Program helps people tell their stories through musical theater

CHICAGO (WLS) -- A program by Lyric Opera of Chicago presents a different take on musical theater by everyday people.

For the seniors at the North Satellite Senior Center, being able to perform is a dream come true. Calling themselves the "YOLO (You Only Live Once) Boomers," the group will take to the stage at the Harris Theater for their musical "Off Our Rockers."

It is happening through Chicago Voices, a community-created voice program in conjunction with Lyric Chicago and the outreach program called Lyric Unlimited.

It was started in 2016. The program invited groups to share their untold stories to their community. A variety of Chicago-based groups applied and after an online vote, three groups won the opportunity to turn their stories into original musical theater with the help of pros from the Lyric, as well as $10,000.

Bronzeville-based Blu Rhythms' work is based on the 2013 murder of Chicago teen Kevin Ambrose. Another group who recently won the "Louder Than a Bomb" competition was inspired by recent events in the news and say the chance to share their message through an unlikely theatrical avenue is great.

You can see these free performances September 10 at the Harris Theater.