HOULTON, Maine — The Houlton Community Arts Center was filled over the weekend to showcase the many talented high school singers and actors in this year’s production of “Godspell.”
“I was very proud of the performances that the kids gave this past weekend,” said play director and RSU 29 choral instructor Jason Anderson. “The show was conceived as a piece of ‘experimental’ musical theatre in 1970, and the nature of the show hasn’t changed 45 years, meaning the challenges with staging a show like this one (minimal set pieces, props, and costumes) still exist.”
Cast members included: Sam Astle, in the lead role of Jesus; John Thatcher, in the lead role of Judas; and Catherine Smith, Sierra Rhoda, Lexi Bartlett, Hunter Graham, June Choi, Jillian Moran, Caroline Woods, Dylan Johnston, Victoria Holmes, Cassidy May, Jade Clossey, Kyliegh Tyler, Brianna Clossey, Keaton Michael, Devin Ivey and Adam Casillas.
The crew included Brooke Howland, Owen Gallop, Isaac Lufkin, Carolyn Hannigan, Kaleyn Pratt and Allix Hanson.
With much of the show presented as pantomime — a style of performing that isn’t innate in most people, especially today’s youth, the production had its challenges, the director said.
“They (the students) overcame these challenges with exceptional character and poise, which is really amazing for high school kids,” he said. “They navigated the emotional terrain of this show with such ease… again, an amazing feat for high school kids! All in all, I’m really impressed with their dedication to hard work, and their poise and grace when accepting the accolades they justly deserve.”
Pam Chernesky and Kevin Mania also worked with the students, offering insight and support.
“They are such skilled artists in their own right, that for them to have an impact on our kids is a real gift,” Anderson added.
(Pioneer Times photos/Joseph Cyr)
