By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
MONTICELLO — The gymnasium at Wellington Elementary School was transformed into the streets of London, May 13, as students performed “Oliver Twist.”
The play featured an original musical adaptation with scripts and lyrics by Lorrie and Rob Gray of Children’s Stage Adventures. Funded by the Wellington School and its Parent-Teacher Club, Children’s Stage Adventures has appeared at the school for the past 10 years. Its purpose is to enrich student’s lives through participation in a live theatre experience.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
CAST — Students at Wellington Elementary School in Monticello pose in their costumes after their performance of “Oliver Twist” Friday, May 13. The play was put on by the Children’s Stage Adventures performance group.
Rob Gray earned his bachelor’s degree in theatre from Keene State College and has worked with such companies as Whetstone Theatre, Branch River Theatre, Vermont Theatre Company and the Elm City Players. Joining Gray for the production was Kara Minute, a Rochester, N.Y. native who holds a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from Adelphia University.
Cast members are chosen by Gray after auditions are performed at the school.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
OH MY — Singing a song are, from left, Elizabeth Dahlk, Mariah Peterson, Aaliah Coon, Abby Cole and Damien Sullivan.
“My parents were amazed at the performance,” said cast member Emma Foster, a third-grader at the school. “Being in the play made it seem real. Having the costumes was awesome. It was cool and old-fashioned. Plus you get more scripts when you are in the third grade.”
“Every time we have Stage Adventures, my parents wonder how they can teach us all the lines in just one week,” added Parker Brewer, a third-grader at the school. “Every year, we do fun acting and I really look forward to being in it.”
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
IN CHARACTER — Wellington Elementary School students, from left, Dawson Toby, Parker Brewer and Emma Foster perform the play “Oliver Twist.”
“The dress I wore actually touched the floor,” said Emily Pelton, a third-grader.
The touring group spends one week with the students, teaching them their lines and rehearsing for two performances. The first performance is for classmates, while an evening performance is open to the public.
For more information about CSA, visit www.childrensstageadventures.org.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
GOOD SHOW — Performing on stage are, from left, Emily Shaw, Meysha Dahlk and Damien Suitter. Wellington Elementary School hosted the Children’s Stage Adventures performance group last week, culminating with a pair of student performances of the play “Oliver Twist” on Friday, May 13.
Houlton Pioneer Times Photo/Joseph Cyr
LAUGH OUT LOUD — Sharing a funny moment are, from left, Haley Muncey, Robert Pelton and Devin Folsom.
