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Local arts groups, performers with Elmhurst roots join to support Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts

The momentum continues as Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) prepares for “Broadway in Elmhurst” to be held Friday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Timothy Christian School Auditorium in Elmhurst. The evening of song and dance is another “celebration of the arts” event sponsored by ECPA, a grass-roots initiative working to build a performing arts center anchored in Elmhurst.

“Last year’s Broadway in Elmhurst was our first produced program and we were thrilled with the response from the community,” commented Laura Michaud, ECPA Board Member. “The turnout was great, and the local artists were excited to have a venue to come together and share their talent.”

This year’s program features Helen Knudsen, an accomplished singer, actor, and director who has her roots in Elmhurst. The 2013 graduate of York High School has worked and trained in the Chicago area, including receiving her Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University. In addition to being an accomplished soprano, Helen dedicates time to working with young, aspiring actors. She founded the Hatbox Theater based in Elmhurst and is currently an instructor at the Piven Theatre Workshop where she teaches budding performers.

“We are lucky to have Helen performing at this year’s Broadway in Elmhurst,” said Becky Marianetti, York High School Fine Arts Teacher and ECPA Board Member. “Helen is an extremely gifted singer with incredible talent and personality. She has contributed a great deal to the arts, showing tremendous passion for growing young acting talent in her role as teacher and director.”

Broadway in Elmhurst brings together others, who like Knudsen, have a history with the performing arts in the local community. The program includes performances by the York High School Drama Department, Beyond Center Stage and Impact Dance Company.  Proceeds from the event will support the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts (ECPA) a 501c3 dedicated to building a center for theater, music, dance and comedy based in Elmhurst City Centre. Broadway in Elmhurst is Friday, January 12 at 7:30 p.m., Timothy Christian High School Auditorium, 188 W. Butterfield Road, Elmhurst. Tickets purchased in advance are $20 for adults ($22 at the door), $18 for seniors and students ($20 at the door) and $15 each for groups of 10 or more. Purchase tickets on-line at www.ecpa-elmhurst.org or by mailing a check to ECPA, PO Box 653, Elmhurst, IL 60126.