HOULTON, Maine — Students at Houlton Middle-High School have been busy over the past few weeks rehearsing their parts for the upcoming performance of “Tuck Everlasting.”
This year, there will be four shows, with performances slated for Thursday and Friday, Nov. 15 and 16, at 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 17 and 18, at 2 p.m.
“We’ve had a great time preparing ‘Tuck Everlasting’ this fall for our loyal audience,” said director Jason Anderson. “We had such a great experience with combining our middle school and high school populations for last year’s ‘Seussical’ that we decided to do the same for this year’s show.”
By combining the middle and high schools, Anderson said the older students are more able to take on a mentor-type role for the younger students who look up to them.
“Giving our upper-class students the opportunity to mentor our younger performers has been really enriching for everyone’s development as a performer,” Anderson said. “The talent is strong in Houlton thanks to the Terrific Tuesday, Houlton Starbright Children’s Theatre, and Children’s Stage Adventures productions that have taken place in our community over the years.”
Because there are so many students involved with the production, some lead parts have more than one actor portraying them.
“I was able to double-cast several lead characters to give more students an opportunity to have a starring role, so depending on which night you come to see the show, you may see a different person playing a different part,” Anderson said.
Sandy Hartley of the Houlton School of Dance has assisted with the choreography for the show, while music instructors Kevin Mania and Mike Hutchinson also have provided musical assistance.
All shows are in the Houlton Community Arts Center at Houlton High School. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students and senior citizens. The box office can be reached at 538-3870 for presale. Tickets the day of the shows will be sold one hour before the curtain opens.
