June 16, 2004

© Oak Park Journal photo review by Ed Vincent The Academy of Movement and Music, along with the Tidmarsh Arts Foundation have just finished this year series of shows at the Oak Park and River Forest High School.  I went this year because my wife, a teacher in Oak Park was given a ticket to see some of her students (2nd graders) perform in this wonderful production of a so-called parody of Harry Potter.  The story followed the works of the books almost to the letter with only a little Star Wars music thrown in here and there.  The presentation was on June 12, 2004 and sure appeared to have every little girl with a love of dance on the stage.  The lighting, special effects, costumes, and performance were a real treat for the eyes and a great success.  The Academy of Movement and Music should be given some form of local Oak Park Oscar.  Hagrid comes to bring Harry to School. © Oak Park Journal photo The Bank of Gringotts and the guards of Wizard's funds. © Oak Park Journal photo   Harry's owl comes to stage. © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo You may find your neighbor either here or in one of the photos...and the kids loved it, every minute. © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo The Sorting hat helps Harry to find his new school home. © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo Owls, owls, owls, messages, messages, messages....... © Oak Park Journal photo A Huge Troll attacks and is fought off by the brave Harry and Ron. © Oak Park Journal photo Quidditch, called Squidditch in this production, has lots of dancers sitting in front (to block the audience from seeing) the skaters behind, gliding as though in flight. © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo A flying Harry is shown while in trouble during the Squidditch game, a nice FX effect using a dummy on the wire. © Oak Park Journal photo The staging of the broom flying game was worthy of either Broadway or Hollywood.  This presentation could have run for a least a couple of months and it should really be shown again for all of its beauty and fun. © Oak Park Journal photo Harry sees his parents in the mirror. © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo Dancing with a monster.... © Oak Park Journal photo Young dancers wait in the wings and can be seen fluttering with anticipation. © Oak Park Journal photo Wizard's chess is portrayed dramatically (like every other scene) and leaves the audience spellbound. © Oak Park Journal photo The Makes her move before Harry can checkmate the Tormentor of Ron's moves. © Oak Park Journal photo © Oak Park Journal photo A top notched event with a wonderful spectrum of talent at all levels working together for the best thing I have seen in quite awhile. © Oak Park Journal photo   Ella, one of the stars of the show  with her proud father Oak Park's talented performer Jim Gill. © Oak Park Journal photo