DANFORTH, Maine — Last week East Grand students had the opportunity to experience the magic of the theater with the help of Children’s Stage Adventures. With the help of two professional actors, the students performed “Cry Wolf,” a lighthearted musical take on the famous fable about the dangers of dishonesty.
With only four days to rehearse, the students wasted no time learning their roles and practicing their blocking. Other students busied themselves constructing sets and learning the basics of theater lighting. Along with their experience, the actors brought sets, costumes, and makeup to bring the show to life.
Steven Rowe performs as Freidrich Schaefer in “Cry Wolf,” a production by the Children’s Stage Adventures during a show at East Grand School.
(Courtesy of Michael LaReux)
Steven Rowe played the title role of “Freidrich Schaefer,” a newly-appointed shepherd. He is led astray by the “Hooligans,” a group of local rapscallions who amuse themselves by causing trouble. Schaefer falls prey to their machinations, loses the trust of the townsfolk, and nearly loses his flock to a pack of hungry wolves.
But goodness wins out in the end, the truth emerges, and all is well. Jaunty numbers like “Gutentag, It’s Nice to Meet You,” were balanced by the wistful “Sheepless Days and Sleepless Nights.” The showstopping “Do The Right Thing” closed out the program with the voices of the entire cast.
After four days of hard work, the students performed a matinee for their fellow students and teachers, and a night performance for their parents.
Children’s Stage Adventures is the brainchild of Lorrie and Rob Gray. The organization is based in New Hampshire, and leads student theatre workshops across New England. They can be found on the web at www.childrensstageadventures.org.
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- Students at East Grand School take the stage for their performance of “Cry Wolf,” as part of the Children’s Stage Adventure production.
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- The Hooligans, from left, Hailey Godfrin, Madeline Cowger, Mariyah Castiglione, and Norey Caron) lead Freidrich (Steven Rowe) astray. (Courtesy of Michael LaReux)
