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GLENVIEW, IL — Since before she could even talk, Avelyn Choi has been surrounded by music and singing. The Glen Grove Elementary School fourth-grader has a family filled with musicians. Her mother was a conductor for the Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly known as Chicago Children’s Choir) for over a decade. Her grandparents and aunt are also professional musicians.
“Even though I come from a musical family, they didn’t know much about the world of professional musical theater, as they are mainly classical musicians,” Choi, who is currently starring in the Marriott Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” recently told Patch.
Choi, who booked her first professional show at the age of 7, is playing the roles of “Ensemble” and “Daughter of Joseph.” The popular sung-through musical opens Feb. 5 at the Lincolnshire theater, which boasts to be the longest running musical theater in Chicagoland, and is in the midst of celebrating its 50th year. The cast is currently preparing for the show’s opening.
“I am loving every single minute of rehearsals and having so much fun,” Choi said. “Our cast is incredibly talented, kind and fun. It makes rehearsal feel like I’m just having the best time. Our director and choreographer, Amber Mak, is amazing, and I can’t wait for people to see this show.”
Avelyn Choi is seen here with fellow cast members, Devin DeSantis, who plays “Joseph,” and Kaitlyn Davis, as “Narrator.” (Joe Mazza -Brave Lux)
The show runs through March 30, according to Marriott Theatre. “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” featuring the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and a score by Tim Rice, is described as “one of the most enduring shows of all time.” It is the reimagining of the story of Joseph, his father Jacob, 11 brothers and the coat of many colors.
Choi got her start in musical theater through her dance school, Dance & Music Academy, located in Glenview. At the school, she learned to dance and sing in a number of styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and of course, musical theater.
“My teachers, Krissie Odegard Geye and Amanda Newman, noticed I had a talent in musical theater and wanted to help me get started,” Choi said. “They even submitted me to my first professional audition and guided me in getting agents. I’m very thankful to them.”
In addition to Dance & Music Academy, Choi has trained at other North Shore institutions. She went to the Actor’s Training Center and Music Theater Works, both located in Wilmette, for musical theater camp summer camps and acting classes. Choi took piano lessons at the Music Institute of Chicago in Winnetka, saying she still plays piano today.
“I am lucky to have supportive teachers who are understanding of my crazy schedule,” Choi said. “It is hard to juggle school, rehearsal schedules, and show schedules, but I feel like I am able to thrive with the help of my teachers and family.”
Choi, who is represented by Chicago-based Gray Talent Group, has been growing her acting resume at a rapid pace. The agency describes Choi as a “remarkable young talent” with a “dedication and passion for the performing arts.”
In 2021, Choi performed in the “The King and I” at Drury Lane Theatre, located in Oakbrook Terrace. The following year, she booked “Sound of Music,” at Aurora’s Paramount Theatre. That show was also directed by Mak.
Both 2023 and 2024 were very busy for Choi. Again at the Paramount Theatre, she was in “Billy Elliot,” as well as “Frozen,” which she said closed just last week. During the two years, Choi also starred as “Young Anna” and “Young Elsa” as part of Disney’s “Frozen” Broadway national tour.
“I traveled and performed in 25 different cities all across the country in the most stunning theaters with the most talented cast,” Choi said. “It is something that I will remember forever.”
As Choi balances performing with school, she relies on an abundance of help from those closest to her. Walking around the halls of Glen Grove Elementary School as a professional actor definitely suits the young thespian.
“Most of my classmates know about my acting, and they are excited for me,” Choi said. “It’s awesome to see some of them when they are able to come to my shows.”
To learn more about “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” at Marriott Theatre, and purchase tickets, visit the website here.
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