News Briefs: Carole King musical continues this weekend; more West Nile virus mosquitoes; new Skokie playground

The Highland Park Players continue their run of “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” this weekend, July 23-26 at the McGrath Performing Arts Center in Loyola Academy, 3461 Illinois Road in Wilmette.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday, July 23-25, and 2 p.m. on Saturday-Sunday, July 25-26.

Tickets are now available here. 

Directed by Catherine Davis, “Beautiful” tells the inspiring true story of Carole King’s rise from teenage songwriter to one of the most celebrated solo artists in music history. The musical featurines hits like “You’ve Got a Friend,” “One Fine Day,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and more. 

“I am thoroughly thrilled to be returning to Highland Park Players, having directed 25 HPP productions in the past,” Davis said. “I am especially excited for audiences to experience the incredible story and the chart-topping music Carole King wrote both for legendary artists and for herself.” 

The production stars Anna Marie Abbate as Carole King, alongside Al Katz-Mariani as Gerry Goffin, Britain Shutters as Cynthia Weil, Roberto Mata as Barry Mann, Robin Treviño as Don Kirschner, and Kim Buck as Genie Klein.

The Drifters are portrayed by Korey White, Kenny Miller and Aaron Armstrong, and The Shirelles by Arlecia Stapleton (Shirley), Destynee Rashanique, Maya Owens (Janelle Woods), Sydney Aku Wurapa and Asia Posey (Little Eva).

The ensemble also features Joe Dennis, Peter Moeller, Aaron Paul, Vanessa Vuckovic, Natalie Rae, Maddie McDowell, Amanda Walsh, Danielle Piccolomini, Henry Gessner and Gav Casillas. 

“Our 2026 season is ending on a high note with ‘Beautiful: The Carole King Musical’,” Producer Scott A. Schwartz said in a statement. “After our award-winning production of ‘RENT’ last year, this year and a sold-out run of ‘The Lion King KIDS’ earlier this year, we’re thrilled to bring audiences this uplifting and inspiring story centered around one of music’s most iconic songwriters.” 

For more information on the Highland Park Players, visit www.highlandparkplayers.org.

West Nile virus found in mosquitoes in Highland Park, Kenilworth, Northfield

The North Shore Mosquito Abatement District reported last week the first West Nile virus positive mosquitoes from Highland Park, Kenilworth, Morton Grove and Northfield this year.

Batches of mosquitoes collected between July 10-13, from traps in those communities tested positive for West Nile virus on July 14. 

To date this year, mosquitoes carrying West Nile virus have also been found in NSMAD traps in Deerfield, Evanston, Glenview, Lincolnwood, Niles, Northbrook, Skokie and Wilmette. 

For the latest information on West Nile virus prevalence and mosquito volume, visit the abatement district’s Mosquito Surveillance Dashboard.

The district says the human risk of West Nile virus remains low, but recommends that residents:
• Use an EPA registered insect repellent when outside,
• Wear loose fitting clothing,
• Avoid peak mosquito feeding times during the hours around dawn and dusk, and
• Examine property and eliminate any items that can hold water, particularly smaller items that may be easily overlooked.

New playground unveiled

Skokie’s new Emerson Park playground opened last week, thanks in part to Village of Skokie funds leftover from the COVID-related CARES Act distribution.

According to the Skokie Park District the project “advances the public purpose of the CARES Act by expanding opportunities for residents to safely utilize outdoor recreational spaces.”

The funds had to be used by July 8, according to park district documents.

The new equipment features two structures: one for Ages 2-5 and the other for 5-12.

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