.” Performances will take place on Feb. 3, 4 and 5.

From left: Willowbrook freshman Gill Falco (Mrs. Walsh), junior Amelia Tortorici (Lydia Robertson), sophomore Sean O’Brochta (Franklin Robertson) and junior Samuel Lundgren (Lawrence Robertson) rehearse a scene from the school's upcoming winter play, “Doctor Cerberus.” Performances will take place on Feb. 3, 4 and 5.

For just about everyone, the teenage years are filled with awkwardness and challenges – from feeling like a misfit, to being misunderstood to struggling with self-identity. And Willowbrook Theatre will bring that common human experience to the stage during its winter play, “Doctor Cerberus.”

According to www.dramatists.com, “In this coming-of-age comedy, 13-year-old Franklin Robertson is just trying to survive life in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., in the mid-1980s. He’s sexually confused. He doesn’t have friends. His overworked parents don’t understand him. His jock brother torments him nonstop. He’d rather write stories than go on dates (not that he could get a date). His great comfort comes from the horror movies he watches every Saturday, on a black-and-white TV set in his basement, introduced by the horror host Dr. Cerberus. In fact, Franklin feels certain Dr. Cerberus can save his misfit life …”

Willowbrook Theatre Director Sara Corkery said she saw “Doctor Cerberus” performed during a previous Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Drama & Group Interpretation State Competition and was taken by the characters and their relationships and growth throughout the story. She said the layers of complexities and issues engrained in the play are still relevant today, and family dynamics and love are still at the core of it all.

Junior Amelia Tortorici plays Franklin’s mother, Lydia. She said bringing the dark humor of the story to life has been a fun challenge and has helped develop a close-knit vibe among the cast.

Sophomore Sean O’Brochta, who plays Franklin, said the students are thrilled to be back with in-person performances this year.

“It’s lovely to be able to perform live on stage,” O’Brochta said. “The theme of ‘Doctor Cerberus’ is ‘It gets better,’ and I hope that resonates with the audience.”

“Doctor Cerberus”

When: 7 p.m. on Feb. 3, 4 and 5

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

Tickets: Tickets will be available to buy at the door (see the poster above for ticket prices)