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GLT Datebook: Penguin Project Ventures Into Wonderland

Russ Sanderlin
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Flickr via Creative Commons

The Penguin Project of McLean County takes on a classic of children's literature for their spring show.

  • The Penguin Project of McLean County gives young people with developmental disabilities an opportunity to participate in the performing arts.
  • The organization pairs performers with peer mentors who help them throughout the rehearsal process and performances. 
    Credit Laura Kennedy / WGLT
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    WGLT
    Emily Fogarty is The Queen of Hearts, and Jackie Gunderson is the director of "Alice in Wonderland, Jr."
  • Director Jackie Gunderson explained that "Alice in Wonderland, Jr." was chosen because it had many large roles, so it would give the performers ample time to shine.
  • High schooler Emily Fogarty has been performing with the Penguin Project for about five years, and said the organization has helped build her confidence.
  • Emily is playing the Queen of Hearts in "Alice."  She takes delight in reading outrageous lines and shouting at the other characters because it allows her to step outside her normal polite self.
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Reporter, content producer and former All Things Considered host, Laura Kennedy is a native of the Midwest who occasionally affects an English accent just for the heck of it. Related to two U.S. presidents, Kennedy appalled her family by going into show business.
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