Adult-special needs actors brought holiday spirit to the Reber Center with their performance of “White Christmas”.

“When I look into the audience and see the parents weeping, the look on their face is that they just can’t believe what their kids have done,” director Christiane Rehak-Grohne said. “I know I have done a good job. I’m here to push that envelope every single time.”

The production of “White Christmas” was on Nov. 19 and 20 in the Reber Center. There were a total of 21 actors in the musical that consist of LT graduates as well as graduates from Hinsdale Central, Hinsdale South, Riverside-Brookfield and other schools outside the district.

“I’m nervous, but a little excited,” actor Doug Troops said. “The endings are the best part.”

Originally created by her mom, Rehak-Grohne has directed this play for over 20 years. Many of the actors have also been a part of this annual production for multiple years, she said. Actors Renee Vrchota and Josh Hein have worked with Rehak-Grohne for over 15 years, starring in plays such as “The Little Mermaid”, “Oliver Twist”, “The Sound of Music” and “Willy Wonka”.

“The most exciting part is seeing all my friends and family in the crowd,” Vrchota said.

Rehak-Grohne received help from LT paraeducator Karen Johnson, the assistant director, and a lot of valuable help from family members of the actors as well. The costume designer, set designer, and choreographer are all family members of actors and have worked with Rehak-Grohne for over a decade.

“I like how he has the chance to be on stage,” mother Julie Loftus said. “Many of the kids have been doing this for years and come from far away. There isn’t anything like this.”

The actors have been working on this production since February, and practicing two to three times a week since the beginning of school. While most of them are from this district, some actors take a 45 minute commute to make it to practice every time, Vrchota said.

“I like to be with my friends,” actress Bryanna Laconte said. “’White Christmas’ is a magical musical.”

This was the first time the program performed in the Reber center. Vrchota and Rehak-Grone have wanted to put on  “White Christmas” for 16 years.

“This is a wonderful experience, we are really grateful,” Rehak-Grohne said. “It’s a different show every time you see it.”